Quote from TheThrill:
I have lone AF and have used several different medications, most with mixed results at best. Beta blockers were prescribed to me for borderline hypertension which runs in the family. They reduced my heart rate to that of bradycardia and I believe they had a role in my initial episode of AF. Later, a cardiologist put me on amiodarone and lanoxin and the episodes increased. I finally visited an EP who informed me that my type of AF was vagally-mediated and that virtually every taboo med combo had been given to me. He switched me to norpace (disopyramide) and I have not had an episode in over a year. Doctors are divided between rate control meds and rhythm control meds, although my EP thinks that maintaining NSR is the ticket if at all possible. I'm happy for all those who have had success with amiodarone, but the side effects are horrific. Anyone who has been advised to use it should think twice or at very least get a second opinion.
The doctor that did my ablation in 98 told me he would not put me on
Amiodarone even through it would stop it. He said exactly what you said. I have had others try to get me to take it, but I wouldn't. I have been on this rythmol for six years, but it just holds the rate. I now have pm syndromn they think. My pacemaker went out just about over night. I was put in the hospital and given lot's of vitk. I got my new pm and within a few weeks it failed. Anyway that is what the hospital records stated, but my EP said it was not the pacemaker, but he had set the high end at 150. He now has it set at 120 and if my rate hits that, it drops to 60. He did tell me he wanted me to walk 5 miles a day. I was up to three and caught a virus and am starting all over. I am back at two now. I don't feel bad except if I over do it I notice it the next day. Thanks for the info on norpace. My EP has been talking about another ablation. He said the doctor that did it did not map it out as he should have. It's funny, but a friend in the subdivision where I live called me yesterday. He wanted to know what was wrong with my heart. It turns out we both have AF. He doesn't know much about it and has had it for eight years. He was telling me his symptoms etc. He was in it when he called. It can be really scary. Anway, a really nice guy, but he is the first person I have ever met that had it. People just don't understand what is wrong when you look very healthy. But when that AF kicks in even through I cannot feel it anymore, I sure get weak and nausious (sp?). Thanks again for the information. - gle
