Bisop + flec vs Sotalol

[Heartfelt46]

Hi, I read the posts and find them interesting and useful, now I wonder if someone can offer me any thoughts. I have had af for about 12years. Initial cardioversion, drugs, ablation (which didn’t work). Have been on bisop and flec for many years with the occasional bout of af, Apixaban for the last six months. January 2 went into af big time, my Consultant changed me to Sotalol and within two days back in rhythm. Great, and then a couple of days later here I am back in af. There is the threat of a Cardioversion. I have just renewed my travel insurance, declared af, but this was before I went back into af with no complications like the Cardioversion. What to do? I am going away in two weeks time, for two months, to a country which is not renowned for its medical attributes. Should I just risk going without the extra cover? I know this is a bit jumbled but hope that someone can make sense of it! Thank you.

[Hidden]

I understand your dilemma Heartfelt, but it would be very unwise NOT to have proper levels of travel insurance. It sounds as if your condition is unstable at the moment and I guess you need to consider whether or not the stresses of travel will make your symptoms worse. I suspect you know the answer, but hope someone might come up with an answer you would prefer. The only positive suggestion I can make is for you to contact your Cardiologists secretary by email for advice about travelling. As you know, a vast number of AF’ers travel, but 2 months is a long time. Good luck, John

[Heartfelt46]

Thank you John for your reply. Yes, you are right, I know the proper thing to do but live in hope that someone might have an alternative suggestion.! Sadly travel is what makes life good for me, so a double whammy!

[Hidden in reply to Heartfelt46]

Times like this when I wished I had a magic wand......maybe another time soon eh!

[EngMac]

The drugs are probably the biggest danger. You are not supposed to stop Sotolol cold turkey. So make sure you have enough if you plan to continue to take it while you are away. If you are ok while in continuous AF, as many are on this site, then maybe you wean off the Sotolol and go on your trip in this condition and deal with the AF when you get back. As Bob always says you are unlikely to die so this could be an option. Medical advice though, before you go, would be wise to pursue.

[Heartfelt46 in reply to EngMac]

Thank you for your thoughts EngMac.

[Chris147]

Definitely tell the insurance company otherwise you may not be insured if something happens especially if you are going to USA. European countries where we have a reciprocal agreement might not be so worrying. I think I might sort my health out first and postpone my trio but I am not known for taking risks so be guided by your friends and family or indeed ask your consultant. Very best wishes

[1Jerbear]

On the contrary if travel makes your life good ,and some medical issue arises and you don't have the insurance to cover it your life might not end up good , see where I am coming from . I too would ask my doctor first . Best wishes heartfelt46.