I am dealing with some health issues called Atrial Fibrillation. I am sure many of you know about it. I am possibly facing the Ablation Procedure. Can anyone on the board tell me anything about their A-Fib or the Ablation Procedure?
View 8 RepliesOn the 18 May 2011, I had my normal day at work. I usually went to the gym at work each day, so I was very fit. I felt great from a very good session the day before. As I got there I felt a little under the weather but as you do you I continue. After about 10 mins I get worse but didn't know what was wrong so I stopped, after my shower I went back to work but my heart didn't slow down as it should have. 6 hours later it was still not right but me not wanting to upset anyone just drove the 1 hour to home. Oh I forgot to say I was due to have a back operation 4 weeks later. Over the next few weeks leading up to this op I had similar episodes but got a little worried but still didn't say anything until the pre op. Well when I told the nurse what was happening she started pressing lots of bells. It got worse when she couldn't find a pulse I either my left arm or in either of my feet. So over the next few days I had every test known to man. They finally said yes you have a problem but wouldn't say what. I had my back op and was doing very well, even managing to do 10 mile walks every day. When all of. Sudden one night. Yes you guessed it, heart went into overdrive. Luckily I stay very near a my hospital and it was still going on when I got there. When they finished all the usual tests they finally told me I had AF. They tried to get my heart to slow down but I was eventually put up into CCU. After more drugs it eventually slowed down. Over the next few months I tried lots of drugs in lauding Flecainide but they made me worse. Eventually I was told that I would need a Pacemaker as it was happening very often. So they told me I had Paroxysmal AF. When I went to see the surgeon from the Royal Brompton they said I was too young for that and I would have an oblation. This I had last June. It worked for a while. The funniest part was I had sensations in both my feet and right hand that I had not had for many years. So my circulation was better. When I got out I had 2 blackouts which were not very nice but I survived them, even hugging a tree at one point. For the next 6 weeks it was great with no symptoms at all. Then they started again, the upshot is I go in for my second one on Valentines Day, No jokes about massacres as I have already started that one, hopefully it works but I know of people who have had 4. I have even joined the AF association and I have attended their meetings. It's was very good. It does get you down and very tired. I'm now on the rat poison and dronedarone which helps to some extent. As I say to people yes we are all the same but different. Sorry for the rant
View 5 RepliesWarning !!
To anyone with AF who is thinking of having ablation surgery
I have some very important info' for this group. I am an AF sufferer since 2008.in 2010 i had my first catheter ablation the new "Arctic front Ablation" [cryo/freezing method] it worked for around 18months but then the AF returned., i put up with it for a couple of years, but I was then recommended another ablation called Point to Point catheter ablation which is the usual or common ablation technique, which burns the problem areas. This was supposed to be "very Low risk minimal invasion Day surgery" with few complications & i was told nothing to worry about we can deal with the complications should any arise. So i went in for the surgery a few ago. During the ablation the procedure the surgeon pierced a hole in the wall of my heart & he could not stop the bleeding, i was rushed to another theatre [unconscious] where another team had to open my chest, Put me on a bypass machine to enable them to repair the hole & stop the bleeding, i was in theatre a total of around 7 hours, i had to have a transfusion, i was then kept in a comma & put on a life support machine for 24 hours, following that i was in intensive care for a further 48 hours. several weeks on I am still recovering from this Nightmare.. Also whilst i was in hospital i spoke to another AF ablation patient who had suffered the same heart puncture during the ablation, but he was a bit luckier than me, they managed to stop his bleed without opening his chest. I have had several different operations over the years & i have never had an issue with bleeding before
My advice to anyone with AF thinking of having an ablation,THINK VERY CAREFULLY, IT IS A DANGEROUS PROCEDURE!
I have been diagnosed with AF today after a phone call from the hospital to say I need another ECG which I am having on Monday I was taken into hospital in the early hours of Thursday morning after waking up with palpitations and rapid heart beat. I was sent home after having tests and was told my blood tests was clear including troponin. Then came the the phone call today saying I have AF and might have to go on Warfarin.
When I was ready to go home from the hospital I stood up and felt awful, I told the nurse I felt faint and had nausea, clammy, blurred vision and felt really weak....
My hearing was reduced so couldn't hear properly and could barely talk. I had my blood pressure taken and it was 80/40. When it settled down my temperature was 35 so then I felt cold. I stayed in the hospital for another 3 hours before I went home...
I would like to know how others cope on warfarin or if anyone had the ablation op. I was in the same hospital in June this year for 10 days with the same symptoms but AF wasn't mentioned to me then only ectopic beats. I would like to add I have been suffering with this for over 30 years. I am going to ask about the ablation I don't fancy being on Warfarin....
Has anyone had low blood pressure like I had with this condition?
on the 22nd of august this year i was admitted into hospital.after not being able to breathe spent six days in cardiac ward then sent home.i have stopped smoking also drinking,my meds are warfarin flecainide also bisoprolol, last couple of days i have struggled with my breathing all seems to point to the beater blocker(not sure),this is what i've found out.on the 10,th of this month i am down for the cardioversion asked the hospital if it does not work what are the next move no answer.also asked about work i am a self employed painter & decorator so can not afford time off,but my breathing is so poor i am at home no energy also tired all the time.if anyone out there can give me a glimmer of hope after the cardioversion ,that i can return to my trade and go back painting new houses,or look for a new career,my inr,s in the past week ranged from 1.4,then 2 then todays 3.1,i am new to this af felt fine upto the 22 of august since then i have felt like a old man i am 52,who thought i was fairly fit.
View 20 RepliesI was first diagnosed with PAF ( paroxysmal atrial fibrillation) in 2011. Having spent a spell in CCU atrial flutter was also found. I was referred to the EP to discuss ablation but having heard the risks attached to this procedure decided against having it for the moment as I feel I have not explored all the medical treatments available yet. I currently take Bisoprolol 3.75 mgs and Eliquis 5mgs with no probs until last night. Last night I had a prolonged episode of AF which causes me to pass copious amounts of urine. I just wondered if this happens to anyone else. I have to say these attacks do freak me out somewhat, but try to stay calm. My trigger factors are caffeine, lying on my left side stress, and drinking cold drinks, is anyone else the same
View 37 RepliesI'm 27, male, generally healthy and skinny.
A while ago during my weekly tennis match, I felt a regular, but strong heartbeat in my chest. About 120-130 bpm which is normal due to the exercise, but I felt it really pounding in my chest as if I just had an very intensive workout or sprint done. It started already during the warm-up and lasted throughout the match. After I stopped sporting, this feeling stopped.
Because of this feeling, and my general paranoia regarding my heart, I kept measuring my heart rate (on neck artery) in between points. It was a stable rhythm all match, except for almost at the end I thought I felt 2 missed beats while I was measuring. No exact science here, but thought I felt it.
In the weeks before this, and after, I have not felt anything strange. No pounding heartbeats, except after a fast sprint or intensive moment.
For me to feel good again and confident about my (heart) health, I would like to know some things.
What could have caused those (stable) palpitations that day? Cafeine? Dehydration? Anything else?
And the last heart condition I'm trying to rule out is atrial fibrillation. Could that have been it? And might it be permanent? Whenever I measure my heart rate during the day it is stable and between 60-80 bpm. With atrial fibrillation it is impossible to have a low stable heart rate, not?
I'm a 51 y.o. female. I had my first (and hopefully only) episode of atrial fibrillation 2 1/2 days ago, very early Monday morning. I had my husband take me to the ER where I was diagnosed, then admitted for treatment. I was given calcium channel blockers, and I converted back to sinus rhythm about 3 hours later. I was also given a shot of a blood thinner. Upon discharge, I was given prescriptions for baby aspirin (81 mg 1x day), and 50 mg metoprolol (a beta blocker) 2x day and told that I would probably be on the meds for 3+ months at least.
Before I continue, here is some more about my overall condition. I am generally in v. good health. I am 5' 6" and weigh 116 lbs. I do not smoke, or drink alcohol or consume caffeine in any form. At a minimum, I walk briskly for about 1 hour a day; but I also add between 10-30 minutes of more intense aerobic exercise 3x a week. I have a low stress lifestyle -- retired early, no financial concerns, great marriage, lots of friends, love my life.
My blood pressure when tested in the ER was 117/70; all the tests came back normal. Lipids: Cholesterol 143; HDL 57; LDL 76. Thyroid -- on the high side of normal, but still w/i normal range.
My pulse rate (with the beta blockers) is currently 68 and my blood pressure is 100/70.
Anyway, about 3 weeks ago, I suffered sudden sensorineural hearing loss in one ear and was put on an 18 day high dose, tapering course of Prednisone. My attack of atrial fibrillation occurred about 3 hours after what would have been my next dose of Prednisone, but wasn't because I had finished the course. So, in my mind, it is highly likely that this attack was precipitated by Prednisone withdrawal. Too much of a coincidence otherwise, no? My cardiologist agreed that it was likely, but still thought I should be on beta blockers at least medium term.
But here's the thing. I am just not doing well on the beta blockers. I feel like sh*t. I actually feel worse than when I was in a fib. I am so tired and I cannot focus on anything. I feel basically like a nonfunctional zombie. How on earth can I live like this for 3 months? Why should I?
I realize you shouldn't just stop beta blockers cold turkey. But I am going to see the cardiologist on Friday and I am just going to beg him to help me get off them and not put me on anymore more meds at all (except maybe the baby aspirin I can deal with).
Does this make sense to those who know about a fib? Yes, if I keep having episodes, it makes sense to help get medication for them. But for crying out loud, I just had one episode in usual circumstances. Couldn't I just wait and see if I have more so I don't have to spend 3 months as a vegetable?
Atrial Fibrillation is very scarey when i had it for 9yrs an didn't know it for 6 my old doc treated me for panic attacks till one day i couldn't control it an drove myself to the er (don't remember how i got there) an heart stopped 7 times less then 10 mins and heart rate was up to 203 a min they had hard time getting iv in but after they did they had to put lopressor in me about 6 time till it got to normal i had to stay in icu for a week then they released me with a lot of med and vitamins an it worked for a while but the last month i have none stop palpitations and i'm trying my hardest to relax but nothing works i could be watching tv or laying in bed it wont stop i went to doc he did blood work came back normal ....
View 2 RepliesMy husband has been on Lisinopril for approximately 3 years after being diagnosed with Heart Failure, High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol. He was admitted to hospital in January 2007 as his condition had worsened. They prescribed Warfarin, increased his diuretic but left Lisinopril the same. They confirmed he also suffered with an irregular heart rhythm and that they would like to carry out a Cardio Version Procedure once his INR levels were between 2.0 - 3.0. This finally went ahead last week and his rhythm has returned to normal (for the time being). I am somewhat concerned though that the side effects shown within the packaging states that Lisinopril can cause an irregular heart rhythm. I have spoken to various pharmacists and they cannot comment. We are due to see the GP in 10 days for his opinion. Can anyone shed any light on this area please?
View 1 RepliesDiagnosed in January. Not constant and have felt fine for 2 weeks but today I am fluttering nearly all the time. I'm on warfarin and waiting to see a specialist. Had a heart scan and all is fine. Also lots of blood tests but there is no underlying cause. What are other people's symptoms? I'm 54.
Has anyone been prescribed flecainide for A-Fib.
I have not heard of this medication before and would like to discuss it with my doctor.
I am looking for people's experience on having the Heller's Procedure and Fundoplication. I am having it in over a month's time but would like to know how you felt the next day after operation, the recovery process and how you are now?
View 32 RepliesWe all know the benefits of drinking adequate amounts of water during the day and I have also read that sufferers of arrhythmias would benefit from this because water adds volume to the blood which makes it less " sticky" and makes it easier for the heart to pump.
I've upped my consumption to around 2.5 litres per day which I'm hoping will help with my atrial fibrillation. I will try anything to be normal again.
Just wondering what people's general opinions are? I was diagnosed with AF around 4 years ago and seem to have an episode every 12 months or so..
I don't consider myself to be a heavy drinker have had nights out though and drinking has never seemed to set off an episode.. However I do like a couple of drinks as a "nightcap" on a weekend as get up early for work during the week so like to relax a little at weekend.
However have seen people on here refer to "Holiday heart" and to say excessive drinking has sent them into AF.
My latest episode of AF started around 6 weeks ago and I am still having palpitations. Not being sure if some of my symptoms are actually been caused by new meds (another story another forum) I was feeling really down the other day after a particularly bad day with chest pain and palpitations and finding out the side effects of meds. So thought stuff it and had a drink to help me sleep.... I found it actually helped!! the palpitations stopped and the pain went felt the best I've done in weeks.
Now wondering if maybe some of it is stress? I am a known warrior If everything is going well I worry that something is going slap me round the face and spoil it all lol.
Sorry for long post I do tend to go on - just wondering if anyone else found Alcohol actually helps?
Does anyone know whether there is anything in the literature that definitely shows amlodipine to be a definite cause of atrial fibrillation in some people? The list of side effects mentions heart arrhythmias/palpitations but I am looking for some evidence of a definite link with atrial fibrillation.
View 3 RepliesI was diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation about a year ago and have been treated with Bisoprolol and Aspirin. This seems to be working for me but have been advised by my doctor to go onto warfarin as I am at medium risk of a stroke. I don't want to change anything at the moment whilst the present medication seems to be working because I have heard some negative reports of warfarin - not only the side effects of hair loss etc. and giving up various foods but also the fact that you have to tell your doctor about practically any changes in what you eat and where you go (holidays etc). This seems very restrictive. Could I please have your experiences of taking Warfarin.
View 4 RepliesI am female and 61yrs old. My first experience of something not quite right namely PAF was in 1995 approx. 13 yrs ago. I had an unusual irregular thumping in my chest and felt quite faint. This came on just out of the blue in the Supermarket and felt so horrible I just had to lean over the trolley until it went off. It went away after a few minutes but did recur from time to time.
I went to the Dr's and was given an appointment to see a Consultant Cardiologist at my local hospital. They fitted me up with an early version Holter monitor that did not work too well. As a result they could not find anything unusual in my condition. I thought well what ever it is it will rear its ugly head again one day, perhaps then they will then know what is really wrong with me!
From then on the jumping & thumping in my chest went on and off. In Feb 2006 after a very stressful airport experience I awoke with a really bad jumping in my chest so bad I did not know what to do (I thought I was having a heart attack!) This went on for about 3 hours. My husband took me to the A & E where I waited for another 3 hours before I could get checked out, I thought I was going to die. They wired me up to an ECG machine where my pulse rate was 200 bpm. I was soon taken to another room where they injected me with some drug to slow my heart rate down. This was a rare experience as I felt my body go stiff for a few moments only. After that I was admitted for 5 days so they could keep an eye on me. I did feel much better after a couple of days however as they put me on 40mg Sotalol + Warfarin. I am convinced that the stress getting home from holiday triggered my episode.
In Sep 2007 I woke up one morning with a sharp pain in my chest which happened 3 times after each other. I was admitted again into hospital with a suspected heart attack. I had several tests done, Cardiac enzyme test, Holter monitor, Echocardiogram, Treadmill & Myoview scan. So all in all I had a very good M.O.T! End result NOT a heart attack just pain from AF.
I am now off the Warfarin (as I am considered low risk) and take 75mg of Aspirin & 120 mg Sotalol twice daily which suit me very well with no noticeable side effects. Having said that the other night I woke up at 4.am with bad AF wich lasted for just over an hour just as I was congratulating myself how well I have done now for 2 yrs! I tried everything to stop it Coughing, blowing into a bag & massaging one side of my neck but to no avail. The only thing that worries me now is that perhaps one day I will have to have an Ablation operation (it terrifies me!). The success rate is only about 70% so I will hang on until medical science has improved. I have been informed they will only do it on NHS up to the age of 70 so I have 9 years to think about it! I am now going to stop putting salt on my dinner and cut down on the alcohol to see if that will help me. I do drink decaffeinated coffee & tea.
Was prescribed 5mg bisoprolol 5 days ago after admission to hospital with atrial fibrillation. It seems to be working in terms of getting the pulse under control, but I have been suffering really debilitating tiredness, to the point where I sometimes barely have the energy to walk from one room to another. The medics at the hospital told me that if I got "short of breath" then I should go back into hospital, but it isn't so much shortness of breath as feeling completely leaden, especially walking up stairs.
Something I don't understand is whether this is the effect of the drug, or the result of the underlying condition, ie that my heart has been working very inefficiently. (Why doesn't anybody tell us these things?). Degree of tiredness also seems to be influenced by things such as whether I have just slept or eaten, time of day, and anxiety/stress levels!
Does anyone else have any experiences they can share about this?
3 wks ago had to go to E.R. with extremely fast heart beat 185 beat per minute. I could not get it stopped with deep breathing, other things I have done in the past. I had eaten a big meal about 30 minutes before attack of A-Fib. I am on warfarin 5mg, metoprolol 50mg 2xday, kombiglyze 500mg for diabetes as well as Lisinopril-hctz amlodipine for Blood pressure., which is mostly well controlled. Sincer the episode I have been having regular flutters that I have stopped with rest or deep breathing. Cardiology put me on 100 mg of flecainide which drop my pulse rate to 38 and I couldn't even get up out of a chair and felt like I couldn't breathe. I then tried 50mg and had rapid heart beat. I don't think I can take it. What should I do in others opinion.
View 3 RepliesI have taking Amiodarone 200mg for about 35 days for my AF .However, I still get irregular occasional especially after taking hot food. The improvement to my condition is marginal. Can anyone advise me if I should continue with Amiodarone. Also,I have been on warfarin for the past 3 years . Due to the interaction of Amiodarone with Warfarin, my doctor has reduced my Warfarin dosage from 4.5 to 3.5 to maintain my INR between 2 to 3.
View 7 Replies