A- fib help

[shseri]

I have been in a-fib for about 2 months now. The heart Dr. doesn't recommend shock treatment because he says it doesn't last so there is no sense in putting me through it. I tried multaq but it didn't help. I am on comadin and cardizem. He says it is something I have to live with. I have to take the blood thinners the rest of my life. I have to take prilosec to counter affect the affects of the coumidin. It also causes me headaches so have to take tylenol. I don't care to be on this med for the rest of my life. I am only 57. I also hate the out of breath all the time. What has helped for any of you out there with the same problem?

[Angel_001]

Hi shseri!
I agree cardioversion is a tough route to take.  But medication isnt always 100% effective - its more like 40% with a load of side effects (NOT CHEAP) - as is cath ablation for 1st time treatment.  If your AF burden is symptomatic and intolerable to live a 'normal' life I have to say that I support the surgical maze procedure.  Every treatment is at risk of success or failure.  But atleast YOU get to choose what option is best for you.  Not your doc and certianly NOT your insurance company.  Stay on top of your insurance company and work with the doctors office to establish coverage so that YOU can choose the approperiate care you NEED.  I too am a swimmer - I competed at the NCAA level - swimming in the BEST exercise you can get (my unbiased opinion ;)  )
The shortness of breath you are having to deal with is defineately compromising the sport you enjoy doing.  You recognize that there are more options out there and you are not liking the professional opinions/answers you are currently getting.  Good For You!  There are better answers.  Keep asking questions. You WILL find the best answer for you and your health.
Good luck on your journey!
Angel

[shseri]

This was a second opinion. I didn't get much from the first Doc either. My insurance doesn't pay for another opinion. I already feel like I have managed care. I just think it is cheaper to keep us on meds. He said the electrical cardioversion isn't successful that often and doesn't want to put me through it. I think i have had this for about a year. I have felt winded even though I swim an hour 4 times a week I just thought swimming wasn't enough exercise for cardio. He tell me catherer is still in an experimental stage and doesn't recommend that either. I have been on the cardizem for years for my high blood pressure but he has upped the dose.

[Angel_001]

OMG...thats malpractice and insensitive ;)  I agree......get a 2nd 3rd or 4th opinion!  He obviously does not understand how tramatic it is to live with AF!  You probably need an EP study and Holter Monitor to see what type of AF you have.  I think there are better options in medications.  You currently are on a blood thinner, Coumadin. and Cardizem, which is a calcium channel blocker that reduces your heart rate.  So you are probably feeling super sluggish.  It sounds like your AF is more persistent in nature and needs more aggressive treatment.  If medications dont hold you - Electrical Cardioversion is an option - if that doesnt work, Catheter ablation may be an option - and STILL if you are looking for a cure, surgical maze may be an option. I have found that Stopafib.org, www.ohioafib.com, and yahoo has a afibber forum that are all helpful in order to better educate yourself on options available.
Best of luck!
Angel

[mlb16]

I agree. find another doctor.

[candi65]

I think you might want to find another Cardiologist.