Posted by Carl Plaskett on January 06, 2002 at 15:57:46:
In Reply to: Re: Maze success posted by THOMAS C. GLASS on January 06, 2002 at 12:45:58:
Henry: From many previous posts,and the published "side effects" of Rythmol (and other drugs),it is apparent that what Tom says has validity.
I was some 2 months post-maze when I took Zithromax, which apparently put me into Aflutter at about 120-125bpm. My local EP said to take some Rythmol (75mg, 3x/day,I believe). My Aflutter went to 135, so he said to increase Rythmol to 150mg, which I did just once, and my Aflutter went to 145. He then told me to come in that day for a cardioversion, which held. I have not had any more episodes.
While I knew the Aflutter wasn't going to hurt me, it was annoying after being afib-free for a couple of months, and it did make exercise harder because I started exercise sessions somewhat tired already from the flutter. I also found that after a few minutes of exercise while in flutter, my HR would go down to around 115-125, even when I started at 140 or so. Strange, but it happened with me.
Others who have posted and are cured, also cut their post-maze Rythmol with similar results. Perhaps you can ask your doctor about reducing it and cardioverting you if that doesn't work.
This WILL work itself out, just keep up the exercise.