atrial fib, how much medicine?

tomsmo · 08-02-2004, 08:04 PM

I am 42 year old male, 6ft. 5in. tall, 270lbs. I was diagnosed with atrial fib in 11-02. I took coumadin, 200mg. of cordarone, 5mg. of vasotec. I was electro cardioverted back into sinus rhythm 1-20-03. I became depressed and was put on effexor xr 150mg. and lexapro 30mg. I was taken off the coumadin, cordarone, and vasotec 7-03. I still suffered from depression until 5-30-04 when I was diagnosed with atrial fib again. I spent Memorial Day weekend in the hospital reducing my heart rate from a steady 170, spiking to 230 down to the 60's. Now I am on coumadin, cardizem 360mg., toprol xl 150mg., lanoxin .25mg., lexapro 30 mg., and effexor xr 150mg. Since then I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea(severe). I am scheduled for consultation appointment in October at the University of Michigan for laser ablation. I am looking forward to October but in the mean time I go into severe depression. I am a road construction supervisor I have the greatest boss in the world who works with my health issues. I miss approximately 20 percent of my work. He says he will ride it out with me, I went from top three employee to the bottom one. I also have a wife, 9yr., 7yr., and a 2yr old children. From what I understand the side effects from most of this medicine is depression. Also wouldn't this be enough medicine to control the heart of an average sized horse? I am fighting for all I'm worth. How long can this go on? tomsmo

Machaon · 08-02-2004, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomsmo

I am looking forward to October but in the mean time I go into severe depression.

For depression, I take 50mg of vitamin b-complex per day. It works well for me.

kalstras · 08-12-2004, 06:02 PM

Yep, I know just where you are, I'm a 41 year old, 6'6", 250lbs and just diagnosed with AF, and am now on Coumadin (Warfarin) 5mg a day for two days now. I am scheduled for cardio version in nov-dec after the coumadin takes effect. I have my third blood test tomorow to check my INR, another on mon. then it's all about the weekly test I guess. I don't smoke, and my wife has taken away the beer/wine as it doesn't help. I can easily see why a man our age get's depressed. My doctor said that he would expect to see my heart in someone of seventy, but I have always been superfit. So WHAT now? I'll let you know how it goes. I know it's for my own good to look after myself, but I just have to ask myself, what if after all of this "Not living" it is still in AF, then what, why did I eat healthy, diet, not drink... what then? Life is beginning to suck.

cuddlecup · 08-18-2004, 04:38 AM

I am a 46 year old woman who was diagnosed with AFIB, In June of 2004. I was put on coumadin 5 mg per day, along with cardizem 180mg qd. The coumadin gave me some bleeding problems, along with brusing, and they took me off the medication. Did you know coumadin was another form of Rat Poisening....I did not want to be on the drug in the first place, I had one episode of afib, and i am s/p gastric bypass, i think my electrolytes were out of wack. they gave me fluids in the hospital, and i have not had any since, I know what you mean about feeling funny. that medication makes you feel depressed, and a feeling of doomed. I take one day at a time. and try to accept the fact that i have heart problems. I have had a stent put in my L descending artery. i had a 99% blockage at age 44. and never knew it until i had a stress test...wow was i a lucky one. no symptome.....Just take one day at a time. take care...jackie

RockandRoll · 08-22-2004, 11:45 AM

Hey, there is a solution to your problem. Ablation works, see thread Ablation is Awesome!

If you have sleep apnea you probably haven't slept in 5 years! You will understand what I am saying after you get tested. I have sleep apnea and use a CPAP machine. Sleep apnea also contributes significantly to heart arythmias.

Don't let yourself get down, you are moving toward a solution!!!!

Have a great day!