Afib Questions: Is it too late to have an Ablation?

I am glad I made the decision to try Tikosyn before an ablation. I know sometimes more than one ablation is necessary especially when you have hcm. I definitely need to be in sinus rhythm. Rate control did not work and I had 6 months of heart rate spiking as high as 165 to 175. Rate control meds did keep it partially under control. It wasn't always high but most days had many hours with rate over 120. Not fun. The hospital stay to load Tikosyn was easy. Just hung out in my street clothes, visited with nurses, read, played games with my daughter. Had blood work done every morning and ecg after each dose. Did end up having a electric cardioversion on last day as meds did not convert me. However, after 9 weeks, I am still in sinus rhythm and feeling good. Had visit with my cardiologist in Oct. and will see EP in December. Return in year to cardiologist and hoping for same or to released by EP unless Tikosyn stops working. Good luck to you. Don't be afraid to try Tikosyn.

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It was useless for me. Very disappointing. I am 84 and now in permanent a-fib. My first a-fib episode occurred in 2017 following knee replacement surgery, which I was very uptight about. Cardioversion restored rhythm. It had to be repeated 10 months later. Simultaneously I took diltiazem, then sotalol. When they stopped working, I was given Tikosyn and then amiadarone, neither of which worked. Finally I was given metoprolol, which controls my tachycardia pretty well, but I I am hardly back to my old vigor. I ride a bike, walk a mile or so, try to do what I can, but the old high energy and confidence are gone. I recently got a second opinion from a highly regarded EP, who feels it's too late to do an ablation, and wonders why my primary cardiologist didn't recommend an ablation when my tachycardia first appeared. I wonder, too.

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I'm almost 82, and I had a failed cardioversion done in November, which lasted just four days. I'm now waiting for a decision from Mayo on whether they'll do the ablation. My P.A. Cardiologist says I'm a good candidate. I hope my age doesn't affect that decision. I'm in and out of A/Fib daily!

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My AFIB and getting off drugs story:
I had AFIB, severe left atrial regurgitation, atrial valve not opening properly, no comorbidities.
Everyone is different, but here is my experience for what it's worth. I had mitral valve repair, ablation, and LAAC at 78, over a year ago. No more AFIB (it can work permanently). I exercise and eat smartly (low in calories, sugar, salt, and caffeine). When I walk, I meditate by well-wishing for others. I also visualize my RNA, DNA, and all body systems being in good order. (I love order.) I got off of Eliquis after four months by wearing a heart monitor for 30 days to be sure AFIB was gone. I had to push my cardiologist to put me on the monitor. My last vital stats while sitting were 116/66, heart rate 66. I have also now weaned myself off of 12.5mg metoprolol daily and 81mg aspirin daily. (Read recent JAMA article that said low dose aspirin causes brain bleeding over time. Now it is recommended only for stroke and heart attack victims as I understand it. I have also read that metoprolol interferes with sodium and sugar levels. Too low an amount of sugar or salt can cause dizziness as I read it.) Vitals and alertness are better than ever. Daily, I do take a magnesium glycinate supplement containing 29% of RDA. Pure Encapsulations is the best brand I have found. I have read that magnesium and moderate exercise help folks to stay out of AFIB). I had a great surgeon at WakeMed in Raleigh, Dr. Boulton, who did all of the heart stuff. That was key of course. He also supports magnesium supplements. Overall, I feel extremely fortunate.
More: After a dizzy event about seven months ago, where many tests found absolutely no signs of anything abnormal, my cardiologist wanted me to have a loop recorder implanted (standard recommendation I guess). I said no for a host of loop recorder concerns and have been fine as wine ever since. My best research indicated that the probable cause of my dizziness was the metoprolol I took, combined with too low sodium and sugar intake that day as I cut the lawn and also did a full exercise regimen. Off metoprolol now as I said and doing fine seven months later. Hope this helps. Also, everyone should read "Undoctored": Why Health Care Has Failed You and How You Can Become Smarter Than Your Doctor." I'm not saying that doctors are all wrong or all bad, just that you likely have the time to sort things out better than they can for your particular circumstances. Lastly, be sure to read "The AFIB Cure".

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My Doctors tell me it isn’t the age of the person but the present health they are in when considering procedures.. I got AFIB when I was 75 years old. I only had it 19 months but I kept taking more and more medicine to control it. I had two CardioVersions that each only lasted two days. I drove from CA. to Mayo Clinic Phoenix, and had my Ablation there. Mayo Clinic has a good success rate which was important to me because I see some people have two and three Ablation Surgeries…I had mine in 2020 and no problems since..I was so impressed with Mayo Clinic we sold our House in Northern CA. And moved to AZ so I could continue to be a Patient at Mayo Clinic as I age…I am now 79 yrs old.

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I am a 77 yr ild male and my ablation procedure is scheduled for Feb 13, 2024. I do have the Watchman in place (3 yars ago). I have a very long history of AFIB and all my doctors are pleased I have decided to do the ablation. Pre-procedure nerves but I am so ready.

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