Tikosyn load/ablation

[heart2222]

I just got discharged after being loaded for Tikosyn. I go in and out of AF and wasn't in AF while in the hospital. THus it's hard to know if the Tikosyn works for me.

I'm trying to decide about long-term Tikosyn use and the ablation.

Has anyone experienced side effects from Tikosyn?

What have you all heard about the heat ablation vs the newer cryoablation for AF?

Thanks,

[heart2222]

Jerry_NJ
Thanks for your comment. My doctor said if the Tikosyn doesn't work, then should try ablation. That whole procedure kinda scares me. 6 hr procedure and then 6 hours lying flat and not moving.

I was told if you don't have serious side effects while in the 6 dose loading, the chances of getting them later is very remote.

I'll try the cryoablation search. Thanks!

[pops222]

I've had numerous cardioversions7 0r 8, , finally tried the ablation, 3 weeks later needed another cardioversion, will start discussing tikosyn at next follow-up, now this stuff scares me, same side affects as Afib and heart attack and can kill you without warning, my dr. mentioned sudden death,I
think the ablation is safe enough , mine was textbook but persistent Afib is difficult to treat and to live with, I'm 67 and like to be active. but im too dizzy and fatigued

[Jerry_NJ]

CORRECTION:  In point "3"  should read:  "...in my case, it should not be done", that is my doctors think my chances of a cure to my AFib are much less than 75%.  Then too my symptoms are "minor", but significant enough that I can no longer jog for exercise, then too I am too old to jog anyway ;  (

[Jerry_NJ]

As you haven't gotten any inputs from people with direct experience I'll offer the following from my understanding.
1)  Tikosyn is one of or the most powerful drugs and has associated higher risks, thus "loading" in the hospital.
2)  If the supervised loading doesn't cause any dangerous side-effects it may be possible to take the drug "long-term", but if you doctor(s) believe an ablation may cure the problem, I think that is a better route.
3) Only your doctor(s) can tell you what your "odds" are for a cure by ablation, but in many cases it works and I think the odds of a successful ablation is over 75%, or as in my case, it should be done.
4) You may find some helpful threads on cryoablation by doing a search on this forum.  I recall seeing the subject a few times.