AFib and Pulmonary Hypertension

By CommunityMember2c5c38

1 min read

I was diagnosed in 2016 and was unable to take blood thinners. I do take a full aspirin every day. I have had high blood pressure for 20-some years and take blood pressure medicine. My blood pressure has been difficult to keep in check. About a year ago they put me on an anxiety pill to help control my BP, and it has helped some. I also take sotol and simvastatin.

I take lazix to control my ankles and feet swelling, and most times it works. I am also two liters of oxygen at night, and the doctor thinks I need it in the daytime too. I still can't walk very long and get out of breath. I used to walk about two miles every day for over 20 years. I am 87 years old and have gained 25 lbs. I would like to know why my doctors never did an ablation on me and if there is any other treatment available for me.

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Leslie Castro Moderator & Contributor
I’m sorry to hear you’re going through and pulmonary hypertension. As far as the question about an ablation, well sometimes ablation’s aren’t successful can pose more harm than good. I’ve had three unsuccessful ablation before the age 31, and the last ablation was worst because I ended up having complications post the ablation. Have you ever asked your cardiologist the reason why an ablation would or would not be something to discuss as an option for the future? It would be something worth asking. Leslie (Community Moderator)
Olivia Rose Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="CommunityMember2c5c38" user-id="6762698"/> Thank you for sharing your journey with us and I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis of AFib and pulmonary hypertension. I've collected some links to some articles written by people in this community that may be helpful to you. Let me know if this helps. https://heart-failure.net/clinical/cardiac-ablation https://heart-failure.net/clinical/afib-ablation https://heart-failure.net/clinical/afib-genetic Olivia Rose -Moderator
CommunityMember9ddfc8 Member
I just got diagnosed congestive heart failure and I am trying to get under control I'm 54 and 3 months ago I was told can't walk far ,blood pressure bad,on meds but cardiologist says that it will take awhile for the meds work but 3 months I think it's been long enough plus fluid all over me I feel like I'm alone in this situation I want to live but I'm not sure what to do my cardiologist is supposed to be head of providence hospitals cardiologist team and I don't see much in helping me 
1. Leslie Castro Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember9ddfc8" user-id="6923027"/> You’re definitely not alone. Before I had a heart transplant in 2019. I could barely walk from my house to the mailbox, which was.10 of a mile. I retained 40 lbs of fluid predominantly in my abdomen and on oxygen 24/7. Diuretics were my friend, however, eventually I needed to be admitted to have 24/7 care to maintain good health before my transplant. It’s definitely frustrating, but try to think of the good things you did throughout the day. Continue to remain positive and keep in touch even on the rough days. Leslie (Community Moderator)
John Bottrell, RRT Moderator & Contributor
Hi. I see you have just joined our community a few days ago, April 14 to be exact. Welcome to our community. Thank you for sharing your own personal experience with heart failure. I do believe you are not alone in this community, as many others here have experienced the same thing as you are experiencing. I hear you that 3 months is long enough. Plus, if you continue to be concerned, perhaps it may be time to schedule another appointment with your cardiologist to discuss your concerns as you have presented them here. I know I have had to nudge my doctors a time or two to get them to take better notice of my condition and offer a better solution. Is this something you would consider doing? After all, you deserve answers. John. <a href='https://heart-failure.net' target='_blank'>heart-failure.net</a> community moderator. 
1. JessicaL Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember9ddfc8" user-id="6923027"/> I wanted to make sure you saw John's message above!