Atrial fibrillation treatments - British Heart Fou...

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Atrial fibrillation treatments

Pinnie7 profile image
13 Replies

Hi… I was diagnosed with AF in July 2019. I have had 2 Cardioversions… the second one was successful but only because taking Amiodarone which I find quite debilitating.

I am waiting for a date to have an Ablation… sometimes I wish I had it started down this road and just controlled AF with Digoxin,Zemtard and Aplxeban

Can anyone share their experiences …

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Pinnie7
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13 Replies
Pinnie7 profile image
Pinnie7

Thanks for that… I am 66 and also have an enlarged heart . I have been told this only gives me 50% chance of Ablation working. I feel so awful sometimes on the Amiodarone that I start to wonder if it’s all worth it.

Bigredhear profile image
Bigredhear

Hi,I have been in persistent AF for a while now, I had a cardioversion which did work for a quite a while but I went back into AF last September and elected to have an ablation which I had last Tuesday! So far so good.

I was put on amiodarone for this procedure and am hoping to come off it ASAP as I don't like the side affects (very sensitive skin and bloating among others)

There is an excellent Facebook group called 'Pumping marvellous' which I would recommend joining as there are lots of people on it with a variety of heart conditions and related experience who can give support and advice.

Good luck

in reply toBigredhear

Hi what does AF feel like? Does it come with symptoms? I was in AF for a short time. Palpitations. My heart wouod beat 3 beats then skip some then 5 beats. Was all over tbh. But i also had heart failure at the time. I have just noticed more palpitations come on now so bit worried and not sure.

Lovecruising profile image
Lovecruising

I had a heart attack in 2013 which left me with AF. I had a Cardioversion which didn’t work but in 2019 I had cryoablation which did work and I feel so much better being AF free. I was also told only 50% chance of success. I am so glad I had it done.

bowls2007 profile image
bowls2007

Yes I suffered with amiodrone however I had the 200mg reduced to 100mg much better very strong drug but keeps me going

181021837402 profile image
181021837402

Hello..i had an ablation 2 years ago and was honestly the best thing i ever did..after 6/7 episodes of afib and a&e visits and a cardiiversion i can now relax and always have my pill in pocket as back up..still get lots of palpitations but i can live with that..i know the thought if ablation is really scarey..i was but i would certainly go for it.. hope this helps..good luck

Coini profile image
Coini

Hi, I suffered with afib for the best part of 15 years with my gp telling me it was all in my head! I eventually went to A&E and was admitted to cardiac ward. I finally got treatment which helped initially whilst waiting for ablation. I was terrified. Had the ablation August 2019 and have never looked back! Fantastic, off meds except warfarin which I accept I will have to take for life. My advice would be have the ablation- you won’t be sorry!!

Willait profile image
Willait

Hi... been down the same road you are on.. I was diagnosed with AF May 2020. Fortunately I have private health care from my company... I had a cardovision in August and it lasted 2 weeks, I was put on Amiodarone, it took me a while to get used to it but I stabilised. Had my ablation on 14th January this year and (touch wood) I haven't looked back... If I have a choice between the cardioversion or ablation, it's a no brainer. The ablation every time. The only issue I had was with bruising from behind my kneecap to my thigh after the opp.

Keep strong..

Willait..

BorderMLH profile image
BorderMLH

Hi Pinnie, I have AF & I am in the waiting list for an Ablation. I share your worries…. I feel I should just take the meds which are bisoprolol 2.5mg & Flecainide 50mg twice daily. I just worry of the complications that could happen in surgery or afterwards. I have asked to be put out of it so I can be asleep. But what bothers me, ablation is not a cure and only lasts 5 years if your lucky. I am the same, I am contemplating on staying on meds only xx

Pinnie7 profile image
Pinnie7

Thanks for that info… I have just spoken to hospital and should hopefully have ablation within 8 weeks!I just want to be able to stop taking the Amiodarone which I’m finding quite debilitating.

Must be positive!

Callista profile image
Callista

I was diagnosed with AF 6 years ago. My symptoms were very mild and I now wish I had not started medical intervention. I have had 3 ablations ( none of which worked) a pacemaker and now a defibrillator plus various drugs with horrible side effects over the years.A friend who had AF was told by his heart consultant to just carry on and he has been fine with no treatment.

Everyone is different but I would certainly think carefully before going down the ablation route. My ward was full of people on their third one…

kenhaem profile image
kenhaem

Only to say I have had my second Ablation 5 weeks ago......and it seems unsuccessful. I am on Tildeam

Peugeot207pwv profile image
Peugeot207pwv

I live in France and rely on the BHF site for info as it’s not forthcoming here. Been in AF for 2 years, refused cardioversion as from all I have read it isn’t always successful and I am terrified of general anaesthetic as never had one! Have severe anxiety disorder and decided to manage my AF myself. Was told to come off amioderone after a year for safety as not supposed to be on it for long?

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