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.
I have PAF and flutter. My episodes have been pretty intermittent: about two a year, Only one over the last year, until this last episode, which involved flutter, while I had pneumonia. I just turned 60.
I read an article that Petey posted recently comparing meds to ablation. for people with intermittent PAF, who are young (not me--but I'ver exercised regularly for the past 25 years)and with no underlying heart conditions, it seems that an ablation most often gives better long term results than meds.
I had an appt. with a cardiologist. He pointed out that I definitely have afib; and that afib tends to get worse over time. As per Petey's article, it seems that ablations have a higher success rate when afib is still intermittent. finally, for me the likelihood of having an ablation later on seemed high. So I opted to schedule the procedure.
the last time I had this option I declined.
After almost a year with no episodes I thought that I had 'solved' my problem; we all know that this isn't likely.
Kaiser has a center that does all of the ablation procedures for all of their hospitals. Again, as per Petey's article, the skill of the practitioner is important. This article suggested that centers that perform lots of ablations tend to do better: the dr.'s are experienced.
I spoke with and EP that will be performing the procedure over the phone for a half and hour, and he described the pros and cons of the procedure.
The EP and my new cardiologist both felt that an ablation makes sense for me. I've concurred.
so does my reasoning make sense? I have two and half months before the procedure. any compelling counter arguments?
My only confusion, which I'll email my cardiologist about, is whether an ablation helps flutter, or just afib.
thanks for your input.
p.s. after ranting about Kaiser in other posts, once I got to see a cardiologist all of this unfolded over two days!
I read an article that Petey posted recently comparing meds to ablation. for people with intermittent PAF, who are young (not me--but I'ver exercised regularly for the past 25 years)and with no underlying heart conditions, it seems that an ablation most often gives better long term results than meds.
I had an appt. with a cardiologist. He pointed out that I definitely have afib; and that afib tends to get worse over time. As per Petey's article, it seems that ablations have a higher success rate when afib is still intermittent. finally, for me the likelihood of having an ablation later on seemed high. So I opted to schedule the procedure.
the last time I had this option I declined.
After almost a year with no episodes I thought that I had 'solved' my problem; we all know that this isn't likely.
Kaiser has a center that does all of the ablation procedures for all of their hospitals. Again, as per Petey's article, the skill of the practitioner is important. This article suggested that centers that perform lots of ablations tend to do better: the dr.'s are experienced.
I spoke with and EP that will be performing the procedure over the phone for a half and hour, and he described the pros and cons of the procedure.
The EP and my new cardiologist both felt that an ablation makes sense for me. I've concurred.
so does my reasoning make sense? I have two and half months before the procedure. any compelling counter arguments?
My only confusion, which I'll email my cardiologist about, is whether an ablation helps flutter, or just afib.
thanks for your input.
p.s. after ranting about Kaiser in other posts, once I got to see a cardiologist all of this unfolded over two days!
I remembered reading some months ago, something about how Zpak can kick off AFIB, so I went looking for something. Here's one of the articles. Yes, definitely a trigger.
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/fda-warns-azithromycin-z-pack-antibiotics-could-lead-to-deadly-heart-rhythms-for-some/
13 months no AFIB for you, WOW! I'm having irregular days, but my heart rate stays under 100, and 25 mg of metoprolol gets me back in sync (3-4 times a week now). It might take up to four weeks for the hyperthyroid suppression medication to before fully effective. Maybe that will help (make me normal -g-)!
So true they make peanuts compared to what they do, hold your life in their hands IMHO.
Let's not forget these prices reflect malpractice insurance with these ambulance chasing lawyers selling their souls for dollars driving up costs.
These guys are BRILLIANT, I agree, and not just Natale but to me he's the cream of the crop.
The tissue patch that was used to seal the wall was terribly hard to puncture and Natale I was told was relentless for 4-5 hours trying to puncture this patch using different types of atrial septa l punches. Each time the patch closed up, he used different size balloons to try to hold it open so he could thread the caths thru but the hole still closed. He could have easilty closed up shop right their and thenj he was told but Failure was not an option for him.
Finally he was able to get thru with a thermal punch and give this 43 yo "youngster" from New York his life back, as he was not only battling AFIB, but flutter and Tachy which he ablated.
Don't ask me how I know this inside info....or else I'll have to kill you :)
Truly a gem of a human being.
NSR to you Bill and to all,
McHale
Paul, I wish 13 mos. But, I am grateful for 13 Weeks
Let me have one guess..are you dating one of Natale's nurses? My usual first guess is generally some kind of mafia connection, but since you are Irish, I am going to discount that one..the Italians don't generally include us in their activities...when was the last time you got an invite to a cookout from Paul or Petey? See what I mean?
McBill
And, I've been wanting to come down to Astoria for months to have Greek food with McHale, but he's just too busy working.
Maybe we can do that next summer...and get John to come out as well...but we will have to meet somewhere and YOU will have to drive in THE city...cuz that place scares the crap out of me as far as driving! I had an old Army buddy who lived in the city, and whenever we would drive into town for whatever reason, he had to drive, cuz I would freak out the second we hit a gazillion cars. I always laugh when I hear people say "driving in D.C. is CRAZY!" cuz while I agree, it is a one horse town compared with da big Apple.
Timid Smalltown driver
I'm Greek not Irish but grew up with all Da Italians and Irish.......my best friends....the ones still alive!
Paul,
Just back back from Arthur Ave with a lady friend.....went to Marios!
First time I've been up there in Da Bronx
McHale
I have AAfib since February 2013, 2 to 3 times a month,
I was told my name has gone to the booking centre Oct.2 after that it's 8 weeks , so I guess I will be hearing very soon. I was told by the Cardio at the centre that I get anestethic but will go home the same day. I wish you all the best for your coming ablation
How does the name McHale come out to be Greek? Or is it just one of those things were the Mc names are 99% Irish? Hope you enjoyed the meal, and best of luck with the lady friend!
Bill
I'm a Greek Irishman...........I'll tell you the story when we meet for Hoagies :)
McHale
McHale
Sounds great! We will set something up for this coming summer with Paul. Already looking forward to Hoagies in the big city!
Small town Bill
I think I speak for everyone on this site when I say that Petey is AWESOME...he provides us all with great counsel and information. Each and every one of his posts are insightful and informative. A great guy...I mean, except for the fact that he was an officer in the Navy. But nobody is perfect!
A different opinion from Baltimore
Petey1,
Where did you go to high school in B'more?
I have had a career in and around the Federal Government for about 43 years. I can assure you I don't work for any medical related organization. I only belong to 3 boards of any kind. This one. Stopafib. And Yahoo. I haven't posted on Yahoo in a long time. So I don't know how you got the number 8.
We all know ablations don't always work and sometimes don't last. There are many reasons for that, but those that do well take care of their other medical conditions and only go to the best for their ablation. So I don't represent them. I never had an ablation either.
I'm on rate control. Beta-blockers are boring, so I seldom talk about them. Don't work there.
I take Pradaxa. For me, when I first was diagnosed, Pradaxa was the only alternative to Warfarin/Coumadin. I'm too busy to get INR testing, so I was okay with it. My doctor prescribed it. If I was diagnosed years later, she probably would have prescribed Xarelto or Eliquis. Right now, Eliquis seems to be the best overall choice right now. So I don't work for any drug company that makes an anticoagulant.
I DO want to thank you for thinking I'm a medical professional and that I spend "all day every day" on boards. I guess you think highly of me, even if you don't agree with me on afib treatment. That means a lot to me, buddy. I know you post on many boards (I guess that's how you know what boards I post on) and you singled out me recognizing my professionalism and efficient use of my time. Me! Wow!
Concerning iodine. There are some people with afib that are deficient and I agree everyone should check out if they have a deficiency. I don't work for iodine manufacturers and I don't add salt or iodized salt to my food.
So why do I take the time to post on these boards? Because people are seeking information and those of us that have been around for awhile like to share the knowledge. That and the fact I have become friends with many on this board and stopafib. And by the way, these boards mostly deal with medical treatments for afib... that and healthy living to include supplements.
Advice: Posting in upper case makes people think you are yelling. You won't make friends that way.
So why don't you tell us a little more about yourself? Where you live. What you do for fun. What other medical conditions you have. Something I was wondering about is who you think is following you. I believe you. It's possible. I was also wondering why you tried to impersonate me. No matter what name you put on your posts, the content and writing style gives away that it is you posting. Also, you got my age wrong and I don't live in Baltimore.
Thanks again. You have encouraged me to post more. You made my day.
The "real" petey