I am a 73 year old male who had heart surgery 20 years ago. I felt great until 7 weeks ago when I had trouble breathing. Diagnosis congestive heart failure with 20% remaining heart function. They put me on a six week to two month beta blocker attrition program. I am in the 2nd week and am having a terrible time with it. Shortness of breath, weakness, etc. Dr. says in 4 to 6 weeks I will feel better. Has anyone had experience with this Coreg beta-blocker attrition program? How much did it help and how long did it take? I'd really appreciate your input.

I'm sorry I can't offer anything in the way of a personal story, but heartcenteronline might be of help. Lots of info on CHF, bypass and beta blocke r therapy. Good luck. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Hi,
My dad takes Coreg for congestive heart failure along with Altace and Digoxin. He also struggled with the feeling you are experiencing, but they are much better now. His cardiac output has increased dramatically, and though he gets tired more often now than before, he is doing so much better. Don't give up! I think you will be pleased with the results once you get used to the medicine. Good luck and take care, Michelle

Hi. I really appreciate your response re your father and Coreg program. Was it prescribed because of Congestive heart failure? How long did he take it before he started to feel the weakness and shortness of breath decrease? We've lots of questions and it's painful to watch my husband go through this and wonder if there are any positive alternatives.

Hi,
Yes, my dad has a large portion of the front part of his heart which died after one of his bypasses failed. He used the Coreg for about six weeks before it made him feel better instead of worse. He still gets tired more easily than before especially during the afternoon. Part of that could be heart related. Overall though it has been a real miracle treatment for him. I don't think he could have survived very long without the medicines they have given him. He also go an implanted cardiac difibrilator. Has your cardiologist suggested this to our husband? Many people who die of congestive heart failure do so because of tachycardia. If you have anymore questions let me know. I have dealt with congestive heart failure not only with my father but also with my daughter. I am happy to help if I can. Good luck. Michelle

Thanks so much for your input. It really helps to talk with someone familiar with what's going on in our family. Bob (my husband and the patient) had his heart surgery 23 years ago and there was significant damage. His health seemed perfect until two months ago when he went into congestive heart failure. He now is in the third week of the Corag program and seems to be getting worse instead of better. Your message may spur him on. His current major problems are shortness of breath, no appetite and weakness. He talks of quitting the program. Did your father go through these symtoms while in the middle of the Coreg program? Bob's doctor has not mentioned tachycardia. We'll surely inquire. Bob is stuck in an HMO and his doctor wants to do this himself instead of relying on a cardiologist. Maybe your mentioning tachycardia and cardiac defibulator will open some doors. I wish someone had kept and published a diary of their experiences while taking this drug. Thanks again.

Hi,
I would really push your doctor to see a cardiologist. Is your husband on Altace and a diuretic along with his Coreg? My dad takes several medicines we call the cardiac cocktail along with having the cardiac difibrilator. I am worried about his shortness of breath symptom. My dad was was just really tired with the Coreg. Have you checked him to make sure he doesn't have edema in his ankles. Shortness of breath is one of the main symptoms of congestive heart failure. Really put the pressure on your doctor to refer you to a cardiologist. Sometimes you have to drive them crazy before they will do something. Tell your husband to give the Coreg at least six weeks. It really is a life saving drug. Have you typed in congestive heart failure into your browser because I know I read a diary on there when my dad was first diagnoised. Let me know if you need anything else. I hope will keep you in my thoughts. Michelle