Worried about other half

[NannyNooNoo]

So after being diagnosed with AF and unsuccessful cardioversion, OH has taken Amiodarone for 18 months prior to ablation last November. Following ablation, he suffered with digestive problems. Continued to take Amiodarone til he started coughing & feeling breathless; he saw his GP who immediately stopped the Amiodarone (that was 23 July). He’s since had blood test, chest x-ray, echo cardio gram and CT scan. No heart failure, but there is lung damage. Has an appointment at cardiology on 23 Aug; waiting for appointment to see respiratory specialist. He’s now on his 3rd AF episode in a week, which seems to last for several hours & wipes him out completely. We’re waiting for his GP to call him this morning. Not sure I’m asking for anything, just needed to get it all out! Friend (no AF experience!), suggested A & E, though OH doesn’t feel that’s required! Thankyou

[CDreamer]

Hi NannyNoo - of course you are worried about your OH, I worry far more about my husband’s health than my own and it is far worse watching someone you love go through stuff than suffer it yourself - in my experience. My husband is also on Amiodarone after failed CV and did have heart failure although the EF has come back up recently, thankfully so the Amiodarone worked for him but we are always concerned about the affects of Amiodarone and I would imagine the lung damage will of more concern than the AF episodes.

If we, as AF patients, are already being treated as an outpatient then I doubt whether a trip to A&E helps, I’ve certainly never found it helpful, but of course if the HR is very high (+120) for more than 24 hours or if there is chest pain or there are new or other worrying symptoms do not delay in calling for help.

It is to be expected that the episodes will wipe him out, I certainly take at least 24 hours to recover, sometimes a lot longer.

I hope you are reassured by talking to the GP who sounds as though they are on the ball. Just know that Amiodarone takes a long time to clear from the body - think months.

Best wishes CD.

[NannyNooNoo in reply to CDreamer]

Thankyou.

He has spoken to his surgery this morning. We know it takes a while for Amiodarone to clear - just hoping that the lung damage reverses. Be good to see the cardiologist to see what they suggest next for the heart; then see what the respiratory folk say! Be nice to have him back to somewhere near normal!

[NannyNooNoo in reply to CDreamer]

Just an update - GP sent us to ambulatory care yesterday. OH been having loads of blood tests, intravenous antibiotics, he’s on oxygen to try & get those levels up. They’ve said they are also going to give him steroids. They’ve mentioned pulmonary fibrosis, although he hasn’t yet seen the respiratory team - I think they’re probably information gathering & waiting to see if what’s being done changes anything before speaking to us. I darent approach Dr Google as yet - I’m hoping the respiratory people will provide us with understandable explanations. Though I’m worried sick!

[CDreamer in reply to NannyNooNoo]

So sorry, it will be a worrying time for you, best wishes CD x

[Buffafly]

💐 💛

[NannyNooNoo]

Update.....

OH still in hospital. Diagnosis is bronchial pneumonia (being treated with intravenous antibiotics) and interstitial lung disease caused by Amiodarone for which he is having steroid infusions & will then have oral steroids. Currently also on oxygen, though being gradually weaned off that. Glad to have a diagnosis and a bit of a treatment plan & we’ve got everything crossed that he will be home soon & recovery/recuperation can continue.

Such a good forum, so helpful - I’ve been dipping in & out for ages since his AF diagnosis/ablation etc.