Is Afib ever cured?

Hello! I have had a-fib for at least 10 years off and on. I had an ablation in 2013 which proved unsuccessful. I'll make a long story short: Over the past three years, my a-fib became active 24/7. My cardio team at Mayo has worked tirelessly to help me with it. I met with two Electro-Physiologists in Cardiology this February. I spent three days in St. Mary's in Rochester under observation while they prescribed a medication. It worked. I am in normal sinus rhythm. I am not at liberty to tell you the name of the med except to tell you it is expensive and Blue Cross will not pay for it. I'll let your cardio team proceed with the process as it might not be what it indicated for you. All I can say is, I am a happy camper and I can tell the difference. All the best to you.

Hi @svend. Your question is straight-forward and concise. The answer could take pages. One reason for that is that the arrhythmia could be any of dozens of variants of A-fib. You mentioned an "episode;" does that mean you recorded the erratic heart beat rhythm once or more often. Was it discovered on an EKG exam, or did you feel it -- once or repetitive, barely felt or rib-rattling? Initiated during sepsis and gall bladder maladies, could the therapy have caused the arrhythmia? I don't ask these questions in order to pry, but to highlight some of the factors you may wish to explore in detail with a cardiologist.

In my case, A-fib was detected only on an EKG; I felt no symptoms and still don't several years later. However, I'm on Coumadin whose active ingredient (Warfarin) has to be monitored regularly with lab tests (unlike Eliquis). Warfarin is vulnerable to Vitamin K, readily available, for example, in dark green vegetables and some meats, so I have to be sure that I maintain a stable intake of those foods -- otherwise I could neutralize the Warfarin and develop small blood clots that could interfere with blood supplies to my brain or other important organs. On the other hand, if too much Warfarin accumulates in my blood (mainly because I carelessly avoided Vitamin K foods for a couple of days or more) I could incur a hemorrhagic stroke and a dangerous internal bleed. I had extensive discussions with my medical team about switching from Warfarin to Eliquis and decided to stay with Warfarin. Since my personal situation was somewhat unique, our reasons for staying with Warfarin may not apply to your or other's situation. Let me know of any information about my situation that you think might be helpful in yours. Martin

Hi, is it Tycosin? Simple yes or no. Respectfully and thankfully, gws

yes

@fey42. @elegantgem.. Is this cash price? I doubt Canada accepts our Medicare insurance. Last year towards the end of the year I was paying $147 for one month's supply. Totally outrageous.

Hi @svend and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I wanted you to be able to connect with people that have similar questions regarding Afib and blood thinners so you will see that I moved your inquiry to an ongoing discussion that includes several other members. I can tell you that people with prolonged episodes of Afib or frequent episodes, have a much higher risk of heart conditions and/or strokes. So if you have had several, your doctor may want to keep you on them to prevent throwing a clot and having a stroke.
How many episodes have you had since your gall bladder attack?

Hello! I have had a-fib for at least 10 years off and on. I had an ablation in 2013 which proved unsuccessful. I'll make a long story short: Over the past three years, my a-fib became active 24/7. My cardio team at Mayo has worked tirelessly to help me with it. I met with two Electro-Physiologists in Cardiology this February. I spent three days in St. Mary's in Rochester under observation while they prescribed a medication. It worked. I am in normal sinus rhythm. I am not at liberty to tell you the name of the med except to tell you it is expensive and Blue Cross will not pay for it. I'll let your cardio team proceed with the process as it might not be what it indicated for you. All I can say is, I am a happy camper and I can tell the difference. All the best to you.

Hello! I have had a-fib for at least 10 years off and on. I had an ablation in 2013 which proved unsuccessful. I'll make a long story short: Over the past three years, my a-fib became active 24/7. My cardio team at Mayo has worked tirelessly to help me with it. I met with two Electro-Physiologists in Cardiology this February. I spent three days in St. Mary's in Rochester under observation while they prescribed a medication. It worked. I am in normal sinus rhythm. I am not at liberty to tell you the name of the med except to tell you it is expensive and Blue Cross will not pay for it. I'll let your cardio team proceed with the process as it might not be what it indicated for you. All I can say is, I am a happy camper and I can tell the difference. All the best to you.