i think i amnin denial. i have never had afib more than 2 days and mostly 2-3 hours

i went for a

checkup may 10 and he said i was in afib at 95. i usually run 55 with meds, but this is the first time inwas in afib and didnt know it. usually it is very pronounced. i feel it in my neck.

It's a horrible feeling mines all in the chest and I get eptopic beats most days have ordered some magnesium taurate to help with them fingers crossed

by tolerating the meds does that mean if they r keeping u out of afib? how do i know without a monitor all the time? i dont seem to have any side affects like sob, diZzyness. i am on sotalol, eliquis, and aldactone.

have u had any episodes after the ablation? did u have to take off work or take it easy till the 3 months is up?

By 'tolerating' the meds, I mean whether you are having any negative side affects like metalic taste, indigestion, heartburn, dizziness.  I would suggest you talk to your doc about changing from eliquis to pradaxa, since the pradaxa has a refersal factor (in case you need emergency surgery or are in a auto accident), and eliquis does not.

I am on a rythym drug called propafane, which is the one I would like to get off of -- but will only be able to if my surgery was successful.  I have been told that I will have to be on the blood thinner (pradaxa) for the rest of my life because: (1) I am a female, (2) over 65, and (3) I get absolutely no symptoms from A-fib so I can never tell whether I am in it out not.

And if you are in it, the possiblity of a stroke is great - therefore, the blood thinner is necessary to prevent stroke.

 

Yes, unfortunately, I am still in a-fib even after the ablation.  and it actually seems to be getting worse, unfortunately; i.e, more episodes lasting longer.

I have a fitbit HR (heart rate) watch that measures my pulse and I take it randomly (since as mentioned before, I don't get any symptoms).  My pulse can go from my normal (59) to 130-135.  It's discouraging, but the doc told me not to worry about it until I have the holter test done on 6/24., which will be 3 months since  surgery.  

That will tell the true story.  The original holter worn for 24 hrs. showed I was in a-fib 57% of the time.  All EKG's were normal as were all the other tests they put me thru -- it was only when I wore the holter (like a portable EKG) that the a-fib was discovered.  (reasons for the test was that I had fainted a couple of times for no reason at all - always thought it was from low blood pressure..)

I am retired, but I took it easy after surgery for about a month.  Doc told me I could resume all normal activity after 2 months, which I did.I actually felt exactly the same after surgery as I did before.

Hope this helps a little....

it has helped me so much. i feel deep down my meds r working, but my daughter( who worked in cardiac surgery for a long time) encourages me to get the ablation and so does my doctor. they

both say, it will eventually get worse and while i am still healthy get it done now insted of later. like i said, i have only been diagnosed late february. i really have no other medical problems other than 74 lbs overweight , female,69, and mild hypertension. my thyroid, heart, ok. cholesterol is 160. thank you again and ii pray for a goid outcome at your 3 month checkup. carol

I was also told that the a-fib would eventually get worse and to have it done while I was still healthy.  Female and over 65 put you at a greater risk for stroke.

If you are apprenhisive about the operation itself, don't be.  Find a doctor and hospital that specialize in them and do a lot of them.  I was very stressed about the operation itself -- it turned out the most stressful part of it was the time leading up to it -- not the operation itself.  

Good luck.  Pls. keep us all posted.

thank you for your input. all comments and feedback are important, especially knowing i am not alone in this. peace of mind w your pacer is as valuable as anything else u could do. my appointment for discussion is the 16th. i will keep in touch.

thank you