Metoprolol Withdrawal (Page 91)
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i've been taking metoprolol for several years as partial treatment for high blood pressure. through diet and exercise, i've lowered my BP to the point my doctor says drop the metoprolol.

i did, 3 days ago, and i'm soooo tired, dizzy, irritable, and my vision is blurred.

is this withdrawal? how long will it last?

i remember starting this medication was terrible to get used to. it appears that stopping it is just as bad.

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Tony.....just curious, but how are you doing?

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Hey Tony! Sorry to hear that things aren't going quite as well as you had hoped. I guess all you can really do is to hang in there the best you can. Of course, all of us can talk about trying to be positive and whatnot, but in the end, it's really going to be up to you to put yourself in a mindset that you can feel comfortable with. I do know that healing and recovery can take a great deal of time after many procedures, so perhaps you'll just need to take things slowly once again??? Is it possible that some of the meds are causing some of these issues, too? When I was struggling with the Metoprolol, it seemed that nearly any other med that I took along with it caused a bad reaction of some kind. I even struggled with a few of the OTC natural supplements that some folks had recommended here. I think I'd still request to see your cardiologist, though.....either that or see another one. It just seems crazy that he'd allow that much time for a follow-up visit, especially when considering the kinds of things you've be experiencing. Just know that we're all behind you all the way, and please keep us posted.

Kefir Kid.....that's quite a story! It's good to hear that you're doing well after all that! After reading these posts today, I can only think about how lucky I am to be feeling well these days. Of course, the Metoprolol experience was a living hell, but I keep having to remind myself that it could've been much worse. I'm also 61 years of age, and while I suppose that can be considered young in many respects, we're certainly at that age where many of us are beginning to have issues. And, thanks for sharing your story!

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Hi kefir.., I'm very happy that you are doing well. I wish I could have your good fortune. I'm scared and feeling very down. I manage to Cheer up here and there but then reality seeps back in. As I sat in the rehab orientation, I looked around and I was easily the youngest one there.

Sometimes my heart races a little and even the thought of sudden cardiac arrest has had me on edge. I feel like things are so surreal . After leaving today from rehab, I just sat in my car and thought for a bit.

I know some people can go on to live long and productive lives but in my heart, I don't feel good about my chances. This is almost the most defeated I've ever felt. I hope if I'm around a while that will improve.

Last night as I held my wife, I was grateful for one more day. Angry with myself for not being extremely careful years and years ago. I served my country and I use to run forever, but afterwards, I let the bad habits slowly kill me and I didn't know it. I've never smoked a single cigarette and I've never had a single glass of alcohol and yet here I am.

When I'm home alone, the quiet haunts me. I try and go see a friend or at least be around people in fear that if I go down, I'll have a chance. I hope God protects all of you from this experience.

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Tony,

I've been reading these messages for many months, and am familiar with metoprolol because my issues started with a pulled pectoral muscle, and because of an over abundance of caution, I checked into the ER. I was on the verge of being discharged when they decided to do a heart Cath.

The Cath showed some bad blockages, so bad the doctor recommended immediate bypass surgery. It was a total shock and surprise. I had no heart issues that I was aware of and just a few days previously had done some intense exercise with heart pumping about 140 beats and no discomfort.

I agreed to elective major surgery after a second opinion and underwent a quintuple bypass. My heart was strong and working perfectly, no valve or afib issues. But I had a lot of plaque, too much for stents or other quick non invasive fix. The widow maker was 95% plugged and the others almost as badly.

I went from no Rx meds or health issues to a whole raft of dangerous meds and the aftermath of a sliced open sternum. Most drugs were discontinued except for a statin and metoprolol.

I have had a slowly developing dupuytren's contracture on my pinky fingers for several years which got worse. Also I noticed a new issue with my feet (ledderhose disease) and a newly developed case of Peyronie's Disease. These are all hereditary connective tissue diseases.

I have my raw genome data and discovered that there was a genetic correlation between both the statin, AND the metoprolol-- both these drugs could accelerate and worsen connective tissue disease symptoms.

So I went to my cardiologist and to my surprise he agreed. I have low BP and low cholesterol so there was no reason to continue taking them. He said I could taper off each of them but he did not say how. I knew the metoprolol would be the worst, having read this thread for a while. I was on 50mg then put on the 25mg extended release after 3 months.

I developed a day by day taper schedule and kept up my exercise. I kind of fell out of a lucrative career due to the surgery so I had the time to focus on health.

I've been off metoprolol for two months now. Only problem was a week of sleep disturbances near the beginning.

Tony, I'm glad to hear you got fixed up. You have been here a long time, along with Anita, Jimbo, and DJS, and several others.

The reason I didn't participate earlier was I didn't want to expect a bad problem from metoprolol withdrawal. And the majority of people who post here have had some terrible experiences. I followed the advice here to plan and execute my taper. It did frighten me to read the stories and struggles and I kept away from this thread for months because of the fear of withdrawing.

Now I will wait and see what happens. My connective disease symptoms have gotten worse. But my Peyronie's is improved.

My heart is strong. Last Saturday I ran 5.7 miles in just over an hour. About 15 months after surgery and I am off all drugs except a baby aspirin. I get 2 to 2 1/2 hours of strenuous aerobic exercise per week.

My cardiologist said I am an ideal one-in-a-thousand patient. And my surgeon called me "delightful" in his operative report. My surgery was performed off pump with no exogenous blood, and I was extubated on the OR table.

I feel great and especially to be off the metoprolol. My stats: 61, male, 5'9", 144#. Resting heart rate 50-55, BP 115/72.

My prayers and healing thoughts to Tony.

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Thank you guys for all the prayers. Six blockages is no small thing. They stinted two. I still have chest pain here and there. I still get a funny chest feeling here and there and my heart pauses an extra long time on occasion and kicks back in. Scary. I start cardiac rehab today. As soon as I left the hospital last week, I didn't make it home and had to go back for another night because I almost passed out.

All the things I read about stinting pretty much says that it doesn't increase life or decrease heart attack chances. So that concerns me. I have to take a baby asprin, Lipitor, effien, an Arb for bp, and a calcium channel blocker now. So much for cutting Meds. I honestly wonder at this point how long I'll be around. It's disheartening.

I'm struggling with my confidence. I even have to carry nitro for an emergency. I came so far and now, I seem to have taken huge steps back. My kids are having a hard time. I just don't know what to think to be honest. Probably all my dieting and excercise saved my life but now, the future seems very confusing.

I see so many people in far less shape eating junk all the time with better hearts and it bums me. Now I'm wondering if I'll have a heart attack today or I'll be fine. My cardiologist seems to be good at his job but doesn't say much. Tried to make a follow up appointment but he is booked til next year. Lol. So I called another but he didn't do my stents.

It just feels like my days are numbered. I spend most of my time preparing and telling my family how much I appreciate them just in case. Not sure if that's the right frame of mind.

Even my diet must be changed more now. Less fat and even more strict. My courage is not what I expected. I think about my kids all the time.

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God answered prayers. You are fortunate that you were checked and a solution found and fixed. Modern medicine does have flaws but overall we live in a great country with good medicine.
I am so glad that all is behind you and your new gift will help you move forward!! It's a humbling experience to be at the receiving end of medical care. My working years I was at the giving end of the needle! Having back surgery 2 months ago was a frightening experience since as a nurse anesthetist I knew toooo much! I can understand your fear. When we don't have control of the situation we feel vulnerable!!
Continued prayers and keep us posted!

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Man, that's great to hear, Tony! I had a hunch that they'd find the problems. You should now be good to go for many more years!

And yes, the two of us have indeed shared some "stressful moments." I could tell by the tone in your prior message that you were quite worried, but you made it! I've been there myself, and it's pretty nerve-racking to ponder on our thoughts as if they may be some of our last. I'm just thankful you pulled through ok. After all, we need you around here! Hoping for a speedy recovery, my good friend!

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Tony congratulations on the good outcome of your procedure! Better that they find your issues sooner than later. You must be relieved that it's over. Good thoughts coming your way for continued healing.

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Hi my dear friends. I'm done. The procedure was a success fortunately. Even with my good echo and good nuclear stress tests earlier in the year, they found my trouble right away. I had 6 blocked arteries. Two major artery blockages. They put stints in the ones that required it. Especially the major ones. I dodged a major problem looming.

I'm so glad. Thank u all for your support and good wishes. You guys are amazing!

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Tony:

I hope we hear from you soon and how well you're doing. More prayers and good thoughts are coming your way for a full recovery. You should be proud of all that you have worked for and accomplished with your health. Godspeed.

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Tony. I hope this reaches you after the doctors have done their magic. And that you are sitting in your hospital bed with a smile, a sigh of relief, and your lovely wife holding your hand. And that you are too busy to read my message because you are busy making plans for the future. Hold the faith. Stay strong. Wishes whizzing to you from Wales on a sunny day x

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Jimbo, Anita and everyone else.... Thank you for the encouragement. It has meant a lot. I've read and Reread your messages several times to help me.

They will be getting me ready in a couple hours. I'm very nervous but it has to b done so I'm trying to be positive.

Jimbo.. You and me have shared some stressful moments haven't we my friend. If something goes poorly ... I just wanted to say thank you. Hopefully it won't but you guys, all of you, have helped me as much as I've ever helped you. I really appreciate it.

Please live your lives to the fullest. Don't waste a second. You only get one. Make every second count. I spent most of my night watching my wife sleep. She is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.

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Tony, again, for what it's worth, I had a heart catheter done about 4-1/2 years ago when I was having a few issues with another matter. I won't go into details, but it's the one thing where the doctors can obtain a very clear picture of what's going on. It's a very safe procedure, and you won't feel a thing. It turned out that my arteries were crystal clear - thank goodness - but I was fully prepared for whatever was necessary. I have a few friends that have had stents placed during such a procedure where blockages have occurred, and they're living very active and normal lives today. I was scared to death as well, but it'll be ok. If there's a serious issue going on, it'll be taken care of. It's nothing like some ignorant doctor prescribing meds that we don't really need. Anyway, my thoughts are with you. Wishing you the very best!

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Good luck. Sending a hug and prayers.

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They can do a lot for your heart. My boyfriend just had the cath procedure 2 weeks ago, he had a heart attack and they cleared a blockage. Try and relax and rest. Its very scary stuff of course but do your best to relax and trust. I'll
Pray for you tonight and tomorrow.

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They r thinning my blood for the heart cath tomorrow around 10 am. They have been trying to get my bp down since I've been so upset. I'm really scared. I been writing down my wishes just in case. I'm hoping it all goes well but I admit I'm worried. I worked so hard to improve so much and now this.

I was having intercourse last night and started swearing a lot. Pounding heart. Dry mouth. Heart paused and got a big impending doom feeling. I took an asprin and had nausea. I knew something was wrong so I came to the ER. And my enzymes were elevated.

So the heart cath is the next step to see what's going on. I'm afraid after all I've been through it won't be enough. I tried so hard to improve. But no telling what might have happened had I not tried. I'm hoping with all my heart I get through things tomorrow ok.

I am stressed. Thank you guys for caring. I hope none of you EVER go through this. Gonna be a rough night.

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Tony I hope you are getting good care! Know that I am thinking and praying for your health. Keep us posted when you can!

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Hi Toonces! That's awesome that you were able to make such good progress with your health. I was always low BP then borderline after being put on thyroid meds. Doctors never checked blood work just kept adding meds. Last year it all started to go haywire including the metoprolol roller coaster ride. So now here I am on only the 10 lisinopril * I wonder if I even need it! I've not tested myself on no BP meds since stopping the thyroid medicine. It's a scary thing to do especially since no doctor wants you to stop taking meds. It's insane . Maybe my next move is to pick a calm mellow day and just don't take the lisinopril and see what my body does! I can always take it again if it starts climbing up. Trial and error is so hard. I do have hypertension in the family but I always had low BP before. I have really bad "white coat BP" now so it's always really high at the doctors office. I just want to feel normal again!

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Sorry to hear this, Tony! Many prayers coming your way! Just hang in there, my friend!

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Hi Anita:

Yes, looking back some 8 years ago. I was borderline at best on bp, so they put me on 10 mg Lisinopril...so the next time I go to the doc, my bp is even higher, so they increase to 20mg. The next time I go back to the doc it climbed higher so they added metoporol and then upped the mg on that. I never would have thought that the meds raised the borderline bp. I assumed my bp was getting worse...why would I think that bp meds would raise it? Especially when a trusted doctor was guiding me. If only I could turn back time and just stay borderline all of those years. In the last 1 to 2 years, I've lost over 100 pounds...so now it's down...not borderline any more. It's a shame you can't trust the medical profession. Like you said earlier Anita, keep questioning everything and then make your own decision.

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