Should I be irritated?

As I've been saying, my blood pressure has been rather low. My current average that my monitor gives me is 98/55. 

I called last week and let them know how I was feeling and sent over a transmission, though I didn't think my heart rate or rhythm was the issue at the time. The tech called back and let me know that this was the case, and said that they would talk to the doctor about the blood pressure. I never got a call back.

I went to refill my metoprolol yesterday evening (which had three refills) and they told me I had none.

I left a message this morning asking if he had again discontinued the medication and if I still need to be seen tomorrow by the NP for the follow up. If that's the case, I think they should have atleast called and let me know! 

I'm so overwhelmed and feel like we are just going in circles.. 

 

5 Comments

Yes - but it won't do *you* any good.... Sigh, smile and move on

by crustyg - 2021-10-06 11:58:49

In your shoes I'd be equally irritated.  Good, reliable communication is critical to safe and effective healthcare.  And this isn't it.

Leave them another voicemail and make it 100% clear that you are expecting someone to call you back *before* you start the journey into see someone.

However, all of the kind folk who've tried to help me with my mental health over the last 50years have gently pointed out, anger only burns yourself.  You're the one who comes out best if you behave with impeccable manners, giving them every chance to get their act together and actually provide the information that you need - and who knows, they might even apologise for their oversight.  After all, we've run out of robots, and we're having to use humans now - yes, even in healthcare - and humans are fallible.

It really doesn't sound as though you need that beta-blocker at the moment.

I hope it all goes better for you from now on.

Best wishes.

I would keep your appointment tomorrow

by Gemita - 2021-10-06 14:58:56

Well said crustyg.  I always thought releasing any anger might help but apparently not so.  A quiet period of reflection/meditation they tell me is more beneficial.

Mae, my initial observation is that you should attend your appointment tomorrow and try to “gently and firmly” get this sorted.  I feel your blood pressure is causing more symptoms than your intermittent high heart rates or arrhythmias.  Being on a beta blocker 24/7 is going to cause your blood pressure to continually run low and your pacemaker cannot do anything to help with this, whereas your pacemaker will keep your base rate at or above the set minimum so the beta blocker will have less of an impact on your heart rate (although will hopefully prevent it from going too high).  

With low blood pressure you will feel awful all of the time.  I would get them to confirm what the situation is with your arrhythmias.  Are they concerning and warrant treatment (with a rate control medication/anticoagulant) or could you afford to leave well alone and wait and see how things settle down.  Go by your symptoms Mae.  Sometimes, no treatment is a good option too.  If it is Atrial Flutter, ask whether an ablation would be a better option.  Typical Atrial Flutter if you have this arrhythmia, may be easier to ablate than say Atrial Fibrillation.  Try to get as much information out of your doctors as you can, so that you will know what you are dealing with.  Good luck

Spoke too soon!

by Mae11 - 2021-10-06 16:32:18

I spoke too soon. They called back shortly after my post and said that he did not want to stop the medication and that they were calling the pharmacy. Perhaps the mixup was a sign that I shouldn't be taking it though. 

I agree Gemita, that the constantly low blood pressure is most of the issue, though my heart rate has been in the 135-145 range at times and I have felt poor during these times as well. I also agree that I need some firm answers as to what is going on and what treatment, if any, is best. 

Thank you guys as always for your responses! I'll post an update after my appointment tomorrow.

Medication frustration

by Persephone - 2021-10-06 18:02:58

Good for you for perservering though the medication issue, Mae - it's no fun to sit and wait for a med prescrip that you know (or at least have known for the past __ years) is needed for a chronic condition is inexplicably made unavailable for refill.

Waitng for meds

by AgentX86 - 2021-10-08 00:13:14

Yeah, we've all been there.  Some meds just can't be skipped (e.g. anticoagulants or anticonvulsives, in my case).  BP meds, for example, are far less concerning in the short-term.

I recently had a weird problem with my insurance company.  They've always been great.  More than great, actually.  This time, it was my broken arm.  The ER docs gave me a prescription for pain meds (Hydro-codone + acetiminophin) for three days.  Two weeks later I had surgery on the arm, so the surgeon gave me a prescription for another five days.  My insurance company refused the prescription because it was "too soon".  But, but, but...  Nope, not happening.  The prescription cost $12 so it really wasn't a big deal.  It was still  really dumb.

But I get your agarivation.

You know you're wired when...

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