Amiodarone: Hi, I had a stent put in on... - British Heart Fou...

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Amiodarone

Glenfiddich profile image
17 Replies

Hi, I had a stent put in on 8th of December 2022 and it all went well. I did my cardio rehab and was doing great. In the June of 2023 I started to feel rotten again. I had quite a few tachycardia incidents which led to me attending A & E, and on a couple of occasions being admitted. I eventually met my cardiologist in September 2024 and he explained that I had an arrhythmia and he was going to put me on Amiodarone. He explained it was a medication of last resort and the side effects can be serious. I have felt pretty rotten since I started them and have fed this back to him via his secretary and also spoken to my GP. Nothing has happened. I was told that an ablation is the next step but my next appointment to see the cardiologist is January 2026. I feel really depressed that I have to feel like this for another year and a bit. Anyone have any advice? Thanks.

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Glenfiddich profile image
Glenfiddich
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17 Replies
Eddybear profile image
Eddybear

Hi Glenfiddich, the best thing to do is to see a cardiologist privately, it will cost in the region of £200, but worth every penny as then you can start to move forward, the longer you stay in a fib, the more difficult it is to get you back into sinus rhythm, so maybe if you get an appointment privately he can push things along a little faster.

devonian186 profile image
devonian186 in reply toEddybear

Good advice but also check if any equipment will be used as that will increase the cost. Its a good idea though.

Cofton profile image
Cofton in reply toEddybear

How do you actually go about doing that ?

Rustyoldperson profile image
Rustyoldperson

good morning , I have heart failure and AF , Iafter my HA I had a stent put in to my left ventricular which pumps the blood back around , which I was told my blood 4 yrs ago when I had the procedure , I then had a cardio version because of my AF not being in sinc, was then put on Amiodarone ,I have had no problems ,I get checked every 6 months with my cardio nurse ecg and every6 months @ GP have bloods taken and ECG I also have an ICD fitted as I was told that I am @ risk of cardiac arrest , going back to Amiodarone I do not feel unwell and no side effects , I hope my story helps in some way .

Wonky_heart profile image
Wonky_heart

I had two spells of SVT needing cardioversion and was then put on just about every combination of meds possible (I was put on Dronedarone instead of Amioderone and only lasted 6 days). The possibility of ablation was frequently mentioned but I was never referred. In my frustration after two years I went private. I ended up with a stent and an ablation and all was wonderful for a time. Sadly the AFib has returned big time. Despite numerous admissions to A&E nothing was ever done. So I bought myself a chest strap heart monitor that gives really good printouts. I can record 24/7 so can see what happens during exercise or sleep etc. Now, I present the printouts of the episodes of AFib (all my clinic ecg's and Holter were fine) and now I'm back on the waiting list for another ablation. Sometimes they don't seem to listen to what you say, but providing proof can have more effect. Good luck

Glenfiddich profile image
Glenfiddich in reply toWonky_heart

Crikey, that sounds horrendous. Concerning that the ablation didn’t work as it was presented as being the very thing to fix the issue. Was the fitting of an ICD ever mentioned?

Glenfiddich profile image
Glenfiddich in reply toWonky_heart

Sounds like you have had a hellish time of it. On one of the occasions I was admitted to A&E the cardiologist suggested I buy the Kardia ECG monitor, which I did. Like you I submitted the episodes of tachycardia. Despite this I have been admitted to hospital on two more occasions. The cardiologist is a lovely guy and well respected in his field, but my frustration is getting to me. Thanks for your reply.

Nightmare2 profile image
Nightmare2 in reply toWonky_heart

i have afib and on thinners and bisoprol when at attack, what is the difference between SVT and AF, they seem the same to me. As for Ablation, sorry but all i read on this is even when considered successful its is for a limited time only and Afib returns. Sorry state I know for all of us with not perfect hearts.

Damianp profile image
Damianp

Sounds disgusting, your treatment! Complain!!I had a heart valve repair,all good, then went back in because my heart started racing. Then I was put on amniodarone. I don't like it, not necessary as I'm on various other meds. I also don't like the side effects and possible long term effects. Light headed is my problem at the moment. I also am seeing various comments describing it as a last resort. Has anyone else seen amniodarone described like that.

dogsneedwalking profile image
dogsneedwalking in reply toDamianp

Hi, yes I to am on Amiodarone and at my check up with my Cardiologist in May I was told that they cannot increase dose [currently on 100mg] once daily. I have had Bisoprolol and Sotalol prior to failed ablation last March. It is now wearing off as the day progresses and takes several hours to work when I do take it. I now have a GTN spray but have been advised Pacemaker is only option left for me now.

SaxmanAD profile image
SaxmanAD

Hi Glenfiddich, ( nice name, piper)?I hope you're ok & not too down. I have been prescribed Amiodarone & used it on several occasions between cardio versions & ablations ect & can only say that I am a big supporter of the medication as it was the main factor of stability for my AF. The risks were explained to me & I chose to take that path. I have recently had a second ablation & feeling great & starting to plan my life again.I would advise making sure that your bloods are checked to avoid any side effects from them. Best wishes 🤞

Glenfiddich profile image
Glenfiddich in reply toSaxmanAD

Piper no. Ex whisky drinker yes 😀. My bloods are being checked after 3 and 6 months. Thanks for your advice.

AmatureKnitter profile image
AmatureKnitter

It took 5 months for my prescription for Flecainide to arrive. NHS cardiology has a massive backlog. If you're struggling, look to see if your NHS consultant has a private practice.

Glenfiddich profile image
Glenfiddich in reply toAmatureKnitter

Thanks I did, but unfortunately he doesn’t.

Sorre1 profile image
Sorre1

I had an ablation 28 November last year and my meds were changed from Flecainide & Sotolol to Amiodarone &Bisoprolol.

I had mt bloods checked after 6 weeks and tests redone every 3-4 months. The main potential problem with Amiodarone is it can affect thyroid. Luckily I'm fine so far.

Unfortunately the ablation only lasted a week before I flipped into AF and have been irregular ever since. However, for 90% of the time I'm symptom free and heart rate is between 70 and 110. Next step is cardioversion - awaiting a slot for that.

HoldSteady profile image
HoldSteady

Sorry to hear of your problem and the wait.Amiodarone does indeed have bad side effects.In my case it ruined my thyroid and then you feel ill from a different direction.If you have A F then cardio Docs often prescribe Digoxin and Diltiazem.These drugs take some getting used to but dont have the bad rep of Amiodarone.Given yor wait time and if you can fund it see a Cardiac Consultant privately and he or she can advise and change meds if appropriate.The fee is usually in the region of £300.

Glenfiddich profile image
Glenfiddich in reply toHoldSteady

I was on Diltiazem before and had no issues. I suspect, like many others, we are put on medications as the waiting list for any surgical interventions is so long.

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