Paroxysmal AF symptoms

[djbgatekeeper]

Hi folks, I am just wondering if anyone is in the same boat as me and how they are treating their symptoms. I have had paroxysmal AF for the last 25 years, I am 53 now. The symptoms have started to become a daily issue but I only lose sinus rythum when I raise my pulse for any reason i.e walking up hill or lifting, its been this way for about 6 weeks.

Im currently waiting to have various tests at Liverpool hospital, I think/hope I will have to have an ablation as the meds seem to only work when im not active. I have Sinus rythum 99% of the time but can't exercise ect? Sound familiar anyone? Thanks Dave from Warrington Cheshire 👍

[Bshersey]

I was in a similar situation. Taking sotalol pretty much stopped my afib within a few days. I had occasional breakthroughs. But manageable. My heart rate never went too high. The EP and cardiologist convinced me to go forward with an ablation with the idea I could eventually get off the sotalol and other meds. It's been 3 months since the ablation and I have not had any afib. Some palpitations for a while, but never any classic afib. Now I am waiting to see when I can begin dropping down the level of medicine.

[doodle68]

Hi Dave I just wanted to say welcome back .

What medication are you taking , it sounds as though it can no longer contain the AF.

[djbgatekeeper in reply to doodle68]

Hiya.... I am taking 50mg of flecainide twice a day and 5mg of bisoprolol am and 2.5mg of bisoprolol pm... I have a monitor fitted early July for 4 days then a echocardiogram and stress test lined up as well... I'm not worried as I've been through this before although I am definitely hoping for an ablation this time as Im fed up of having the symptoms ruining my quality of life.... all good fun eh! Thanks for your reply 😁

[doodle68 in reply to djbgatekeeper]

Hi Dave, you sound like a prime candidate for ablation, I hope you don’t have to wait too long.

[djbgatekeeper in reply to doodle68]

It will be months rather than weeks... as long as the symptoms don't get worse il be fine thank you.

[Bshersey in reply to djbgatekeeper]

Don't let docs undersell ablation recovery. My EP told me I could go back to work right away and begin exercising within three days. I was pretty useless for a month afterward and the palpitations really freaked me out.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Bshersey]

AF Association have a fact sheet on Recovering From Ablation. Gives lots of useful information.

[Beta44]

I was in much the same situation as you nearly three years ago and saw ablation as the only way forward. Since having the ablation I have been AF free and and am on no drugs apart from Apixaban. I understand that Liverpool is a very good centre.

Peter

[doodle68 in reply to Beta44]

QuoteBeta44...''I understand that Liverpool is a very good centre''.

One of our members posted a link to an article about 'Cardiologists their Peers rate' , one is Dr Todd at The Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital see below..

pressreader.com/uk/daily-ma...

[jennydog in reply to doodle68]

I had my ablation at LHCH. Dr Todd is my EP. I cannot fault anything. Dr Todd is a real gentleman.

[Beta44 in reply to doodle68]

Richard Schilling who carried out my ablation is mentioned in the same article.

[djbgatekeeper in reply to Beta44]

Thanks Peter, nice to know there's some light at the end of the tunnel. 👍

[fifitb]

Hi, I have the same as you and am waiting for my second ablation in 2 weeks. The first one did not change my quailty of life one iota. That was one year ago. Like you, I suffer when I exercise (so am getting very unfit and I love to be fit and toned, not to extremes, but just generally), and when I lift things, I worry in the check out area now, having to be escorted out twice by First Aiders as I am beginning to feel faint, dizzy and breathless as I carry my shopping basket! I am on Bisoprolol, 2.5 twice a day and Rivaroxaban (Xarelto). I long to be off Bisoprolol. I think it exacerbates my chronic insomnia.

[djbgatekeeper in reply to fifitb]

Thanks for the reply, I hope you have better success 2nd time around. Fingers crossed for you 🤞

[Keswickcres6]

Hi I have paroxysmal afib was taken to warrington hospital Sept 2020 with my heart jumping and banging everywhere I'm on 5mg bisoporol but still get ectopic beats everyday just waiting for heart monitor results .had echocardiogram in May that's come back fine do you know of any support groups in warrington ?