Afib - do I just live with it?

Joko, that's the book! I ordered the Kindle edition first but then a hard copy to mark up with questions for my EP at Mayo. The session with her was very assuring and she acknowledged that the book was a good resource. Good reading...TA

I am good. Thanks for asking. I consulted with Dr Munger as noted. The short of it - since my quality of life is good with minimal symptoms and my ejection fraction is good, advice is that ablation introduces more risk than doing nothing (other than meds, diet, exercise). It is all about risk management.

Thanks, now I know what people are talking about. I appreciate the information.

I was diagnosed with A-fib at the age of 30. I lived with going in and out of A- fib all of those years. I am now 58 years old. I was cardioverted repeatedly with minimal success. When I went into A-fib, it wiped me out everytime. I was not even able to work. I got pretty tired of it so I chose to get the cardiac ablation two years ago and so far, it has been a blessing. I did have a very short A- fib episode about 4 months post ablation but it only lasted a day. My experience has been a good one. I had a good electrophysiologist complete my ablation. I'm told that sometimes, a person might need to have this procedure repeated as they only last around 5 years. Although success rates I'm sure different from patient to patient. So, my two cents for you folks wondering about completing the ablation, I'd encourage you to find a good doctor who will either tell you your a good candidate or not and go for it if you are as tired as I was with this condition. I always pray about these things before proceeding. God is my rock.🙏👍

When time comes for open enrollment for Part D, you need to find a new plan. I just started taking Eliquis and like you was shocked when I picked it up. $518 for a month. I have deductable of $505 so fulfilled that and called my insurance the next day to see what next month will cost me. I will have to pay $99 per month. Much better that $518. Will still see if I can find a better Part D when time comes. The pharmacist told me most people with insurance pay about $45 a month. Good luck getting the price down.

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I'm wondering if anyone my age (83 or older) has permanent, constant AFIB. I've been told I have 4th stage AFIB which sounds scary, but honestly, since I've had it for a very long time, this news doesn't really scare me. I tried conversion once and was told it wouldn't work and that I should not bother to try again. I HATE taking blood thinners, but the Docs are making me do that to prevent stroke, since I also have high blood pressure. I take medication for the HBP as well, so all of these meds make me tired a lot. How I would love to get rid of AFIB, but I've pretty much accepted that I can't. Anyone out there have a different experience with ending a long term AFIB situation?

My understanding is that permanent AF has that descriptor because it is an apt descriptor. It fits the syndrome well, and there is little recourse except for two methods that I am aware of (I'm not a health professional): ablation of the SA node and possibly the AV node as well (not by all means, but sometimes) which means the installation of a pacemaker; and chemical treatment to treat symptoms and risks.

Really this is a question to be put to a cardiologist or an electrophysiologist. Some people live for decades in and out of arrythmia, some permanently in arrhythmia, and a great many progress to heart failure. It's not a sure thing, but the literature suggests that, as a progressive disorder, the majority of sufferers will have myocyte disorders and death, and/or heart failure. On another forum, one person knows two aged relatives who have had AF for 24 years and seem to be okay. So, it's an individual journey and experience.

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