1. < Heart Rhythm Conditions

AFib questions

Posted by peggyd @peggyd, Mar 23, 2016

Good morning! I'm almost 66 years old, with infrequent AFib and on Eliquis. Sunday evening I had a spectacular nosebleed and went to the ER, where the attending physician inserted an epistaxis nasal pack (the kind with the inflatable balloon). I'm getting it removed tomorrow. What can I expect when it comes out--besides my own reaction of dancing gleefully around the office? Blood? Clots? Scabs? A genie? Thanks for your help!

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2880 | @2880 | Aug 15, 2016
In reply to @martishka "Hello @2880, I am not familiar with your symptoms- just that the cardioconversion didn't work. I..." + (show)
@martishka

Hello @2880, <br>I am not familiar with your symptoms- just that the cardioconversion didn't work. I had aFIb for many years and found a permanent fix with a PVA (pulmonary vein ablation) I never had a cardio conversion even though I was offered it in emergency. I felt more comfortable with an IV of meds and I always went into sinus rhythm. <br>What I do know about aFib is that it can progress into a permanent rhythm, so it is wise to try and take care of it while you can. Every situation is different and it would be determined by your electrophysiologist whether or not you are a candidate for the procedure. If you want more info about PVA let me know. <br>Good luck, I hope that you find a solution. <br>martishka

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Can you please explain your drug conversion ? I am contemplating as electric conversion was short lived .
Thanks! 2880

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martishka | @martishka | Aug 15, 2016
In reply to @martishka "Hello @2880, I am not familiar with your symptoms- just that the cardioconversion didn't work. I..." + (show)
@martishka

Hello @2880, <br>I am not familiar with your symptoms- just that the cardioconversion didn't work. I had aFIb for many years and found a permanent fix with a PVA (pulmonary vein ablation) I never had a cardio conversion even though I was offered it in emergency. I felt more comfortable with an IV of meds and I always went into sinus rhythm. <br>What I do know about aFib is that it can progress into a permanent rhythm, so it is wise to try and take care of it while you can. Every situation is different and it would be determined by your electrophysiologist whether or not you are a candidate for the procedure. If you want more info about PVA let me know. <br>Good luck, I hope that you find a solution. <br>martishka

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<br>Hello @2880. <br><br><br>I have had a long history of SVT (very rapid heart rate -up to 220-230 BPM). I was born with this problem and was finally diagnosed in my mid 20's. I was put on beta blockers at that time and tried many different kinds over the years. In my 40's I developed AFIb. They then added rhythm drugs to the cocktail. So when I had a tachycardia or SVT it was now coupled with AFib- so I had an extremely fast AND irregular heart rate.Sometimes it was very difficult to tolerate the symptoms and I would often go to emergency (nurses and doctors began to know me!) And although I was offered cardio conversion I declined with the blessing of my electrophysiologist. I had paroxysmal Afib which can start and stop on its own. <br><br><br>The drug that worked for me was verapamil delivered through an iv in several small doses. This was often accompanied by a sublingual ativan, or a few, to help me relax. So when I entered emerg I would inform the triage nurse that I was requesting this course of treatment and that I did not want a cardio conversion.I would also do some progressive relaxation exercises which were very effective in helping myself cope with the stress of the situation. It is important to note that this course of treatment was effective for me since I didn't have persistent aFIb which cannot stop spontaneously and needs intervention. <br><br><br>I also dealt with many of these episodes at home with the support of my husband. It sometimes took 4 or 5 hours to get into a sinus rhythm without the verapamil. Since I was sailing for over a year, during some of these episodes I was unable to get to a hospital and needed to cope. A few years ago I had my 5th and final ablation. This one was a pulmonary vein ablation and it was successful so I no longer experience either rhythm problem. Both the SVT and Afib are gone! Your electrophysiologist would be able to diagnose the type of Afib you have and plan the best course of action with you to deal with it. My doctor was very informative, spent a lot of time going over my questions (I had many!) and together we (dr, myself and husband) chose the course I was most comfortable with. <br><br><br>I wish you luck. Let me know how you fare. <br>Best, Martishka <br><br><br><br><br>

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2880 | @2880 | Aug 16, 2016

What controls your AFIB ? <br><br>

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grandmajan | @grandmajan | Aug 17, 2016
In reply to @patinhou "My cardiologist tells me not all clots are stopped with blood thinners. He suggested the mini..." + (show)
@patinhou

My cardiologist tells me not all clots are stopped with blood thinners. He suggested the mini Maze procedure.

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This isn't exactly a reply, but an open question. Does anyone know if having AFib and a leaky Mitrel Valve can interfere with a Cardio Version being successful?

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2880 | @2880 | Aug 17, 2016
In reply to @martishka "Hello @2880, I am not familiar with your symptoms- just that the cardioconversion didn't work. I..." + (show)
@martishka

Hello @2880, <br>I am not familiar with your symptoms- just that the cardioconversion didn't work. I had aFIb for many years and found a permanent fix with a PVA (pulmonary vein ablation) I never had a cardio conversion even though I was offered it in emergency. I felt more comfortable with an IV of meds and I always went into sinus rhythm. <br>What I do know about aFib is that it can progress into a permanent rhythm, so it is wise to try and take care of it while you can. Every situation is different and it would be determined by your electrophysiologist whether or not you are a candidate for the procedure. If you want more info about PVA let me know. <br>Good luck, I hope that you find a solution. <br>martishka

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My electrophisiologist recommended another Cardioversion followed by 2 days in hospital on Tikysen(s??)
I have also contacted Dr Andrea Natale in Austin for another opinion ( non stop flight from Portland)
I just want to do what is right for me !
Don't have faith in Doc here.Wishi did!
Thanks for great replys , Didi

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2880 | @2880 | Aug 17, 2016
In reply to @cynaburst "Many people have had good success with ablations to treat afib. If you are not tolerating..." + (show)
@cynaburst

Many people have had good success with ablations to treat afib. If you are not tolerating well, that might be a thing to try. Where are you located? Do you have any structural abnormalities as well?

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Flecainide does not work for my AFIB - My electrophisiologist is doing a second Cardioversion followed by a 2 night hospital stay to see if Tikosyn will work instead .

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Buc7777 | @texas7777 | Sep 20, 2016
In reply to @texas7777 "I'm 42 years old in great shape (not running shape, but overall); 2 young boys, active,..." + (show)
@texas7777

I'm 42 years old in great shape (not running shape, but overall); 2 young boys, active, etc.. Recently diagnosed with Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVC), thus still learning about it. Had 7,500 PVC's in 24 hours. Now trying to decide between meds or catheter ablation (burn or freeze). I've probably had it for awhile, but symptoms (light headed, shortness of breath, tired, short-term memory loss at times, etc.) have gotten worse over the past 6 months. I stopped alcohol, caffeine, and trying to reduce stress. Seems to help, but something will have to be done.

I have an appointment with an electrophysiologist in a couple of weeks, but may fly out to MN or FL to Mayo.
Any advice/suggestions appreciated. I've read through many comments on Afib (couldn't find much on ventrical issues) meds, the ablation procedure, etc., but that just made things more confusing.

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Another update. I reluctantly (I hate meds) started Toporol (low dose) a few weeks ago and immediately felt better; more energy, reduction in my being able to feel my PVCs, etc. However, still have headaches/dizzy spells. Did MRI last week; brain good but tons of sinus polyps which are probably causing some of my headaches., "head pressure, dizzy, tired in mornings, etc. Now, focused on the sinus. Thus, toporol worked for me, but I have a co-worker in which it didn't; lowered blood pressure too much.

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Sep 20, 2016
In reply to @texas7777 "I'm 42 years old in great shape (not running shape, but overall); 2 young boys, active,..." + (show)
@texas7777

I'm 42 years old in great shape (not running shape, but overall); 2 young boys, active, etc.. Recently diagnosed with Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVC), thus still learning about it. Had 7,500 PVC's in 24 hours. Now trying to decide between meds or catheter ablation (burn or freeze). I've probably had it for awhile, but symptoms (light headed, shortness of breath, tired, short-term memory loss at times, etc.) have gotten worse over the past 6 months. I stopped alcohol, caffeine, and trying to reduce stress. Seems to help, but something will have to be done.

I have an appointment with an electrophysiologist in a couple of weeks, but may fly out to MN or FL to Mayo.
Any advice/suggestions appreciated. I've read through many comments on Afib (couldn't find much on ventrical issues) meds, the ablation procedure, etc., but that just made things more confusing.

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Buc, I think most of us would do without meds if given the option, but sometimes they are necessary. I'm glad Toprol-XL (metoprolol) is working for you.

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gloria242 | @gloria242 | Apr 7, 2017

Good night. I have atrial fibrillation since December 2015. Been to a number of doctors. Been put on blood thinners, tambacor and lopressor. The afib attacks have increased over the past few months resulting in many visits to the er. I have been recommended for abalation however the doctor said I'm not a good candidate because I can't tolerate the blood thinners. I am 62 and has diabetes. I also have one of my thyroids removed. I'm post menoposal. Had my appendix removed six months prior to the onset of the afib.
Help!! Can anyone give me some insight or direction to take.
Thank you.

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3 replies
gloria242 | @gloria242 | Apr 7, 2017
In reply to @gloria242 "Good night. I have atrial fibrillation since December 2015. Been to a number of doctors. Been..." + (show)
@gloria242

Good night. I have atrial fibrillation since December 2015. Been to a number of doctors. Been put on blood thinners, tambacor and lopressor. The afib attacks have increased over the past few months resulting in many visits to the er. I have been recommended for abalation however the doctor said I'm not a good candidate because I can't tolerate the blood thinners. I am 62 and has diabetes. I also have one of my thyroids removed. I'm post menoposal. Had my appendix removed six months prior to the onset of the afib.
Help!! Can anyone give me some insight or direction to take.
Thank you.

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Sorry I don't have diabetes. I have hypertension.

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