Coming off post-op amiodorone

[Barb385]

This is the first time I've posted, although I've been following the blog for a while now, and have found a lot of it useful.

18 months ago a one-off episode of Atrial Fibrillation took me to A and E. This turned out to be, in the words of the EP "the least of my problems" as once on 2.5 mg bisoprolol I had no further episodes, but they also found I had parathyroid disease and a severely regurgitating mitral valve, both of which, apart from potentially causing numerous other problems are triggers for heart rate disturbances. This year I have had 2 ops, one removing a faulty parathyroid gland, and the other repairing my mitral valve. So I hope things are looking good. Post heart surgery in early August I had 3 episodes of A Fib on day 4, day 6 and day 10, all of which were short - around 30-60 minutes. I was given Amiodorone 200mg, to take for 3 months, to control the rhythm, and on the 3rd episode bisoprolol (which had been stopped post-op) 1.25 mg was added to reduce my pulse rate. I had no further episodes, and after a few weeks of being aware of missing quite a lot of beats, my pulse is now always very steady, and I haven't been aware of any ectopic beats, which I had had for years.

I now have about 10 days of Amiodorone left. I will be pleased to stop taking this, but am a bit anxious that without its control over my heart rhythm I may get A Fib again. I didn't discuss this at my post-op check up, but was told pre-op that heart surgery can increase the risk of developing A Fib.

I would be interested to know how others of you have fared when coming off Amiodorone, particularly post heart surgery.

[BobD Volunteer]

I think you need to discuss your worries with the doctor treating you but I do understand that amiodarone takes quite some time to clear your system . By this I mean weeks not hours so cutting down on dose doesn't sound like an option. Sad to say you need to do this or you will never know.

[Barb385 in reply to BobD]

Thank you. I am aware of the side effects of Amiodorone, and believe it is not often prescribed for more than 3 months. I don't want to carry on taking it, and am hoping now my heart is healing from the op, it may be less susceptible to electrical problems, so I won't have A fib again. I'm not planning to see my GP at the moment, and there's not much she could do anyway, apart from reassure. I've an appointment with the EP just before Christmas.

[EngMac in reply to Barb385]

If you have not read the drug sheet, you probably should to see if it says anything about how to get off this drug or ask a pharmacist for advice.

[higgy52 in reply to Barb385]

yes ive had a Ablation 9 months ago and been on Amiodarone for nearly 2 years, E P said its to early to come off it, even though my thyroids playing up pule rate 100 to 120 for long time E P said ive got Atriel flutter Had cardiovertion went back to normal rhythm for one day only, any way 6 days ago went back to normal rhythm on its own, so would like to get off Amiodarone before it does more damage

[Barb385 in reply to higgy52]

Sorry you are having to stay on it for so long - as I said, I'm very happy to be coming off!

[Ianc2]

Hi Barb385

I had open heart surgery to repair my heart tricuspid and mitral valves, had a mini maze procedure, remodelling of my heart and removal of my atrial appendage. I also was put on amiodarone to protect my heartbeat while I recovered (2014). A long slow recovery began. My heart is now much stronger but I still suffered from A. flutter. About a year later I had an ablation which which was successful and I achieved a normal heartbeat. Good news. " What do I do all with Pills Doc?" ," Throw them all in the bin " he said. (2015).

Off I went full of the joys of spring, culminating in a cruise from Southampton to New Zealand, a fascinating experience which left me with a very sore throat on my return in December 2016. Popped in to see my GP and he diagnosed an allergic reaction and prescribed anti histamines. - which kicked off an irregular heartbeat again. Aargh.

So the good news is that my heart is much better, but my cardiologist has informed me (After ecg, holter recorder and echo cardiagram test) that I appear to have a form of regularly irregular pattern which I tolerate very well.

I walk about 7-10 miles three times a week, in July had a walking holiday in Austria to enjoy the mountain scenery, fearlessly zooming up the highest alps, (in a cable car) and try to follow no alcohol, decaf coffee, watch my BMI and what I eat, etc.

I am going back on warfarin to guard against stroke - 3% chance, as against 1% chance of a bleed. I could have another more complicated ablation with a risk of %5 or 1 in 20 of complications. I am 72 years old and hope to enjoy life as much as I can

[Barb385 in reply to Ianc2]

Hello Ianc2

I've been meaning to reply but had my grandsons here for a few days.

Thank you for your long and helpful reply. I take comfort from the fact that although you have some irregular pattern to your heart beat you are getting out and about and doing stuff. I'm a similar age -69- and enjoy walking both in my local Chiltern Hills, and more hilly places too. I'm off to the Lakes in 2 weeks to see if I have got back my cardio fitness, which took quite a knock post surgery, but which has improved and I can easily cope with local walks and hills. I've taken my last Amiodorone this morning. I see my consultant in December, and he is arranging a 48 hour Holter and an echo cardiogram first, so I feel he is being thorough. He's a lovely chap.

Like you I'm careful to do what i can to look after myself.

So I look forward to a bit of fell walking, and to next summer not being interrupted by heart surgery!

Best wishes

Barb 385