I'm a bit bummed out

As many members know, I've written quite a bit on how easy my operation was and how well the recovery has been.
I made a posting a short while ago that I was experiencing bouts of dizziness and breathlesness. I saw the cardio and he suspected that I was having episodes of tachycardia and made arragements for me to wear a holter monitor.
Well the results have come in and he confirmed his initial diagnosis and mentionned that there were also indications of short bouts of atrial (I think) fibrillation. When I saw him 6 weeks ago, he gave me a prescription for Lopressor IN CASE my situation deteriorated. I've been doing rather well recently and have not felt the need to fill the prescription. The doctor's call came in yesterday. Coincidentally, even though I have not had these bouts of dizziness for a while, today was a bad day. I had a strong workout in the pool this morning, but felt winded all day, just walking at a normal pace. Right now, I feel crappy. Nothing specific, just a general feeling of being out of sorts. I don't want to start the Lopressor especially at this time since I've got an important swimming competition at the end of April and I know it will affect my times. Also, I'm kind of hoping that today was just an off day and that I'll be back to normal tomorrow. Sorry for carrying on like this, I just needed to let it out!
Regards
Edouard

9 Comments

"I've been doing rather well recently"

by GillyC - 2011-03-30 08:03:28

how do bouts of dizziness and breathlesness constitute doing well recently ?

did you have your script for lopressor to help bp probs and if so how are you able to monitor if your situation has deteriorated and you should be taking them ?

I may sound a little catious here and I know from reading your posts that the competitive swimming is a bit part of your life and I guess proving to yourself that you are still alive - but I get the feeling that you are pushing just a little too hard. Is a competition in April worth causing possible damage to your main motor ?

hope you feel better soon and take care xx

Doing As You Want To

by J.B. - 2011-03-30 09:03:18

By all means don't take the meds your doctor prescribed if you think they will affect you showing in the swimming meet.

By the way, if you keep trying to do all things you were doing before your heart condition developed and not take any of the meds. I suggest that you be sure all your affairs are in order.

You know none of us asked to have the ailments that cause us to follow a different life style, but we have no choice and try to make the best of our situation while following our doctor's orders.


I understand

by ABelle - 2011-03-30 09:03:33

I completely understand. I walk at least 2 miles a day, normally 4, and still always feel winded and short of breath... I'm not sure if that's a SSS thing or not. I even went so far as to have sinus surgery recently and hope that it would fix the problem, because my cardiologist seems to think that it's unrelated to my heart. But I swear I should have built up my endurance by now right!? Mine comes and goes. Normally it's worse when I'm stressed about something, or when I haven't gotten enough sleep. I keep looking for triggers, but without any luck. But I understand what you mean when you say that your'e doing rather well lately. I feel like that too, when my chest isn't hurting and I'm not falling on my face! JK. Take it easy for a while. Relax. Try some yoga. Meditate. It helps. And try not to be too hard on your self, you'll pick back up.
Anna

Listen to your body

by sidgirl74 - 2011-03-31 02:03:14

Hello there... my mom has A-fib and I can tell you that when she has that type of extreme tachycardia, she is wiped out for days. She is active every day, has a healthy weight, but again, gets wiped out when she has those episodes. She is on Lopressor and it's a necessity for her. My opinon is listen to your body. I understand your passion for swimming and as your Cardiologist said, that is an excellent cardio exercise and you should continue; however, when an A-fib episode occurs you should really take it easy until you regain some strength. When I watch my mom go through it I just see how physically wiped she gets. Also, I don't think you will lose that passion if you slow down when you need to and you will only slide into a high risk lifestyle if you allow that. From reading what you write, it doesn't seem you are that sort of person. Do what you love, pay attention to your body, and use your own judgement. Take care and good luck - sidgirl74 :)

Dehydrated?

by MSPACER - 2011-03-31 07:03:04

Hi Edouard

I am cyclist who used to ride competitively, but now just for fun. I sometimes also feel light headed after a hard workout because I get more pvcs after working out. Have you tried increasing your fluids? You could be a little dehydrated after your hard workouts, which could lead to dizziness, and feeling tired.

Before judging me too quickly...

by Edouard - 2011-03-31 10:03:33

1) My cardiologist is well aware that I am a competitive swimmer and train intensely. He views my physical activity as a positive influence.
2) My tachycardia is a recent development. I have felt quite well until the new symptoms started to appear.
3) The Lopressor was prescribed to me as a precaution. My doctor told me to fill the prescription IF (repeat: IF) my symptoms increased and/or worsened. I am aware that once I start the Lopressor, it will be a one-way street. Once I start, I'll be on it for a long time. I therefore don't want to start it on a single, short-lived episode.
4) I know people who have been on Metoprolol, basically the same type of medication. The side-effects can be quite unpleasant and I don't want to go through that unless I really need to.
5) Swimming is my major activity in an otherwise rather sedentary life. I may overdo it somewhat, but if I lose the passion, I will probably slide into a lifestyle that will lead me into higher cardiovascular risks.

So, thank you for the positive comments. For those which are not so positive, please understand the particulars of my situation.

Edouard

Positives

by GillyC - 2011-03-31 12:03:32

Hi Edouard - please don't take my comments as negative, its not the way I meant them, perhaps they are more an idicator or my own personal fears than any critisism of your life style choices.
ABelle has put my feelings a little more succinctly, I was suggesting that you take it 'easier' while you had your tachy going on not that you give up your swimming or lose your passion so ... sorry if I added to your bummed out feeling xx

To: LS

by Edouard - 2011-04-02 01:04:02

My wife tells me that you're right. Lopressor and Metoprolol are indeed the same.
I'll go to bed a bit smarter tonight.
Thanks
Edouard

lopressor

by LS - 2011-04-02 12:04:07

Learn about the prescription medication Lopressor (Metoprolol Tartrate), drug uses, dosage, side effects, drug interactions, warnings, reviews and patient ...

www.rxlist.com/lopressor-drug.htm - 3 hours ago - Similar

Aren't they 1 in the same drug??? Lopressor & Metoprolol???

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