Atrial Fib

[Lolleplop]

I had atrial fib in 2005, had a successful cardioverson done in 2006. I went back into Atrial Fib sometime this winter.  I seem to become lethargic, tired, and depressed.  The first time I went to the doctor he said he was sure I was fine, 3 months later I returned and told him I was not getting better, something was wrong, sure enough he listens to my heart and orders a EKG, I'm in Atril Fib once again.  This time seeing a different cardiologist.  So far he's taking me off Rymthol, tried me on Atentenol, did not work at all, now I'm on Diltiazem, working some what, but not good enough so he added Dogix, made me feel nausated all the time, short of breath, and like I needed my cane to walk.  I'm losing patience with this doctor, every month, a new pill to try.  Does it take this long (now going on 3 months) to regulate A-Fib?  Am I being too impatient?  Are A-Fib symptons feeling lethargic, depressed, tired?  Any suggestions?  I did see another specialist who said he usually treats his patience with Amiodarone, which would require being hospitalized to see how I react, after reading the information on that drug, I think I better pass, I see to be quite drug sensitive to begin with.  Does treatment drag on like this.  I guess most of my impatience comes from feeling so tired, and lethargic.

[Sparkle48]

I was diagnois with Atrial Fibrillation in 2007. I have been in and out the hospital for the first year. No one know what I had. I got sick at work and
the ambulance take me to Georgetown University Hospital, in the emergency room, I had several doctor's come in and did not know what
was going on with me. I had the one doctor. She request all kinds of test
to be done. This doctor to me I am having Atrial Fibrillation. I did not know
what that was. She explain to me what that was and what can be done.
I finally have a Cardiac doctor over at Washington Hospital Center. This
doctor has been excellect. I am on Rymthol 425mg and Metoprolof SUC ER 50mg. I have not have any fibrillation for amost one year.
He is first put me on Rythmol, I went into afib within three week. I wanted
to come off the medicine because I felt that it was not working. My doctor
told me to give it a chance to work in you system. I did and not fibrillation.

[DJ1974]

First off my name is David. I went into a fib around three years ago. I had open heart surgery at 18 months of age I will be 34 this November. I have kept it under control with tykosin,cardiavol,digoxin, and oh yeah the dreaded coumadin **** for blood clots .It has not returned heart is strong again at 50-55% and have lost 40lbs. My email adress is                ***@**** and my home phone number is 520-836-1400 I live in Casa Grande  AZ. If you or anyoneelse has any questions feel free to call.

[Hopeful39]

I had afib in March and was cardioverted on Amiodarone IV loading dose.  Then, cardiologist kept me on oral dosage for 2 months.  I was also very concerned about the safety profile for this medication and spent a lot of time researching it.  Fortunately, I did not experience any of the side effects.  However, I was also otherwise healthy and 39 years old.  There are a series of blood tests that can be used to monitor some (not all)  of the safety concerns.

Keep in mind that there is another drug in phase III clinical testing (Dronedarone) that is expected to have the same beneficial effects as Amiodarone but with substantially less safety concerns.  Sorry I do not know when it is intended for submission for approval.  Do a google on it to read more.  Good luck.

[RNRita]

Hi, there.  You don't say your age but I know that A-fib can be tricky, especially in a young person.  We had a patient who was 30 and he was back constantly being cardioverted and medicated.  They would "fix" him, but he always went back into A-fib.  Some people actually live in it for many years.  They are maintained on coumadin to prevent embolisms.  A-fib is not a lethal rhythm.  The problem is that it can cause blood clots and that is why it needs to be treated.  Amiodarone is a wonderful drug.  I have seen it work countless times on the unit and had never once, seen any of the dreaded effects.  Your healthcare is YOUR choice.  Be as educated as you can be then make a decision, but if you do not feel confident in your cardiologist, you will never be able to trust them enough to let them make you better!  Good luck.