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Profile picture for sjm46 @sjm46

I definitely hear your concerns; it sounds like you do have a complex condition and I am very empathetic. From what I have read, it can take more than one ablation if there is a complex situation with many ectopic foci to deal with. I think it sounds like you have found an EP who is at least up front with what it will take for some resolution. I also know what you mean about the medication issue. Some people can tolerate them, but others can't. It is not "one size fits all." I am also surprised that you were started on low dose Eliquis; when I asked my cardiologist if I could back off the regular dose after several months of NSR, he practically had a fit about my trying to treatment plan. I don't know what your age is but I thought being close to 80 and pretty lean would qualify my taking a reduced dose and he made it clear that he didn't agree. I had to take Eliquis for a month before he would even allow me to have a cardioversion. The TIA you mentioned is truly scary. You do not want to have a stroke; it is very risky to not address that. I don't know what I think I would do if I were you; maybe seek out a specialized clinic where they are doing the latest research for a second opinion? Some of those large medical centers really want to handle complex cases and if you could afford to go somewhere that has the latest techniques, it might be worth it. It sounds like you really are seriously bothered by the symptoms, as I am when it occurs. I seriously don't know how anyone can "just live with this." I wish you the best; keep asking questions and decide to do what is best for you.

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@sjm46
Thank you for your thoughtful response. I’m sorry you’re dealing with this too. I had also read at your age they sometimes reduce the Eliquis dose but it seems they have no way of knowing if it’s effective. The EP flat out said no to low dose Eliquis. I’m 66. It was the ER doc and hospital neurologist that allowed me to do that as better than nothing. Just saw my cardiologist who talked me out of that so I’ll be starting 5 mg dose today. He’s so afraid I’m about to have a full stroke. I’m also trying to get in for a second opinion ablation consult at a tertiary facility in the next county. That EP there is waiting to receive my records and referral from my cardiologist for review before he’ll see me. Two month wait for consult appointments right now.
I finally decided I can’t take the stress of the afib stuff anymore and will just move forward with treatment and pray for a good outcome. I’m hoping this other EP will have a better prediction about my case. Another reason I’ve delayed treatment is because I’ve also been in treatment for two kinds of cancer for 5 years, one is recurrent, and figured that would get me first. That treatment is actually what started the afib issue. I didn’t expect to be here now but I'm doing well on treatment so far so it’s time to deal with what has become life ruining afib issues. Thanks again for your response and I hope everything goes well for your as well.