Questions

[Jason1971]

I had my checkup with my Cardiologist today. I last saw him in June and since then I have had weekly AF episodes. In this period I have changed medication to Flecainide (I was on Amiodarione for 16 months prior), back to Amiodarone and back to Flecainde, this is because I now have an overactive thyroid. I'm awaiting an appointment to see an Endo to address this. I also had an Ambulatory monitor fitted this morning (Busy morning )

My cardiologist sympathised with me and said I've been very unlucky with the medication. He said hopefully when my thyroid is sorted out, then maybe the Flecainide may be a little more effective. I guess I will just have to wait and see. Speaking with him a month a go after a particularly bad week he said he was putting me forward for an ablation, which he reiterated today. He referred me a month a go, but as yet I haven't received anything back. He also recommended I go on a beta blocker to slow my heart rate down, but I was reluctant to try this as my resting heart rate prior to thyroid issues was 60, it's now around 77. I'm always shattered too, which can be a sign of an overactive thyroid, so giving me a beta blocker would slow me down even more.

Has anybody had a similar experience to me? Either developing an overactive thyroid whilst on Amiodarone and being switched to other medication that didn't work properly until you got your thyroid under control.

When getting referred for an ablation, how long did it take you to get an appointment?

Have I made the right decision not opting for a beta blocker at present? I wanted to see if my thyroid issue could be controlled first and if my heart rate returns to normal, then there would be no need.

Thanks,

Jason

[rosyG]

I haven't had the experiences you mention but my resting pulse is often in the 40s and became dangerously low after 4 days on beta blockers- also be aware that flecanide a spill in the pocket is not recommended by NICE if resting pulse is less that 70bpm- I don't know the advice about regular Flecanide use- so just keep an eye on your pulse rate

best wishes

Rosemary

[Jason1971 in reply to rosyG]

Thanks Rosy, I take a regular dosage of Flecainide and an additional dosage when I have an attack. Checking my heart yesterday evening it had dropped to the early sixties, which is the lowest it has been since finding out about my overactive thyroid and being on Flecainide. I'll take your advice and monitor it.

Thanks again,

Jason

[jennydog]

Re waiting times : I saw the EP in Liverpool in January. He wanted to have me fitted with a 7 day ECG monitor and then refer back to him in April. Offered ablation in July but agreed mutually convenient 5th August. I think, 4 weeks post-ablation, that it is one of the best decisions that I have ever made.

If it's offered to you, go for it!!!

[Jason1971]

Thanks Jenny,

My Cardiologist referred me about a month ago and in that time I received a letter requesting I wear a monitor for a week, which I'm now wearing. The thing is I roughly have one attack a week at the moment lasting about 2 days. I was in AF when I went to the hospital yesterday, but whilst waiting to get my monitor fitted, I went back into NSR in the waiting room. I return the monitor on Monday, but I fear I won't have an attack (I can't believe I'm welcoming an episode), I hope this doesn't cloud anything.

Thanks again,

Jason

[jennydog]

Jason, My EP suspected that I was in AF more than I realised. He proved to be correct. The 7 day loop recorder showed an episode lasting 36 hrs which didn't tie in with my diary record. How would you know what your heart is doing whilst you're sleeping?

After the ablation the EP said " given your history we were surprised at what we found."

They found an enlarged left atria and extensive scarring. A second ablation will not be an option. Pacemaker possibly/ likely. BUT 29 days post - ablation and I haven't felt my heart once. Obviously I don't know what the future holds, but who does?

[barnes12]

I have hyperthyriod I am on flecanide and bisoprol also medication for my thyroid which has now been brought under control but it had not helped my af karen

[Jason1971 in reply to barnes12]

Thanks Karen - I think once I get my Thyroid under control I will feel better. I wasn't too bad with my AF until I started getting issues with my thyroid, but the past couple of months have been hard. How long did it take for your thyroid to be brought under control?

Jason

[barnes12 in reply to Jason1971]

Hi jason I referred myself to see a consultant at chelsea and westminster hospital and he is amazing did loads of tests and started me on medication they give you a course of 18mths I'm of now and hopefully it will stay in range they say it doesn't always and if that happens you have to start the medication again karen

[Jason1971 in reply to barnes12]

Thanks Karen, I saw the Endo today and she was really nice. Explained everything to me about what I can expect. I've to have a scan and a DOPPLER test (Not too sure what that is), they took some blood with a view to starting me on Carbimazole. Hopefully I will be a lucky as you and only have to be on it short term.

[Brendaafib]

I was on amiodarone for 3 years during which time I was never tested by the cardiologist for thyroid, pulmonary or any other issues that can come up. Several months ago, diagnosed with extremely hyperthyroid caused by the amiodarone. Currently taking 40mg of prednisone daily to reduce inflammation and increase blood flow in thyroid. Currently taking Sotatol instead of Amiodarone and am doing well with it. The hyperthyroid did cause my resting rate to rise and caused anxiety which then turned on the AF switch. Sometimes taking something gives our mind a chance to settle down and make a decision.