Re: Coreg Again

February 4, 2004

My hubby's blood pressure since March of 2001 has

hovered in the range of 95/68, 90/65, etc. It was

85/55 a year ago at one office visit. He ended up in

the emergency room in March of 2001 as his bp was

70/55....had collapsed three times, with me trying to

pick him up (I weigh about 100 pounds). I finally

managed to drag him up onto the bed so at least he

wasn't on the floor when the paramedics arrived (wish

I'd thought to call the paramedics before I did all

that lifting!). So you can see why I fear what Coreg

might do to him. However, from what I hear, it's a

wonder drug, so we're going to be patient.

Problem that time in 2001 was too heavy a dose of

diuretics....had been having trouble with fluid

buildup and the doc had prescribed too high a dose of

Zaroxlyn (one full tablet, a couple of times that

week).

Besides the low blood pressure, upon hospital

admission, he also had what was termed " a serious

disturbance of electrolytes " . (Also due to the

diuretic). We learned that can only tolerate ONE

HALF of a 2.5mg tablet of Zaroxlyn, and at that he can

be given it no more often than once a month! The

doctors made several changes in medication, but his

blood pressure never did return to normal.

Thanks for all your input. What a great list! PatP

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February 4, 2004

hi all,,

bob in mississippi here sticking his nose in again.

I've been on 12.5 mgs of coreg twice a day since march of 2001. The doc

did increase it to the max of 25 mgs twice a day but it turned me into a

zombie (so to speak). I can remember sitting in my chair at night with my

pulse running around 40. My current dose keeps it about 58 to 62 and I

feel pretty good most days. My bp is only checked at each Doctor visit

and is usually 110 to 120 over 60 to 70 and the doc seems happy with it.

Something else occurred yesterday that Im not quite sure what to think

about. I called to have my amiodarone re-prescribed and when I went to

pick it up the Pharmacist told me the heart doc said I dont have to take it

anymore.. I sure wonder about that.

The treatments here in Mississippi are so much different than I experienced

in Penna. I dont see an E.P. here but I do see a cardio and he tells me it

isnt necessary to see an E.P. unless things get worse.. A medtronic rep

reads my ICD every three months and far so good.

I see three different docs.. cardio, internal and a pain guy.. All three

check my blood pressure and pulse...ask me how I.m feeling, and then i

hear....100 bucks please, see you in three months. Im not sure if thats

good or bad.

Except for the pain and the out of control eating and weight problems Im

feeling great these days but I know if i dont figure the weight thing out

soon I'll be a dead man walking. Trying to control my eating and fluids

during the evening is the hardest thing Ive ever had to do in my

life. I've even gone so far to place ads looking for a lady near my age

willing to provide light housekeeping and cooking in exchange for a room

and private bath. That is about the only possible answer I see in the near

future. Don't know what else to do.

I feel like somewhat of an idiot telling this story ,,,considering hell and

nightmare a lot of you are going through and here I am with losing at the

black jack table the worst day I usually have during the week.

I wish better days and better health to all of you. Maybe if i tie a

leash around my neck that wont quite reach the fridge and throw the key

across the street I could starve off a few pounds.

bob in ms

February 5, 2004

Hi Bob,

My doctor just took me off Coreg because I was passing out. I am now on

Toprol...I hope this works out better.

I think having a little help is a good idea. I hope someone replies to your

ad. Of course, someone equally nice as yourself.

in VT