Atenolol

[Tessa]

Hi

Some good news.

Looking for a cardiologist who knows about POTS, I have contacted with a surgean (cardiologist) who treated a relative some months ago. Even though he was on duty and assisting his patients (Hospital) - we had no appointment - he was so kind to meet with us (my husband and me) in a private room.

I showed him POTS brochure + a translation into Spanish and talked about some of my symptoms.

He said he knew about POTS, though he is not a specialist of it (he is a surgeon). Then he said he knew a very good friend, cardiologist, who can diagnose and treat POTS... Only about 10 km. from our home!

He said I will have to go through some tests:

* Holter

* Tilt Table

* ECG

and maybe an electrophysiologic test... but that, he said, would be one of the last resources... He mentioned that sometimes a pacemaker is needed, though he insisted that this could not my need. Even though, he offered himself for the surgery if it was suggested by his friend. (How nice)

Adding it was very important to get a diagnosis.

Then he took my pulse (we were sitting) and said it was too fast for being at rest. He asked me if I have a low blood pressure and the medicines I was taking and... Meanwhile we get an appointment with the specialist, he prescribed ATENOLOL 25 mg. (1/2 in the morning and 1/2 in the evening), stating that as it causes a low blood pressure, which I have, I should take it the way he has specified...

This is the first time in my life that a cardiologist really cares about my health and admits it can be POTS, as without any diagnosis, he has prescribed that kind of medicine.

I am so happy! We are so happy! There is hope!

I wanted to share it with you, because I know you were worried about my health and this would have never happened if I had not found POTS place and DINET?s forum! I would not have any idea about POTS without your help my dear friends.

We have to call on Monday morning for the appointment. I am looking forward to it! (even though I am a little scared about the tilt test... I am aware there is a high possibility to faint... ).

Regarding ATENOLOL, I just wanted to know your experience with this drug. As I have not been diagnosed yet and I do have a low blood pressure, do you think I should check my blood pressure from time to time?

Please, tell me something. How do you do with it?

Thank you for reading,

Take care,

Love,

Tessa

[Jacquie802]

Hey,

I am happy that you have found a med that is helping you, as well as a doctor who can help you. At one point I was on Atenolol 25mg, but it was 2 times a day. I ended up having to stop taking it though. However, I should tell you that I was prescribed it for a heart arrhythmia, before I was diagnosed with POTS, even though I did have POTS at that point.

I didn't seem to have a problem with it. I was put on Toprol XL, because my docs wanted me on something that was extended released so I wouldnt have to worry about taking the pills at certain times of the day...Anyhow, hope this helps! Goodluck!

Jacquie

[mom4cem]

Hi,

So nice to hear about this Dr. taking time to speak with you and recommending someone who will hopefully be able to help.

I take atenelol and have no real problems from it. I take 1/4 in the a.m. and sometimes 1/4 in the p.m. or during the day if needed. I have not noticed to much of b/p drop with it, at least not enough to notice unless I go up to 50mg then I notice it.

Good luck

[Tessa]

Thank you both for your answers, you have been most helpful.

I started with my first dosis of Atenolol last night (1/4 of 50 mg) and another 1/4 this morning. My pulse has gone down and I do not think that my blood pressure has, which is good.

Even though, I still felt some chest discomfort this morning while doing some shoppings... I have not had much time to see if things have gone much better, but we will see when cooking, doing the homework, etc. I cannot imagine that this pill will stop all the symptoms... Will see what happens when we meet with the cardiologist.

Jacquie, it seems he thought I have a heart arrhythmia too, as my pulse was too fast (while sitting) and he said I had to take Atenolol until my visit with the cardiologist... I also think I have POTS. Similar to what happened to you.

I do not think that Atenolol will be the only thing prescribed for my POTS, don?t you?

Love,

Tessa