Eblation

Afib/Flutter

by AgentX86 - 2024-05-15 20:56:59

I think the majority of people in the club have, or have had, either Afib or flutter (AFL). The important thing is to be anticoagulated and keep the heart rate below 100bpm.  After that, treatment is based on symptoms.  It's mind over matter.  If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.

Ameoderone is a very powerful and toxic drug. Since you'll only be on it for three weeks, I wouldn't worry about it.  This is commonly known as a "chemical cardioversion". Usually there is a "loading" period", where you're on a massive dose, to build it up in your system, then a period for it to do its thing. Ameoderone is stored in the fat cells in the body and is only excreted as they're replaced, so it has a very long half-life (the time for half of it to leave your system).  After six months, there will still be a detectable amount in your system. It's nasty stuff, but I wouldn't worry about it for such a short period.  I wouldn't take it permanently. I've taken it for six monts at a time, three times. It did affect my thyroid but it recovered after a year or so.

An ablation is an entirely different thing, where they go into leg, snake a catheter up into the heart, and burn, or freeze, areas into the heart muscle to contain the errant AF or AFL signals. The procedure is very simple and usually an out-patient procedure.  I've always gone home the same day if was done in the morning.

If there is an overnight in the hospital, it's just for observation.  If they do this procedure, pack for it (jammies, toothbrush, and book), just in case.

Ablations aren't always successful and often take two tries.  "Typical Aflutter" has a much higher first-time success rate than Afib. "Atypical flutter", a much lower success rate.  I've had three failed ablations, then an AV ablation to at least paper over the symptoms.

An ablation should be done by a specialist, someone who does at least a hundred a year and a thousand lifetime.  Not because it's particularly dangerous, it's not, but because the odds of success are higher. It's worth going out of your way to find the best. So far, it doesn't sound like an ablation is on the table, though.

Resetting

by godrew - 2024-05-15 21:11:15

I have had 1 ablation and used Amiiderone after I had a myectomy.  I was on it for about 6 months also.  I was fortunate to not have any side effects, they say stay out of sun while on it.  Some folks are lucky to have their heart "reset" with the meds alone.  I was not so lucky and needed to be cardioverted to get out of AFib and I was also very uncomfortable while in AFib, you may not feel quite as bad.  Obviously I'm not sure on your condition, but I would think to be out of afib and back in regular rhythm is best and you would probably feel better.  Good luck. 

Ablation

by Indyglo - 2024-05-18 09:44:35

Question.........if they want me to have the ablation and I have agreed, then why do they want me to take the medicine Amiderone?   When I read one of the first risks is DEATH, I am inclined NOT to take this medication.   I am going to contact the doctor again to get more understanding as to why they want me to take this medication.   Also, why is the 'reset' needed?  What's the purpose of a 'reset'?

Just not ready for another year of procedures and costs!   I only went with the TVAR becuse Dr. said if I don't, I might only have two years left.......then I was told they were sure I would have a heart block, thus the pacemaker before the TAVR.    The pacemker has not caused any issues (1 year this past Feb).   The TAVR did not cause any issues (1 year this month)..except for the fact I had a major artry bleed while in recovery and they had to go into my other leg to put in a stent to stop the bleed. 

Thinking I felt fine before ANY of these procedures....just wishing I would not of had anything done and took the risks.  I am 72 and I still work full time and do not plan on retiring anytime soon.

The meds

by godrew - 2024-05-20 00:09:33

When I was on amiodarone after my procedure I asked the same question.  The dr said the reason I was placed on this med for a few months was to try to stabilize my rhythm post procedure, sort of to give the heart an assist in holding off afib before going cold turkey.  Good luck

Meds

by Atabuoy - 2024-05-20 23:18:55

I've had cardiomyopathy for 15 years, I was 54. Then came afib 5-6 years ago. Symptoms weren't great. Sob got significantly worse, amiodarone did not help nor did 5-6 cardioversions. Had 2 ablation procedures which were ultimately successful until late March when I went through acute ventricular tachycardia. Was put on an IV of amiodarone for 24 hours to stop the VT's. While still in hospital, 5 days later, VT's returned. This time 48 hours of amiodarone IV. To complicate matters, IV site went interstitial, pain was agonizing. After the 48 hours I was on 400mg 2x/day for 7days. During that time they implanted a biventrical pm with ICD. Now on 200md amiodarone per day and told it will be lifetime. Not thrilled about it but not sure if I have any options?
So while it can be effective, there are side effects and have never heard anyone contradict that.

Hopefully the ablation will work for you, long term, and you can stop taking amiodarone.