Persistent Afib

[luvthebeach]

My husband has persistent afib. He has had it for years, He is 74. He had several cardio versions which worked for a short time. About 4 weeks ago he had an ablation. He is still in afib and hasn’t been the same since. He has a cough and is extremely tired. He felt fine and was very active before the ablation. He chose to have the ablation because he said he wanted to be normal.

The ablation is very invasive and for him it was difficult.

[BobD Volunteer]

Quite normal actually. Few people appreciate how long it takes to recover so read this. heartrhythmalliance.org/res.... A patients report on the reality of recovery from ablation. Don't be down-hearted as it is really very early days.

[luvthebeach in reply to BobD]

Thank you, very good to read. I wish doctors would give patients this info..

[REITIRED]

I am new to afib and am on meds - episode was short and brought on by an illness and possibly dehydration but cardiologist put me on elilquis and multaq 2x a day...no side effects. I do still have some palpitations and am afraid the dr will suggest ablation...which I don't really want. Anxious about it all. Praying these meds will do the trick.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to REITIRED]

Ablation is not the terrible thing you think (I've had three and no AF since 2008) but do understand that any and all treatament for AF is mainly for quality of life (QOL). AF is a long journey.

[luvthebeach in reply to BobD]

Everyone is different in their reactions.

[psfitwalker]

Tell your husband to not be discouraged. I too have persistent AFIB. I had Ablation at the end of July 2020. Went into AFIB several times afterwards until October and had to be cardioverted. In January 2021 I was still feeling bad. Tired, short of breath, etc. I started trying to build my strength. I started walking daily. I thought if nothing else I would at least boost my mood by being outdoors. No small feat, since I live in the US in a northern state. Fast forward to today. I’m biking 20-30 miles a day and have just ordered a new racing bike. I usually attend 2 outdoor concerts a week, go to garden shows, take my grandchildren on outings, swimming, etc. I feel fabulous. Oh I forgot to tell you I’m 69 years young.

[mav7 in reply to psfitwalker]

Congrats on your progress !

Would you please share your resting heart rate with persistent afib and medications ?

I am 74 also have persistent afib. Eliquis and 50gm metoprolol with resting HR averaging in the low to mid 80's. Walking exercise and stress can bring HR into the high 80's, low 90's.

No symptoms except lack of energy. Cardiologist says ok at this point.

[luvthebeach in reply to mav7]

Hello my resting heart rate is 70 to 85.I take xarelto 20mg, and amiodarone, 100 mg

No symptoms. Energy level good 6 weeks after ablation but back in afib. Persistent cough.

[mav7 in reply to luvthebeach]

Thx for the reply !

Yes, cardiologist offered cardioversion. But he stated afib recurrence common. May consider if symptoms worsen.

Are you in the US ? From reading this forum, seems ablation is more common in UK though it may have more to do with symptoms.

[luvthebeach in reply to mav7]

Yes..I have had 5 cardio versions through the years. One worked for over a year, but each time I drank alcohol I went right back into afib. I am in the US.