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.
It seemed that the thyroid suppression drug was helping me, Then I had two major episodes ... Sunday morning 3-4 hours and last night about 12 hours. I took two 25 mg metoprolol overnight and the episode didn't stop until this morning. This is very discouraging. This morning I'm going to try to move up my EP visit, I wasn't due until February. However, its time to try a rhythm control drug, its obvious my ablation has failed (its been 8 mouths). If my EP concurs my order of preference is flec, sotalol, Tikosyn. I definitely will stay away fro Amiodarone and its cousin multaq. I really don't want another ablation until we try some drugs.
So as not to discourage others, I was not the best of candidates for an ablation, 64 years old at the time of the procedure with AFIB for a lot longer than it was identified as a condition ( about 40 years). So the rest of you, go for it!
So as not to discourage others, I was not the best of candidates for an ablation, 64 years old at the time of the procedure with AFIB for a lot longer than it was identified as a condition ( about 40 years). So the rest of you, go for it!
40 year's is a long time, I am sure some of my panic attacks I have had were Afib in hindsight. ....but not 40yrs. I am impressed, keep telling yourself I made it this far. A wise nurse told me something "we all gotta have something". It must be hard to have your hopes dashed. Here's hoping it will get better.
My heart goes out to you as well as the many others on this site will probably say the same. laurab
I have the option of using Rythmol as PIP....I can also use it with Metoprolol to convert me. I know others use Flecainide as PIP. You might try antiarrhythmic med. for PIP.
I have had spells where afib was prevalent, and then subsided. So, this is why I am suggesting considering this.
I know you love to exercise, but you might reduce the intensity for awhile and see it that helps. Worth a try?
So sorry to hear about the failed ablation. I know you want to try drugs first...maybe John can use his influence to get you an appointment with Natale? He seems to have the magic touch. And if you decide to fly to Bordeaux, I can go along as a translator. Wait, ATP, does Coeur mean heart? I hate to fly all that way and tell Dr. Jais that you have problem with your prostate! Hang in there my brother!
Bill
Bill I always get Coeur and prostate mixed up, too. Dont you just hate it when that happens?
Take care,
atp
So sorry to hear the news about your ablation.
I don't come here much just too busy with work, my business and mom but I do have friends here......who supported me.
As far as drugs are concerned they will eventually fail and are toxic too.
As I tried to explain to you in the past after 40 years of AFIB your triggers have definitely morphed outside the pulmonary veins and there was no way an EP doing cyro with only 200 ablations under her belt was going to come anywhere near fixing your issue. Why she would even attempt this is beyond comprehension. IMHO.
You most likely will need a full LAA isolation as well as work in the coronary sinus and posterior and anterior wall of your atrium to slay this beast for good. Natale will be coming to New York and working with Luigi DiBlasi at Montifiore on a limited basis.
Respectfully,
McHale
reconnections at your PV's, especially or they weren't fully isolated with good transmural lesions.
Bell well and stay positive too! If you need some help let me know.
McHale
Paul - Sorry about what you said. I think yesterday was the National Afib Day. I was in afib off and on all freaking day :-) So, you too, ha. I think mine was caused by some cashews that I ate the night before. But, it tells me my damn fence is broken too, ouch. Go to plan C. This is a tough one, but, if I have to, I will go for another one. I have to see :-(
Good luck man. We seem to be in the same situation.
Scott
I am so sorry you are still encountering Afib. I know how disappointed you must be. I have been there. After my first ablation failed, I was very discouraged. Even though I was told that the success rate was 70% and 1 out of 3 patients need repeat ablations, I had convinced myself that I would only need one, being the optimistic soul that I am. It is a difficult decision to make, to have a second ablation or to try other treatments. While you deliberate over a second ablation or not, you could always try Flec and see how it works for you. If it doesnt work and you do not want to try other antiarrthymics, your decision for a second ablation may be easier to make. Take care Paul and good luck as you deliberate your decision. Carrie
BTW: How do you know Natale's schedule?