Heart Rhythm Conditions – Welcome to the group

Hi, I'm 81, have had afib for 2 years, now classified as persistent afib- measured on Kardia and frequent EKG, but I have very few low grade noticeable symptoms. On Eliquis and Diltiazem. Had 2 cardioversions, lasted about 6 months each, but they don't want to do any more. Suggesting a drug Tikosyn (have to be in hospital 3 days to titrate, plus regular EKG checkups). I don't feel comfortable about that because I have allergic or non tolerant reactions to almost 20 drugs, listed in my chart records, and this one I really don't feel secure about. Suggested follow-up Walkman, to allow me to go off blood thinner (I did have one fall that caused a small subdural hematoma.) I feel PF ablations would be better, we are in discussion about this now (coming week appointment). I am confused, scared, have all new doctors due to retirement or relocation, so don't have anyone I know well enough to feel comfortable with. If I do nothing, I'm told it will continue to get worse and won't be able to be corrected. I just feel lost about how to make these decisions. I can't get in to see my new regular cardiologist until May - Previous one moved out of state. Now working with EP Cardiologist - new to me and new, very young to hospital system. Sorry for the long intro -(this sounds like the continuous obsessive thoughts that run through my head constantly so .....) Would love to hear from anyone who has had these hard decisions to make.

I am 76, and also have reactions to drugs so I don't. I improve or eliminate about all health problems by investigating how to get rid of them naturally through diet etc.

I had a next door neighbor in Florida who was trying to prove to her family that she was fine living alone. And she was just fine. But went to a doc and a number a little high and put her on a med. That drug caused her legs to swell up, so another drug to get rid of excess water which she never had. It was like a snowball going downhill. She became depressed from the handful of pills she was taking and within about 6 months closed her eyes, stopped eating and died on purpose. It was 100% the doctor's fault. Other than her agreeing. I googled all her meds and all her symptoms were from the drugs.

A friend's aunt 80 yrs old was diagnosed with stomach cancer. The doc's said she would die if she didn't have operation, chemo, and radiation. She said NO!!! She lived until 92!

I just googled the side effects of Tikosyn. Here is the list: Diarrhea, Nausea, Dizziness, Rash, Chest pain, Shortness of breath, Headache, Heart arrhythmia, Loss of appetite, Stomach pain,
Back pain, Insomnia, Respiratory infection, Runny nose, Unusual sweating, Fainting, Flu-like symptoms, Paralysis, Fatigue, Heart attack, Increased thirst.

I strongly suggest you google any meds and procedures for side effects and ask yourself without them pressuring you, is this what I want? They told you - If I do nothing, I'm told it will continue to get worse and won't be able to be corrected. I wish you lived near me, and would invite you to my house for a long chat.

My pea brain suggestions:
1 Are you drinking or eating ANYTHING with caffeine? Coffee, colas, Mountain Dew, chocolate etc?
2 Are you drinking water every day? The first of January, I started drinking water. It is VERY difficult for me, and not up to 8 cups yet, 5 ot 6. Used to drink maybe one! It has made a HUGE difference in just ONE MONTH!
3 Do eat dairy? anything with wheat such as bread, cookies, cake etc.? Processed junk food, high sugar foods? If so, cut down and out.
4 Read Psalms and the rest of the Bible for peace, and have a talk with God and His son every day.
5 Do some walking if able.

Please let me know if anything I have said rings a bell or helps.

You might be better off with an ablation. It is now considered to be the 'gold standard' for AF. What makes the difference, though, is the experience and skill of the EP. Find one who is busy, well regarded, and who does between six and ten ablations each week.

Just so you know, most EPs will want initially to tackle the pulmonary vein ostia where 80%+ of all AF originates. It's a reasonable first step, but while he/she is 'in there', a good EP will map the atrial wall and find other foci...if they exist...and ablate those. No common dog asking a patient to return in six months for another go at it when the risk is doubled, so a conscientious EP will do everything possible, barring complications or an already long ablation, at the one time.

Additionally, about 25% of all initial, or 'index', ablations fail. This is common across practicing EPs, although some do much better, notably Dr. Andrea Natale at Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute in Austin. He travels to quite a few hospitals across the USA, but give his office a call if you can travel, and if you want the best.

Thank you for your ideas and encouragement,
I am trying already to do most of the things you suggest. One of hardest is 8 glasses of water! I force down at least 45 oz but it is hard, No dairy, no added sugar, try to stay away from processed food and caffeine and dairy - not perfect at all but pretty good and getting better, I do pray, and I will follow up on your suggestions about Psalms. Walking is hard - I have to use a walker because of a foot injury and some balance issues - I hope when our weather gets a little better to try to get outside to do more even with the walker. I I think exercise is my weakest area because of mobility problems and pain. I have had so many problems with drugs - yes, I read the side effects and they are scary. I already have 17 medications listed in my medical chart that I have reacted to - you'd think they would already be considering that!
I so appreciate your thoughtful response and agree that sometimes the "cure" can be worse than the disorder. You have given me encouragement!
I do wish I lived near you for ongoing support!

Hi, I'm 81, have had afib for 2 years, now classified as persistent afib- measured on Kardia and frequent EKG, but I have very few low grade noticeable symptoms. On Eliquis and Diltiazem. Had 2 cardioversions, lasted about 6 months each, but they don't want to do any more. Suggesting a drug Tikosyn (have to be in hospital 3 days to titrate, plus regular EKG checkups). I don't feel comfortable about that because I have allergic or non tolerant reactions to almost 20 drugs, listed in my chart records, and this one I really don't feel secure about. Suggested follow-up Walkman, to allow me to go off blood thinner (I did have one fall that caused a small subdural hematoma.) I feel PF ablations would be better, we are in discussion about this now (coming week appointment). I am confused, scared, have all new doctors due to retirement or relocation, so don't have anyone I know well enough to feel comfortable with. If I do nothing, I'm told it will continue to get worse and won't be able to be corrected. I just feel lost about how to make these decisions. I can't get in to see my new regular cardiologist until May - Previous one moved out of state. Now working with EP Cardiologist - new to me and new, very young to hospital system. Sorry for the long intro -(this sounds like the continuous obsessive thoughts that run through my head constantly so .....) Would love to hear from anyone who has had these hard decisions to make.

Hello, my name is Elizabeth. I am a weird breed of formerly-practicing pediatric cardiologist with pacemaker expertise, public health epidemiology and policy expert on implanted devices, and a congenital heart kid myself. First pacer/defib was in 2001 when training for my second Boston marathon nearly ended me. I have answers, and I have questions--as perhaps we all do. I am not an expert here in this forum. Please, allow me to be your peer, to feel these scary feelings even if I know too much (which is nearly never a good thing). I have a lot to share, much to give, and I look forward to learning from you all. Thank you.

Speaking only for myself, I'm grateful for your presence and kind offerings. Please visit often and contribute what, and when, you can.