AmiIda robe or pacemaker

[Westmill]

Hi

First post here. I have been diagnosed with permanent AFib. Had a conversation on 18 Dec that put me in NSR but only lasted till February. Back in permanent AFib. I get breathless easily. I have arthritis in both knees that make it so difficult in walking any distanced. On Flecainide, Ramiprl, bisoprolo, Amlodipine, Atorvastatin and Apixaban. Was informed yesterday at clinic that they are running out of options but there are 2 options left. To go on Amiodarone or a pacemaker. Didn’t like the sound of Amiodarone (side effects sound like it is poisoning my body). Issue I have with pacemaker is that I am very overweight that they said was an issue. I feel I am between the devil and the deep blue sea. Has anybody had to pick between these options?

[Westmill]

meant a Conversion on 18th.

[Anothernewbie]

I think I would try to lose weight and go for the pacemaker. I would think, but obviously do not know, that if you opted for amiodarine you would need very regular monitoring, it reads as though it might provide more problems than it solves.

[Westmill in reply to Anothernewbie]

Hi Anothernewbie

That is what I thought. Aim to lose weight. Put the decision off for 6 months or so.

I just think the Amiodarone is so toxic.

Thank you for your thoughts.

[lancers87]

After triple bypass and valve replacement in December 2020, I needed cardioversion to get heart back into stable rhythm.

I was discharged with a prescription for AMIODARONE. To keep heartbeat on track.

I was taken off this drug after about 12 months due to side effects of buildup of particles in my eyes. This dispersed over a period of time.

Hope it helps with your future decisions you need to make.

[Westmill in reply to lancers87]

Thank you for your reply. I’m leaning towards the pacemaker but trying to lose weight first.

[Westmill in reply to lancers87]

Thank you for your reply. I find myself swaying backwards and forwards between options. I had a bad night and day yesterday with AF that makes me think to go for the Drug.

[lancers87]

Not to confuse you too much, if I was needing to take the drug for any length of time or pacemaker, I would go for pacemaker, that way you will be sorted for years to come. Whereas with the drug, not good to be on it for too long.