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 appointment with a new EP on Tuesday 2/11. Not a Rock Star (Since I'm not interested in having my heart zapped at this point). I'm interested in trying a rhythm control drug. In the 40 or so years that I've had AFIB I've only been on rate control, the last 5 years . I'm hoping that this EP will be able to make a reasonable guess on what drug may help my problem, and I'm hoping she will not be anxious to go to the knife.
From my reading here and on the web, the best candidates appear to be flec (Tambocor), sotabol (Betapace), and Tikosyn (that's just me guessing, I have no idea what would be good based on my test results. . If I have to do several days as an inpatient, so be it. Its time to move my treatment regime forward (no more strokes, no more syncope). Right now I have mild episodes 1-2 times per week, and a moderate episode every 2-3 weeks.
Wish me luck, I will report on my progress and side effects.
On the stroke front, almost all of the lightheadedness is gone, and I've been driving locally, but Sharon will not let me drive on the highway yet. I worked out in my gym on Wednesday (less than 1/2 hr., compared to my usual 3 hours. And I've been doing my floor exercises (15 minutes) every day, and 10 lb. dumbbells (vs. my previous 27.5 lb. dumbbells. A little at a time, the second stroke risk soon after a stroke (several months) is rather high. No shoveling snow (that's tough in NJ, but the temp did make double digits today).
From my reading here and on the web, the best candidates appear to be flec (Tambocor), sotabol (Betapace), and Tikosyn (that's just me guessing, I have no idea what would be good based on my test results. . If I have to do several days as an inpatient, so be it. Its time to move my treatment regime forward (no more strokes, no more syncope). Right now I have mild episodes 1-2 times per week, and a moderate episode every 2-3 weeks.
Wish me luck, I will report on my progress and side effects.
On the stroke front, almost all of the lightheadedness is gone, and I've been driving locally, but Sharon will not let me drive on the highway yet. I worked out in my gym on Wednesday (less than 1/2 hr., compared to my usual 3 hours. And I've been doing my floor exercises (15 minutes) every day, and 10 lb. dumbbells (vs. my previous 27.5 lb. dumbbells. A little at a time, the second stroke risk soon after a stroke (several months) is rather high. No shoveling snow (that's tough in NJ, but the temp did make double digits today).
McHale
Ha! Tell her to talk to me and I'll make recant your success rate will be maybe 30%! Sounds like your LA is enlarged and that greatly reduces your success rates! She can teach and research all she wants but how many ablations has she done? Anything less than 1,500-2000 ablations using RF with someone with a 40 year history of AFIB is a show stopper!
As for the bladder catheter I too was scared and almost made it a show showstopper. But it's all done after you go under so you wont even know it. the next day it might be a bit painful when they pull it and you need to go but it's nothing a tough guy like you can't tolerate! Your decision should be based on fixing your AFIB not a foley catheter.
McHale
I certainly value your input. However, I feel that these procedures, are like the latest version of a computer. There's always going to be a more powerful cpu, and better screen, more memory, faster drives. I've decided to get off the bus and go with what I have. Life is a crap shoot. I'm going for the cyro, and if that doesn't help, I'll deal with it. I'm not going to second guess someone who has spent her life working on the problem.
You need Natale your countryman and don't let travel expense or convenience influence your decision. Your 40 year history of AFIB tells me you need the MASTER!
Case Closed,
McHale
May I ask how big is your Left Atruim and LV?
Sorry for the rant. Again Apology.
McHale
The cathethers that I am a little concerned about are all the other ones used; however I have a very experienced ep and have complete faith and trust in the skills of he and his staff.
opsyn
Congrats on your decision to go for it! Geez, I was going to post a comment a few nights back and didn't get the chance, and now I see there has been quite the ongoing discussion! Funny, I was going to suggest that you talk to McHale about Natale...doesn't he now work in da big Apple? I LOVE my guy Dr. Calkins, but if I was in New York right now, this would be my guy. But that is just from all the positive comments I have read about him the past year. The dude sounds like he has the touch! But if you like your girl, I think the important thing is that you have made the decision, and I believe it is the right one. I have commented several times before that I believe that in this case, the Europeans have the right approach...ablation first line. But of course it is a BIG decision, not to be taken lightly.
As far as the catheter goes, I had to laugh...cuz I didn't ask ANY questions about those small details...just woke up with a catheter in and completely shaved....my wife was like "how cute, just like a 12 year old boy!" Women can be mean, can't they?
ATP, I wonder how many different cultures express the luck thing that way...in South Africa they say "hou jou duime vas" which means "grasp your thumbs!" In French isn't it just "Bonne chance?" I dunno German, Italian, or...sorry, I cannot remember the other language you speak in Switzerland. Interesting.
Opsyn and Paul, best of luck to you both! Part of me still wants to suggest to just win Powerball and fly to Bordeaux, but John says that Natale has now passed the success rate of the Bordeaux group! Holy cow!
Keep that shovel handy everyone! Supposed to be 6-10 in Baltimore, which of course doesn't compare to the shellacking they are expecting up North!
Bill
On the lighter side good luck!
In French: bon courage, or if I were to say something like break a leg (which, of course, is just the opposite of what you want to happen) as far as I know, it would be merde.
In German: viel glueck!, or again, similar to break a leg it would be Hals und Bein Bruch which is one step up from just a broken leg; we want you to break your neck too!
In Italian: bouna fortuna! or In bocca al lupo which literally translates to Into the mouth of the wolf.
In Rumansch (one of the 4 official languages in Switzerland): ummm. I dont know, sorry.
Swiss German is a spoken language and not written (one writes in high German) but you can write it, its just not official you just write it the way you say it. So for Paul and Opsyn:
Ig wuensche oich beidi auis gueti, machets guet!
Atp
I'm absolutely amazed that you have been brought the technology of telemedicine so far forward that you have been able to arrive at a diagnosis and recommendations without reviewing the 15 or so cardiac tests for the last five years I provided my EP. Also that you could make this recommendation without examining me, after all you did see a headshot on Dailystrength, I guess that's all you needed. And you didn't need to review all the records from my stroke hospitalization (my EP is on staff at the hospital that took care of my stroke). And you weren't even in on the discussions between my new EP and the cardiologist that has taken care of me for the last five years. And you didnt even review the case with several world renowned EPs that are part of your practice
Maybe I should rely on you to perform some surgery from your keyboard?
Are you sure youre not on Natales marketing team?
Everyone else is really supportive to me and Opsyn
You can get with the program if you try. g
Oh yes! I remember my French teacher teaching us the "merde" thing for good luck! I laughed then, and laughed when I read it today...let's see if I can recall the story...I think le prof said that it had something to do with the carriages that would wait outside the exit doors at the theaters. Of course while the horses were waiting for the actors to come out, they had to do something..so they made as much merde as they could. GREAT story.
I was waiting for someone from Europe to confirm or deny my teensy bit of research that in Europe ablation was first line...when I was first doing my research into ablation I read a doc from Europe who indicated that it was, or perhaps should be, the approach. But I know how a little knowledge is a dangerous thing...but it persuaded me to go for the ablation, and I must say I am glad that I did. But it is obviously a huge decision....I did ask one of the young EPs at Hopkins why the French were 10 years ahead of us in ablations, and he disagreed..."Hey, they started first, but we have DEFINITELY caught up!" It was nice to hear a little patriotism!
"merde" with your decision
Bill
I'm sure you'll do well.
If you like your EP and team than go for it.
The main thing is to get an ablation.
I just gave my opinion but it's your decision in the end.
I wish you well! to a successful outcome and years of NSR!
Warm Regards,
McHale
I know you mean well. This was a huge decision for me, and the support is something I need. And, I still want to come down to Astoria to share some Greek food with you. As long as it stops snowing someday! We're up to 6 inches of so in Northern NJ, expecting maybe a foot.
I've been sitting here for 5 days going stir crazy with the FLU so I might have got carried away :)
The Valley Hospital Heart and Vascular Institute in Ridgewood is top rated in the country if that's where you're going.So you have a great team there with the latest modern EP lab.
Arctic Front also introduced a single point Cathter to address hot spots outside the PV sleeves.
Good look forward to having lunch with you when this snow lets up.
You made a big decision now put all the stress behind you if you can and you will wake up saying to yourself that wasn't so bad.