Day three on beta blockers

[johnpalmer]

I'm now on a low dose of beta blockers, and I'm noticing differences. Today, I tried jogging for the first time (eta) since going on beta blockers. I think I jogged hard enough to trigger my problems if they were going to trigger, so I'll have a bit more information. On the plus side, I often have an incipient headache when things go badly, and I don't.

Of course, even if they trigger, that doesn't mean the beta blockers aren't working - they might need more time, or I might need a slightly bigger dose. And if they don't trigger, it doesn't mean my problem is now and forever solved. Regardless, I'm feeling a bit more hopeful. I've noticed an effect, and it seems like the right kinds of things are changing.

ETA: Today, so far, I'm feeling workout-tired... like, hey, wow, my legs are a bit sore, and I'm a *bit* physically tired, like, well... like I'd worked out. Like I don't want to go running again today. *This* is what I've always thought of as "normal". Of course, the date stamp shows that only a bit over 2 hours has passed since I posted. There's still time for things to go south. But, again, good reason to be hopeful.

ETA-2: Now it's 5+ hours in. I am physically tired, but mostly mentally sharp. I'm able to think, without a mental fog feeling like it's hemming me in. I'm more easily frustrated (a hallmark of fog and mental tiredness) but that might be because I have to work on Memorial Day :-). This was 20 minutes of jogging (heart rate up to the previous danger zone of 150-156), a 3 minute break, and 5 more minutes of jogging - since I used the old fashioned method of jogging outside, I have no idea how fast, but I was neither pushing, nor holding back, just "jogging".

Anyway, it sounds like there's no miracle cure, but still what's *probably* a big improvement.

Comments

[acelightning.livejournal.com]

This is very promising! (And I don't mind at all being shown up as a total ignoramus about cardiac issues.)

[ftemery.livejournal.com]

Do you know if they are cumulative? I just started on a beta blocker two weeks ago. My energy level is down but that's about all I've noticed so far.

[siliconivy.livejournal.com]

I'm really glad that the primary doc is listening to you & tried beta blockers. and that they appear to be helping. I can't believe (or really, I can) that the cardiac doctor completely dismissed your symptoms just because your tests were clear. Technically, there is nothing wrong my heart (all of my EKGs, stress tests, sleep tests, etc have been fine) ... but I've been on beta blockers for about 5 years because of some unusual symptoms(& bad family history, in my case, is a factor).