Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): How can I manage it?

to Rubywitch67 - been reading your posts from late March. Perhaps you have gotten some help by now ? In case not, I wanted to offer some of my experience with Afib. First, my cardo, whom I like, was reccomending the anti-arrhythmic drugs. Like you, did my research on side effects, success rates and finally concluded wanted to go with an Ablation. If successful, might get off the meds and maybe even the blood thinner. Consider: Ablation is not a cure but may be a fix for several years? Drugs are not a cure either and stats show them less successful than Ablation. 2) Have been on Xarelto now for over a year. No problems. Bleeding can be an issue, so need to be careful. But unlike comudin, no dietary restrictions and no blood samplings. Once a day sold me over others like Eliquis. Expensive but can get a coupon from mfg if qualified. I now pay $10 for 3 months supply.
3) Stress and anxiety are highly rated triggers for Afib. As a natural worrier, this has been a major challenge for me - not easy - but finally have under control without meds. Sleeping so much better. A real mind challenge but can be done. I had to develop a kinda "couldn't care less" attitude; if not something I can control, forget it. I have a Karido Moble and was using it frequently - like daily. Keeping me in suspense and anxiety. My Ablation provider counseled : "I am not treating your Karido. I am not treating your brain. I am treating your heart"..... You need to throw the Karido away, don't take constant pulse ratings - forget it. Put it behind you.... De stress. Following his advice has been very helpful. Can you find the formula for you to relieve your stress?
Please see a Mayo electrophysoligist, if possible, and discuss Ablation as a remedy. Not for everyone but you need to have that discussion. Again, find a way to eliminate that stress, anxiety.
I wish you the best Ruby

I've just been diagnosed with AFIB and I'm terrified. I joined the Connect group but when I finally find my way to the AFIB discussion group, there doesn't seem to be a place for me to post. I REALLY NEED SOME SUPPORT. Thank you

Hi Ruby.
I had an ablation in Jan 2020. It is a simple procedure and I felt better immediately. I am now taking 5 mg of Eliquis twice daily and weaned myself off 25 mg of Metoprolol with my doctors approval. It's a nasty drug ..my stomach was bothering me, some of my joints were sore and I was without energy or appetite.
De stress as much as possible.
Let me know if you have any other quedtions..my doc also did an EET at the same time as ablation to look for any blood clots in my heart. All is well

Also, I am going to see Dr. KUSUMOTO at Mayo Jax to review my a fib treatment to date. I want a second opinion on my meds and his advice on how to proceed in the future.
Find a electro cardiologist you trust.

Hi -- From a fellow Afibber -- I've had Afib for around 4 yrs. My cardiologist prescribed metoprolol. Right now I take 25 mg ethyl succinate ER twice a day. I have seen a few brief comments here and there saying to "get off metoprolol" b/cuz it's a bad drug. I cannot readily find any research about it. Can you point me to any articles / studies about metoprolol?

Hi Ruby.
I had an ablation in Jan 2020. It is a simple procedure and I felt better immediately. I am now taking 5 mg of Eliquis twice daily and weaned myself off 25 mg of Metoprolol with my doctors approval. It's a nasty drug ..my stomach was bothering me, some of my joints were sore and I was without energy or appetite.
De stress as much as possible.
Let me know if you have any other quedtions..my doc also did an EET at the same time as ablation to look for any blood clots in my heart. All is well

Hi -- A few hours ago I asked on this board the question of why metoprolol is not a favored medicine. And many of you people are weaning off of it (with guidance by your doctors). I just started reading (listening) to a book "Bottle of Lies" which educated me on how generics are produced in China or India and other countries and are then sold to the USA. And generally it happens that generics can be contaminated or not effective etc. The FDA does inspect these foreign drug factories - but generally the FDA inspectors do not have access to the parts of the huge buildings where the generics are made. Plus generally the FDA inspectors don't even KNOW that there are facilities in the huge campuses where the testing goes on. This book tells it ALL (at least where the inpectors know to look). Otherwise the inspectors are given a VIP welcome and taken on a tour of the drug company which only shows the labs and offices that the Chinese Drug Companies want outsiders to see. (i'm generalizing I know -- there must be a Honest Drug maker in china.) if you want to have your eyelids opened then read this book. I got the audiobook from audible.com. The author states that one of the "biggies" is metoprolol ethyl succinate. Plus in the USA the FDA inspectors can and do "drop in" unannounced. However in China the FDA inspectors have to notify the drug makes FAR in advance - which you all know give them time to rush around crazily and clean up every corner, polish and clean every surface, dress themselves in dazzling whites. Which we would certainly do if we happened by circumstances to be born as a Chinese, and have been fortunate to get a good education in the sciences including pharmacology.