Rita's Posts

Hi. Anyone on, or been on, Amiodarone (cordarone)? What kind of side effects did you have, if any, and were you able to stay on that drug? I had 2 valves replaced 10 yrs ago and although I had to get a pacemaker afterwards because of damaged electric connections I never had arrythmia. But I just had it for the first time in June (atrial flutter). A cardiac ablation is a serious intervention on me (on the left side) because of my replaced valves and my already stenosed damaged heart (due to radiation treatment in 1977), so they are seeing how I do on amiodarone for the moment. But I feel like a zombie. My legs are so heavy they feel like stone blocks I have to lift to walk. 😢

10 years ago today, at age 53, I had heart valve surgery to replace my aortic and mitral valves with mechanical valves and to reinforce my tricuspid valve. Two weeks later a permanent pacemaker was implanted. I spent 3 weeks in hospital and 3 weeks in a live-in rehab hospital. Yesterday I was hospitalised for one night to change the battery in my pacemaker of 10 years. The previsous week I was hospitalised to receive intravenous diuretics (lasix) for a few days to drain a pleural effusion. Pleural effusions are a chronic long-term side effect of my heart surgery. I know when I have one and when I need to have it drained - I get even more out of breath than usual with the smallest of exertions. I don't think about or worry much about my valves - I see my cardiologist twice a year and have an echo once a year, I manage my own anticoagulants. Recovery can take awhile, sometimes longer than one anticipates. Surgery is over quickly but one's heart and soul need time to recover, heal and adjust. Everyone's heart problems are singular, don't compare yourself to anyone else. There is no right or wrong, just the path you choose which is the right one for you at the moment.