Arythmias back

[David21]

I have had paf for 22 years during which it has been largely controlled by max. dose Flecanaide with the addition of Appixaban. I initially had a year of Atenolol which was awful. The arythmias are now back quite badly. I would like to avoid am ablation. Does anyone have experience of a non beta blocker drug I could change to? Any other comments would be very helpful. Many thanks.

[CDreamer]

Short answer no - as most anti-arrythmia drugs will either have a rate drug as part of their make up or it will be recommended to take one. And I agree they are hell!

Can you say why you want to avoid an ablation?

[CDreamer]

PS - has anyone suggested a Calcium Channel Blocker? You might want to research that. I’ve not taken them personally but will a rate drug be enough on it’s own anyway is the question I would be asking.

[David21 in reply to CDreamer]

I suppose that because I know 3 people who have all had 3 or 4 ablations and have suffered as a result and also read on this forum of some of the risks and side effects I have become nervous of having one. Am I over reacting?

[BobD Volunteer in reply to David21]

Yes David. Remember most of the people with successful ablations are away enjoying life not sitting at their computer typing on a forum. lol Present company excepted of course.

[Buffafly in reply to David21]

I understand your concern but equipment and skills are improving all the time. I also didn't want an ablation but I was faced with that or a pacemaker so I could continue the meds. I opted to try the ablation and although AF broke through again occasionally after a couple of years I am still almost drug free apart from Apixaban so I'm happy with my QOL compared to before.

I took a calcium channel blocker instead of a beta blocker but in larger doses it can cause fluid retention and constipation so I hardly think it would be an improvement.

[David21 in reply to Buffafly]

Thanks for this

[jennydog in reply to CDreamer]

I was given a calcium channel blocker (Tildium?) My ankles swelled up mightily. Bob had a similar reaction if I remember correctly.

[David21 in reply to jennydog]

Many thanks to you all for your responses. As others have said - this forum is so good and helpful for the many with Afib

[Horse57 in reply to CDreamer]

Calcium channel blockers are not good when you have afib. Calcium encourages the arrhythmia. I have read this many times in my travel regarding afib.

[SRMGrandma Volunteer]

Beta blockers are rate control drugs. It's possible that you also need a rhythm control drug such as Flecanide, or a drug like Sotolol , which has both properties. I would also encourage you to read. the latest research that confirms that ablation done as first line treatment of AF is more successful than ablation after medications. are no longer effective. AF is progressive, despite our best attempts with healthy lifestyle and meds will get worse. If I were being diagnosed now instead of 17 years ago when the advice was to wait until it was bad enough for ablation, I would absolutely sign up for it sooner than later.

[Paulbounce in reply to SRMGrandma]

Hi SRMG.

You wrote

.......the latest research that confirms that ablation done as first line treatment of AF is more successful than ablation after medications......

After a successful CV 3 weeks ago and also on 200 mg Flec daily this is an interesting consideration.

Please can you post a link to this research. I have an appointment with my cardiologist June 24th - it`s something I might like to raise with him. An ablation has been suggested when I return to afib. It sounds like it might be worth doing sooner rather than later.

Many thanks.

Best,

Paul

[SRMGrandma Volunteer in reply to Paulbounce]

Here is a link for you! ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

[Paulbounce in reply to SRMGrandma]

Many thanks.

Best,

Paul

[rosyG]

couple of small points- Sotolol is not now recommended by NICE and if you have had AF for 22 years you need to ask an EP about the chances of success of an ablation.

[Finvola]

Max dose Flecainide doesn’t give you much wriggle room with drugs David. To my layman’s eye, it looks like you have 3 choices - stay as you are with Flec not able to control the AF any longer, opt for something like Amiodarone (usually short term because of its side effects) or go for ablation.

I understand your quandary - I feel the same about hoping to stay on drug therapy but . . . . In your position, I would seek advice from a good EP (or two). It really isn’t about what happened with other people - it’s about you, your particular arrhythmias and your quality of life.

Very best wishes with your decision.

[Kingsley09]

Hi David I take verapamil cardiologists gave me them as I’m allergic to beta blockers and apixaban I seem ok at the moment on them but I’ve also added Magnesium citrate 200 mg in the morning and 200 mg in the evening will be telling my cardiologist that when I see him in August I started it as I’ve read a lot about it helping with afib

[David21 in reply to Kingsley09]

Thanks Kingsley09 - I have heard that magnesium is a good all round supplement - any one have thoughts on this ?