Beating the beta blockers!

Hi allan here (41) Edinburgh

Well just completed my second 6 mile walk this week and although I have to admit I felt hellish halfway through the second one i did it.
If I have to learn how to walk again in this new zombie like world of mud I will because I am sure the exercise does me good it sure as hell clears the head.
From now on I am gonna try to be more positive as it is easy to forget the way I felt before i got the pacemaker-

I used to have weeks with sleepless nights because my heart was all over the place -
that hasnt happened once since my pacemaker and if the pacemaker is the emergency engine and the beta blockers are the brakes i will just have to learn how to accept that.

That that is the biggest lesson i have learned and only realised this weak
-we all have to accept what we have and try and do the best we can with the help of each other and the technology and the medications available.
Positive thoughts everyone

kind regards

Allan

2 Comments

Positive Thoughts

by Vicki - 2008-04-02 01:04:25

Hi Allan, I read your previous post about Betablockers and meant to respond but didn't. I take them and have for many years. I did not know that had such a negative impact on life until I got my pacemaker and started reading various posts. Started them about 15 years ago for migraines and then for irregular heart rate and then SVT. I do well on them. Oh, I have a few of the side effects that everyone complains about..the cold hands and feet, occassional fatigue, etc. but over the years I have learned to ignore or deal. So, I start reading all these negative things and start thinking...hey maybe I need to get off of these. I am laughing at myself right now. Talk about the power of suggestion. So, I just continue taking this drug that is helping my heart and I am doing well. I have also stopped fighting the Pace Maker and blaming every little thing that goes on in my body on this machine. So.....I agree.....Positive Thoughts!! I must add though, I think I am one of the lucky ones regarding the Pace Maker and the BB. I have a high tolerance for medication and have not had some of the problems with my PM that other's here have. Have a good day.

Vicki

Allan is your BB really making you

by axg9504 - 2008-04-02 06:04:56

tired or is it your outlook on life in general that is depressing you. The mind can suggest many things, I know that from personal experience. If you think your BB is weighing you down, perhaps you could talk to your doc and switch to something else. I say this because before my PM went in I told my doc that I was putting off getting one because I don't want to take Toprol or Rythmol and feel crappy. He said there were 24 or so BB's and he would work with me to find one that suits. I don't know why you are taking BB's but for me it is an arrythmia + mild hypertension.

Now I have a PM, I don't spend sleepless nights on days that I exercise because my PM steps in. I don't go to work like a zombie becaue I hadn't slept or nearly pass out in the street because my rate suddenly dips.
Do I feel tired sometimes? Yes, but that could be because of my long work day, or my age. My BB is not keeping my rate low as it did when I did not have my PM. So net net I feel good. If there's a day that I feel down, I try to get in some exercise (like you did with your walk). If I get through it and feel good, I know it was my mind at work and not my body.

So be realistic in judging your condition and consult your doc if you need to, but start out positive - my 2 cents (or farthings if you still have them). All the best

You know you're wired when...

Your heart beats like a teenager in love.

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I'm 44, active and have had my device for two years. I love it as I can run again and enjoy working out without feeling like I'm an old man.