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.
Hello-
Has anyone had any experience with Tikosyn? I have been on a multitude of beta blockers, fleccanide, multaq and most recently sotalol which is not working for me. I opted out of the Tikosyn since the hospital stay sounds scary. But I'm running out of options, I've had two catheter ablations and trying to decide on a third.
Thank you.
Has anyone had any experience with Tikosyn? I have been on a multitude of beta blockers, fleccanide, multaq and most recently sotalol which is not working for me. I opted out of the Tikosyn since the hospital stay sounds scary. But I'm running out of options, I've had two catheter ablations and trying to decide on a third.
Thank you.
I also was on Sotalol for like almost 5 years and I think it starts to lose its kick. So I am currently waiting to see my EP to discuss the next step (Ablation or different meds).
I think my strategy will be as follow: Take the control approach with meds first (I mean all kinds). If that fail I will seek the ablation. If that fail also then Ablation with meds. If in a sucky way that fails to, then I will seek a second ablation. If the second ablation fn also fail, I will try again with meds (damn! those meds are bound to help or at that point I would have to say that the ablations worked at 0%). If I would get a third ablation given the results of the first two I would be sceptical for a third one and I would need some real positive feed back from the EP). Then if that would also fail....for what it's worth I would go for rate control (what other choice is there) and try to live with it and hopefully it would eventually be like white noise. So I guess you are at the point of whether or not to get that third shot. Did the first two at least help a little?
It really sucks that your two ablations didn't work. You said you are contemplating a third procedure. Did you discus that with the EP and is he/she in agreement with that? Are you going to the same doctor? I really hope this is not a money grab.
I'm asking because in Canada we don't pay for medical care so if you want things done right away you go to the states and pay for it. So in the same token, if my EP here in Canada had done 2 ablations on me already without success but REALLY think a third one would do the trick then I guess I would go for it. Keeping in mind that at the end of the day he/she will not get paid any more money if a third ablation is or is not performed.
I hope you understand what I'm saying. I hope your EP will give you the right time of the day and not just taking your or your insurance money. If a third ablation would only help at lets say 50%, it would already be a good deal and worth the shot. Think hard about it before you get it done a third time. Check for rate control and see how symptomatic you are then maybe that will help on your decision.
I really sympathize with you as many of us may soon live the same dilemma as you do now.
Stay strong.
Scooby
After ablation, EP wanted me on Tikosyn for 6 months post ablation. I've had no AFIB and I'm close to 6 months, so will probably stop it soon. I'm hoping my NSR has more to do with the ablation, then then Tikosyn, but we'll see.
I had to stay in hospital for 3 days when I started both sotalol and tikosyn...piece of cake...nothing to be scared of...just get bored if anything. They just want to find the best dosage without affecting the QT.
I have been on the tikosyn off / on (mostly on) for the last 4.8 years, plus three ablations. It has kept my AFIB at bay where I've had only about 1 episode per year.
I don't seem to have many side affects with it. And yes, the 3 day hospital stay is a 'must' but (for me) hasn't been a big deal.
Robert