Anyone win the battle with Arrhythmia?

[FJOHNONE]

I am a 67 year old with no known history of heart issues of any sort, I had an episode of arrhythmia in January, 2007 and cardioversion in Feb. 2007. I was prescribed cartia and flecainide which I continually take. The cardiologist believes that the medications keep me in rhythm and if I stop, I will fall out of sinus rhythm. I have symptoms of fatigue, sleepiness and nausea which severely impact the quality of my day.
My question is are the medications producing the side effects and the symptoms I am having? Is there anyone that has been cardioverted and stopped using meds and is fine. Is one episode of arrhythmia in 67 years sentence me to a lifetime of medications that could cause the symptoms I am describing? Does anyone win the battle?

[Jerry_NJ]

You didn't say what kind of arrhythmia you suffered from.  As for AFib, it is my experience that mediation and electrocardioversion only work for a limited time, maybe years.  Ablation and the Maze may be permanent, but I think all else are not.  

When I am in NSR and taking Propafenone to help hold me there, I have few to no side effects, and jog/run and do other aerobic activies: bike, hike...  When I'm in AFib if feel tired and have a shortness of breath... but little or no dizziness.

Flecainide is a rather strong drug, maybe you can get "by" with something softer, e.g., propafenone is such, I believe.  

[FJOHNONE]

In my case, I am trying to determine if I am having side effects from the heart medications which would explain my symptoms. Strangely, everytime I have an EKG and have symptoms, I remain in sinus rhythm.
Its easy to say that the meds are keeping me in sinus rhythm so just live with the symptoms. It may be that I can do without symptoms if I stop taking the meds. I will never know.

[twinbee]

You have not said what type of rhythm problems you have. Is it a-fib or something else?
I does sound to me that the meds are causing your symptoms. If the EKG shows you are in sinus rhythm at he time you are having symptoms I would think it must be the meds.

[kevk]

Electrical cardioversion, however, uses much lower electricity levels to administer the shock than defibrillation. Defibrillation is often used to treat much more difficult to convert arrhythmias.

My question is were you cardioverted or defibrillated ?  

I think cardioversion is used more to covert A-Fib.

I have been taking Flecainide for 13 years 150 mg 2x day plus now 100 mg of metropolo 2 x day.  I am 46 and do not think of being sentenced to a life of meds just happy to be alive.  The meds do suck but are better than the alternative. I live a pretty normal life and do not think about it most of the time.

Maybe you should talk to your doctor about changing your meds or any other options.

[FJOHNONE]

What kind of symptoms do you have? I have A-Fib and had cardioversion in Feb., 2007. I guess I'm a big baby and should be thankful to be in sinus rhythm for 25 months. Symptoms are nausea, fatigue, sleepiness. Really feel grateful and should dwell on what I do have.
Sorry to bother you and glad you are managing so well.

[sick and tired 47]

Hi! I answered on another one of your posts... I am a very strong advocate of health- after two years of pure "heck" and letting drs. run the show. I am polite, but firm!!! And if the dr. does not want to discuss other options, then I will find someone who will.
On the other post I stated the problems I had with many of the meds they tried... thank goodness I have a great PCP who helps me thru this time ( really rough til I found him). Of all the meds I tried I am now on atenolol and it is okay (  have fatigue) but I will take it compared to nausea, headaches, dizziness,nightmares,ect... There are some many to try... and if one does not work... on to the next one. We are all so wonderful unique and we respond to meds very differently.
    This is your heart... you only have one and want to take GOOD care of it!!!
I wish you the best!!!

[FJOHNONE]

I love your spirit. Thank you for sharing.
I really don;t know or have forgotten the symptoms related to A-Fib. It has been over 25 months since cardioversion and medications. Since then it has been extreme fatigue, nausea and sleepiness. Daily. These are powerful meds cursing through my veins. My goodness powerful enough to alter the rate and rhythm of a wondrous organ like my heart!
Nobody believes me which is probably the worst of it. I have an ear infection and will be going off of Flecainide for the duration of the antibiotic (Levaquin) I need to take for two weeks. I will find out what happens to my symptoms and take action. This is my opportunity. I hope I can act like you have.