Permanent AF

[purpleswimmer]

Hey I was diagnosed with heart failure in January and ended up in hospital. I was told to exercise and left hospital on bumetanide, bisoprolol and lisinoprol. I had been on digoxin in hospital but came off before leaving. Over a few weeks O began to feel better and got some confidence back and started walking my dog again building up distance. I was suffering with a kind of heartburn but without the burn, lots of burping and mild nausea doc gave me lanzoprazole but I did not feel they were helping and my nausea was worse. I have always had issue with side effects on meds. A visit to cardiologist and he prescribed spironolactone for no apparent reason? I was not retaining excess fluid and although blood pressure low it was not too low. This only increased my nausea. I and I still had this lumpy feeling in my chest and was burping continuously doc doubled up the lanzoprazole. Nausea was worse. I then had another episode when I think I pushed myself too hard with walking etc. Doc put me back on digoxin and although it did the trick as far as the AF was concerned the nausea was unreal. Changed from lanzoprazole to omeprazole but still felt sicky all the time and had the burping. It all came to a head when after a couple of weeks the nausea was so bad I could not function. Long story but eventually had to cut out all meds except the three I came out of hospital on. After a couple of weeks I have had another AF episode well I say another but since buying the Kardia machine I now realise even with low heart rate it is still erratic. Should I be considered for some sort of surgery? Sorry for lengthy story. Cx

[Hidden]

Did they investigate your nausea such as looking in to your esophagus and stomach? Your symptoms of burping, nausea may or may not be heart related. Try elevating the head of your bed when sleeping and not lying down for 2 hours after eating. Make sure you are staying hydrated. Im sorry you are feeling so bad. Hope it gets resolved soon.

[Hidden]

First I suggest you take a look at the first pinned post to the right of this page headed ‘Useful links for Newbies and Oldies”. From there you can navigate through some helpful webpages about treatment options for AF.

You refer to permanent AF which by definition means that a conclusion has been drawn that you cannot be reverted back in to normal sinus rhythm but this is generally only the case if you have not responded to a cardioversion.

You need to be sure you understand the differences between Paroxysmal, Persistent and Permanent AF.

I’m not medically trained, but it might be that your other heart issues prevent you from having a cardioversion or an ablation but this can only be discussed with your doctor. Should it be the case, all is not lost because although it may take time to get the balance of medication right for you, there are millions of people that go on to live relatively normal lives with permanent AF.......

[purpleswimmer in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. As I said not been told what kind it is. I am not seeing cardiologist till October and will discuss all this with him. I am just worried that if I cant take meds that I am then stuck. I am so scared I might never have 'normal ' life again.xx

[CDreamer]

Totally agree with Hoski. I would suggest you ask for further investigations for GERD and I would also suggest you also ask for a breath test for SIBO if the PPI’s didn’t help. SIBO is quite easy to treat with antibiotics.

gastrolondon.co.uk/overview...

Your symptoms may be med related, but other causes need to be ruled out. It’s so difficult when you have so many affects from medication - I can’t take any heart medications at all so have ended up with a Pacemaker and that has helped me considerably.

What sort of surgery were you thinking of? If your AF is coming and going then it is unlikely to be permanent but if you are in HF you may need to talk to your cardiologist about the cause of HF. My husband was in a similar position about 18 months ago but was put on Amiodarone (though that can have very bad affects on the Thyroid especially) but that has dramatically improved his situation and rarely has AF now and because the AF caused the HF, his quality of life is much better. Sometimes AF causes HF but sometime HF causes the AF.

Take up FJ’s suggestion and read as much as you can so that you can have a knowledgeable conversation with your doctors. The Doctors are the experts on disease but you are the expert on you.

Don’t get ahead too far ahead of yourself, if you are able to manage your digestive problems, you may find it will help your AF & HF symptoms.

Best wishes CD

[purpleswimmer in reply to CDreamer]

Hi. Thanks not sure what surgery. Just feel if meds not working then maybe something else would help. I am currently waiting on info re af and have stuff on hf. I am not sure what GERD SIBO and PPI is. Xx

[CDreamer in reply to purpleswimmer]

GERD = acid reflux. SIBO is when bacteria from the lower bowel migrate to where they shouldn’t be, in the upper bowel or stomach and PPI is a protein pump inhibitor - medication to reduce acid in the stomach.

Your GP should be able to investigate the cause of these symptoms and provide treatment.

[Jaws66]

If you are not happy, call your GP. They will try to help, and should answer your questions. If they think there is an issue with your meds, they may get you an earlier appointment. Either way, you will have the chance to explain your problems and ask questions. Uncertainty will just raise your stress levels, which isn't good for your heart !

[purpleswimmer in reply to Jaws66]

Thank you I have spoken to GP and had meds cut down but just cant get on top of this nausea and burping. Xx

[purpleswimmer]

Thank you so much for all this info. Have spoken to GP and my cardiologist appointment brought forward from October to end of June. I am trying to read up as much as possible. Xc