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Have had 3 ablations but constant palpitations
Heart Rhythm Conditions | Last Active: May 29 7:07pm | Replies (28)Comment receiving replies
My cardiologist put me on Lorazepam. I take 1/2 of a 5mg tablet during the day if I am anxious and sometimes full one at night. I totally agree that the mental strain of dealing with Afib/Aflutter is worse than the doctors realize. I have just completed my 4th ablation at UCSF and am one month post ablation. I have had 5 episodes of Afib, two of which landed me in the ER. Fortunately, I converted on my own. The last 3 episodes I have converted on my own at home but they last for at least 45 minutes. My cardiologist also recommended taking Diltiazem during the episodes. I am frustrated, anxious and feel like a prisoner in my own body. When I am not in an episode, I feel absolutely fine. Sure wish there was a real true fix for this.
Replies to "My cardiologist put me on Lorazepam. I take 1/2 of a 5mg tablet during the day..."
@sandrah2024
You are doing to UCSF. Is your cardiologist a Electrophysiologist (EP). With such an outstanding medical facility you should be seeing a EP.
I had a cardiologist tell me once AFIB was the achelles tendon of cardiology. It is really hard to treat and every case responds differently with success and then no success.
I am not familiar with Diltiazem. How are you handling your stress and axniety? Has anyone addressed taking a medication to help with your anxiety/depression on an onging basis. I take Escilitipram and works quite well for me.
Has your cardilogist advised you that high stress and anxiety can cause AFIB? How is your weight? I was told excesse weight also can cause AFIB.
Have your doctors cleared you to exercise. Do you have a favorite excercise? It goes a long way to helping your mental and physical health. Can't exercise how about a hobby. All my doctors at Mayo stress the importance of mental health in helping control AFIB, PACs, PVCs, etc.
My husband has had a-fib on and off for over 10 years. He has had 10 cardio versions and 3 ablations. He also takes amiodarone which can have nasty side effects. If he goes back into a-fib after the last ablation he may get a pacemaker because the cardiologist will not do more than 3 ablations. This would solve the a-fib issue permanently plus he could get off the amiodarone. He also gave up a-fib triggers like caffeine and alcohol and makes sure to exercise regularly.
it could be your medication that could be side affect? that is so frustrated i was like that all most 2 years that i have not taken any medication , i got a pacemaker in Dec. of 2023 now i feel good i was on alot of different medication that gave me to much side affects , the heart Dr, could not figure me out and as of today . all those years i was a STUDY
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I agree. This condition causes so much anxiety. I take Ativan, as well, but a much lower dose. Who did you ablations at UCSF? I have an ablation scheduled on Tuesday with Dr. Gerstenfeld.