Too many episodes?

[Borderstories1]

I’ve had at least 9 episodes of af (so far) this month. And many more of ectopic beats and odd sensations. I switched from bisoprolol to Nebivolol at the beginning of September. Diagnosed last Christmas I was having maybe 2 episodes a month roughly since then and switched to Nebivolol because the other beta blocker made me feel tired and sluggish. I don’t think the Nebivolol is working well at all for me, do I need to give it longer at a higher dose? I am unable to live my life like this. It’s distressing and depressing. I read about people here who have have only one episode a year and I’m pretty jealous. I’m 39 and have been offered ablation but am very anxious about surgery as I have previously not done well with any sort of surgery for lots of reasons (and don’t want to risk dying with four young children). Also my reading suggests long recovery and the possibility of it not working (or working less well for females) or complications/side effects I may not have even thought of. But I’m starting to feel like maybe it’s my only option for a normal-ish life again?

[BobD Volunteer]

Beta blockers do not stop arrhythmias like AF they merely control heart rate when they happen. This type of treatment is called rate control. There are drugs out there which attempt to prevent AF happening called rhythm control drugs and you may wish to discuss this with your cardiologist before making any decision.

From a personal point of view I think at your age ablation would be good but as you say there is no guarantee that it will work or how many procedures (not surgery) it may require. Remember that any and all treatment is only ever for quality of life.

[Hidden]

I agree with Bob. You are young, a lot of life ahead of you. I would go for an ablation if my a fib were that bothersome. Im 66 and one of the lucky ones who’s a fib so far isnt a frequent visitor. A good friend of mine had his ablation a couple yr ago, no issues snd no a fib. Give it some consideration.

[Shcldavies]

This is not an easy decision for you, from my experience having lived with a similar progressive condition for 24 years my advice is get the ablation. It will at least significantly improve your standard of life and as a secondary (and perhaps more significant benefit) allow for an EP study to get your condition definitively diagnosed then treated more appropriately if needed. Whilst the experience is not pleasant (its not too bad either), the difficulty you will have is the recovery, some take days, some take months during which time you will need support looking after your young children. Once recovered your will wonder why the decision was so hard in the first place, especially as you do not want this terrible condition hanging over you for the rest of your life. In regard to risk of life, you will likely have a far more risk to life without having the ablation, as without it there is no guarantee that your condition is fully known or that the drugs you given will not make things worst or have unpleasant side effects - look up my posts on ablation for an example.

[Borderstories1 in reply to Shcldavies]

Thank you I will look up your previous posts.

[Borderstories1]

I’ve no idea why you are being flippant about surgery. It’s Not for everyone. I’ve had terrible auto immune reactions with previous surgeries (not heart related) . I’ve been told it’s 50/50 whether it will work or not. It’s not a risk free procedure; neither is taking medication I know. I feel your response is like a sledge hammer. Totally lacking in any sensitivity. It’s not 1 and a half days out of your life??!! What nonsense. Even just reading all of the info available here I can see that.

[Finvola in reply to Borderstories1]

Please ignore this person - this is just his latest ID which he is using to spread nonsense.

[Borderstories1 in reply to Finvola]

Oh ok, thanks. ‘Monkeying around?!’ I’ve never felt such despair and loneliness and anxiety in my life as I have with AFib. So dismissive.

[Finvola in reply to Borderstories1]

I’ve sent you a private message.

[Finvola]

As others have said, Nebivolol is a rate control drug but it will not stop AF from happening, only rhythm control drugs can have that effect. You are very young to contemplate drug therapy long term - and, indeed to have to cope with AF. I so agree how distressing and depressing it is - I had about 9 or 10 AF episodes a month plus all the other jumps and bumps but I am much older and opted for drug therapy on the advice of my EP and my own preference.

I’m assuming your EP has given you advice about your past record with surgery and is still advising ablation? The problem you face is that no one can make the decision for you but the aim is to get back better quality of life. Is it possible for a relative or friend to be with you and the kids for a few weeks at the time of your procedure if you decide on it?

Drug therapy doesn’t suit everyone and some people cannot tolerate rhythm control drugs such as Flecainide and Propafenone but for many of us, they work.

Very best wishes with your decision.

[cuore]

My EP said, "we know that drugs will hardly solve the problem."