hi
I have been suffering form AF since the year 2000,the problem
worsened last year when I was over medicated on the thyroxine
hormone I take for an underactive thyroid.
I was due for my 6 monthly appointment at liverpool cardiothoracic
centre,(Every time I go for these appointments I am always in AF.)
August 2007 was my last appointment and I was AF again it
showed up on the cardiogram they always give you when you attend .
The consultant said there and then could you come into hospital next
day and bring your pajamas,This I did I went in the friday and did
not come out till one week saturday (an 8 day stay)I was originally
only in the hospital for a cardiversion,and there was a bit of a
waiting list,While I was on the new medication AMIODARONE I suffered
heart block this is a condition were the heart rate drops to near
flat line ( they constantly monitor your heart by remote )
The consultant came in the next morning and said we have a change of
plan I am now going to insert a pacemaker
I had the pacemaker inserted and was put on the new medication
AMIODARONE.
And I have got to say I have not looked back since ,I have had 2
small episodes since August and it is now April
I feel normal again I can ride a bike, walk,sleep and even have a
drink at the weekend with no problems at all
The consultant said this is the new pacemaker with the algorithm in
it which aids my condition but will not prevent it
I have my next apppointment in 2 months time (june), the consultant
said I may have to come of the AMIODARONE Because you can not stay
on it long term ,it is detrimental to your health and it could
affect your eyes, kidney's ,liver etc
I will just have to wait and see what happens in june FINGERS CROSSED
best wishes

ps
I should say I had a one day operation (catheter ablation )in
january of 2007 which was not a success