I appreciate everyone on this forum, their struggles and all the answers to my questions and information that I have received. I have learned a lot. But I would dearly love to hear about some successes out there. It seems that almost 100% of what is said here is bad news. I would love to hear about some successes once in a while. I would like to learn from that as well as bad things. Thanks.
A Success is Needed: I appreciate... - Atrial Fibrillati...
A Success is Needed
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Pommerania78
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BobDVolunteer
This is a fact with forums such as this that most success stories don't waste their time coming back. I stopped having AF in 2008 but as an early member of AF Association and a volunteer I want to help those less fortunate not feel as lost as I did when first diagnosed back in 2004!
Why did you stop having AF? Thanks.
Third ablation.
Health forums tend to be skewed negatively, because people without problems don't need help and support. I had my first afib episode fifty or so years ago, but only joined forums like this a few years back when my afib became problematic. Before that, afib was a non factor in my life, so I guess close to 50 years of afib without hardly needing any treatment would be called a success 
Last year I finally had an ablation and I would call it a partial success.
Jim
But you see, how you kept it at bay for so long is one of those successes that I want to hear about. I want to learn from it. What to do. Thanks.
I had two ablations six years ago and have only had a few episodes since which I can attribute to definite triggers e.g eating spicy food, the covid vaccination! My cardiologist was surprised how well I was going! So now I need to avoid the triggers
There was a post just over a week ago with a positive outcome following an ablation: healthunlocked.com/afassoci... It is always great to hear some good positive stories! 🙂
Pommerania78 in reply to
I will look at it. Thanks.
mjames1 in reply to
Thanks for pointing that out. And for every success story posted here, there are probably hundreds of others never mentioned, either because they left the forum, or they never sought forum support in the first place.
Btw did you get that link approved by Admin
Jim
in reply to mjames1
😱😂
Hi Pommerania
it's important to note that forums often become spaces for seeking advice during difficult times. Success stories, on the other hand, tend to be less frequently shared for various reasons.
Don't worry - there are many success stories out there - people tend to come and go on the forum depending on the outcome of their treatment. For every negative you read here, I bet there's a positive or two (at least). I like Jims post - that's a positive.
Hey - there are worse things than afib knocking about. I lost a frend to cancer in her early 50s. Kind of put's it in perpective.
Paul
I agree Paul. There is some really awful conditions/diseases out there that some unfortunate people get diagnosed with unfortunately 😢
Ok successes ...
Diagnosed with AF in early 2017, so shocked and did my research . Read the LEGACY study , made lifestyle changes as advised in the study 10% weight loss/ adjusting already good diet/avoiding stress/more excercise/no alcohol/ more sleep and I would like to think this delayed the progression of my P-AF for 2 years .
I saw my GP in December 2019 to discuss trying Flecainide and an Ablation before my P-AF progressed further and was referred back to the arrhythmia clinic app in March 2020 then COVID struck . Had it not done so, my clinic appointments would not have been cancelled and I would have tried Flecainide and had an ablation earlier before my P-AF progressed to 'persistent' in January 2023 then I had 8 months of almost constant AF with a heart rate of 45+ ,breathless and sweaty , total exhausted with no quality of life. I was not even sure an ablation would work after the long delay .
As it was I had an Ablation in October last year , it was performed in Coventry by kind considerate staff and it was not nearly as unpleasant as I expected .
The Ablation was a partial success and I think had I not had to wait so long it would have been more of a success. Even so I have gone from almost constant symptomatic AF to AF that is now controllable with Flecainide and I am so grateful to be feeling better after 8 horrible months . I think the next step is a second ablation to complete what bits were left from the first and I have no fears about that at all.
Thank you very much for your post. I wonder why they didn't give you Flecainide to start with? Thanks again. I'm always amazed that people thousands of miles separated can communicate like this!
....because for the first dose, I would have had to get to A&E when in P- AF to my 'failing' local hospital, my episodes were short at that time and after waiting 15 hours on a trolley which is normal there it would have been too late to be given Flecainide .
I was eventually allowed to try Flecainide at home during COVID after seeing an EP privately , it was too risky to go to A&E with asthma and AF. By then it didn't work for me , I think my episodes were too frequent.
I'm a success!
Ten years ago I felt as if I had every arrhythmia known to medicine - my life was **** and I was terrified. I was scared to go out alone, I couldn't sit in the car to be driven downhill and I couldn't do it myself - I got dizzy and sick - the same with crossing bridges. My heart rate jiggled about from 60 to 200. Bisoprolol made things worse - I couldn't walk more than a few steps before stopping for breath. When I walked, I couldn't talk - no breath. Social occasions triggered AF - everything seemed to start it off.
I joined this forum and started learning . . . .
Then came my EP appointment and Flecainide and the AF stopped. Bisoprolol was halved and it improved things slightly. A few years later, a change to Nebivolol stopped most of the breathlessness I had experienced with Bisoprolol. I have been stable and arrhythmia-free now for about 6 years, with no AF in 10 years.
Definitely a success in my eyes.
Thank you very much for your post. Do you attribute your success primarily to Flecainide? How much do you take? Did you change your diet and other lifestyle modifications?
Absolutely - here's the link to my answers to your last post.
Just to butt in a bit, once I started Flecainide, no more episodes. Along with my beta blocker and Eliquis, that is. 6 years now! An occasional blip, but that’s it. When I mentioned the word , ablation my EP said no, not if this is working(meds). I’m hoping it’s always just meds. I don’t want anything invasive if this is working. There is ablation as the last option for me. So, I would think one would start with meds and move forward as needed, not go straight to ablation. This forum of amazing, generous people is a Godsend❤️
I have also had success with Flecainide and metoprolol. started end of November 2022 and after a 3 month period afib episodes stopped entirely. I was starting to have them almost every day. Feels kinda like a miracle. I’m aware it could start up again. I also made changes in diet, reduced alcohol to occasional 1/2 glass of wine , increased exercise and lost 24 pounds. Interestingly my afib got worse after weight loss so maybe mucked up my electrolytes a bit or maybe coincidence, but in general feel healthier . But I think it’s the flecaide that helped keep me in rhythm . I do have some issues with metoprolol, mainly lowering my heart rate and blood pressure which are already on the low side and have regained about 4 pounds which is worrying but it feels great to be free of the afib episodes. Also on Eliquis for stroke prevention . I’m 72. It’s only a number, right
Yes, I forgot it to mention the Eliquis I’m on. My biggest challenge is the inability to lose weight. I don’t need a lifestyle change as that was never an issue. Eat well, exercise regularly. What is your weight loss secret? It sounds like you and I have had the same experience with AFib and treatment. ❤️I’m 67.
I use an app called myfitness pal and log my weight daily, keep my calories to a set level which they help you determine based on how much weight you want to lose over what period of time (eg lose 1 pond a week or 2 pounds a month etc). It also syncs with my Apple Watch to add exercise. I lost 24 pounds over about 4-5 month period but was living on 12-1300 or so caloeries a day which is not a lot. And like I said I have gained 4 pounds back since starting on the Metoprolol Flecainide cocktail and finding it a struggle to lose those few pounds. That is the major problem I having with the drugs and hoping I can manage it.
How much Flecainide do you take and after you started taking it how long was it before the AF stopped? Thanks.
I take 50 mg at 8:30 am and 50 mg at 8:30 pm. My AF was paroxysmal and the events were getting closer together so they stopped immediately when I started the combo. I originally only started metoprolol twice a day, 25 mg in am and 12.5 in the evening. It was when that stopped working alone, when the events became more frequent, that the doc added the Flecainide. And then that’s also when Wliquis was added. Now I’m right and rain!❤️
Thanks. How long did it take for the Flecainide to work and how long has it worked?
It was immediate. On it 2+ years.
My situation pretty similar with some nuances. I was trying metoprolol alone and it wasn’t really working so added flecainide 50 mg morning and night along with 25 mg metoprolol morning and night. I continued with some afib over 3 months then it suddenly stopped entirely March 5, 2023. I was very fatigued probably due to heart rate in 40s often and Blood pressure dipping to low so my PCP did some tests to rule out other issues ( thyroid, glucose, B12, other), found my B12 a little low so added a supplement and stopped the morning metoprolol so that I now take only one 25 mg tablet in the evening, along with 50 mg flecainide in both morning and evening. Still no afib since March 2023. I’m less tired and not nodding out at 9:30 in the morning. I also have PAF, was diagnosed at age 67, 5 years ago. Also take Eliquis for stroke prevention.
As others have said usually in groups like this there is a predominance of people who've run into problems of one sort or another.Perhaps a starting point is deciding what "success" looks like. At first it is great to get through the worrying time of diagnosis and treatment plan.
Another good outcome is recognising what is normal for you. As you will have gathered AF is different for each and every one of us. You will be overjoyed once you establish how your heart behaves ( or maybe misbehaves) and can reassure yourself with "oh yes, that has happened before".
It is also great if you can find out what your health care team advise you to do in given circumstances. Sometimes like me, you get conflicting advice e.g GP -Go to A&E if no better in 40 mins. Coronary care nurses - come straight away. Cardiologist - try and get back to sleep, if no better come in next morning (unless feeling ill and chest pain).
I think what I'm trying to say is first establish your definition of success for we all have different success stories throughout our AF trajectory.
Like many others my AF is very manageable with meds, long may it continue.
What do you mean by manageable? Thanks.
I have episodes of tachycardia, some a bit AF ish ( irregular) some regular and only about 120 if regular a bit more if AF. Usually occur every couple of months and if I am somewhere I can lie down they stop within 5-10 minutes. I have no other symptoms apart from the fluttery throat thing and if out, I carry on and ok until home but remain tachy. Dischargedfrom Cardiology in '13 then rereferral visits x2 in 22/23 now discharged again. I do have a BP machine but nothing else to check what it is.
Great reply, success is part of all of our stories depending on which perspective we look at those stories from.
I now only have AF when I have an infection but it took 5 years of meds - which made things worse for me - 2 ablations and then pacemaker. My AF, when it happens, is now not nearly as disabling as it once was and I have had about 5/20 years of absolutely no AF with treatments. Would you call that a success? It’s not ‘cured’ but it is well managed and without any drugs.
Thanks. I'm not sure what "5/20" mean? What were the treatments that made you not have any AF?
I still have AF now but treatments gave me 5 out of 20 years without AF. The treatments - mentioned in my reply - drugs for a few years - made things a lot worse. 2 Ablations - 1st made things worse, 2nd helped and no AF episodes for 3 years. AF gradually returned but not as symptomatic so eventually had to go for last resort - Pace and Ablate but Pacing stopped the AF - immediately so cancelled the AV node ablation. Then COVID + the jabs and AF returned but has now gradually diminished so occasional episodes which are not that disruptive to living a relatively normal life.
I would call that successful management but it’s not a cure
I have PAF (diagnosed 2019) . Last AF episode was 6 weeks ago but only lasted a couple of hours and it doesn't stop me from doing things. Changed magnesium since then (aspartate to taurate with higher magnesium content). Still early days but I think it might be helping. On Metoprolol and Flecainide but don't appear to have any side effects i.e. all the benefits/none of the problems - except Metoprolol might be part of the reason I struggle to sleep for than 4 to 5 hours before waking and often have trouble getting back to sleep. That's the main reason I changed to mag taurate (supposedly positive for sleeping).
I believe I've learnt a lot about my triggers and will be trialling reduced meds (previously discussed with my cardiologist) ahead of seeing cardiologist for annual checkup in late March.
CHA2DS2-VASc=0 and coronary artery calcium score 0 when last done in 2019
I consider my PAF burden to be very low and I lead a "normal" active life.
I have gone from constant Afib to normal sinus rhythm.... gone from feeling exhausted to feeling so good. I had forgotten what it felt like to feel good... to be able to do normal things without feeling like I better sit down. I had an ablation procedure last June. I was in normal sinus rhythm only othree days, and then went back into Afib. Shortly afterwards in July, I was given a cardioversion. It put me back into sinus rhythm has lasted to this day. I am so very grateful. I have been given another opportunity to experience a life I didn't expect to experience again. There is always hope. Praise God!
Diagnosed with Afib in 2018. I’ve had three cardioversions and two ablations. I’m on Propafenone and Metoprolol. I avoid caffeine. I’ve been in NSR for about two years. Hang in there.
Hi, so I used to get AF every few days, changed my lifestyle- more exercise, vegan diet, weight loss, cut back on my meds (I still take a minimum dose of Losartan and Metoprolol for blood pressure)- haven't had an episode in about a year now. Deep breathing when anxiety comes on is also helpful. Sorry its difficult for you right now- take courage. Its human nature to find ways to adapt to undesirable situations like AF episodes (like what you did, asking for success stories), and gradually stop worrying so much. Without worry, its easier to deal with and figure out what you want to do.
I would like more details, if you don't mind, about your diet, etc. Thanks.
I see a lot of success stories on here - particularly in the replies. Of course those posts asking for help will likely be less positive, as people are often worried when they come to a forum.
Though I think it is important that the forum represents everyone with AF - from those with brilliantly successful ablations and other procedures , those who can control it well with lifestyle, right through to people who don’t actually beat the progression but can still get on with their lives. This is such a broad-ranging condition, and what works for one person might not work for another.
I had AF for a long while but it didn't bother me that much. Was diagnosed in 2013 when I had a hysterectomy. My doctor gave me some bisoprolol and I took one occasionally when my heart was racing. Had a fall in 2018 and ended up in hospital and again told I had AF. I bought a wrist monitor which was useless.
In May 2019 I bought an Apple watch and could finally see what was going on. Got an appointment to see the community health doctor in October 2019 and had an ablation in July 2020. The watch showed me that I was in AF for a third of the time with HRs going up to 200.
After the ablation I had an attack of migraine every day for eleven days. That's what brought me to this forum. However, I haven't had a single attack of AF for the past three and a half years.
Because of the forum I've been taking 2000iu of vitamin D every day and feel very well. I am working on my gut biome! I am 87.
I think the things that make me hesitant are:
What worked for me, finding that I had celiac disease and avoiding gluten, losing weight, controlling constipation and stomach gas much better, reducing some meds and exercising regularly, may not apply to others.
My improvement has only been over the past 14 months and is still in "knock on wood" mode. I was having an Afib event every 2 weeks that lasted 12-24 hours, but I have had only 5-6 total during the 14 months. I am still a bit wary about claiming success.
I think people don't like to talk too much about their success in light of those who are struggling. It feels insensitive.
You are right, though, success stories can be encouraging and also valuable if successful treatments and other measures discussed help you find answers.
We all wish you well, and that is a good thing, too!
Fibnum
Hi Pommerania78. Happy to provide a positive experience....Having suffered with intermittent AF for about 18 months, I went into persistent A.F. at the end of July 2022. (I was being treated with Bisoprolol x10mg & Apixiban during this time)
I had a Cryo ablation in Feb 23 which was aborted part way through due to injury to a Phrenic nerve, and I basically remained in persistent AF.
In July 23 I was prescribed Amiodarone (as a precursor to an R.F. Ablation)
After a week the Amiodarone put me back into NSR - ending 12 months of persistent AF.
Pleased to say I didn't suffer any obvious side effects to the Amiodarone and I felt great being in NSR again.
I had the R,F, Ablation last November. This went smoothly and they also identified an anatomical anomaly in my heart which is probably what complicated the Cryo Ablation. (Two of my Pulmonary veins merge into one as they enter the Atrium).
I was taken off the Amiodarone a week ago. Hopefully the 2nd Ablation will keep me in NSR once the Amiodarone has worn off - fingers crossed.
All treatment has been via UHCW Cardiac depth who have been brilliant.
I was going to give an update a bit further down the line after hopefully staying in NSR longer - but pleased to share the - looking good so far - update.
Take care. Den
Thanks. Did you ever do any lifestyle modifications?
Yes. I have always been active and continue to be so . & although I wasn't carrying much excess weight I dropped from 13st to 12st.Also, even though I never really drank a lot, I cut out all alcohol at the same time as I went on the Amiodarone. Haven't missed it, but had a total of two bottles of wine over the Christmas period.
For years now my diet is mostly vegetables with Chicken, cheese & fish. (Always supplemented with daily treats of cake though:))
Good luck with your own health & hope you keep well.
You may find my story is not quite what you are thinking.
I started having AF issues over 30 years ago.
After relying on medication and numerous cardioversions many years. I had 7 ablations over a period of 10 years the last one was in 2017.
After the last ablation my AF gradually became less and less frequent and I have now been AF free for just short of 2 years.
Never give up was my motto and I have been fortunate that the EP who has looked after me for the past 10 years also didn’t give up helping me.
Pete
Sometimes it is difficult to know how you identify a success and whether we would all agree on what is a 'success'. But in my case I believe myself to be a success although I am not 'cured' of AF. I have had AF since the age of 47.
Despite various problems since then including a stroke, and being told I am in permanent AF, I am now 77. But in those 30 years I held down a very demanding job and voluntary work for ten years, working all hours, until 57, then 20 more years in retirement renovating buildings and doing a massive garden. While I thought the stroke nearly four years ago now, was the end, I can now function very actively on sotalol and anticoagulants, and I walk and work daily in ways that few other 77 year olds can do that I know. I rarely notice the AF even though it is permanent and the only real symptom is the tiredness and breathlessness on exercise. I just have to tailor my activity to my condition.
To my mind, this is success. My quality of life is good. I am able to keep active and involved. I have reached a good age. AF need not be something that ruins our lives.
We do not necessarily need a magic cure or new treatment, but it is important above all to do all you can to eat and exercise well to improve general health.
I've had AF 20 years, about 10 years constant. AF started in my late 20s. No known reason/ trigger but strong family history of cardiac issues including cardiomyopathy A couple of years ago when things suddenly declined for me,I stumbled across (after an A and E admission) a cardiologist and then an EP who were not put off by my long back story. Regime of medication, followed by cardioversion, followed by 3 ablations ensued. All thought to have failed. But 5 months after last one whilst off all meds (ready for a switch) I went into NSR. Been there since. That was last May.
Recent MRI showed ejection fraction of 64% whereas previously 43% and was about to start heart failure meds.
I call that a success story and I'm extremely grateful to the cardiologist and EP for not giving up on me.
I'm now not on any medication for the heart.
Great to hear
That sounds wonderful. How do you account for your success? Was diet or something else? Thanks.
I had fast AF around 180/190bmp every other day back in 2021. The cardiologist found a cancellation after I presented every day at AandE and I had an ablation the following week. It has been partially successful but I take 75g morning and night of flecainide and maybe get an episode once a month for no longer than an hour. I can live with all of that I have regular checks of my heart and everything is good. I consider myself lucky. I am 64.
I had a Cardioversion in October which was successful. Remaining on very small beta blocker dose but no episodes. I’m back running most days, feeling good but in the mindset that it isn’t a permanent cure. The cardiologist said he was 100% certain AF would return at some point in the future. In terms of what I have changed nothing much but have not had any alcohol since my Cardioversion in case that is a trigger.
Hi Pommerania, us all being here is a success? 😁
Yes, l agree totally. I am gtateful they found my AF as it’s difficult to catch on ECG. and l would have been a candidate for a stroke. There could have been a much worse diagnosis. It’s treatable, not curable and not life threatening. We have all found our own way through this and it’s taken time to adjust and succeed in a better quality of life. The advice on here is second to none, but we have to take all the advice on board and then find what is advantageous to us as unique individuals. No one can do this for you only you know how you feel.
I had 3 years 8 months in remission after a cardioversion, and avoided foods that seemed to lead to ectopic beats. Currently back in persistent AF, but due another cardioversion in 2 weeks' time.
Did you ever take medicine? Thanks.
Yes, throughout since first diagnosis, I've been on rivaroxaban (anticoagulant) and varying doses of bisoprolol.
when I was first diagnosed withAF I was started on a low dose of Flecainide. over the years I was offered ablation but bit frightened at the idea. AF wasn’t bad enough that it affected my sport(tennis ,golf)it mainly happened at night so took Flecainide and was gone by morning. It gradually got worse so was then on highest dose300 at night and morning. When it started to affect my sport I decided on ablation which was successful other than a slight flutter which doesn’t bother me. I now take low dose of Flecainide for the flutter. It is now six and half years since ablation and I feel great. I am 75 play tennis2-3 times a week plus golf once a week. I feel I could give up Flecainide and plan to ask about doing so next time I see him. I am also taking Apixipan and Verapamil.
At this point do you have AF at all? Thanks.
Not really. Maybe a few seconds blip very very very occasionally in the evening and the odd little flutter. Nothing to speak off
My success story - I had an ablation one year ago today which happens to have been my precious mother's birthday and I can tell you its one of the best decisions of my life! I strive to eat well and exercise each day! Blessings your way...
Thanks. Did you also change your diet and other lifestyle modifications?
I do a lot more herbal remedies and drink a lot of herbal teas each and everyday. I try to get a bit more exercise and sun rays than before as well!
Hi there,
I had a pacemaker fitted before Christmas. I still take 100mg Flecainide twice daily and, after my first check up, where the diagnostic test proved I was still about 14% in PAF ( it doesn’t bother me too much as previously it was 85% ) the Propranolol I also take has been increased for 10mg to 20 mg twice daily
I feel relieved and hopeful for the future.
Hope this positive text helps.
Thanks for replying.
I'd been on another forum after a heart attack about 5 years ago but when I started having an erratic heartbeat in October 22 right after my covid booster.I joined this one while I waited for a holter monitor. By the time I got the monitor It had gone back to normal. so I had no diagnosis and stayed on here. Inteh middle of this year I had another bad attack and 4 days i n hospital after which I was told it was an extrasystolic arrhythmia (confirmed). So I guess that was a good result. However I went to the G P yesterday about something else. She checked my pulse and insisted she could feel AF . No matter what I said about the previous hospital admission, she wouldn't look at the discharge letter and insisted on doing an ECG immediately. She was absolutely adamant it was AF. ----until the ECG confirmed that it wasn't. It was simply 2 or 3 ectopics. Some doctors just seem to like to look for the worst scenario. And no I don't have pancreatitis which she was also certain was the cause of my stomach pain and did an immediate blood test. It's simply a grumbling peptic ulcer -again. I'm all in favour of being careful but that really was overkill. I've still got to w ait for the scan she insisted I need.
Hello I can share my story I had an ablation done 4 years ago and since that time I may have gone into afib a couple times I'm not even completely sure, but I came out of it rather quickly. Previously when I was in persistent afib prior to the ablation when I went into it I couldn't get out without being converted. I definitely was blessed after my ablation I opened my eyes I immediately felt better and I had a very simple and straightforward recovery no issues at all. Perhaps there's not more success stories shared because of those people who are still struggling and seem to be much worse off than you may be and you don't want to make someone feel worse
Hello from Canada
My little bit of good news is that Flecanaid works like a charm. The only other med I take is xaralto. I did quit alcohol, and caffine. I did not lose weight. I am thankful every day that my heart is in the upper fitness level.
Thanks. How long have you taken Flecanaid and at what strength?
I have been taking 100 x twice a day.. I was diagnosed 4 years ago.
How long did it take for the Flecainide to start working? Thanks.
Ive hsd sortbof a success, at this point. I developed afib about 2 weeks after a significant loss and a lot of stress. It turned out I was overmedicated for hypothyroidism. The metoprolol, diltiazem, snd Eliquis, all made me really sick. Do sick I felt I was dying, and could only sit there crying. My echo was not bad, ejection fraction was ok though grade 2 diastolic dysfunction was found. My thyroid replacement has been reduced, in steos, by 20%. After doing this current thyroid level for 6 months, I gradually phased out the drugs, and after that, had a 30 day monitor, that didn't find a single off beat. My cardiologist turned me loose from the drugs since I was doing so well without them after reducing my thyroid meds. I'm still fiddling with thyroid dosage, and still seeking a good thyroid doctor, but doing pretty well. I use a kardia to check my heart rhythm, and a Fitbit to monitor at night, though that Fitbit has stopped working. Overall, I'm feeling good. I think I had it easy, compared to so many folks, and I'm grateful.
This is a bit late but here goes - I was having two ir three symptomatic attacks every week and at my wit's end when I had an ablation. It wasn't 100% successful as I am still taking low doses of Fleciniade and dilitiazem after a breakthrough, but I haven't had an attack since 2021. I think the ablation helped enormously and would consider aniother if I need one in future. My EP suggests leaving well alone for now. I did lose 2 stones, stopped caffeine and alcohol and exercised more too. Hope this helps.
No AF these days ..... can't remember last hit of AF, maybe as far back as 4 years .... high BP for some time due to 24/7 pain in both shoulders, left particularly from a ripped tendon. Don't even think of AF, just wish pain was as easy to eliminate as AF.
That said, I don't regard my AF as cured, very, very highly controlled - yes ! probably won't return - but that may well be influenced by the degree of pain - ongoing.
Thanks. How did you achieve this success?
Simples ....
1 - Upon original diagnosis ( 2010) was put on Warfarin and Bisoprolol - for life. At this time I declined Ablation as a way forward. Drugs were the way forward for me. These two drugs were an addition to my then existing party bag comprising Ramipril, Simvastatin ... many years later was added Felodopine.
Discovered my trigger ... food!
2 - Consulted nutritionist and followed her advice. Diet !
3 - Maintained drug therapy ... and still do.
4 - Gradually, oh so slowly AF events reduced until about 4 years ago they stopped.
5 - Medication still continues .... 4 life! Job done. Sorted ! But not cured.
Why do you feel that you are not cured? Thanks.
..... because, after 14 years of reading AF'ers posts on this current forum, and its previous incarnation hosted by Yahoo, I see that AF is all things to all people and can manifest itself in so many ways. I regard it as a most untrustworthy medical condition ......... as untrustworthy as a great many politicians ..... so keeping in that (untrustworthy) mindset keeps me safe. I have my own personal preferences of monitoring devices and I use them all at one time or an another if I feel the need bearing in mind that my original Cardio Consultant described me as asymptomatic. But, as I've said, right now .... I'm home free.
So for me, my personal mantra would be .... I don't trust .. I'm not disappointed.
I also prefer to look after myself, care for my own well being. Interestingly, I have been living in my current home - down the pointy end of Cornwall since Sept 2012. In that time I have had two GP's in my existing GP practice ..... I have never had to see/consult either of them about my AF condition or any flare ups of it. All they do/have done since 2012 is sign off on my repeat prescriptions. In addition, working hand in glove with meds is my approach to diet which I've written about a great many times.
Hi Pomemerania.... Great post!I think the answer is it's all relative. It's about quality of life and that's what I focus on rather than conditions per say.
If Afib is well managed and the person feels well and active then in my book that IS a success story. So it's not necessarily about a cure in the sense that the Afib condition is gone. To achieve this is about what works best for that person.
And of course the usual course is low interventions first, like lifestyle changes, medication and then more invasive intervention like conversion, ablation (catheter or mini maze or pace and ablate) if the lower interventions don't or cease to work to give you a good QoL. For some it's a combination of all the levels that gives them that. We are all different. There are many sucess stories of people doing very well om the lower end of interventions and others who have had it all.
For me I ended up moving through to the more invasive end of treatment and that has worked for me. However I had quite a few years before that when lifestyle and medications worked well. For me my Afib progressed but for others it stays low grade. There's no knowing which you will be but it's about knowing your options and working through them as and when needed. And ensuring your getting great advice/monitoring from an EP.
I just don't think one particular thing works for all.... which is why you get a very varied response in replies. For example I cut caffeine and alcohol out but in all honesty it made no difference so after years of banning it, occasionally I now allow a little bit.
And yes on a forum you will always hear far far more about problems than the many sucess stories as people often move on once they feel better.
I know all this may sound a bit vague. I don't want to advocate a particular approach other than anti coag or other measures to lower risk of stroke. Keeping an open mind is really important.
I wish you much success as you work through the options and suggestions others have tried and found to be sucessful for them.
Thanks. What were your lifestyle modifications?
My lifestyle modifications are changing as am post op. But I've recently fully retired fully so can pace myself and take life at a more gentle pace. Avoiding high stress, moderate exercise, not high intensity, eating healthily, being kinder to myself. Thinking of taking up meditation as I tend to worry.
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