Summarising info for GP appointment tomorrow

[maria40]

I have a double appointment with my Gp tomorrow, this was suggested by my cardiac nurse. I have SVT and symptoms are getting worse, to the extent that I collapsed on the street yesterday because I was too dizzy to find something to hold onto. Two good Samaritans rescued me and took me back home. My PMR query is: if I am given a higher dose of Beta blockers, which I anticipate I will be, will this in anyway affect my reduction of Pred from 8 - 7.5? I understand that indications of adrenal insufficiency which may occur at this level could be low blood sugar, low blood pressure and sweats, all of which may be exacerbated by bisoprolol (beta blocker). I want to present this in a coherent way to the GP. Anyone with any experience of this I'd be very glad to hear from you.

[Hidden]

Hi Maria

Make a list of your questions using what you have said here.

Get straight down to business & take a Copy of the list for the GP so he/she’s not reading it upside down.

Have your list with space to write your answers.

Good Luck 🍀

[Telian]

I echo what Mrs Nails has said. Make that list as we do forget. I make them for every consultation.

Your GP will check you over but I don’t believe the beta blocker is to blame unless it’s bringing your BP too low!

Regarding your PMR I’ve always taken beta blockers and they haven’t affected my pred reduction regime.

Hope you get on alright.

[maria40 in reply to Telian]

Thank you. I saw the Gp this morning and he also said that the bisoprolol shouldn't have an adverse effect on my reduction of prednisolone, just as you suggested.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

The simple answer is to not reduce any further until you are used to your new medication. It wasn't bisoprolol that caused the problems reducing at those lower levels - it was the arrythmia (I have atrial fibrillation) which the cardiologist is sure is due to the autoimmune part of the PMR damaging the electrical cells originally and gets worse when the PMR/vasculitis flares.

[maria40 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you. I was going to stay at 8mg for a few weeks anyway as my daughter's final divorce hearing is next week and that will obviously be a tense time. GP confirmed that bisoprolol shouldn't be a problem but he's giving me a 24hr monitor and taking blood tests. He thinks that I too may have atrial fibrillation as well as, or rather than, SVT. Trying for a referral to the electro physiologist I saw a couple of years ago but they are quite thin on the ground so there may be a wait. Again, I do appreciate your advice.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to maria40]

We'd just LOVE a final hearing... Only been waiting 6 years to get rid of the dear boy (NOT!).

[maria40 in reply to PMRpro]

We do hope this is the final. Her solicitor is pressing hard for it to be so. I can't provide any more funds so don't know what we'll do if it isn't. Wish us luck please (it's on the 28th).

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to maria40]

Our prat wouldn't cooperate - we'd have coughed up what it took to get rid of him! But I think the proscrastination has possibly made it all slightly less expensive. But it's been a bit hellish!!!!! All the best

[Telian in reply to maria40]

Best wishes for the 28th Maria.