Well yesterday was interesting...I woke up at 2 am after having a dream about zombies chopping people's heads off...Not kidding lol...Heart was racing and of course I landed in AFib. Decided to go to urgent care and they send me to the hospital to have cardioversion. Last cardioversion was 2017. My cardiologist wants me to try out a calcium channel.blocker diltiazem ...I was taking atenolol for last couple years but pretty small dosage..25 mg a day..Anyone been on both or what there experiences were good and bad for diltiazam??
Anyone had Abalation and been cured of AFib for the most part?. I now have anxiety just going to sleep wondering if I will wise up bim AFib again..so tired of this..
Appreciate your time.
Kevin
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KevJenn
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I can’t comment on the drugs as I cannot take any of them - I was on Bisoprolol for a whiles - I called it the drug from hell! Ablations (2) gave me over 3 years of no AF - YEAH - and although it did return, not nearly as symptomatic. Can’t really talk about cures for AF because so many variables as to the root cause and nobody has yet determined a definitive cause.
Trouble is, asking people to respond if they have had a successful ablation here is like taking a snowball into the rain forest - if the AF disappears after ablation - those members dissolve away from the forum.
If you want to know about people’s experiences with ablation from previous posts, or anything else, put the word into the search box and read the posts.
There are a few of us who remain here CD because we want to help others. I have been 11 years AF free since my third ablation but still get another arrhythmia for which I am waiting a fourth ablation.
I’m surprised to read about your still getting some arrhythmia. How many ablations will it take for them to make this go away for you for good? Can the surgeon try something different next time? When are you scheduled to go back in? Is what you have considered “persistent”?
Arrhythmias can be all different and all come from dfferent areas some of which are more difficlut to deal with than others. I'm told paroxysmal A Tach is particularly tricky but my EP would not suggest trying unless he felt confident. I have a date but will keep that quiet for now. Lots to do first!
cured is maybe a bit of a strong word to use, as I don't think that there is (currently) a cure.
However I had an ablation 2.5 years ago and I have been in NSR since then. I would do it again if I needed/ was suitable.
Appreciate you reaching out. My cardio says works about 70 per cent of the time. Says cause I am only 54 high possible success rate. Course there is the fact that he said rare complications like stroke and death make me terrified of it..
Can you or can you not be cured? My son who is a competitive canoeist was diagnosed with AF over 10 years ago and had an ablation (he was 35) - he has an annual check up with no sign of heart problems, continues with his canoeing and cycling, and has been told he is cured. He takes no medication. I am under the impression you cannot be cured - it is definitely familial, as myself and 2 sisters both have PAF, granted diagnosed in the last few years (we are in our seventies). Is he living a lie thinking he is cured?
Me too - knock on wood - ablation in April of last year and off all meds now - basically normal...
I changed from betablockers (Bisoprolol) to a calcium channel blocker about 4 years ago and have no regrets. Some people complain of swollen ankles and legs but not an issue for me. During that period, I have had one CV and two ablations and have been largely AF free. When it has occurred, it was stopped quickly with Flecainide as a PiP. If I was ever advised to go for a third ablation I would but taking Diltiazem has not caused any problems for me.
Flapjack can I just ask you something please? I am having problems finding drugs to suit,owing to side effects. They are now going to try me on Flecainide 100mg per day divided dose. Can you please tell me how many mgs. do you take for PIP. The reason being I have two appointments coming up so am delaying starting for week so that I am not too sick to get if they don't suit. I don't have persistent AF. Have not had episode since end May, so hope to get by until appointments over, then I can try this. Many thanks.
For reasons I’m sure you will understand, we are not medically trained therefore we are unable to give any advice on medication. The maximum dose anyone can take in any 24 period is 300 mgs but Flecainide is a potent drug and it is important to follow the instructions given by your doctor.
S’ok.....like you, I used to take a maintenance dose of Flecainide 2 x 50 mgs up to and for a while after my first ablation with no noticeable side effects. Whenever I took the max daily dose of 300 mgs I sometimes might get slight constipation and a mild tingling sensation around the lips but nothing of any consequence .....
I had an ablation but AF came back after a couple of years. My cardiologist doesn't advise another ablation and I take the minimum dose of Diltiazem, works really well for me.
I'm 74 and have other conditions so the ablation is more of a risk and the occasional AF episode doesn't put me out too much. I might need a pacemaker later and that would sort the AF out.
That's right, I only get (usually short) episodes when I am already unwell with something else such as respiratory virus or upset stomach. Before my ablation I was taking an antiarrhythmic drug and a higher dose of Diltiazem. For a couple of years after I took nothing except an anticoagulant but after a couple of episodes of AF I was given the smallest dose of Diltiazem and I'm feeling good. I do think an ablation is worth a shot if you can't cope with the AF especially at your age. Best wishes.
I didn't know a pacemaker helps the AF - although it makes sense. Is it something cardiologists suggest if ablation hasn't worked? Interesting post thank you
A pacemaker is often suggested as a last resort for AF though some cardiologists think it is a good solution anyway. It doesn't stop the AF but it controls the ventricles so your atria can dance the tarantella and you don't notice. My pacemaker would be because of tachybrady syndrome if I had to have one.
Hi Kevin. I have been taking diltiazem for 20 years with no side effects. I still had afib episodes but continued to take it because it helps with blood pressure. I had an ablation on July 13th 2016. I had an episode 8 days after the ablation, and then one more on May 5th 2017, probably caused from prednisone prescribed for an allergic reaction. I haven’t had an episode in over 26 months now. I continue to take one 240mg diltiazem per day and 1-1/2 propafenone150mg. I keep taking them as a preventative measure because I HATED afib episodes! I hope this helps you. Sincerely, Mike.
I am taking 240mg Diltiazam - I had long bouts of AF in the 1st three months of taking it but carried on as I was told it can take a while for you to adjust to it & for it to start working.
That is a long while to be on the same drug - I didn't know it had been available that long, good to hear it has helped you.
I am on Diltiazam 240mg dose & for me it has none of the side effects of Bisoporol.
I was on Verapamil for about 10years with no side effects it just stopped working - was put on various doses of Atenalol & Bisoporol but didn't feel well on either - heavy feeling in chest & legs & lot more ectopics than usual.
We all react very differently as can be seen from the various posts & it can take a while to find one that suits you best
Hi again Sue, yes I am home now and still in NSR, apparently all went to plan. They even said to see how I go now, without the beta blockers. Got 4 weeks off work, so nice time to rest and read my novel. Had a mild migraine this afternoon, but gone now with Rizatriptan, as I can get migraines. Feeling a bit groggy still, but ok.
My main risk of re -triggering it, is enlarged atria. Doesn't seem clear how this goes down, tho staying out if AF and managing BP is part.
So glad all went well. Don’t worry about the enlarged atria. That was probably caused by high blood pressure and the A Fib itself. As long as both are controlled it should go back to normal. 4 weeks off work sounds good. Just remember to have a lot of rest even when you feel fine. I stocked up on several paper backs and I have watched Wimbledon from the sofa every afternoon.
I find getting stressed or excited is the most worrying time, but other than a couple of hours of AF caused by some drunk, drugged idiot crashing into our car at 3.00am on Sunday morning I have been well and doing a bit more each day. I think the shock and surprise of waking so suddenly set it off, but it went back into NSR on its own when I was able to go back to bed with a cup of tea.
Keep in touch and let me know how you are progressing,
Yes thx Sue, good to know you're there. BP was a bit raised this am, now I am off the beta blockers, but not as bad as before.
Think it takes a while for the enlargement to come down ? Was going to put that up as another Q in here, but apart from that MRI on Friday showed no other big probs.
24TH june. I had enlarged atrium when I was first diagnosed five years ago, but it is normal size and thickness now. My next issue is that my MRI showed I have a large hiatus hernia. It has never caused me any problems, but I am going to get it checked out in a couple of weeks. We have a three week wait for doctors appointments here if they are non urgent.
Thx Sue, not easy all this is it! Is your hernia related to the enlargement from the AF I wonder ?
Do u mind if I ask how long it took for the enlargement to go down for u, as if yr ablation was only 24th June, did that keep it enlarged or was it already better ?
Just checked my discharge report again and MRI, says both left and right atria are enlarged, but the left atria us dilated. Not really sure of the difference !
I think it took about a year before it was back to normal. Once I had my blood pressure under control, that helped immensely. My A Fib was also easier to manage then. I'm sure that your enlargements will revert to normal once your heart has settled down.
I don't know whether the hernia ws caused by or caused the A Fib. I know that a lot of people on the forum think there is a strong link, but most mdics pooh pooh the idea. We'll just have to see what my GP says. I am very lucky with him as he has A Fib too so is very sympathetic.
Thx for asking, yes good, I hope. Was very scared walking in there, but they were all very reassuring. Took just under 2hrs, wound site healed very well, Just have to see how I go in this blanking period. All under general anesthesia, no pain now.
Feels like the wait and thinking about it, is worse than the real thing. Be great if I don't need another one. Let's see
About your dream...do you often get frightening ones like that? I did and discovered it was bisoprolol that was causing them. Medication can have weird side effects.
Diltiazem 200mg daily was not good for me, tiredness, breathlessness exercise intolerance, poor memory and brain fog. I had to take a rate control with my Flecainide. To be fair I think the dose was too high. However it was better for me than atenol for which I only stuck for two weeks , severe tiredness and exercise intolerance, and bisoprolol which i had for 7 days, take a pill and go to sleep for 4 or 5 hours after 40 minutes, plus pain and no exercise tolerance! (on 1.25mg( -now labelled as Intolerant to beta blockers)
I had an ablation 29 Jan 2018 left atria cryo. Never had a fib since. Not any issues with the procedure. Lught sedation only. Unfortunately developed 're entrant' atrial flutter right atria 8 days after , nothing to do do with the ablation most probably to do with the flecainide I was still taking. ( it promotes flutter apparently). A second RF ablation 26th Feb stopped that. Again no problem with the procedure. Came off all drugs may 15th 2018. Brilliant. Been AF & flutter free since! I do get ectopics. Usually for seconds , some times for minutes on a few occasions have lasted for hours. Had a run of long episodes in jan 19. My EP is not concerned. I just try to ignore them and usually succeed.
For all I know i had them before AF and never noticed! AF makes you hyper sensitive to all heart feelings!
I was 57.5 years old when I had the ablation. Fit apart from the AF.
Cured? Who knows I am for now! Not worrying about it. Worry makes everything worse. If I get AF tomorrow morning I will happily have another ablation tomorrow afternoon.
I appreciate the information 😊 I really am getting tired of worrying about bicycling with my kid...waking up in AFib..on and on..really starting to think ablation
This is the most positive outcomes for ablation Ive seen in a while! I did not do well with any of the AF meds 4 years ago, and haven't taken any since. Usually have frequent visits (4-26 hours at a time) from the AF monster 2x a week. In an attempt to avoid ablation, I just started the holistic approach last week. So its too soon to tell, but Im hopeful. No visits from the dark monster and Im down 2 pounds. Glad you asked this, as it provided lots of positive comments from those that have had that procedure and are out of AF for the most part. The nightmares, oh how I remember them.... Good luck
Im a problem solver also, and the last 4 years have truly been a huge struggle. I dont like treating symptoms rather find and fix the cause. Im on my 2nd week of acupuncture and herbs. So far, very good. Not out of breath and no afib.
I had an ablation a year ago and been in nsr since. I was in persistent AF prior to ablation and got breathless walking 200 yards. Feel like I've got my life back, off all af meds (bisoprolol and flecainide) and can walk for miles with no problems. I know an ablation isn't a cure but definitely improved my quality of life. I wouldn't hesitate to have another one in the future if necessary.
Diltiazem in one of my tablets since last summer, for me it is great. Year ago I had attentol but was transferred to lisinopril, flecinide and bisoprolol ( ignore my spelling mistakes). I had to change from bisoprolol because is asthma.
I am sorry to hear you are having bad dreams. I had a period of 3 months some years ago reaching the stage of not wanting to go to bed and even dreaming when trying to catch up during the day.
Things changed when I realised the dreams were waking me some times and not my heart and that the fast heart was brought on by my dreams making my heart beat faster and not always a heart problem. Just this revelation gave me more confidence at night to risk going to sleep. The improvement in my sleep and lack of dreadful dreams was immediate although I still woke some times and working on staying calm so as not to end up in hasn’t always been easy. I realised staying calm was a whole day requirement at least initially.
I used the heart CD regularly for relaxation, No salt, finding a friend I could call any time as I had noticed giving emergency services information took my brain off AF and sometimes broke the cycle. I followed all the sleep rules for good sleep routines. At one stage I changed bedrooms to a guest room to break the cycle of association. I still have the odd waking with palpitations which I keep a record of and usually they match to a few things going on where I have forgotten to follow good practice.
2 years ago I was having an AF episode 3 times a week that would last from 20 min to several hours each. Had an ablation done Nov 2017. Had one very mild episode about 10 months after that but nothing since. Only medication I’m taking is a very small dose of Atenolol (12.5 mg a day).
Dilitiazem (Cardizem brand name ) is a calcium channel blocker that helps both bp and heart rhythm. I was on it for about 3 years- no side effects- worked very well. I was also given IV dilitiazem to convert afib to NSR, and it worked both times.
Hello there , diltiazem is s terrible calcium channel blocker . Had a short experience with it , felt awful , headaches all the time ! Feeling spaced out and putting on weight within days ! Told the cardiologist who put me on it and he said , not many people tolerate it , I didn’t appreciate being used as a guinea pig ! He put me back on beta blockers and now I’ve had an ablation for svt and things are settling down nicely !
So yes go for ablation if it is offered even for Afib , very good results these days ! Good luck ,
I have been on 120 mg diltiazem for about a year. The first couple of weeks I was tired and light-headed but I got used to the meds and thought I was doing pretty well. I figured, if all I had to do is pop a pill once a day to keep the A-fib away, I could do this. Then two months ago I had another episode. Now I am on digoxin now too. I see an EP about having an ablation in about a month. I am a good candidate being otherwise healthy and only 52. I hope that the insurance will agree, but here in the states, approval can be hit or miss. I want to have the opportunity for this to go away for awhile. I know the ablation is not a cure, but I can't stand knowing that in my current situation I could have another A-fib episode at anytime. I am not ready to slow down just yet, and A-fib is doing that to my life right now.
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