near daily AFib

[AnneInARizona]

My first AFib event happened while in hospital for kidney stone a few months ago. Kept having them and neither calcium channel blockers nor beta blockers helped; in fact, I felt worse on them. Cardiologist agreed that ablation is right and it’s scheduled for August 9. However, I am having daily AFib with rare exception. Consequently I am truly miserable much of the time. When I read posts of those who suffer AFib a few times a month I wonder what’s up w me. Any thoughts? Is this normal? Thanks in advance.

[Ppiman]

You're having a rough time, Anne. You have my sympathies! My episodes are far less frequent, and I cope with them well - so far - using an extra bisoprolol (beta-blocker) tablet. I think some people (and you are one) are unlucky to feel their AF much worse so an ablation is the way forwards. You'll feel much better after that, even if it's not 100% successful. You're lucky, at least, in the USA to get offered one so very quickly. It would be 12-18months over here with our beleaguered and benighted health service.

In three weeks time, you'll be feeling so much better! Remember that there's a 3 month "blanking period" after the procedure while the healing takes place and life needs to be taken rather easier.

Steve

[Monomono1234 in reply to Ppiman]

I agree Steve. Seems like ablation here in the states isn’t so common.

[AnneInARizona in reply to Ppiman]

Steve thanks for those words of encouragement. I did not know about the “3 month blanking period.” Can you tell me more about that? Thanks in advance! 😀

[Ppiman in reply to AnneInARizona]

Hi, Anne. I had an ablation for atrial flutter and was told there was no "blanking period" so that is different from atrial fibrillation. I don't know quite where the "blanking" metaphor came from, but what it means is that the inflammation caused by the burning procedure takes a few weeks to settle and heal. During this time, various arrhythmias can still occur but these aren't considered a failure of the procedure. That said, the evidence seems to be that between 3-4 weeks is the real cut off point and that any fast arrhythmia happening after this is predictive of later recurrences, although usually much less severe, initially, than pre-procedure. During this time, it's common to be asked to take it easy and to take medication to keep the heart calm.

Steve

[Thomas45]

I don't think there is a "normal" type of AF. Before treatment mine was often most weeks. The first treatment I had was Amiodarone which wasn't much use, and made me very anxious. Flecainide replaced Amiodarone after ten months, and reduced my episodes to one or two a year, until one year I was found to be in asymptomatic persistent AF. That's now permanent, for the last 7 or 8 years. I take only an anticoagulant, Warfarin being my choice. I forget I have AF.

[AnneInARizona in reply to Thomas45]

Thomas, it sounds like you’ve hit on the right treatment for you. I’m on Eliquis for anticoagulant but considered warfarin. Sounds like even after ablation I will have to continue w that. 😕

[BaileyC57]

I cannot find the right meds for my AFIB and I have it everyday, I should be getting used to it by now! I did got two days without it this week and that made me happy! I just live with it and now I do not get nervous like I did and no coffee , just decaf!

[AnneInARizona in reply to BaileyC57]

Bailey sounds like we have the same frequency. I can live w it much of the time as well but when I have shortness of breath (when I hit 120 or higher) I start to feel like I might pass out although I have never done so. It’s super hot here in Arizona and I do wonder if that is a trigger. I try to avoid going outside as much as possible but one does need to exercise the dog (5 am at the dog park to avoid as much heat as possible) and food shop. Have you tried Flecainide?

[BaileyC57 in reply to AnneInARizona]

Yes I was on Flecainide for 2 years and last October they took me off because they gave me a Eco-Gram AND there was a thicking of the wall on my heart but it is mild! This was caused by high blood pressure so they said, and Flecainide would have made it worse so I had to get off! I tried MULTAQ but that drug made me feel dizzy really bad, so now I have a appointment with a AFIB doctor end of AUGUST and see if he will prescribe a differnt drug! I do and read that all these drugs for AFIB is dangerous to take, so what do I DO?

[Dippy22]

Bless you, I felt exactly the same when I read other’s comments on here about their AFib. My episodes were happening twice a week, lasting 2-3 days at a time, with a heart rate averaging 160-180! My iWatch used to report AFib for 40-50% of the week.

I too didn’t tolerate any of the meds. In fact if they had a side effect, I got it! 🤨

Four weeks ago I had an PV ablation (I went into hospital in AFIB, not sure if that helped them). Cardiologist said it was “acutely successful” and I haven’t had an episode of any sort since the procedure. Best days work ever!! Now my iWatch reports AFib 2% of the week, which I think is the lowest it can get or it’s just picking up the odd blip.

Good luck for 9th August! By the way, I posted a video on this site by an American cardiologist, which shows a cath lab and he describes all the equipment, the numerous staff involved and the process. I highly recommend watching it as I had a bit of a shock when I walked into the cath lab.

[AnneInARizona in reply to Dippy22]

Dippy I’m encouraged by your post. I really hope the ablation helps. I’ll see if I can find the video.