AFib questions

@audree, welcome to our convocation on sharing medical experiences and hopes for speedy help in making the best of them. I'm sure everyone here is glad that you signed in and contributed so much to alleviating our concerns.

The heavy doses of Cardizem and Lasix you received in the emergency room make it clear that you were facing severe conditions, and it's encouraging that you did not get rushed prematurely into surgical procedures of consequence, largely because of your own insistence.

I was motivated to do some research by the comments you made about Coumadin, and would like to share 2 findings: First, the antidote for Pradaxa (which replaced your Coumadin) is Praxbind, given conditional approval last October by the FDA, but still in regulated studies and with limited use for only emergency surgery "in life threatening or uncontrolled bleeding." As such, it may be misleading to call it "an excellent antidote" yet, since its excellence is still to be demonstrated.

Second, Coumadin is not being abandoned because it takes "up to 72 hours to stop bleeding," but for other reasons of personal convenience of doctors and patients. In fact, "rapid reversal" in 10-15 minutes is expected with a combination of Vitamin K and the standard antidote or with frozen plasma injections, 4-6 hours with intravenous Vitamin K alone; it takes up to 72 hours only when Coumadin is omitted and wears off without any antidote added. Against that background, Coumadin remains a positive option for needed anticoagulants to prevent blood clots in cases of A-fib.

Your experience with an A-fib emergency and hip-replacement is heart-rending to hear, and it is reassuring to see your strength of character and the insights you developed and shared with us.

Thank you, @martishka! I'm among "some of the people" interested in this technological therapy and will track down more information -- for myself and for others. I doubt I'll employ the therapy, because my hypertension is not so bad with my current meds, but that's been somewhat unreliable, so I'll welcome a solid fallback if needed.

Thank you @predictable. When I was dealing with my heart rhythm problems I also did a lot of research trying to stay one step ahead <br>so that I always had a plan when the "what ifs" presented themselves to me! <br>

Is part of the Afib what feels like what I think is Angina.  Happens rarely and was always short lived pain. Last time on Mon, it lasted 1/2hr. usually in one side and or arm. This time it was center chest. I didn't think to tell the cardio Dr about it when I saw him last week. It has been such a rare occurrence, and I felt overwhelmed with all of the new info.  So Is this going to make a difference in the outcome, plus someone said I also have a leaky valve. <br>Thank you so much for answering my questions as much as you can. I'm getting nowhere trying to get info from the Dr.  <br>Jan<br> <br><br>

@grandmajan, however rare is the pain in your chest, it is a serious symptom that the doctor should know about at the time. I'd call the doctor to talk about it now. If he/she can't be reached when the pain occurs again, you should consider going to an emergency room. I'm neither informed enough or qualified to distinguish a transitional angina from a more serious heart problem. Only a doctor can do that. Can you make that call and, if necessary, get to the hospital?

Hi @grandmajan, It can be overwhelming at a doctor's appointment to remember your concerns when you're also getting so much new information. Are you feeling this angina-like pain right now?

Like @predictable, I strongly urge you to call your doctor. Call him today. Is that possible?

I'm ok. Sorry to upset. I was looking for answers. If the pain returns I'll get help. I see the dr on Mon and will get more of my questions answered. I'm not sure that the Cardio-version is right for me. I used to drive mental health clients to appointments for shock therapy for bipolar and depression. Sounds similar. I will also start checking my mail everyday. Thank you for being concerned. Jan

@grandmajan, you are so fortunate to have a doctor's appointment so soon, and you have every good wish from us for a productive and reassuring talk. If it were me, I'd press the doctor for a thorough explanation of the difference between cardioversion applied to the heart and shock treatment applied to the nervous system. You can get a start on that discussion by googling "cardioversion" and getting a one-paragraph description right off. Is there anything I can do to turn up some information for you?
Martin

Hello Jan, <br>I am happy to hear that you are ok. I just wanted to comment on your thoughts about electrical cardioversion. It is nothing like shock therapy for mental health patients. <br><br>It is a procedure in which an electric current is used to reset the heart's rhythm back to its regular pattern. Its low voltage and you are given meds so that there is no pain or <br>stress. My sister had it done a few months ago and her heart went right back into a sinus (regular) rhythm. <br>Its good that you are seeing your doctor on Monday. <br>All the best, <br>Martishka <br>

Thank You for your response. Every one is a relief. I'm so glad that I found this thread for the Mayo Clinic. <br> <br><br>