Update on Rythmol - EP Recommendation - working without a net.

[DeltaDawn23]

I just tried and failed Rythmol last week, had terrible side effects.  Felt great after it was out of my system, only having some irregular beats yesterday a.m.  I feel better than I have in the nearly 2 years I've been on Rythmol (which didn't keep me out of afib for 2 episodes in December).  they increased the dose, but a lot of side effects, mostly gastric, feeling very fatigued and depressed.  I saw the EP today and asked if it was reasonable to stay on the 50 mg. of Atenolol I'm on and have an electrocardioversion when an episode occurs.  He said yes, that would be his recommendation.  I feel like I'm working without a net, but the original reason I went on the Norpace was because I had a terrible ER experience in which my bp bottomed out, they were coming at me with the paddles and asking if I wanted to be resustated (sp?).  Anyway, after that, under the direction of my EP I was able to bypass the ER and go directly to an outpatient electro-conversion.  No fun, but way better than the ER.  The EP said my odds for a successful ablation with persistent afib are 65% (Another EP told me 50-50)  He said a robotic maze procedure had a 90% rate of success.  My main EP has said no ablation, ablation and now no ablation again.  He and the 2nd opinion EP have cancelled each other out.  Not sure what's best.  I guess I will roll the dice since I'm feeling fairly well - altho pac's, pvc's and short runs of tachy are still in the picture.  I am not getting as panicky as I used to, but they aren't any fun either.  Maybe I'm just going to go with the flow and let whatever will be, be.  I'm thinking of sending my records to the Cleveland Clinic and maybe another hospital well known in Detroit for catheter procedures.  I feel more comfortable now, having a plan.  1.  See what happens on just a higher dose of Atenolol 2.  To the hospital for an outpatient conversion if needed 3.  Go back on the Norpace or 4.  Ablation or larger maze procedure.  It's kind of like when it's not raining, the roof doesn't need attention, when it is, then it gets your attention.  This whole thing has me kind of nuts, but what i know for sure is I feel 90% better off the anti-arrythmic drugs.  I think I'm rambling and I apologize, but if you have any thoughts, comments, and/or recommendations I would be happy to hear them.  Thanks for listening.

[DeltaDawn23]

Michelle -- as always you make a lot of sense and have a way of putting things in order.  I am going to just hand it over to a higher power for now and let the chips fall where they may.  I SO appreciate your advice and good thoughts -- you always give me a lift when I need it.  Take care. DD

[MichelleP_3811]

I don't really have any advice for you in regards to afib as my problem was run of the mill accessory pathway avnrt that was mostly short lived when I got it and very easy to fix.  Afib is so darn tricky my heart goes out to you figuring out how to deal with it.  The best advice I can give you is to follow your instincts.  When you weigh both options one may stand out as feeling more right or comfortable or one will stand out as making you a bit agitated.  Follow the path that gives you the most peace and you can't go wrong.  Though to truly be able to feel these instincts it is best you let it all go to some degree like it sounds like you are trying to do.  When we are able to be a bit objective is when we make the most sound decisions.  So as hard as it can be to let it go it may be your best bet to find the right path for you.  It may even help lesson your symptoms a bit.  One thing I did just recall seeing or reading was a trial they did with afib patients and yoga and those that did the yoga seemed to have less symptoms or episodes then those who didn't so you may want to give it a try and see if it helps especially if you decide to not try the ablation.  Well best of luck.  I am pulling for you either way.  Take care.