Brett's Posts

Hi Joe. It was a very long convo I had with the surgeon and my cardiologist. Because I live such an active lifestyle they did a 3D image of my heart. We decided to go with the Edwards Inspiris Resilia bioprosthetic. I was able to get the largest size so the plan is that I'll need a repair and then 2 TAVRS.

Great update, Brett. I was on amiodarone for 30 days post-op. It controlled my a-fib and I have been a-fib free off the drug now for 4 weeks so I am very hopeful I am past it. You likely are over it as well. I got the same valve in the large size. I am 55 so it was quite the inner struggle to make the decision but I want to play sports, run, hike, etc, so I really didn't think blood thinners was something I wanted to do. We will decide what action needs to be taken when this one needs correction. You are doing great! Thanks for keeping us updated.

Hi Brett, I took amiodorone for 6 months after my mitral valve repair. I was started in it intravenously and took ( I think) 400 mg for a few weeks, then 200 mg/ day. I was pretty closely monitored while on it & had a few baseline tests before starting - lung function, thyroid function. I had no lasting effects from it, just saw my eye doctor & he said there were no deposits on the corneas - apparently this can happen - it can effect the eyes, as just about every organ in your body. I felt no real side effects from it, but I was highly relieved to be taken off it! Hoping you don't need to stay on it long...it did the trick though, I've had no afib for over 2 years.

Brett I understand the concerns as well. When I read about it and found out all the cautions they had it scared me. I have been on 200mg for the 1st month out of surgery and now they have me at 100mg for the next two months. My cardiologist wants to get me off this stuff as soon as possible so doing the baby steps with him of smaller doses.

I was on IV Amiodarone after an AFib episode in ICU & was discharged with 200mg three times a day. Less than a week later, my cardiologist lowered it to 2X per day, then a couple of weeks later it was at 1X per day. I'll be seeing my cardiologist on 7/1 & you can bet one of my questions will be - when can I get off of this stuff or at least take less of it. Best wishes.

I am sorry you had to go through this at a young age. Although it sounds like everything went well, and I know you had the surgery done at a top notch place. Hope the rest of your recovery is easy for you. Did your experience this time help you with your trust -the -doctor issues?

Rose - That was a question I've been trying to find. How long can someone take Amidarone for? I've been on it for only a month but my Doc just re-loaded me with another 30 pills. Also my family has had a history of being treated and misdiagnosed. I wish that that didn't happen but it has caused trust issues with the medical field.

I was on Amiodadrone for about 2.5 months. It affected my eyesight and I hated the way it made me feel. It is a good medicine to combat afib but I was very thankful when they took me off of it. In fact, on my 4th readmission to the hospital, the ER doctor suggested I discuss getting off of it with my cardiologist, as did my brother who is a doctor. So, I refused to take it until I spoke with the doctor. They put me on Multaq which is very expensive but I got a one month supply for free and then they took me off all afib medicine. You need to discuss options with your doctor. I understand your hesitation based on a family history of misdiagnosis but I can't stress that you need to have a doctor whom you can trust. I hope you trust your cardiologist. Hope this helps.....