1. < Heart Rhythm Conditions

Living with Atrial Fibrillation: What are Your Experiences?

Posted by yeb @yeb, Sep 1, 2024

I’m 74 and have just been diagnosed with chronic atrial fibrillation. My pulse rate usually stays between 75-100 and I’m taking 5mg of Eliquis twice daily. My cardiologist says there are no good meds for this type of Afib. I’m wondering if I should consider cardioversion, ablation, or just live with it and stay on the blood thinner? Anyone have experience living with AFib long term?? Thanks!

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lindy9 | @lindy9 | May 2 3:24pm
In reply to @maa25 "He knows he is in AFib all the time. They have tried the gamut of medications..." + (show)
@maa25

He knows he is in AFib all the time. They have tried the gamut of medications and none have worked. He was on Flecainide for quite a number of years which seemed successful however, after about eight years, he had some side effects so they took him off of that. He was on different medication’s, including amiodarone which did not keep him in rhythm. I hate to say this, but after the Covid shot is when his Afib got out of control.

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Sorry you got the vax. Do not need to apologize for saying the truth.

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tommy901 | @tommy901 | May 2 2:03pm

I lived with AFib from 2005-2010. I started taking Magnesium Glycinate and a daily Aspirin in 2010. I very rarely have an episode of AFIb. Just an occasional "blip", as I would call it, maybe once a week.

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jackiet | @jackiet | May 2 10:28am
In reply to @janlm "I'm 87 now & have had afib for many, many years. It finally reach the permanent..." + (show)
@janlm

I'm 87 now & have had afib for many, many years. It finally reach the permanent & persistant stage but I am now well controlled with the blood thinner dibagrantin (pradaxa), & the usual blood pressure & colestral meds. Did have to go on water pills as too much sodium in the diet can cause problems. I am also on my second pace maker to control my heart beat. I would not consider any ablation at my age & all my cardios & internst at kaiser agree. I am still in my own home . The persistant stage of afib can be annoying as i also have tenistis howling in my head, getting sidetracked helps alot. I am so sorry some of you have lots of problems with this. It helps to read up on everything you can find on afib so you have a better understanding of it & what the options are. The last cardiolist told me to come back in a year unless i noticed a problem. My last echocardiogram was very good.
Now if someone has any ideas for dealing with this arthritus chewing on my old bones i would love to hear about it about it. Take care out there. Afib doesnt have to be the end of the world.

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To janlm….

This isn’t a forum for arthritis, though MCC must have one. I have had physical therapy, pumped iron for the last 35 years, had massage therapy, am slim and have to eat well bc of GERD and other gut problems, but around five years ago the arthritis in lower back progressed to point where I need meds for quality of life.

Tylenol doesn’t do much. There was a study done around 2019, I think, that studied a group of arthritic patients while administering dosages of hydrocodone ER. You could google around that if you have reached a point where you are desperate for relief.
My pcp has no problem prescribing these kinds of meds for me. I am 89. You have to be super careful, of course.

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ruthbruns | @ruthbruns | May 2 7:32am
In reply to @margaretfriel "Thank You for adding your comments. I've Walked in your Moccasins ... It took me 15..." + (show)
@margaretfriel

Thank You for adding your comments.
I've Walked in your Moccasins ... It took me 15 months to "De-Tox." from all the toxic Prescript. Meds. they "threw at me" (At your Same Age) ... finally I was thinking clearly again. I decided to drive 100 miles from my home to a Larger City where there was a Hospital well-known for Excellence in heart care. The Cardiologist I saw looked over all my test scores & records, asked a Lot of questions, then finally advised ... "Meds aren't always the answer for All A-Fib patients. As long as you Aren't having discomfort (or pain), as long as you're able to live a Normal Life without drugs or procedures, my advice - what you're doing now is FINE. Get plenty of sleep, go for frequent walks or some other sort of exercise, keep your weight in check (I'm just a few #'s over Normal, but active), continue your healthy diet, & check in with us about every 6 months. We'll do a simple EKG, if everything looks good, you'll be on your way. IF (or When) things change, seek medical help. Potentially you could live a very long & active life with A-fib not needing Meds OR any of the other devices available to help hearts when they slow down.
When I came home a family member & 2 friends commented, "What Did He DO? You Look So Much Better than before you went!"
My response: 'He Simply Re-assured me, my Intuition was my Best Medical advice. IF (or When) I Need Help, they're there to help me.' That Re-assurance & Peace-of-mind is Far Better Medicine than all the Pharmaceuticals I wasted $$$$ on over the past 4 years!
Ruth, Best Of Luck to You & May you find a Medical Professional who will give you that same Reassurance & Peace of Mind.

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Thank you SO much! I have no symptoms, no discomfort, no quality of life issues, take homeopathic remedies and never feel my afib. Everything tells me to just keep on living!!!

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relax2 | @relax2 | May 2 6:19am

I’ve always found most doctors especially those who are surgeons or specialists will say very little about meds and procedures unless you ask questions. To ask questions you have to be well informed. You could read all day on afib and arthritis and meds and still not read everything. So many new meds and procedures coming out almost daily. Research everything including your doctors

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1 reply
relax2 | @relax2 | May 2 6:01am
In reply to @ruthbruns "Thank you, just went to the doctor and got all the 'bad news' feel just fine..." + (show)
@ruthbruns

Thank you, just went to the doctor and got all the 'bad news' feel just fine and not attached to living forever - am 84 and have had a busy life. BUT "they" are insistent that i 'need' this procedure for my Afib. I feel I am caught between "a rock and a hard place" thanks for listening!!

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Yes , it’s not usually good news . Remember you’re in charge not your doctor . Ablations are funny things, often having to be repeated more than once. I’m sure your doctors have considered your age and overall good health. But ultimately it’s your decision . Best of luck.

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livetoday | @livetoday | May 1 10:29pm

Thanks for comments on Afib as I also have. For arthritis I would recommend careful movement or exercise. You might check with a therapist. I believe this might help reduce inflammation. There are some salves like caster oil that might help reduce inflammation. There are many home remedies you can check out on line if your pcp cannot assist. You can also get some possible ideas on perplexity.ai
Hope this helps

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janlm | @janlm | May 1 7:19pm

I'm 87 now & have had afib for many, many years. It finally reach the permanent & persistant stage but I am now well controlled with the blood thinner dibagrantin (pradaxa), & the usual blood pressure & colestral meds. Did have to go on water pills as too much sodium in the diet can cause problems. I am also on my second pace maker to control my heart beat. I would not consider any ablation at my age & all my cardios & internst at kaiser agree. I am still in my own home . The persistant stage of afib can be annoying as i also have tenistis howling in my head, getting sidetracked helps alot. I am so sorry some of you have lots of problems with this. It helps to read up on everything you can find on afib so you have a better understanding of it & what the options are. The last cardiolist told me to come back in a year unless i noticed a problem. My last echocardiogram was very good.
Now if someone has any ideas for dealing with this arthritus chewing on my old bones i would love to hear about it about it. Take care out there. Afib doesnt have to be the end of the world.

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1 reply
margaretfriel | @margaretfriel | May 1 3:30pm
In reply to @lindy9 "Amen. But you may live longer without the drugs." + (show)
@lindy9

Amen. But you may live longer without the drugs.

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Oh Thank You. That is how I Feel ... you're The 1st Person who has actually SAID That.
Bless You.

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