Preparing for another cardioversion with the drug Amiodarone

@cturner01 Hi and Welcome to Connect, I see from prior posts you have afib so I wanted to say the reason I was on Amiodrone was for a different heart issue called Ventricular Tachacardia or VT but a similar problem of irregular heart rythums. Mine was the lower heart where I believe afib is the upper heart.
So Based on that I was on it for almost 10 years and it along with my pacemaker and a few ablations were successful for quite a while. But also know that long term use of Amiodrone did cause issues, towards the end prior to my heart transplant (It wasn't the cause but it is a strong drug) it gave me issues with my thyroid which had to be removed and at the end was the cause of becoming toxic to me in a very high dose by IV. So being your case is short term it should be fine and it is a great drug to control arrythmias. I hope that helps.
Have a blessed Day
Dana

Thank you for your post! the doctors have both told me that the meds have some strong side effects, the ablations don't always work and some only work for a while, and I have a step daughter who has had 2 pacemakers so I know the ups and downs of that. The last doctor said I should just live with the PVC's till I couldn't any longer or wait until I start fainting and then do something. Hope I'm not driving in traffic when that happens. My really only bad symptom is shortness of breath. I don't even feel the PVC's just sort of like anxiety. I'm having about 7,000 per day.

Thank you for sharing.

This Past Wednesday on Feb 3rd, I had another cardioversion ( after a month on Amiodarone) It failed. I’m very disappointed, but thankful to be off that drug. I began having insomnia and extreme anxiety while taking it. I also had high blood pressure readings on it. I’m scheduled for an Echo on the 11th & don’t know what the next step will be foe me.

In December I had a second cardioversion for afib after being on amiodarone 400 for a month. I was in sinus rhythm for only 12 days (my first cardioversion, in Sept, without amiodarone, lasted only 3). I then took amiodarone for a month after the second cardioversion, 200 mg, but it didn’t help and I wanted off, happened today. Will have second ablation as soon as I am vaccinated. First ablation in 2017 lasted 3 years. Hopeful. Good luck. Ablation worked well for me, not at all painful, but is a hospital overnight.

Sure hope it works for you again. I don’t know whether to pursue the ablation or just forget about it all together.🙁

I think most people just do not really understand how difficult making these decision is. There are good and bad points with any procedure. We read as much about a procedure as we can, we depend on our doctors to give us the best information we can get out of them, but in the end, it is our decision. I am waiting on my second attempt at the Watchman device and am hoping I have made the right decision. So, make the decision you feel is right for you and then go for it. Hope it all works out well.

Yes - that is so true. I do the research & then pray about it as I am a Christian. I’m a 22 yr BC survivor - given a 3 yr prognosis. Had Surgery, but stopped chemo after 4th(scheduled for 8) Refused meds cause of side effects, 17 yrs brain tumor survivor - ( researched & prayed) decided against surgery (very high risk) 3 years out from brain aneurysm & after research, 2nd opinion, & prayer - decided against surgery. This is a different journey & I’m 69, but my decision will be made the same way. Thanks for the encouragement.

@cturner01 I'm so sorry it didn't help and I'm not as familiar with other treatments for afib. But I'm sure as this is a very common ailment that you'll get some positive ideas on the 11th. I do know that ablation is used also I've had a few and can be helpful. Please keep us updated if I can help ask away. I'll also add you to my prayers.
Have a blessed Day
Dana

Thanks Dana❤️🙏