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 an appt. to go back to my EP next week. It has been 6 months. Is it really necessary? i have no Plans on having an ablation. As far as I know there hasn't been a miracle drug created in the last 6 months to end afib, so whats the reason? I am on rate control meds and living a normal life. i am in constant afib, but my heart rate is kept in check between 60-80. I do have an appt. to go and seem y Cardio. in August. i can't afford two Heart Specialists. Which one gets the boot?
tomorrowsdream
Does your cardiologist who referred you to the EP know you aren't interested in ablation? I was referred to an EP to talk about the ablation procedure, and came away thinking that it is going to be the last resort. I don't plan on seeing him again. I think if you are not interested in the ablation there is no reason to see him. That's just my thoughts. He would get the boot:)
deleted_user
The EP did nothing for me and I can't have an ablation. But my cardiologist has helped get my beat down to 60. I would give up the EP. When they told me to come back I cancelled the appointment and never went back. I'm doing fine without him.
deleted_user
OK I really understand your decision not to have the ablation. It took me 9 years to finally decide to have it done and I am telling you I should have done it sooner. I was scared out of my mind thinking about "what if this and what if that" and I left it in God's hands. I wouldn't even go to an EP just to get information. i was dead set against it as I felt it was not perfected yet. I am one of those people who feel their A/Fib constantly and it kept me awake every night. It took 24 days after the procedure for me to be in sinus rhythm. Now it's been 4 months of relief and I can't believe how good I feel. Even if it only lasts a short time, at least I got a break for a while. I know everyone is different and this condition is so unpredictable. I hear that one needs to get the ablation sometimes 2-3 times. You will know when you are ready and no one can force you. The docs are coming out with new procedures now and maybe one day they will find a permanent cure for A/fib - oh how I wish. Stick with the cardiologist as I did in the beginning and take it from there.
deleted_user
does your cardio doc talk to the EP doc? I think the first line of treatment is the cardio doc. I also think that at 72 I would like another 20 years (minimum) of healthy living. it is easier for me because of Medicare, yet, I would not gamble on a stroke or worse. ask questions and if your docs will not carry on a conversation with you, if they do not give you confidence in your course of treatment, find another provider(s). good luck, be well, Rich
bike1962
Thanks for the responses. i have since cancelled the appt. with the EP and I am due to go back to the Cardio. in Sept. Thanks again,
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