Ablation cancelled due to my weight!

[NeilStrid]

Had a cardioversion in November which gave me 2 months freedom from Afib, before returning (see link)

healthunlocked.com/bhf/post...

My cardiologist referred me to another hospital with the intention of having a ablation. Sadly, today the other cardiologist that I was referred to has said he will not go ahead due to my weight (150kg / 330lb). I know I need to lose weight but the lack of energy, combined with the depression associated with it, makes it impossible.

He has now prescribed Amiodarone (7 days intensive, followed by a lower dose) and a return to the dreaded Bisoprolol (which I had terrible side effects with a couple of years ago, which I posted about on here) albeit at a lower dose.

He is going to book me in for a 2nd cardioversion in 6 - 8 weeks - so with the change in medication and the new attempt to lose weight, we'll see how the next few weeks pan out!

[Eddybear]

Hi, What your cardiologist has decided for you is not good in the sense that Amiodarone Long-term can have very nasty side effects, if you have another cardioversion to get your heart back into sinus rhythm and also take the lower dose of Amiodarone This should keep your heart in sinus rhythm for a lot longer than it did before, this will enable you to lose that extra weight and hopefully get back onto the list for your Ablation, best wishes Ted

[Shabana1974]

Unfortunately this can only be prescribed by the weight loss Drs at the hospital. Urgent referral took 8 months. Due to shortage of this medication they have a very strict criteria. But that fact he's waiting for op is 1 of the criteria. High cholesterol, high BP, Diabetes, heart issues are just a short list of the second criteria that you will need.

🤦‍♀️

[Calmisgood]

A drug similar to Ozempic can be bought online from Boots, you fill in a questionnaire first I believe. The person who told me is only around 3 stone overweight and has lost first stone in 2 weeks.

[Jclemo]

Hello Neil Amioderone gets a bad rap in my opinion. I am still taking the low dose 200 mg x1 day. I have only one kidney and survived a Massive heart attack in 2010. Diagnosed with A fib after gallbladder surgery a few years ago HR 200bpm. I had the cardioversion and continued on my Amioderone. Now my resting HR is between 50 and 60. I'm waiting on a cryo ablation. Recently wore a monitor for 30 days. Results showed one episode of AFib in 30 days. 7 days is just for load to get the med .To get to a therapeutic level. Then a lower dose daily. Don't be afraid of this medicine unless you have liver issues. It works very well. Hopefully this will help your concerns.. I heard all kinds of horror stories about Amioderone and all I will say is I'm glad it works so well. Good luck... God is Good. JC

[FraserB]

Afib/flutter runs in my family. Luckily I don't have any other health difficulties except of course for flutter which is enough to handle. But my older brother with afib had been significantly overweight for years and heard that losing weight may help reduce he episodes. After careful consideration with his doctor he did the daily 16:8 intermittent fasting concentrating on improving his nutrition and increased walking. He lost 70 lbs over a couple of years. I know this is a long time to lose weight but importantly he has kept if off for these last two years. 16:8 over time helps the body keep insulin resistance under control. His A1C improved and is now without sleep apnea. The best was his afib episodes reduced dramatically.

[Bellisa]

Every body is different. Amiodarone gave me horrible side effects and fortunately, after 2 1/2 days didn't have to continue the treatment, because my fluttering AF stopped. I was 20 days with readings of 180 bpm to 140 bpm and 40 bpm. 24 hours a day nos stop. Until my date with cardiologist. He was shocked. My partner, who is autistic, thought it was fine to wait until the appointment. I was in such a mess that I couldn't think properly, otherwise I know now, I should have gone to emergency by taxi.

Bisoprolol 2.5 mg am and pm for me is perfect. I'm 64 kgs and fit without pushing myself. I eat really healthy, tea total, yoga and meditation.

[NeilStrid in reply to Bellisa]

I'm 2 tablets into the first day (3 a day for 1 week, then 1 daily) and, touch wood, I'm feeling fine so far. Still Afibbing but I wouldn't expect miracles so soon!

[Bellisa in reply to NeilStrid]

Good luck! I think that the difference in weight between us is the amount of Amiodarone you will require. Double the amount I needed 😀 I am straight to the point. You should lose weight. Is for your own good.

[GCWhits]

6-8 weeks to lose a substantial amount of weight seems unrealistic. They are setting you up to fail.

[NeilStrid in reply to GCWhits]

I don't think he's expecting that to be honest. He said he'd do another cardioversion then, which wouldn't require such a large quick loss.