Thanks for the information. I am scheduled for a cardioversion locally next week. We have family in Austin so travel is irrelevant if I desire to choose to pursue the Texas Arrhythmia Institute path. An acquaintance in Austin had an ablation and Watchman recently by Dr. Burkhardt at the Institute and was please with the procedure/protocol. Obviously it is far too soon to judge the results. Doesby docboss - AFIBBERS FORUM
After my a-fib diagnosis four years ago and subsequent treatment with dofetilide, my relapses requiring cardioversion have gone from two years to six months, to five, to three then one. I have identified most of my triggers but it is clear things are deteriorating in spite of my best efforts. My EP says it may be time for my first ablation. Unfortunately, the local facility performing ablationsby docboss - AFIBBERS FORUM
I have been in normal rhythm for six months taking Dofetilide 500 mg. BID. No apparent side affects or interactions. Other than the three days spent in the hospital and the cardioversion, I was pleased with the process. IMHO, I would prefer to take two caps a day rather than have an invasive surgical procedure. This forum is filled with stories of failed ablations. Some folks having four or moreby docboss - AFIBBERS FORUM
I have been on Dofetilide 500 mg, bid for over six months. After my cardioversion I am in normal rhythm since then. A few occurrences of PAC's in the first three months but none since. My EP says this is the case in 60% of cases. My background is much different than yours. I was, and hopefully again, a high effort cyclist and body builder. I took Eliquis but now will be switched to aspirin.by docboss - AFIBBERS FORUM
Latest news from EP. I am still in normal rhythm taking my Tikosyn. He states this is the case with 60% of patients. He does not recommend ablation unless I choose it based on lifestyle decision. BP is under control with 25 mg.Losartin. I asked about resuming my "high mileage" cycling and weight lifting. He advised me to build up my cycling slowly but there are no limitations. He is morby docboss - AFIBBERS FORUM
Here is what I learned at my appointment at the EP office. I saw his PA's. Had an EKG and blood drawn. 1. I am in sinus rhythm. The charts of my times of palpitations as recorded by Kardia machine were PAC's and were not an indication of issues of going back in a-fib. She said it was normal in the first month but the tikosyn would actually work better as I stay on it. 2. No restricby docboss - AFIBBERS FORUM
You folks have given me quite a bit of information and created a host of questions for my EP. I will report on my visit next week. It appears this is not uncommon as my local bike shop knows of several serious riders who have developed afib, including one most accomplished semi-pros in the area. I stopped by the shop to ask about an e-bike. Depending on my visit, I may "test the waters&quoby docboss - AFIBBERS FORUM
Thanks. My EP is an avid cyclist. I have not ridden in three months. My last ride was before the Tikosyn (a really bad ride), so I have no experience on the bike with the drug. Depending on the information I get at my upcoming appointment, I may try to do a few miles and see how I feel. It should be funny getting on my loaded Propel and puttering along with the folks on their vintage Schwinns. Iby docboss - AFIBBERS FORUM
Thanks for the input. I'm drinking two Virgin Mary cocktails with low sodium V8 every morning. Taking Potassium and Magnesium supplements daily, plus my new meds. Strange for someone who only took the occasional Motrin for low back pain. My appointment with my EP's nurse practitioner is next week. Probably to check vitals, EKG and some blood work to see how I'm doing with the Tikosby docboss - AFIBBERS FORUM
Greetings from a "new" afibber. A little background: 66 year old male. 6'5", 225 lbs., 10% body fat. No significant medical history. No meds. Social drinker. My first experience was one year ago on a century bike ride. At 60 miles I could feel my heart racing and thumping in an unusual fashion. Almost abandoned the ride. Ten miles later, no issue. I rode 50 miles the nexby docboss - AFIBBERS FORUM