Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Support Group

Atrial fibrillation (AF or afib) is an abnormal heart rhythm (cardiac arrhythmia) which involves the two small, upper heart chambers (the atria). Heart beats in a normal heart begin after electricity generated in the atria by the sinoatrial node spread through the heart and cause contraction of the heart muscle and pumping of blood.

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jodelleknits 11/05/2011

I am almost three years out from my ablation and still afib free! I took amiodarone for several years and have now developed an autonomic response disorder, orthostatic hypotension caused by small fiber neuropathy. While it is not a positive that it was caused by the amiodarone, it is a pretty big possibility. Amiodarone is a nasty drug with all sorts of bad health implications. At the time I had no good options and just took the meds I was told to take. I am so thankful I had the ablation. The trick to success with an ablation is to ask what the doc's success rate is plus a lot of other questions.

deleted_user 11/05/2011

I too was told that the amiodarone would make the cryo more successful - but I was very reluctant because of the side effects. Fortunately, I have not needed it. To be honest, I think all the heart medicines can have nasty side effects - I am hoping to get off the sotolol if I can stay AF free.

I see the medical names, but what exactly are the side effects you have?

Please take care and be well.

pacyetep 11/05/2011

jodelleknits: Were you paroxsymal or persistent afib? Sympotomatic or asymptomatic? Any issues like sleep apnea, blood pressure or atrial size?

Nice to see a success story and smiling face like yours!

Congrats!

jodelleknits 11/05/2011

I had lone afib (paroxysmal) and was in afib at least 90% of the time before the ablation. I was very symptomatic. I was exhausted all the time. I had no other health issues except mild asthma. I stopped taking amiodarone about a year or so before the ablation. I am currently on a very low dose of verapamil for some PVCs and PACs. I am convinced that the autonomic problem was caused by amiodarone because it affects the central nervous system. The treatment for the autonomic problem is a drug free one. Yes, I have lots to smile about.

tomorrowsdream 11/05/2011

I am so happy to hear you are A-fib free...that's a huge bonus. On the other hand, Amiodarone is the one drug I refuse to take because of problems years down the road from it. I have persistent A-fib though, and I've taken every other drug and not tolerated them well..they all seem to affect the length of the QT interval. I've had cardioversion and ablation, and I think the only answer is to live with it. I'm thinking about some cardio rehab though to halp myself feel better. I wish you well, and I'm so sorry you are a victim of Amiodarone. As a retired nurse, I know for a fact you aren't alone. Best wishes.

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