In late breaking clinical trials presented today at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, results of the ROCKET AF trial indicated that in an atrial fibrillation patient population that was at a very high risk of stroke, rivaroxaban (Xarelto) was as good as warfarin at preventing strokes.
Learn more at: Rivaroxaban comparable to warfarin in preventing stroke and other complications of irregular heartbeat
I HAVE HAD A-FIB SYMPTOMS FOR OVER 24 YEARS, I HAVE BEEN ON ALL THE DRUGS FOR RHYTHEM CONTROL AND NONE OF THEM WORK FOR VERY LONG I AM PRESENTLY ON TIKOSYN THERAPY AND CARDIZEM ALONG WITH COUMIDIN WHICH CAN NEVER SEEM TO BE REGULATED. THE DOCTORS HAVE SAID THEY WOULD DO THE AV NODAL ABLATION AND PACEMAKER IMPLANT. WHEN AND ONLY WHEN I CAN PAY FOR IT. AS I HAVE NO MEDICAL INSURANCE WHO WOULD WANT TO INSURE SOMEONE WHO HAS HAD A HEART ATTACK AND BYPASS SURGERY AT THE AGE OF 35 AND DEALT WITH A-FIB ON TOP. i AM TIRED OF ALL THE MEDICINES MAKEING ME FEEL BAD. WHAT ELSE IS THERE FOR SOMEONE LIKE ME?
Sharon,
I’m so sorry about the challenges you’re had.
One starting point might be getting the new alternative to Coumadin, called Pradaxa, which doesn’t have all the food and drug interactions and thus doesn’t have to be regulated. It’s more expensive, but the maker is offering vouchers through doctors where it costs no more than $30-$50/month for up to a year. That would help one of the problems.
Regarding an AV node ablation, please read this first: AV Node Ablation: Why You Shouldn’t Have It
You might want to talk with a doctor (electrophysiologist or surgeon) about what other options (catheter ablation or surgery) there might be, including participating in a clinical trial where some of the costs might be picked up. Feel free to let me know where you’re located and I’ll try to help further.
Mellanie