need to give a kidney but doctors say no!

[Sandy MT]

I found out this June that I have a problem with my heart. It was discovered that I was having up to 1,000 extra heart beats in approx. an hour, Right Bundle Branch Block, a left ventricular
problem and a heart murmur. My cardiologist at home sent me to a specialist in another city his expertise is in the electrical part of the heart. I was put on Atenenol then Amiodarone. I was taken off the Amiodarone because it was making my vision blurry and I developed upper back pain as well as a serious cough. [could the Amiodarone have damaged both eyes and lungs?] I have been doing very well since being off the Amiodarone. The fatigue and shortness of breath has come back again, but I have not noticed any major chest pain like before and I don't have to be in bed all the time any more.
      I have been off the Amiodarone for 3 weeks now. Both cardiologists feel it is to soon to tell if the Arrhythmia's will return or not. My main concern is my mother is in end stages of renel failure and I need to give her a kidney. There isn't much time left. I would like to hear what someone else thinks on this. I know they just have my best interest in mind but I need to give her my kidney.
    Also what is right bundle branch block? Do I need to worry about it? My doctor says he want's to wait until the results of my nuclear are in and I'm still waiting to have my m.r.i. Thankyou for taking the time to read this I am sure being doctors that you all ready have busy day's yet you take the time to do this. sincerly Sany MT

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Amiodarone (brand names Codarone, Pacerone) is an antiarrhythmic drug used for a variety of different heart rhythms.  It is a Class III antiarrhythmic drug and has both antiarrhythmic effects and beta-blocker effects.  It has a very long half life (about 90 days) and is cleared by the liver.  The dosage will generally be higher during a loading period and is then decreased to usually 200 mg a day for maintenance dosing.  

Contraindications to is use include severe sinus node dysfunction and in those with any known hypersensitivity to the drug.

There are several serious potential side effects and careful monitoring of the drug is necessary.  Potential side effects are lung toxicity that could potentially result in death and liver injury.

Less serious side effects are corneal deposits, photosensitivity (sensitivity to the sun), thyroid abnormalities and new arrhythmias.

Drug interactions to be aware of are with digoxin, other antiarrhythmics, warfarin, beta blockers and calcium channel blockers.

Flushing has been reported in 1-3% of patients taking the drug.

Blue skin discoloration has been reported in less than 1% of patients taking the drug.

There are no reports of hypertension due to amiodarone.

Be sure to discuss with your doctor before starting or stopping any medication.

[Sandy M.T.]

Thank you for the information you gave. I was wondering if you could tell me if you think that the Amiodarone could of done any damage to my lungs or eyes. My cardiologist keeps on insiting he wants to wait until all the tests are completed before he talks about all this with me. I understand why he wants to do it this way and I do agree that it is better to deal with it all at one time but it is hard to keep on waiting and wondering. If you could tell me a bit more about Amiodarone I would greatly appreciate it. My cardiologist in my home town keeps mentioning the possibility of cariomyopathy could you please tell me what that is. The only thing he has told me is that he thinks my problem may be congenital. I was a bit more than 3 months premature when I was born in 1960 and he says that may play a part in it as well. Thanks so much for your time.

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

The answer to your question depends on several things.  Do you know what type of extra beats you were having?  IF they were PACs and PVCs it may be that nothing needs to be done.  If something more serious was detected than medicine and/or ablation may be necessary.  The right bundle branch block is nothing to worry about.  The kidney transplant is up to you and your doctor.  I would proceed slowly as your health should be stable before donating an organ.  There are other options for your mother besides transplant in the meantime.