Diltiazem and Digoxin problems

[Kubus]

Hi Everyone,Apologies for not posting much to date, but I have been reading posts frequently.

For several years I have had problems with atrial fibrillation, was on Nebivolol but as I have Raynauds these made it worse. But overall was bearable. Had two cardiac ablations. The first in 2019 seemed to work well and I stopped feeling breathless and getting episodes of passing out. However the symptoms did return so I had a second ablation in 2020. This was harder to cope with and I was on a bit of a roller coaster with periods of feeling ok and then my heart beating constantly at over 100 bpm. I have now been diagnosed with atrial tachyarrhythmia.

Treatments so far are Digoxin which gave me terrible diarrhoea so had to abandon with Dr's approval. Now on Diltiazem 90mg x2 a day slow release. This seems to give me terrible constipation and now gum inflamation with ulcers and puffy lips. I also have Sjogren's which causes mouth and eye dryness and Inclusion Body Myositis which causes muscle wasting. Any feedback on Diltiazem or controlling fast heart rates would be much appreciated

Happy New Year everyone🥴

[Sniggetts]

Hi there, I started taking diltiazem 2 months ago for AF. I was initially on bisopralol but really didn’t get on with it , although it did lower my HR to 40-60 which Gp was happy with …. It stopped me from functioning though!

Cardiologist put me on 90mg twice a day slow release diltiazem which suits me much better & I now have my energetic self back albeit with a slightly higher HR 70-90 and plenty of AF but not fast . I did get headaches at first but they have settled , I read about potential bowel issues so I take extra fruits in the morning on porridge… eg blueberries & dried apricots as well as drinking plenty of water during the day. All fine , no issues.

All the best with the diltiazem, let us know how you get on with it 😊

[Kubus in reply to Sniggetts]

Thanks for your reply Katomummy. It is good to hear a positive one about this drug. How long did it take for your heart rate to stabilise as I am now on 4th week and it worked best of all at the beginning. Now I am nearly always around 100 or higher which is a bit worrying. Today I am wearing a holter monitor yet again for 24 hours so let's see what news that brings?

[Sniggetts in reply to Kubus]

Hi, it took about two weeks for me. I do get a few runs of AF over 100 but it reverts back to normal after a while which is good. I’ve ordered a Kardia 6L monitor so I can see what’s happening… not cheap but a Christmas pressie to myself as there’s a long waiting list for a 48 hr tape.

I’m awaiting a CT scan of my heart , all being well I can start an anti arrhythmia medication as well.

Hope you get your results back very soon & have some answers .

Take care .

[Kubus in reply to Sniggetts]

Thanks again for replying. I have just finished 3 weeks and also had some gum problems. Not sure if should go for a third ablation which has been offered. Currently wearing a holter monitor - one of many.....😞

[Gowers]

I was on Digoxin & Slow release Zemtard Diltiazam 300 for 3years. Started on lower dose of 120 but that didn't work so took the 300 at night. Came off both meds 6months ago as not needed due to 4th ablation. No side effects like I did with Bisoporal & Flecanaide

[Kubus]

Thanks for your reply. I think the Doc is planning to add Digoxin to the mix as well. They tried me on that a month ago as the only drug but it gave me the runs badly. As the diltiazem causes the opposite they think the combination will cancel out some of the bowel side effects. I also tried Flecanaide but actually gave me a faster heart beat!

So glad your last ablation worked well, maybe I should go for that third one?

Keep well.🙂