Quality of life

[ChirpH]

I recently went into chronic atrial fibrillation when I went into congestive heart failure due to the break down of my mitral valve.  It has since been repaired.  During surgery the surgeon used the modified maze procedure and cardio version but I am still in atrial fibrillation.  I am now on Amiodarone in preparation for another cardio version.  My cardiologist thinks I will always be in atrial fibrillation due to the size of my atrium.  My question is this.  Right now I don't have any symptoms except some fatigue, but I am wondering about the long range situation.  I am 66 but I used to be very active, walking, hiking, yard and housework, and always on the go with different activities.  Any active seniors with chronic atrial fibrillation.being controlled by meds.?  And are you active?
ChirpH

[scouser costa rica]

I have been on Amiodarone for more than 10 years,and apart from having to have a pacemaker to avoid Bradicardia while sleeping,I work out for at least an hour 5 times a week,the other 2 days I play golf. My workout level is reasomable and my stress test results have been great for somebody who is seventy two.
                                      Good luck
                                                   Ian

[ChirpH]

Thanks for some positive feedback.  I still don't know if the symptoms will get worse as I am in AFib for a longer period of time and get older.  The rhythm drug that was suggested may be Amiodarone or a similar drug.  I am on it but don't plan to take it for a long time.  I suggest you research these drugs and then you can make your decision.  
ChirpH

[Jerry_NJ]

I have been in-and-out of Afib for years.  I've had several Electrocardioversions, some have converted me to sinus for up to 18 months. My last Electrocardioversion was August 29, 2008, yes a couple of weeks ago.  That didn't last, my hope was the conversion would last longer that 18 months due to a repair of my Mitral valve last November.  Well, this last cardioversion failed last Saturday, and after an EKG yesterday my EP says I'm now in Atrial Flutter, not Fibrillation.  We're going to try to slow the pulse rate down from its 100+ using Toprol XL.  If that doesn't work he suggest we talk about a powerful rhythm drug that requires 48 hours of in-hospital observation before I can take it at home.  Not sure yet about that... just some extra data you may fine interesting, not informative.

To your question, I am able to function near normal when in AFib.  I can't run for miles, and don't try, but I can do heavy duty house cleaning, e.g., floors and painting and other repairs as well as yard and garden work.  I can do more when in sinus, but AFig doesn't stop me from functioning, and I don't have serious problems with the required anticoagulant to reduce stroke risk.  My cardiologist suggeted that I just live with AFib as I tollerate it well and it isn't a serious limitation on my life expectancy, that in part due to the fact I am 69 and the life expectancy of someone 69 isn't much more than 15 years in any case.  

I continue to try to get back into sinus rhythm, but I can have a reasonable/active quality of life and have AFib, and that may be where I end up given my last poor experience with an electrocardioversion.