AFib/ST

[Aloof]

Hello, I am a 22 year old male that was diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation/SVT in April 2009 after a holter mon exam. Yet, I developed the condition as a child and was never thoroughly checked out by doctors. My complaints were always blamed on anxiety, which was quite frustrating. These episodes had ranged from 3-6 hours a day, thank God I never had a stroke all these years. I have been on different meds, but now am on digoxin (0.125mg 1x day) and propafenone (150 mg 2x day) for 4 months. Let me tell you the side effects are killing me ! I am in such mental turmoil dealing with: depression, emotional roller coaster, suicidal thoughts, lack in appetite, fatigue, delirious, body aches, etc and I can't work a job. I still have episodes after walking/running for about an hour or so. I got my blood checked for overdosing and it checked out fine. This is the last drug my cardiologist can give me. Please can somebody tell me any other options, is an ablation really risky or worth it !? I am very active and just want to enjoy life ! Thanks !

[Jerry_NJ]

You don't mention taking aspirin or coumadin/warfarin to give protection against a stroke (blood clot), that seems strange to me.  These meds will not do anything to reduce you symptomatic problems, but I think they are always needed (aspirin alone may be enough and is simpler) when one has any AFib times.

I don't know why the meds you mention would give you any of the problems you mention. Have you discussed this with your doctor?

[Aloof]

Yes ! I forgot to mention that I am taking the aspirin 1x day. I have discussed with my cardiologist countless times about the side-fx and he denies them every time. He is so old  he forgets the meds i'm on and always says to take your medicine and you'll be fine. But, I've been feeling the fx ever since I started the cycle of meds ! My GP has referred me to a new cardiologist that I have been waiting on since June in hopes for better treatment. My GP understands my situation and is doing her best to help me, but it seems she can't really do much until my next cardio appointment. Thanks for your response.

[ddzeke]

I've had AF for about 9 years, doctors tried controlling it with meds, for years. My average bout would last 8 to12 hours, longest was 7 days. Meds no longer worked, I had my ablation sept.9th, the day after, the doctor told me to stop taking all my meds. The first ten days after were terrible, I didnt take enough time off for recovery ( 2 days ), so everything was out of whack, heart rate higher than ever, in and out of rhythm all day and night, I thought I had made a big mistake. On day 10 after the ablation, I woke up feeling great, and have felt great ever since. I've had a flutter a couple of times, lasts about 5 to 10 minutes and goes away.At your age, if you have the chance to get an ablation you should concider it. So far it has worked out well for me (50 years old), Doctors say it can take sometimes up to 3 to 6 months for your heart to heal, but I'm feeling better than I have in years. Hope this helps, good luck

[Aloof]

Thank you for sharing ! That is very encouraging for me and I am sorry to hear about the tremendous episodes after surgery, but I am more glad that they have calm down ! Thanks again.

[helpinboston]

Try discussing with your doctor:

-Long term Amiodarone
-Ablation