Permanent AFib

[farewelltoarms]

Started on Digoxin .25 daily for past six days and cut Lopressor down to 25 twice a day. Am going to try to wean off. HR 80-110. Generally do not feel well and am going to revisit ablation. I had blurring of vision and dizziness on higher doses of Lopressor alone. Last cardioversion only lasted two weeks. Now in permanent afib. Any comments? Help? Appreciate it.

[Spoiler]

I had my 3rd ablation April 28th, 2023 at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. I was not sure about it, but if anyone could help, it was the place to go. No afib in over a year now, off of Flecainide and 1/2 Metoprolol dose. Best year since afib began 10 years ago. We are all different, but I am SO glad I did not give up. 17 cardioversions and so many meds over the 10 year period. We each have to discuss all our different health issues with our physicians and decide what we feel is best. Blessings to you, most of us here understand and wish you the best of outcomes.

[farewelltoarms in reply to Spoiler]

Thank you. Much appreciate your comments.

[Omniscient1]

Lopressor reduces blood pressure I think (metropolol here). Sounds like you need to get the dosage of that sorted.If I was you... I'd keep investigating interventions, like ablation as you say, until it becomes pointless, then concede you're in permanent AF.

[farewelltoarms in reply to Omniscient1]

thank you for your reply.

[Rainfern]

I found digoxin really helpful while waiting for an ablation. I had persistent Afib and my EP explained the digoxin would strengthen the heartbeat without reducing blood pressure which bisoprolol is inclined to do. It’s an old fashioned and well tested drug. Persistent AF only becomes “permanent” when you and the cardio team decide not to attempt any further procedures to return to NSR, so good luck in re-visiting ablation.

[farewelltoarms in reply to Rainfern]

Thank you. So much appreciated.

[Cavalierrubie]

l am not as far ahead as you yet, but l expect l will catch you up one day. AF is progressive so we will all probably go the same route. Some have gone before and some are behind you. I just want to wish you luck and hope all goes well with your procedures. Tweeking the meds.will make you feel off, until your body adjusts. Try not to worry and remember you will be ok, well looked after. I met a lady in the dr’s last week who had just had a pacemaker fitted. She started out with paroxysmal AF. She was fine. Thankfully we can still live a good quality of life with treatment. Keep strong and let us know how you get on.

[farewelltoarms in reply to Cavalierrubie]

Thank you so much. Encouraging. I was in SR after cardioversion 2 years ago and then if October had another that only lasted two weeks. Afib since then with rate control. When I get back from trip am going to try ablation although I at first did not want it. I am 84 but really do not feel good in Afib and would love to find a solution.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to farewelltoarms]

You are wonderful for your age. Please let us know how you get on. Love and prayers.

[Jill13]

HI

Sorry to hear of your problems with cardioversion and drugs. Maybe your future decisions are related to your current age and how bad your symptoms are. I am now 84 and in permanent AF after one cardioversion which lasted for 3 weeks. I decided against an ablation because of age but after lots of tweaking of meds by my cardiologist, I am now well and symptom free on Digoxin Dilitiazem and Eliquis. I only see the cardiologist once a year and GP checks BP and digoxin levels regularly. Everyone has a different story and what is best for one is not necessarily best for another. Good luck with your ongoing health and decision making.

[farewelltoarms in reply to Jill13]

Encouraging....

[DawnTX]

I’m just curious did you talk to your doctor about weaning? I don’t quite understand the number of people I see on here that seem to self medicate as far as dosage taking and not taking. I consider that dangerous just like steroids there are certain ways to go off of stuff. Even with my doctor, knowing, I have a medication I stopped cold turkey, OMG, the pain when I took it again the pain was gone in two days or less. No doubt what the pain was from. It isn’t just the pain you need to worry about it could affect your heart when you go cold turkey or even wean the wrong way . I was with him yesterday. I need to get off this. It’s not an opioid. It’s an anti-depressant believe it or not off label though it’s for chronic pain so somethings in it. I have a feeling there’s more about it that we aren’t being told about it’s called duloxetine and it’s not even helping my depression like it should. So yesterday yesterday he called in a new one half dose if I get pain and it’s a really bad day he said take two if I need to. When a doctor feels this way about a medication it tells you something also for some reason there are new things he could be trying me on, but with the dose now he can’t. I have to get down to at least the 30 preferably then get off of it. I have PTSD and severe depression and anxiety so I need something but right now I feel like the TV commercial where a woman hold up a paper plate with a smile and behind it she is not smiling. That’s me.

I know it’s harder to see doctors, etc. in the UK. I hate the idea that you go through that I could pick the phone up now and walk into my doctor. He told me I don’t even have to call just come in if I’m having any problem. My cardiologist is in the area, if he’s in, he most likely would do the same and my EP has brought me in same day. Please don’t do anything to measure herself up more because a fib is bad enough. There’s so many new things I want to see you here for them.

[farewelltoarms in reply to DawnTX]

Hi Dawn thank you for your reply I was an ICU nurse for many years and my Dr knows about my managing of meds. So sorry to hear you are having a heart time. Thinking of you.