Doc was Right

[barneybin]

Started A/f with a flutter 7 years ago then like most posters it came and went.

Doctor said that it will eventually come on permanently and so it has.

A/f all the time Bb varies but not too bad and pulse around 80

Medication Bisoprolol and Amplodipine right from start

I am 79 is it worth pursuing some treatment to stop it now,its controlled but as we all know its not a good quality of life....thanks to all for your posts

[BobD Volunteer]

At your age you should be on anticoagulant. Please discuss with your doctor. Stroke is the main risk now for AF.

[barneybin in reply to BobD]

Thanks bobd yes I am on Apixaban but i just wondered should i continue with the usual medication and the permanent A/F or will any of the treatments/medication

you younger A Fibbers go for be any good for my age.

Apart from this wretched A/F i have no other issues

Thanks for all the snippets of advice from you all

[BobD Volunteer in reply to barneybin]

All treatment for AF is only ever about improving quality of life. Only you can decide if that means looking elsewhere for treatment.

[Arveno]

I can only say what we did . My husband, 77 years get diagnosis AF for one year ago. Probably he had AF longer time. With Sotalol (40mg x 2) and Apixaban he is asymptomatic . As ablation can only promise decrease of symptoms and include some risks we will not try ablation. We read an study a lot before this decision. You may also look at StopAfib.Forum.org there are very educated Afib patients with a lot of knowledge.

[Ianc2]

I had an ablation for flutter at age 71. It cured the flutter but I still have an underlying afib and like you I am asymptomatic. I discussed this with my cardiologist recently and he advised me of the risks if I go ahead with a more risky ablation, to get at the source of the irregularity. Like you I have to evaluate the risk/reward ratio and I have decided to enjoy what I have while I can. Stay strong and be of good cheer - there is still a fantastic world out there !

[barneybin in reply to Ianc2]

Thank you so much yes wise council there grateful for your advice and encouragement....

[Meeko]

A family member of great age 80 plus has had ablations and pacemaker. He had survived TB in his youth and has osteoarthritis. He is now in his 90's and quite active. I think it is all down to mind set and a bit of luck. All the best in whatever you choose.

[shorttail]

A lot depends on your symptoms, are they bearable ? If I went into permanent AF I could not cope, as symptoms are not easy to cope with.

[barneybin in reply to shorttail]

Many thanks...PAF seems to be manageable and bearable with the bisoprolol

Don't think I will have it tinkered with hope and pray it may go off

[rosyG]

lots of people with normal heart rate with AF choose just to have meds- hope all goes well with you

[barneybin in reply to rosyG]

thanks rosy yes more sound advice thanks I will take that path

[concup]

After much discussion with my medics I have decided to just "run" with permanent/persistent Afib,after having on/off episodes for the last 20 odd years. I guess I'm lucky in that I am fairly asymptomatic, with hr under 100 and bp around 130/70.I do take apixaban to give me added peace of mind. Most of the time I don't even notice my Afib and need to check my pulse to see if my heart is still beating...LOL

According to info given to me the "survival rate" does not greatly improve even if you have rhythm control, although I have seen studies that disagree with this, however I now find I am a great deal less anxious as I no longer fear the onset of Afib, I can now do things I avoided previously, (so called triggers) like a glass or 2 of wine, sleeping on my left side, having a cup of coffee now and then, as well as a ice cold coke zero.(probably not good for you but still I can enjoy it)

In a nutshell, its up to you, however in my opinion, living with constant fear and anxiety is a lot worse than a wonky heartbeat.

[barneybin in reply to concup]

Hi con cup thank you for your reply, your readings are almost exactly the same as mine including the apixaban,the quality of life and even the sleeping on the left

I think you advice is good and sound...thanks..Mike

[cuore]

I am not quite sure what you mean by "come on permanently." Are you in persistent AF or permanent AF, and if persistent for how long? The stage you are at will help you to make your decision.

I am 74 and had my first ablation in July of this year with a second one scheduled for Nov. 20. I was six months persistent which is the reason for the second one.

I did ask my EP about age for ablation by which he replied he had ablated an 82 year old. I believe I've read reports of 92 year olds having an ablation.

I would suggest you review how far along you are in AF and what sort of quality of life you want. Good luck to you.