cardioversion process costs

[Guest guest]

Hi Everybody,

I have an A-Fib detected the past 10 days and I am under treatment

of Blood Thinner(Sintron 4 mg a day) and Cordarone(Amiodarone 400 mg

a day) since that time..

A-fib happened before but did not stay more than 24 hours and did

not take any medications for it....

I am currently in Tunisia and will be moving to the States to live

permanently there by the next week...I have few questions that I

would like to ask you:

1-As I am not covered by an insurance yet,is it possible to get one

very quickly,will I will be covered if the The cardiovesrion take

place few days later

2-If Insurance is not possible,How much will cost the whole process

to get the cardioversion done?

3-Any Famous good cardilogist in San Francisco?

Thank you

Zied

[Guest guest]

Hi Zied - I have had cardioversions at three different hospitals on the east

coast of the US, and all were right around $3000. A bit more if the ER doctors

decided to try medications first.

My last ER visit ended up with me in the ER for one day, and admitted to the

hospital for overnight and the next day. Cardioversion came at 3pm on day two.

That bill was $4700.

I can't help you on the insurance front, other than to tell you to get the

best insurance you can afford. US medicine is VERY expensive compared to most

other countries.

Welcome,

Stef

zyed chamaki mpolik99@...> wrote:

Hi Everybody,

I have an A-Fib detected the past 10 days and I am under treatment

of Blood Thinner(Sintron 4 mg a day) and Cordarone(Amiodarone 400 mg

a day) since that time..

A-fib happened before but did not stay more than 24 hours and did

not take any medications for it....

I am currently in Tunisia and will be moving to the States to live

permanently there by the next week...I have few questions that I

would like to ask you:

1-As I am not covered by an insurance yet,is it possible to get one

very quickly,will I will be covered if the The cardiovesrion take

place few days later

2-If Insurance is not possible,How much will cost the whole process

to get the cardioversion done?

3-Any Famous good cardilogist in San Francisco?

Thank you

Zied

[Guest guest]

I cannot believe how much you folks pay for medical treatment. I had a

cardioversion on Saturday, I haven't got the bill yet, but I am sure it will

not

cost any more than 500 GBP that includes the EP's fee for attending. People

here thinking they are being ripped off and many travel to other countries

for treatment. Pat

[Guest guest]

> Thanks a lot Stef

[Guest guest]

Curious thing about insured vs. uninsured (as I am

sure many of you know) An uninsured visitor to the

E.R. gets charged retail: around (in my case) $3500.

but when you look at the actual payout from the

insurance companies, it is more like $1000 - $1500

(due to deals 'twixt the hospitals & insurance

companies.

So, the folks who can least afford it get screwed the

most. Hey - this is America!

--- Quarter Acre Orchids

quarteracreorchids@...> wrote:

> Hi Zied - I have had cardioversions at three

> different hospitals on the east coast of the US, and

> all were right around $3000. A bit more if the ER

> doctors decided to try medications first.

>

> My last ER visit ended up with me in the ER for

> one day, and admitted to the hospital for overnight

> and the next day. Cardioversion came at 3pm on day

> two. That bill was $4700.

>

> I can't help you on the insurance front, other

> than to tell you to get the best insurance you can

> afford. US medicine is VERY expensive compared to

> most other countries.

>

> Welcome,

>

> Stef

>

> zyed chamaki mpolik99@...> wrote:

> Hi Everybody,

>

> I have an A-Fib detected the past 10 days and I am

> under treatment

> of Blood Thinner(Sintron 4 mg a day) and

> Cordarone(Amiodarone 400 mg

> a day) since that time..

>

> A-fib happened before but did not stay more than 24

> hours and did

> not take any medications for it....

>

> I am currently in Tunisia and will be moving to the

> States to live

> permanently there by the next week...I have few

> questions that I

> would like to ask you:

>

> 1-As I am not covered by an insurance yet,is it

> possible to get one

> very quickly,will I will be covered if the The

> cardiovesrion take

> place few days later

>

> 2-If Insurance is not possible,How much will cost

> the whole process

> to get the cardioversion done?

>

> 3-Any Famous good cardilogist in San Francisco?

>

> Thank you

>

> Zied

>

>

>

> [Non-text portions of this message have been

> removed]

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Logic is that the law would require charges from a hospital to be reasonable to

be enforced. Logic is that a jury of peers would find a charge of $3500 for

something they get paid $1500 for by insurance companies, as not reasonable.

(What the hospital is doing is having a premium charge so that percentage

insurance/government plans will pay the amount they desire.) But are they

giving the paying patient different and premium service?

If one of the hospitals or other medical services, that a person no longer

wishes to do business with, is trying to unfairly gain from a patient, a lawsuit

before a jury of peers logically would get a good result, which the patient can

verify by discussing the situation anonymously with people at random.

We have insurance, but we always insert the word " reasonable " charges in the

'consent to pay' to make it clear, just in case.

Jo Anne

Re: cardioversion process costs

Curious thing about insured vs. uninsured (as I am

sure many of you know) An uninsured visitor to the

E.R. gets charged retail: around (in my case) $3500.

but when you look at the actual payout from the

insurance companies, it is more like $1000 - $1500

(due to deals 'twixt the hospitals & insurance

companies.

So, the folks who can least afford it get screwed the

most. Hey - this is America!

[Guest guest]

As a point of reference, one of my recent emergency room visits was

charged at $2248 but the insurance company contracted price was $492.

This was basically a cardioversion and enough time on a gurney for the

drugs to wear off.

It works out that the insurance company is paying a little over 20% of

what I would have recieved a bill for.

A few other examples:

5 day hospital stay charges paid at 66%

Ablation hospital charges paid at 17%

Ablation EP's charges paid at 18%

It's pretty obscene when you think that a person without insurance,

probably because they can't afford it or could not get it, would pay

upwards of 5 times the amount the insurance company would pay for the

same services. I expect, or at least would hope, that the hospital

would be willing to " negotiate " with someone who doesn't have insurance.

Then again...

Garrett

>

> Logic is that the law would require charges from a hospital to be

reasonable to be enforced. Logic is that a jury of peers would find a

charge of $3500 for something they get paid $1500 for by insurance

companies, as not reasonable. (What the hospital is doing is having a

premium charge so that percentage insurance/government plans will pay

the amount they desire.) But are they giving the paying patient

different and premium service?

>

> If one of the hospitals or other medical services, that a person no

longer wishes to do business with, is trying to unfairly gain from a

patient, a lawsuit before a jury of peers logically would get a good

result, which the patient can verify by discussing the situation

anonymously with people at random.

>

> We have insurance, but we always insert the word " reasonable "

charges in the 'consent to pay' to make it clear, just in case.

>

> Jo Anne

>

>

> Re: cardioversion process costs

>

>

> Curious thing about insured vs. uninsured (as I am

> sure many of you know) An uninsured visitor to the

> E.R. gets charged retail: around (in my case) $3500.

> but when you look at the actual payout from the

> insurance companies, it is more like $1000 - $1500

> (due to deals 'twixt the hospitals & insurance

> companies.

>

> So, the folks who can least afford it get screwed the

> most. Hey - this is America!

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

When I was on the island of Bonaire (off Venezuala) in 2004 an ECG was $35 US,

and 4 days of the doctors time, including one day with digoxin drip and a nurse

SITTING BY MY SIDE THE WHOLE TIME, was a grand total of $240 US. I almost

laughed when they told me how much all the services had cost.. I even said " are

you sure? " to which the doctor replied he'd be glad to add more on!

Stef

STahaney@... wrote:

I cannot believe how much you folks pay for medical treatment. I had a

cardioversion on Saturday, I haven't got the bill yet, but I am sure it will

not

cost any more than 500 GBP that includes the EP's fee for attending. People

here thinking they are being ripped off and many travel to other countries

for treatment. Pat

[Guest guest]

Hospital will almost always renegotiate the bill for those with less than

complete insurance, but you have to insist on it, make noise if need be,

threaten to take the issue to the local newspaper help lines. Just hang

tough and they will hang. Just don't give up on your protest. No more Mr.

Nice Guy.

Lew Koch

I expect, or at least would hope, that the hospital

>would be willing to " negotiate " with someone who doesn't have insurance.

[Guest guest]

That's very interesting. I've toyed with the idea of moving to

Argentina. At least I did until THIS happened. I wonder what hospital

services cost down there.

Don't suppose we have any Argentine patrons in AFIBSupport, do we?

Garrett

> I cannot believe how much you folks pay for medical treatment. I

had a

> cardioversion on Saturday, I haven't got the bill yet, but I am sure

it will not

> cost any more than 500 GBP that includes the EP's fee for attending.

People

> here thinking they are being ripped off and many travel to other

countries

> for treatment. Pat

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Zyed, If I recall correctly you have a new onset of AF. It is unusual for the

cardiologist to start someone with new AF on Amiodarone, because Amiodarone has

a serious degree of potentially dangerous side effects. Amiodarone has a place

as the " big gun " or the antiarrhytmic of last choice, when all else fails. Do

you have " Lone AF " , or is your AF caused by underlying heart disease or other

know factor? I suggest that you google or look on line for info re Amiodarone.

Please keep us posted. Thanks,

zyed chamaki mpolik99@...> wrote:

> Thanks a lot Stef

Web Page - http://www.afibsupport.com

List owner: AFIBsupport-owner

For help on how to use the group, including how to drive it via email,

send a blank email to AFIBsupport-help

Nothing in this message should be considered as medical advice, or should be

acted upon without consultation with one's physician.

[Guest guest]

- I think you'd be surprised at the number of cardios who want to

prescribe amiaodarone from the get go, since it's " known " and it really is

considered one of the best, despite the side effects. I can't tell you the

number of times the various cardios I've seen have suggested it.. over and

over.. that and pace makers! I finally had to tell my own cardio that it would

be last resort and until we had tried everything else, not to offer it again.

And a month ago when I went in for very rapid heart rate, and saw one of the

other cardios in the practice, he was going over my chart and very non chalantly

said " you're on amiodarone, right? " .... I simply said " no, I am not " ... when I

wanted to shout " WHY THE HELL WOULD I BE ON THAT???? " ...

it is a god send for many people, though.

Stef

Van Deusen ceasargracie@...> wrote:

Zyed, If I recall correctly you have a new onset of AF. It is unusual for the

cardiologist to start someone with new AF on Amiodarone, because Amiodarone has

a serious degree of potentially dangerous side effects. Amiodarone has a place

as the " big gun " or the antiarrhytmic of last choice, when all else fails. Do

you have " Lone AF " , or is your AF caused by underlying heart disease or other

know factor? I suggest that you google or look on line for info re Amiodarone.

Please keep us posted. Thanks,

zyed chamaki mpolik99@...> wrote:

> Thanks a lot Stef

[Guest guest]

Thanks for your note

Actually,I had 2 heart surgeries before (congenital

diseases) one in 71 and one 79 ...Related to a too

thight Aorta....

The 2 surgeries were successful and the Cardiologist

does not see any related issue with A-fib which he

thinks is generated by

Alcohol,cigarettes,Coffee,Stress,Life style....It is

true that so far(stopped everything 10 days ago) I am

regular heavy drinker,smoker...

For now ,Amiodarone did not improve thing besides

slowing down the Heart rate...Have not feel any side

effects...

Zyed

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Stef, I am very new in this excellent group and I am learning every day.

Amiodarone is the eye opener. I was so glad to see that got a second

opinion and discontinued it. I agree that it is helpful or even necessary for

some, but I am astonished to see so many folks be put on it right off the block!

Consequently I fell compelled to ask people to google it or research it. As a

4th line big gun, it has an important place, and I am thankful that it is around

for that use, but I do think I will continue to reach out to the newly

diagnosed folks who are put on it.

Steff, I have had AF for many years and only in the last six month have I been

having a problem with conrol. After leaving flecainide behind like a long lover

who sadly lost her powers, I been on Sotolal which failed me, and now Tikosyn

which is giving her best effort but she too is losing her grip and now

metarprolol is helping but all in all I see beyond the cracked door before me

and there waits amio, fat and blue and drunken and vile, waiting for me. But

fortunately my EP pronounces me qualified for a PVIA of a Mini-Maze, and its a

matter of finding the right physician to do the right procedure in the right

place and the clock is ticticticticticking. Thanks for your feedback,

ps. My EP recently suggested Amiodorone. I screamed, jammed my fingernail in

his cornea, and he backed off but the clock is ticking. And it is true that

someday I may thank my lucky stars for amio, but not today.

Quarter Acre Orchids quarteracreorchids@...> wrote:

- I think you'd be surprised at the number of cardios who want to

prescribe amiaodarone from the get go, since it's " known " and it really is

considered one of the best, despite the side effects. I can't tell you the

number of times the various cardios I've seen have suggested it.. over and

over.. that and pace makers! I finally had to tell my own cardio that it would

be last resort and until we had tried everything else, not to offer it again.

And a month ago when I went in for very rapid heart rate, and saw one of the

other cardios in the practice, he was going over my chart and very non chalantly

said " you're on amiodarone, right? " .... I simply said " no, I am not " ... when I

wanted to shout " WHY THE HELL WOULD I BE ON THAT???? " ...

it is a god send for many people, though.

Stef

Van Deusen ceasargracie@...> wrote:

Zyed, If I recall correctly you have a new onset of AF. It is unusual for the

cardiologist to start someone with new AF on Amiodarone, because Amiodarone has

a serious degree of potentially dangerous side effects. Amiodarone has a place

as the " big gun " or the antiarrhytmic of last choice, when all else fails. Do

you have " Lone AF " , or is your AF caused by underlying heart disease or other

know factor? I suggest that you google or look on line for info re Amiodarone.

Please keep us posted. Thanks,

zyed chamaki mpolik99@...> wrote:

> Thanks a lot Stef

[Guest guest]

Zyed, you said a mouthful with coffee., cigarettes and alcohol. Many a

wonderful night I shared with these! I miss the smokes, quit 14 years ago, but

the taste of fresh air and the ease of breathing surely fruit surely compensate.

Lately things have been a bit shakey with my rhythm, so I'm at arms length with

alcohol now too. You will be able to leave them behind, but it may be one day

at a time for now.

Zyed, would you give me some info?

At this point then you are in afib, but your rate is controlled?

How long have you been in afib?

Are you on anything besides Amiodarone to conrol rate or rhythm?

Are you on anything to prevent clots? This is very important!

Did you have a cardiac ultrasound and stress test yet.

Is your doc a cardiologist?

What is the plan?

Please let us know whats up asap. I you will be amazed at the helpful

feedback you will get from the folks in this group.

mploik kilop mpolik99@...> wrote:

Thanks for your note

Actually,I had 2 heart surgeries before (congenital

diseases) one in 71 and one 79 ...Related to a too

thight Aorta....

The 2 surgeries were successful and the Cardiologist

does not see any related issue with A-fib which he

thinks is generated by

Alcohol,cigarettes,Coffee,Stress,Life style....It is

true that so far(stopped everything 10 days ago) I am

regular heavy drinker,smoker...

For now ,Amiodarone did not improve thing besides

slowing down the Heart rate...Have not feel any side

effects...

Zyed

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

,

At this point then you are in afib, but your rate

is controlled?

Yes better,Can give you an update tomorrow will see my

cardiologist

How long have you been in afib?

Happened before (5 years ago and 6 months ago) but did

not last more than few days...Now it is been almost

one month that I am in A-fib

Are you on anything besides Amiodarone to conrol

rate or rhythm?

No

Are you on anything to prevent clots? This is very

important!

yes 3 mg of SINTRON each day.

Did you have a cardiac ultrasound and stress test

yet.

Stress test no..did not hear about (live in Tunisia

currently),what is it?How much it costs?..However

,made Holter and ECHO-doppler

Is your doc a cardiologist?

Yes one of the best in Tunisia...

What is the plan?

For me I am moving soon to the States soon have

already arranged an appointement with a cardiologist

in San Francisco next week..However,Without Insurance.

If I go for teh Elecrtical cardioversion,Can I wait

few months the time to find a job and get insurance

covreage?Or Should I go for it asap?

Thanks Zyed

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Wow, !

You have quite the way with words!

" ...but all in all I see beyond the cracked door before me and there

waits amio, fat and blue and drunken and vile, waiting for me. "

And

" My EP recently suggested Amiodorone. I screamed, jammed my

fingernail in his cornea, and he backed off but the clock is ticking. "

This last gave me a vivid picture in my mind of an afib patient leaping

across the desk to attack his EP, because after years of pent-up

frustration over drugs that didn't work, procedures that went awry, and

just the day-to day misery of living with afib, he had had just about

enough! Thanks for the laugh!

[Guest guest]

Hi

I think the reason why doctors sometimes start patients on amiodarone is

because if the patient is already in hospital they can monitor the

loading dose. That was what happened to me anyway ( 2 med after

sotalol). What is interesting that amiodarone with all its side effects

is licensed in the UK, but dofetilide which only has side effects that

affect the heart is not. Personally if I was given the choice I would

try dofetilide.

ine

Re: Re: cardioversion process costs

Zyed, If I recall correctly you have a new onset of AF. It is unusual

for the cardiologist to start someone with new AF on Amiodarone, because

Amiodarone has a serious degree of potentially dangerous side effects.

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Zyed, Thanks for the info. I'M glad to hear that you rate is under control

because this will prevent your ventricles from overworking, which can in the

long run cause heart failure. Also I am glad to hear that you are on Sintron,

which is often called warfarin or Coumadin in the states. This anticoagulant

will help to prevent you you from developing clots in the atria, which can put

you at risk for stroke.

The standard approach to AF, which lasts over 48 hours is to put the patient

on Sintron for 3 to four weeks, to contol the rate below 100 beats/ minute, and

to cardiovert in 3 to 4 weeks - or to cardiovert sooner after insuring there are

not clots in the atria by checking with a Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE).

Your care is puzzling. You are on an antiarrhytmic, Amiodarone, which may

cause you to cardiovert before your Sintron has had a chance to have full

anticoagulant effect. This could put you at increased risk for stroke , because

if you should convert to normal sinus rhythm (NSR), your atria would stop

quivering and start pumping again. If there are clots in the atria, they could

easily be pumped out then and this could cause a stoke. At this point, it is

best not to convert to NSR until either you Coumadin levels have been adequate

for 3 to 4 weeks or until you have had a TEE to rule out clots in the atria.

Another factor is that Amiodarone is normally a last option for AF, not the

first line. The reason for that is that the drug can have serious side effects.

It can harm the lungs, thyroid, brain, eyes, liver, skin, etc. These effects

are more likely with higer doses and longer treatments, but they are also

possible with short term treatment as well. Although Amiodarone can be an

effective, potent antiarrytmic, and is a blessing for some, it has serious risks

and is consequently not a first line antiarrhytmic for AF.

There may be good reasons why your doctor has put you on Amiodarone, but I

suggest you ask him some questions.

*Why are you on an antiarrhytmic at this point, since it is not in your

interest to convert to NSR until your Sintron has has a chance to work.

*If rate contol is what is needed at this point, why is it being achieved with

Amiodarone, when there are much safer ways, such as digoxin and a beta blocker,

to achieve this.

*If you are on Amiodarone at this point to achieve a therapeutic antiarrhytmic

level before cardioversion to help the conversion and maintaince to NSR, why not

try a different and much safer antiarrythmic medication. If you don't have any

heart disease, flecainide, Rhythmol, and other meds are safer options. If you

do have stuctural and functional heart problems dolfetilide (Tykosin) and other

meds are an option.

*If you don't know your treatment plan for cardioversion, it would be nice to

clarify it. Before your cardioversion you may want to have a TEE evaluation to

check for clots. There are some risks to this, but also benifits.

I am not a doctor, and I don't want to alarm you unnecessarily about

Amiodarone. It is a blessing for many people, but I were in your shoes, I would

be questioning, and if my doctor answered that he placed me on it just because

he thinkd it is a good medication, or if he didn't answer my questions, I would

find another doctor. Please let me know how your appointment goes. Thanks,

mploik kilop mpolik99@...> wrote:

,

At this point then you are in afib, but your rate

is controlled?

Yes better,Can give you an update tomorrow will see my

cardiologist

How long have you been in afib?

Happened before (5 years ago and 6 months ago) but did

not last more than few days...Now it is been almost

one month that I am in A-fib

Are you on anything besides Amiodarone to conrol

rate or rhythm?

No

Are you on anything to prevent clots? This is very

important!

yes 3 mg of SINTRON each day.

Did you have a cardiac ultrasound and stress test

yet.

Stress test no..did not hear about (live in Tunisia

currently),what is it?How much it costs?..However

,made Holter and ECHO-doppler

Is your doc a cardiologist?

Yes one of the best in Tunisia...

What is the plan?

For me I am moving soon to the States soon have

already arranged an appointement with a cardiologist

in San Francisco next week..However,Without Insurance.

If I go for teh Elecrtical cardioversion,Can I wait

few months the time to find a job and get insurance

covreage?Or Should I go for it asap?

Thanks Zyed

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

What you are being told is only partially true. It is only risky if one is

cardioverted electrically when there is a thrombus present. The risk of stroke

is not increased one converts to NSR via drugs (chemical cardioversion) or on

their own.

Usually amiodarone is given to convert a patient to NSR or prepare the heart

so that when electrically cardioverted they are more apt to stay in NSR, then

the amiodarone can be withdrawn after a few weeks.

It is true of course, that elective d/c cardioversion iwith a thrombus present

is malpractice.

I don't want you frightened uncessecarily.Continue with your current

medications.

Van Deusen ceasargracie@...> wrote:

Zyed, Thanks for the info. I'M glad to hear that you rate is under control

because this will prevent your ventricles from overworking, which can in the

long run cause heart failure. Also I am glad to hear that you are on Sintron,

which is often called warfarin or Coumadin in the states. This anticoagulant

will help to prevent you you from developing clots in the atria, which can put

you at risk for stroke.

The standard approach to AF, which lasts over 48 hours is to put the patient

on Sintron for 3 to four weeks, to contol the rate below 100 beats/ minute, and

to cardiovert in 3 to 4 weeks - or to cardiovert sooner after insuring there are

not clots in the atria by checking with a Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE).

Your care is puzzling. You are on an antiarrhytmic, Amiodarone, which may

cause you to cardiovert before your Sintron has had a chance to have full

anticoagulant effect. This could put you at increased risk for stroke , because

if you should convert to normal sinus rhythm (NSR), your atria would stop

quivering and start pumping again. If there are clots in the atria, they could

easily be pumped out then and this could cause a stoke. At this point, it is

best not to convert to NSR until either you Coumadin levels have been adequate

for 3 to 4 weeks or until you have had a TEE to rule out clots in the atria.

Another factor is that Amiodarone is normally a last option for AF, not the

first line. The reason for that is that the drug can have serious side effects.

It can harm the lungs, thyroid, brain, eyes, liver, skin, etc. These effects

are more likely with higer doses and longer treatments, but they are also

possible with short term treatment as well. Although Amiodarone can be an

effective, potent antiarrytmic, and is a blessing for some, it has serious risks

and is consequently not a first line antiarrhytmic for AF.

There may be good reasons why your doctor has put you on Amiodarone, but I

suggest you ask him some questions.

*Why are you on an antiarrhytmic at this point, since it is not in your

interest to convert to NSR until your Sintron has has a chance to work.

*If rate contol is what is needed at this point, why is it being achieved with

Amiodarone, when there are much safer ways, such as digoxin and a beta blocker,

to achieve this.

*If you are on Amiodarone at this point to achieve a therapeutic antiarrhytmic

level before cardioversion to help the conversion and maintaince to NSR, why not

try a different and much safer antiarrythmic medication. If you don't have any

heart disease, flecainide, Rhythmol, and other meds are safer options. If you

do have stuctural and functional heart problems dolfetilide (Tykosin) and other

meds are an option.

*If you don't know your treatment plan for cardioversion, it would be nice to

clarify it. Before your cardioversion you may want to have a TEE evaluation to

check for clots. There are some risks to this, but also benifits.

I am not a doctor, and I don't want to alarm you unnecessarily about

Amiodarone. It is a blessing for many people, but I were in your shoes, I would

be questioning, and if my doctor answered that he placed me on it just because

he thinkd it is a good medication, or if he didn't answer my questions, I would

find another doctor. Please let me know how your appointment goes. Thanks,

mploik kilop mpolik99@...> wrote:

,

At this point then you are in afib, but your rate

is controlled?

Yes better,Can give you an update tomorrow will see my

cardiologist

How long have you been in afib?

Happened before (5 years ago and 6 months ago) but did

not last more than few days...Now it is been almost

one month that I am in A-fib

Are you on anything besides Amiodarone to conrol

rate or rhythm?

No

Are you on anything to prevent clots? This is very

important!

yes 3 mg of SINTRON each day.

Did you have a cardiac ultrasound and stress test

yet.

Stress test no..did not hear about (live in Tunisia

currently),what is it?How much it costs?..However

,made Holter and ECHO-doppler

Is your doc a cardiologist?

Yes one of the best in Tunisia...

What is the plan?

For me I am moving soon to the States soon have

already arranged an appointement with a cardiologist

in San Francisco next week..However,Without Insurance.

If I go for teh Elecrtical cardioversion,Can I wait

few months the time to find a job and get insurance

covreage?Or Should I go for it asap?

Thanks Zyed

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

- your response also gave me a great laugh. Wouldn't it be

great to be so assertive instead of crawling away from doctors'

appointments confused, dissatisfied, frustrated, mad, and squashed.

Phyllis

>

> Wow, !

> You have quite the way with words!

>

>

> " ...but all in all I see beyond the cracked door before me and there

> waits amio, fat and blue and drunken and vile, waiting for me. "

>

> And

>

> " My EP recently suggested Amiodorone. I screamed, jammed my

> fingernail in his cornea, and he backed off but the clock is ticking. "

>

> This last gave me a vivid picture in my mind of an afib patient leaping

> across the desk to attack his EP, because after years of pent-up

> frustration over drugs that didn't work, procedures that went awry, and

> just the day-to day misery of living with afib, he had had just about

> enough! Thanks for the laugh!

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

A doctor is supposed to be a healer. If a doctor makes one feel worse (aside

from their health problem), then maybe he isn't the right doctor for that

person.

Jo Anne

Re: cardioversion process costs

- your response also gave me a great laugh. Wouldn't it be

great to be so assertive instead of crawling away from doctors'

appointments confused, dissatisfied, frustrated, mad, and squashed.

Phyllis

[Guest guest]

ine, Dolfetilide is pretty new here too. My pharmacy had not even heard of

it when I first contacted them, and some of the docs have not been cleared by

Phizer to give it. I think that Amiodarone is used more often in Great Britian

than her. Thanks for the feedback,

ine pj.gilmartin@...> wrote: Hi

I think the reason why doctors sometimes start patients on amiodarone is

because if the patient is already in hospital they can monitor the

loading dose. That was what happened to me anyway ( 2 med after

sotalol). What is interesting that amiodarone with all its side effects

is licensed in the UK, but dofetilide which only has side effects that

affect the heart is not. Personally if I was given the choice I would

try dofetilide.

ine

Re: Re: cardioversion process costs

Zyed, If I recall correctly you have a new onset of AF. It is unusual

for the cardiologist to start someone with new AF on Amiodarone, because

Amiodarone has a serious degree of potentially dangerous side effects.

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Acutally, Phyllis, I am very fortunate to have the very best,

sweetest and most excellent EP in existence. It's my GP that I often

have disagreements with. He does not like to be challenged, and at

age 55, I challenge him often, within the 5 minutes he allots for

a " visit " , for which he charges me $85. So far, the good things about

him outweigh the bad. He hounds me to keep up with my appointments

with my other doctors, such as my gyn, and makes sure that all other

stuff, for instance my tetanus shot, are up to date, and my blood

work. He is a very good advocate on behalf of his patients, but we

seem to clash on the personality front. I often leave his office

feeling dissatified and frustrated, but to tell you the truth, what

really frustrates me about him is that I know he is giving me good

advice, but I am just not taking it. But I never feel that I that I

am crawling away from his office.

Keep fighting the good fight.

>

> - your response also gave me a great laugh. Wouldn't it be

> great to be so assertive instead of crawling away from doctors'

> appointments confused, dissatisfied, frustrated, mad, and

squashed.

[Guest guest]

Thanks and ...

How long usually people return to NSR after using drugs suchas

amiodorone as it is been 11 days amd am still in A-fib?

Is it risky to travel a long flight?as I am planing to go to

California from Europe to consult a Cardiologist?

THanks

Zied