Thank you for all your replies - so pleased I found this site! I know it's really obvious but it was good to read the opinion 'it's better to risk a bleed than a stroke' (not an exact quote) I agree but hearing it from a person with Afib is so helpful.
One of you said that the Amiodarone eventually caused you to develop Hyperthyroiditis. Do you feel that in balance that's 'ok' because of the help the drug gave you?
Have any of you tried acupuncture? There's supposed to be a positive result from stimulating the Neiguan spot.
Does anyone know why Aspirin has lost favour to Eliquis?
Thank you
Written by
annandrea
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In answer to just one of your several points. Personally, I do not think it worthwhile to take Amioderone because it can/often ,does , lead to,or worsen, thyroid problems. Most doctors(consultants) would not now knowingly prescribe A. if you has thyroid problems .Mine hesitated just in time. I was on the cusp of developing thyroid problems . But I speak ONLY from personal experience. AND perhaps you will have to ask your doctor why he cannot prescribe another drug. Others will perhaps give better informed opinions on this site.
I had acupuncture and its calming effect is beneficial but I'm not sure that it was worth a 20miles round trip and £40 each time. The breathing techniques detailed on this site give the best results.
Were you aware that Amiodarone is often called " cardiac Domestos "? That may well be a justified description as it's powerful stuff.
Wow! No I wasn't aware that Amiodarone is often called Cardiac Domestos. Thank you! I just had a response from someone re aspirin v. eliquis which was very informative. Do you know of any nasty stories/descriptions about Eliquis?
I was prescribed aspirin when I first started with AF. A daily dose affected my stomach quite badly. I felt as though my stomach was a great big solid lump.
You ask a few questions, let's start with Amiodarone, it's a very very powerful drug with many potentially serious side effects, and it's only a few people who are going to take it long term. However it does work for many people to put them back into rhythm and obviously that's good, but that in itself can tell your medics a lot, and maybe even that an ablation may work for you. I think short term it's fine as long as you are very aware of side effects and are being monitored closely by your doctors. I was on it for four months prior to a CV and it was OK.
Acupuncture, you will have to search the site for feedback, not sure I have seen anyone come back with a very positive story.
Lastly Aspirin versus Apixiban (Branded Eliquis) yes it's lost favour as it simply does not work and does not prevent AF related strokes. Aspirin is an anti platelet drug not an anti coagulant, and in fact in the UK, NICE has instructed doctors that aspirin has no place in AF related anti-coagulant therapy and should not be given.
thank you - that is so useful - especially re the aspirin because I was suspecting that the aspirin had lost favour because it didn't earn the same amount of money as eliquis for the drug companies
I developed hyperthyroiditis from amiodarone. I had been feeling not so good and had breakthrough AFib when I had a routine blood test which showed close to zero TSH. Subsequent testing showed high T3 and T4. Dr took me off amiodarone. After a week or so I relapsed into AFib. I am contemplating ablation. I want to see first how much the AFib changes my life when my thyroid has recovered. I'm on metoprolol to control HR which tends to run high. I miss the steady 60bpm with amio! I am 74.
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Thank you all. 
Thank you 
Thank you - regarding generic brand meds
Thank you:-)
Thank you all! 
