Heart Rhythm Conditions – Welcome to the group

What are your symptoms when in afib? Could you explain how you feel the day after or so.
I was diagnosed with Afib last March. Couldn't tolerate Eliquis, now on Xarelto. Had open heart surgery last July at Mayo Clinic, Rochesyet, MN, to remove obstruction due to HOCM (Hypertrophic obstuctive cardiomyopathy) and went into third bundle block right after/during surgery so needed ICD (Implantable Cardiac Device which is both a defibulator and a pacemaker), which I had put in 5 days later, also at Mayo's in Rochester after the septal myoectomy, pulmonary ablation.
I send transmissions to my Electrophysiologists here in my hometown when I'm feeling lousy and sometimes they see something and other times nothing. My Dr started me on Amiodarone for some short runs of SV. I'm not happy about being on Amiodarone but was afraid and just started taking it because my Dr said I needed it.
I'd also like comments on anyone taking Amiodarone or was taking it but put on something else due to long term toxicity effects on other organs. I read it is a reliable antirythmic medication for irregular heart rhythms and many Dr's use it as the "go to" med because it works on most everyone but long term, not so good being on the med. Other meds besides Amiodarone anyone has used?
Thanks to all who read this long post.🎃

Next step is to resume Sotalol 40MG 2x daily. Side effects are low heart rate and a few things that are tolerable. Possible pacemaker. What is most challenging for me is maintaining my daily routine when in AFIB. I feel so awful and just want to sit and usually don't feel good the day after also.

I’ve had Afib since 2015. An ablation won’t work for me. I am having open heart surgery soon for tricuspid valve replacement and mitral valve repair. My Dr. will also be performing the maze procedure. This may eliminate the Afib…..maybe. Wondering if this might work for you, however, I guess they only perform it during open heart surgery. My sister in law had two ablations and she only has occasional episodes. Good luck!!

Welcome, Sandra!
Sorry to hear that the ablation held for only 8 months. What is being suggested as a next step? What challenges do you find the most difficult with afib?

Dan...Sorry to inform you, Eliquis is very expensive.I was on it for a while after my Watchman was put in. I was having AFIB on and off for a number of years along with palpitations. Both have slowed down a lot after my Watchman. I know the watchman had nothing to do with that but I am still thankful the issue of AFIB and palpitations have slowed down. My next procedure will be a heart cath to see if I need a stent put in.

I too have been in afib for 9 years and only been on 1 325mg aspirin and atenolol 100 mg. My cardiologist wants me to start a blood thinner on my 66th birthday in November. I trying to hold out for a generic
to come out so costly. I think I will start Eloquis when it’s time. Being in afib all the time I’m at times in need of a nap in afternoon after work. (Para at a high school 6 1/2 hours per day)
Dan

Hi! I'm Sandra and I have had AFIB for about 15 years. I had an ablation and did fantastic for about 8 months and then AFIB resumed. Happy to be a part of this group.

Hi Jane and welcome to the group! If you could give us a little more information about what's going on, it would help us give you some better opinions. Could you tell us what, exactly, you mean when you say you have a "fluttering heart at times." Does it "flutter" for just a few seconds, then stop? Does it "flutter" off and on all day? Does it "flutter" for hours? Do you feel any other symptoms when it's "fluttering?" Does your pulse rate increase and/or does it feel "out of rhythm?" When did this start? Do you remember what you were doing when you first experienced this? Could we ask you age and if you have any other underlying health issues? I know that's a lot of personal questions, but it will help us give you better ideas of what might be going on. I'm sure you understand that NONE of us are doctors, so our thoughts, opinions and advice need to be taken with a grain of salt and ONLY your cardiologist can diagnose what's REALLY going on. We'll look forward to receiving more information so we can start offering you some possibilities for your "flutters!" If you are not having pain during these episodes, then please try to relax. More than likely you're just feeling some benign palpitations. RubyWitch

I have a fluttering heart at times. Is this dangerous? Jane

I have but my insurance doesn’t start for another 27 days and all this scares me I’m afraid