meds or ablation for arrthyhmia control

[lagoya]

hi
i was just wondering what people feel if they had a choice to use meds or have an ablation to help with their arrthyhmia

[Jerry_NJ]

I tolerated AFib well.  While I am in AFib all the time 24/7 I am generally unaware of it unless I doing physical work.  Then breathless and easily fatigued.  But, I also recover fast, just stop on an upgrade or stairs, "catch my breath" and take off again.

I am now off arrhythmia drugs (last was 425 Rythml SR twice a day), and down (for me) to only 100 mg of Metoprolo ER (50 mg twice a day).  The latter is for slowing my HR, and while it also lowers my BP, to tolerable levels, maybe 110/70 would be a typical number for me..that may have something to do with the breathlessness..not sure.

I also take Warfarin, and I think I could get by with taking only Warfarin.  I haven't had that discussion with my EP or Cardiologist.  I'm still thinking over a more aggressive treatment program. From the posts of many on this forum I could conclude a minimum treatment program is preferred.   I do worry about long term effects from meds, but I think all those I'm taking have been used for many more years than I've been on them and they are considered safe.

[ireneo]

Anti-arrhythmics are different than BP meds. My arrhythmias are annoying but not life threatening so I can cheat and not take my meds. A high BP however will damage your organs. I have a sweet friend who has had 2 kidney transplants now because he hated his BP meds. I agree with you though that a BP of 70/30 is just too low. I would fight and argue for another way or med to manage it better.

[banglamom]

Is everyone else in the place where there IS an option NOT to take all the meds.  I mull it over EVERY day.  My md has told me that I wouldn't live too long without them.  Sometimes I still think I should try and see how long that really might be.  In general I find that I tolerate 180 better than I tolerate a bp of 70/30.  That seems to be the price of the meds.  An open heart would be a huge pain and a huge risk.  I just need to find out if they can make it a for sure thing.  The only serious aftereffect of 3 failed ablations is near bankruptcy.  There is no lingering effects of having had ablations- they are just done.  I sure wish the whole thing could be.  Thanks everyone.  This has been one interesting conversation.

[RNRita]

I have had very few incidents of SVT, but I'll tell you all this.  I hate tachycardia, so if I was plagued by SVT on top of these PVCs, fibromyalgia, sciatica, MAV, GERD, and the other list of ailments I have, I'd jump on a gurney and shove the cath in my OWN groin!

[Momto3]

You guys might find this thread helpful.  Maybe someone could kickstart the old thread or start a new one.

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/389334

Happy Halloween everyone!

[lagoya]

i believe  with knowledge and a greather understanding maybe not a cure per-say will happen but certainely a more confident approach to dealing with arrhythmias in the long run .some people have terrible side effects to hr meds some dont all depends on body make up etc ,thats why the list idea is good and will be posted by greendave over the next few days ,when a person has good knowledge and understanding about any situition it puts a person in a better position to move forward etc.
my ep says the same all they have is meds at the moment if ablation fail or not deemed approtiate in the first place for nuisance arrhythmias.i feel diet plays a massive role in all functions of the body and our diet's today are a lot different from less than 10 yrs ago so who knows maybe more will add to this