AF Continues.

[dindy]

I had to go for a ecg 2 days ago which was about 8 weeks after my cardioversion. Today the phone conversation told me I had gone back into AF. Disappointed but to be honest not unexpected. I am one of those that do not experience any symptoms and the only way I suspected I had gone back into AF was when I go for a 1.5 mile walk my heart rate was started to climb, but this time nowhere near or over the red zone for my age.

To be honest even though I have gone back into cardio my breathing has improved when exercising and generally do not feel any more tired than before I started Afib.

They have booked me in to try cardioversion again but this time they are putting me on Amiodrone for 3 weeks from what I can gather but will fully understand once I pick up the prescription from hospital. I think 3 tablets a days for 1st week, 2 a day for 2nd week and finally one tablet a day for final 3rd week.

I was told it is a particularly strong drug which can cause problems with eyes, lungs, thyroid and sunburn! I have read how members do not like this drug and I can see me going from a reasonable active fit-ish 7almost 74 old to a total wreck. Since I had AF diagnosed I have been pretty upbeat now I got to take this awful drug I feel is it really worth bothering about, I just feel so depressed.

[BobD Volunteer]

Short term use such as this should not be a major problem and is often tried to see if cardioversion can work and or make you feel better.

If you are, as you say, largely asymptomatic then rate control and of course anticoagulation are all that are needed.

[CDreamer]

Amiodarone is the most effective drug for arrythmias and as BobD says, short term use rarely causes problems and will give you the best chance of cardioversion working. My husband was in persistent AF and cardioversion only worked for 7 secs but he reverted to NSR after 3 months on Amiodarone and has been on it for nearly 3 years now without consequences. He has regular monitoring for affects and keeps out of sun so just ensure you have baseline Thyroid, kidney and liver function tests prior to starting and you have those monitored by your GP every 3-6 months.

It is of course an optional treatment and you can just say no.,

Best wishes and hope it works for you.

[Singwell]

I have no experience of this drug but it's I'm on a couple of hefty drugs too and it's alarming to read what they can do. I cover up in the sun now (Diltiazem) and have to remind my GP to check liver, kidney and platelets. As CDreamer says - get your bloods done regularly. Speak to your GP or write to them and say why you'll need the tests. I find that usually works. Or, ask the hospital to direct the GP to do tests in your discharge report.Bear in mind you may not even have these side effects. Keep hydrated and continue with healthy lifestyle. 🤞 The cardioversion does the trick.

[seasicksurf]

I was on amiodarone for 3 months following an ablation 4 months ago. The doc stopped both apixaban and amiodarone at my 90-day follow-up about a month ago. The first week on the drug I just wanted to sleep. It just makes you very tired, but I did get used to it after a few weeks and napped less. Note that the drug stays in your system for a long time (3-month half-life). Even though I’ve been off of it for several weeks now, I am still very susceptible to sunburn. I had very minor blurry vision at times, but didn’t notice any pulmonary effects. Not totally sure it made the difference for me getting better, but I’m back to SR for many weeks and feeling good—while working the drug out of my system. I’m in my mid 60’s and have resumed very active exercise schedule. Just have to do it with lots of sunscreen. No other side effects at this point. Good luck to you.