AFIB help

[ConcernedWifeyy]

My husband who is only 40, has been in constant atrial fibrillation for almost 9 months. He had 2 cardioversions, both unsuccessful, only lasting a few days then he went back into afib. He is now on a 9 month waiting list for an ablation. He is on Apixaban and Bisoprolol. Nothing has seemed to help him and I'm very concerned about the long waiting list. I've also been reading how ablations aren't always successful, which is another concern. I see how much this has affected his life. He's tired most days and can't exercise like he once did. Has anyone had this experience and what helped? Any stories to share? Would a pacemaker be a better option? We both just feel so hopeless and powerless waiting on the NHS. Just looking for some support or hope.

[Brambles_Mum]

How about trying some Magnesium......Oral and transdermal??

a-fib.com/super-loading-how...

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

[KeepingHealthy]

Hi, I'm sorry to hear how this is affecting both of you, but be assured that you are not alone and you will get a lot of support on this forum from people who are suffering the same experiences.

In answer to your questions. I have Paroxysmal AF and have been taking Bisoprolol for 5 years now. One of the side effects of the medication is tiredness which has been a big issue for me as it prevents me from exercising as much as I would like to and generally going about my day to day activities feel laboured.

I would feel quite impressed with 9 months waiting for an Ablation via the NHS, as I was told 18 months for mine. At the time I felt lucky to be covered by my husband's medical insurance and had it done privately in Feb last year. 4 months later I developed AF symptoms again and they gradually got more frequent so I had a 2nd Ablation in March this year. That wasn't successful either and I'm now on a higher dose of Bisoprolol than I was before. In my experience, I don't want to have any further procedures unless it's absolutely necessary. As for the NHS, I can't praise them enough for the care and attention that they have given me in the last few months.

The only help that I can offer is that your husband rests when he feels the need to.

My Cardiologist told me that he would only want to suggest me having a Pacemaker fitted as a last resort.

I hope the ablation works for your husband and that he can get his life back.

[ConcernedWifeyy in reply to KeepingHealthy]

Thank you for sharing your story and your kind words. So sorry to hear about your situation. Having support has been a life saver for us both. We both try to stay positive, but some days are hard. I will keep researching and having hope.

[Jonathan_C]

I am 50 - I went into a-fib the first time when I was a similar age to what your hubby is now and 2 ablations later I now have a pacemaker and live in persistent a-fib.

A-fib has massive impact on your life, especially at your husbands age and i feel for you.

You ask the question Would a pacemaker be a better option? The more i learn about pacemakers (and how to get them in the UK), and in combination with my own experience the more i believe the answer is definitely YES. Also see if an ICD is an option.

[ConcernedWifeyy in reply to Jonathan_C]

Thank you for your response and sorry to hear about your situation. I know how hard it can be. Do you feel a pacemaker has helped you or are you still in afib?

[Jonathan_C in reply to ConcernedWifeyy]

I got the pacemaker to prevent my heart pausing. Unfortunately it won’t and can’t stop MY afib. But it could be a solution for you - or an ICD. I think you discuss/explore those options with your doctors.

[H-ar4row]

I have read all the comments and would tend to agree. Bisoprolol, and all such beta blockers, tend to make you tired and feel unable to make decisions. But most doctors want you to take it. I am 85, had AF for 10 years, been through the cardioversions and ablations with no success, and it is now under a degree of control with a combination of digoxin, bisoprolol and doxazosin. At my age I have accepted that the active life style is not attainable any more, but regret it, I was still skiing and playing golf when I was first diagnosed!

Do have a look at your diet. Mine was really lacking in Magnesium (dont like white fish, or bananas, and was on warfarin so green veg was out. I do now take a Magnesium supplement as it is supposed to play a role in control of heart rate. I dont really know if it is doing any good!

[ConcernedWifeyy in reply to H-ar4row]

Thank you for sharing your story and your suggestions. You have a great fighting spirit, I can tell. I will research more about the magnesium supplements.

[Hullensian]

So sorry to read your message. Unfortunately, I cannot help with treatment recommendations as my AF was diagnosed following weeks and weeks of coughing that antibiotics didn't cure. The GP commented that he would send me for testing "just in case"! However, I suffer from bouts of tiredness and have found the replies to your message with regard to Magnesium very helpful. So thank you and best wishes.