2 Cardioversions in 2 months AF (Ablation? Amiodarone help?)

[hilary77]

Hi I’ve had 2 cardioversions in 2 months the drugs they gave me in A&E didn’t help and my blood pressure dropped dangerously low both times. They’ve changed my Blood thinner to rivaroxaban saw the heart specialist nurse who wants me to go on Amiodarone, they are hesitant in me having ablation because of my age 70 & other serious conditions. I am having migraines almost every day which I’m putting down to the Rivaroxaban, this morning I got up with excruciating stomach and back pain which seemed to go all round like a band could this be the new blood thinner?

Now to the Amiodarone I have been reading up and tbh I am frightened of taking it with my past past medical history of Graves’ disease with TED (Thyroid Eye Disease) leading to a total thyroidectomy, Stroke, TIA’s & COPD osteoporosis arthritis and mild aortic stenosis.

I am wondering if I should consider going straight for the ablation as the specialist said that would be the only option if I have a reaction to the Amiodarone. I really don’t want to take this medication & I would so appreciate anyone’s thoughts and advice on this.

Thank You!

Hilary

[jeanjeannie50]

Hi Hilary

I can understand your hesitancy re taking Amiodarone, do they want you to take it for ever? Has your EP asked you to think about having an ablation, is it an option? Not understanding all your medical conditions it's very difficult for anyone to give an opinion.

I don't like the sound of that pain you had in your stomach and back, especially with you describing it like a band, please speak to someone about this asap. You could dial the 111 NHS number for advice right now.

Please let us know how you get on.

Jean

[hilary77 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Hi Jean thanks for replying yes she said I would be on it for life. I questioned the EP about the ablation asking if the Amiodarone gives me any side effects will I have an ablation, this is her reply below in quotes:-

“Lets see how you get on with the amiodarone. If you cannot tolerate it, then yes, we can look at referring you for an ablation. However, your past medical history does not make you a good candidate for this and hence the plan to try Amiodarone first”

I am beginning to think my medical history is going to be used as an excuse for not operating on me for anything.

I were supposed to be having an operation on my foot as we went into the first lockdown last year but had to see the orthopaedic surgeon first, obviously that appointment got cancelled since then diagnosed with COPD but the breathlessness could have been my heart problem? saw the orthopaedic surgeon at the beginning of April ‘21 who because of my medical history and the two AFib episodes this year didn’t think it was a good idea to operate so they’re going to try an injection instead.

I really feel I’m being let down sigh!

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to hilary77]

I honestly think they see us as old people who possibly wont be around much longer, so why bother doing anything. I'm in a similar position where I feel I just have to get used to living in pain.

[Deadstick]

Hi Hilary,

As jeanjeannie said, you should call the doc and try to determine the cause(s) of the pain you are having.

You could ask your EP or Cardio about Dronederone (Multaq) to help with the A-Fib. It's a newer drug. Just beware, this is usually a Tier 4 drug and the co-pays can be high depending on your plan.

Good luck to you and I hope you feel better!

[hilary77 in reply to Deadstick]

Thank You! For the information I asked about a different drug but she said it’s the only one that would be available to me, I started the Amiodarone this morning keeping fingers & toes crossed.

[Rosie0202 in reply to hilary77]

Hi I saw your post from 2 years ago. I am considering amiodarone so would you mind telling me how you got on with it. Are you still on it and what side effects you had. Also initial dosage and continuance. Thanks.

[The_Lord_is_with_Us]

I just read book THE AFIB CURE by EP John Day. He said they have advanced ablation so much today that almost any elderly person with numerous health issues can still have one.

I recommend you find the best EP you can to perform your ablation. My EP, Dr. Natale, is one of the best. They told me they do complex ablations on people up to their 90's.

At the very least, consult with a good one. I wouldn't even waste my time consulting with a mediocre EP.

The good news is .... if you get lucky the ablation might last for rest of your life. Good Luck!

[hilary77 in reply to The_Lord_is_with_Us]

Thank You! so much for the information that has put my mind at ease

[hilary77 in reply to The_Lord_is_with_Us]

I had a credit left & the book is available on audible so I got it. I’m going to listen to it now, thank you!

[bassets]

Hope you canget to the bottom of this - good luck!

[Hidden]

Would permanent AF be unacceptable to you? As long as the ventricular rate is controlled, it might be a better choice than amiodarone or ablation.

[Dee5165]

Hi Hilary,

I am 70 years old and Afib started 4 months ago, Meds only worked for days or weeks. As they increased meds, I felt worse!!! Very bad side effects so went for Cardioversion which lasted only 2 weeks!!! I decided to try to taper down to less of the poisonous beta blockers and add natural supplements to my other BP meds and Eliquis. I now take Magnesium, Hawthorn Berry, Alaskan Wild Salmon Oil, Vitamin D3 and B12. After one week my palpitations and flutter have subsided to a level of acceptance. The side effects of beta blockers was not worth the cure. I may try Cardioversion again in a few months after my heart rate stabilizes. (I read supplements take 6-8 weeks to get the benefits for Afib).

[cuore in reply to Dee5165]

I am interested in your comment "supplements take 6-8 weeks to get the benefit for Afib." Do you have the reference handy? I would like to lean more towards supplements.

[Dee5165 in reply to cuore]

HTTP://Bottomlineinc.comCheck out health/herbs, supplements

[hilary77]

Bill the reason they’re concerned my blood pressure drops dangerously low every time I have had an episode.