Guest guest Posted December 6, 2005 Report Share Posted December 6, 2005 In a message dated 12/6/05 7:15:32 PM Pacific Standard Time, rdeyermond@... writes: > I think it is great that digoxin helps control your heart rate, but > personally, I don't want to take any drug if it is not doing anything for me. I > intend to speak to my cardiologist about the report and discuss the digoxin > use. I would be curious if other EPs have similar opinions about digoxin as > Dr. Eldadah? > Well, people speak pretty highly of Dr. Natale here, and he believes in digoxin. It's the only drug I can take and he said I needed to keep taking it to keep my rate under 100 when I'm in a-fib, which (on the whole), it does a good job of. So I think it's just one of those things that different doctors have different opinions about. I trust Dr. Natale implicitly. Digoxin is also an old drug and thus " tried and true " without some of the side effects of some of the newer ones. Since I can't take any of the newer ones anyway, this gives me some comfort. That and the fact that overall it works in keeping my rate under 100 when in a-fib. Toni CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 6, 2005 Report Share Posted December 6, 2005 In a message dated 12/6/05 7:15:32 PM Pacific Standard Time, rdeyermond@... writes: > I think it is great that digoxin helps control your heart rate, but > personally, I don't want to take any drug if it is not doing anything for me. I > intend to speak to my cardiologist about the report and discuss the digoxin > use. I would be curious if other EPs have similar opinions about digoxin as > Dr. Eldadah? > Well, people speak pretty highly of Dr. Natale here, and he believes in digoxin. It's the only drug I can take and he said I needed to keep taking it to keep my rate under 100 when I'm in a-fib, which (on the whole), it does a good job of. So I think it's just one of those things that different doctors have different opinions about. I trust Dr. Natale implicitly. Digoxin is also an old drug and thus " tried and true " without some of the side effects of some of the newer ones. Since I can't take any of the newer ones anyway, this gives me some comfort. That and the fact that overall it works in keeping my rate under 100 when in a-fib. Toni CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 6, 2005 Report Share Posted December 6, 2005 In a message dated 12/6/05 7:15:32 PM Pacific Standard Time, rdeyermond@... writes: > I think it is great that digoxin helps control your heart rate, but > personally, I don't want to take any drug if it is not doing anything for me. I > intend to speak to my cardiologist about the report and discuss the digoxin > use. I would be curious if other EPs have similar opinions about digoxin as > Dr. Eldadah? > Well, people speak pretty highly of Dr. Natale here, and he believes in digoxin. It's the only drug I can take and he said I needed to keep taking it to keep my rate under 100 when I'm in a-fib, which (on the whole), it does a good job of. So I think it's just one of those things that different doctors have different opinions about. I trust Dr. Natale implicitly. Digoxin is also an old drug and thus " tried and true " without some of the side effects of some of the newer ones. Since I can't take any of the newer ones anyway, this gives me some comfort. That and the fact that overall it works in keeping my rate under 100 when in a-fib. Toni CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 6, 2005 Report Share Posted December 6, 2005 I have been taking digoxin for as long as I have been having afib events (12+ yrs). It is my understanding that digoxin is not prescribed to control or prevent afib, but rather for heart rate control prior or within an afib event. I have recently learned that the medical community is not all in agreement as to whether digoxin does impact rate control while one is in afib. There is growing consensus that drugs like toprol are better suited for rate control in lieu of digoxin. Recommend consulting your doctor about this.... R, Bob carlsone21 wrote: I have been taking Cartia 120 for my a-fib. Although it keeps my rate slow it doesn't keep a-fib from occurring. The doctor just prescribed me Digoxin. I was wondering how many of you are on or have been on Digoxin and what your success has been in staying out of A-Fib. What about side effects? any other stories? 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 6, 2005 Report Share Posted December 6, 2005 I have been taking digoxin for as long as I have been having afib events (12+ yrs). It is my understanding that digoxin is not prescribed to control or prevent afib, but rather for heart rate control prior or within an afib event. I have recently learned that the medical community is not all in agreement as to whether digoxin does impact rate control while one is in afib. There is growing consensus that drugs like toprol are better suited for rate control in lieu of digoxin. Recommend consulting your doctor about this.... R, Bob carlsone21 wrote: I have been taking Cartia 120 for my a-fib. Although it keeps my rate slow it doesn't keep a-fib from occurring. The doctor just prescribed me Digoxin. I was wondering how many of you are on or have been on Digoxin and what your success has been in staying out of A-Fib. What about side effects? any other stories? 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 6, 2005 Report Share Posted December 6, 2005 I have been taking digoxin for as long as I have been having afib events (12+ yrs). It is my understanding that digoxin is not prescribed to control or prevent afib, but rather for heart rate control prior or within an afib event. I have recently learned that the medical community is not all in agreement as to whether digoxin does impact rate control while one is in afib. There is growing consensus that drugs like toprol are better suited for rate control in lieu of digoxin. Recommend consulting your doctor about this.... R, Bob carlsone21 wrote: I have been taking Cartia 120 for my a-fib. Although it keeps my rate slow it doesn't keep a-fib from occurring. The doctor just prescribed me Digoxin. I was wondering how many of you are on or have been on Digoxin and what your success has been in staying out of A-Fib. What about side effects? any other stories? 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 6, 2005 Report Share Posted December 6, 2005 Digoxin is the only drug that will reduce my heart rate during an afib event. Its a very old standard, but I think doctors don't really like to prescribe it since there is apparently a fine line between theraputic and toxic.... I dunno.. I now travel with it in case I go into afib somewhere without good medical care... Stef Deyermond wrote: I have been taking digoxin for as long as I have been having afib events (12+ yrs). It is my understanding that digoxin is not prescribed to control or prevent afib, but rather for heart rate control prior or within an afib event. I have recently learned that the medical community is not all in agreement as to whether digoxin does impact rate control while one is in afib. There is growing consensus that drugs like toprol are better suited for rate control in lieu of digoxin. Recommend consulting your doctor about this.... R, Bob carlsone21 wrote: I have been taking Cartia 120 for my a-fib. Although it keeps my rate slow it doesn't keep a-fib from occurring. The doctor just prescribed me Digoxin. I was wondering how many of you are on or have been on Digoxin and what your success has been in staying out of A-Fib. What about side effects? any other stories? 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 6, 2005 Report Share Posted December 6, 2005 Digoxin is the only drug that will reduce my heart rate during an afib event. Its a very old standard, but I think doctors don't really like to prescribe it since there is apparently a fine line between theraputic and toxic.... I dunno.. I now travel with it in case I go into afib somewhere without good medical care... Stef Deyermond wrote: I have been taking digoxin for as long as I have been having afib events (12+ yrs). It is my understanding that digoxin is not prescribed to control or prevent afib, but rather for heart rate control prior or within an afib event. I have recently learned that the medical community is not all in agreement as to whether digoxin does impact rate control while one is in afib. There is growing consensus that drugs like toprol are better suited for rate control in lieu of digoxin. Recommend consulting your doctor about this.... R, Bob carlsone21 wrote: I have been taking Cartia 120 for my a-fib. Although it keeps my rate slow it doesn't keep a-fib from occurring. The doctor just prescribed me Digoxin. I was wondering how many of you are on or have been on Digoxin and what your success has been in staying out of A-Fib. What about side effects? any other stories? 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 6, 2005 Report Share Posted December 6, 2005 Digoxin is the only drug that will reduce my heart rate during an afib event. Its a very old standard, but I think doctors don't really like to prescribe it since there is apparently a fine line between theraputic and toxic.... I dunno.. I now travel with it in case I go into afib somewhere without good medical care... Stef Deyermond wrote: I have been taking digoxin for as long as I have been having afib events (12+ yrs). It is my understanding that digoxin is not prescribed to control or prevent afib, but rather for heart rate control prior or within an afib event. I have recently learned that the medical community is not all in agreement as to whether digoxin does impact rate control while one is in afib. There is growing consensus that drugs like toprol are better suited for rate control in lieu of digoxin. Recommend consulting your doctor about this.... R, Bob carlsone21 wrote: I have been taking Cartia 120 for my a-fib. Although it keeps my rate slow it doesn't keep a-fib from occurring. The doctor just prescribed me Digoxin. I was wondering how many of you are on or have been on Digoxin and what your success has been in staying out of A-Fib. What about side effects? any other stories? 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 6, 2005 Report Share Posted December 6, 2005 Stef, This is what my cardiologist has been telling me for years, however, I just met with Dr. Eldadah (EP) at Washington Hospital Center and he reiterated that digoxin does basically nothing to control heart rate when in afib. This was not the first time I had heard this so I asked if I should speak to my cardiologist about it? He said he would include it in his report back to him. I think it is great that digoxin helps control your heart rate, but personally, I don't want to take any drug if it is not doing anything for me. I intend to speak to my cardiologist about the report and discuss the digoxin use. I would be curious if other EPs have similar opinions about digoxin as Dr. Eldadah? Bob Quarter Acre Orchids wrote: Digoxin is the only drug that will reduce my heart rate during an afib event. Its a very old standard, but I think doctors don't really like to prescribe it since there is apparently a fine line between theraputic and toxic.... I dunno.. I now travel with it in case I go into afib somewhere without good medical care... Stef Deyermond wrote: I have been taking digoxin for as long as I have been having afib events (12+ yrs). It is my understanding that digoxin is not prescribed to control or prevent afib, but rather for heart rate control prior or within an afib event. I have recently learned that the medical community is not all in agreement as to whether digoxin does impact rate control while one is in afib. There is growing consensus that drugs like toprol are better suited for rate control in lieu of digoxin. Recommend consulting your doctor about this.... R, Bob carlsone21 wrote: I have been taking Cartia 120 for my a-fib. Although it keeps my rate slow it doesn't keep a-fib from occurring. The doctor just prescribed me Digoxin. I was wondering how many of you are on or have been on Digoxin and what your success has been in staying out of A-Fib. What about side effects? any other stories? 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 6, 2005 Report Share Posted December 6, 2005 Stef, This is what my cardiologist has been telling me for years, however, I just met with Dr. Eldadah (EP) at Washington Hospital Center and he reiterated that digoxin does basically nothing to control heart rate when in afib. This was not the first time I had heard this so I asked if I should speak to my cardiologist about it? He said he would include it in his report back to him. I think it is great that digoxin helps control your heart rate, but personally, I don't want to take any drug if it is not doing anything for me. I intend to speak to my cardiologist about the report and discuss the digoxin use. I would be curious if other EPs have similar opinions about digoxin as Dr. Eldadah? Bob Quarter Acre Orchids wrote: Digoxin is the only drug that will reduce my heart rate during an afib event. Its a very old standard, but I think doctors don't really like to prescribe it since there is apparently a fine line between theraputic and toxic.... I dunno.. I now travel with it in case I go into afib somewhere without good medical care... Stef Deyermond wrote: I have been taking digoxin for as long as I have been having afib events (12+ yrs). It is my understanding that digoxin is not prescribed to control or prevent afib, but rather for heart rate control prior or within an afib event. I have recently learned that the medical community is not all in agreement as to whether digoxin does impact rate control while one is in afib. There is growing consensus that drugs like toprol are better suited for rate control in lieu of digoxin. Recommend consulting your doctor about this.... R, Bob carlsone21 wrote: I have been taking Cartia 120 for my a-fib. Although it keeps my rate slow it doesn't keep a-fib from occurring. The doctor just prescribed me Digoxin. I was wondering how many of you are on or have been on Digoxin and what your success has been in staying out of A-Fib. What about side effects? any other stories? 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 7, 2005 Report Share Posted December 7, 2005 In a message dated 12/7/05 6:23:00 AM Pacific Standard Time, carlsone21@... writes: > I am just wondering if > the digoxin would help me from getting future a-fib episodes? I doubt it. It wasn't designed to do that, just to keep the heart beating more strongly. It helps keep my rate down while in a-fib, but doesn't do a thing to prevent episodes ... I am also probably chronic at this point since I'm in day 103 of this current episode and frustrated and discouraged about it all .... also highly symptomatic the past week or so, which makes it worse. I hope something works for you! Magnesium worked dandy for me for a few years, but even that isn't helping now. Toni CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 7, 2005 Report Share Posted December 7, 2005 In a message dated 12/7/05 6:23:00 AM Pacific Standard Time, carlsone21@... writes: > I am just wondering if > the digoxin would help me from getting future a-fib episodes? I doubt it. It wasn't designed to do that, just to keep the heart beating more strongly. It helps keep my rate down while in a-fib, but doesn't do a thing to prevent episodes ... I am also probably chronic at this point since I'm in day 103 of this current episode and frustrated and discouraged about it all .... also highly symptomatic the past week or so, which makes it worse. I hope something works for you! Magnesium worked dandy for me for a few years, but even that isn't helping now. Toni CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 7, 2005 Report Share Posted December 7, 2005 In a message dated 12/7/05 6:23:00 AM Pacific Standard Time, carlsone21@... writes: > I am just wondering if > the digoxin would help me from getting future a-fib episodes? I doubt it. It wasn't designed to do that, just to keep the heart beating more strongly. It helps keep my rate down while in a-fib, but doesn't do a thing to prevent episodes ... I am also probably chronic at this point since I'm in day 103 of this current episode and frustrated and discouraged about it all .... also highly symptomatic the past week or so, which makes it worse. I hope something works for you! Magnesium worked dandy for me for a few years, but even that isn't helping now. Toni CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 7, 2005 Report Share Posted December 7, 2005 Great information thanks. My A-Fib never really does get my heart rate up. I am always in the 80s when in A-Fib. I am just wondering if the digoxin would help me from getting future a-fib episodes? I went 8 months in NSR while on cartia but it really upsets my stomach which I think contributes to the episodes for me. I went off the cartia and then went two months in NSR before having some milk, which is one of my triggers. Ahhh!! So does anyone have any recommendations about which is better cartia vs. digoxin? I am not sure what to do. Thanks, > > In a message dated 12/6/05 7:15:32 PM Pacific Standard Time, > rdeyermond@y... writes: > > > I think it is great that digoxin helps control your heart rate, but > > personally, I don't want to take any drug if it is not doing anything for me. I > > intend to speak to my cardiologist about the report and discuss the digoxin > > use. I would be curious if other EPs have similar opinions about digoxin as > > Dr. Eldadah? > > > > Well, people speak pretty highly of Dr. Natale here, and he believes in > digoxin. It's the only drug I can take and he said I needed to keep taking it to > keep my rate under 100 when I'm in a-fib, which (on the whole), it does a good > job of. So I think it's just one of those things that different doctors have > different opinions about. I trust Dr. Natale implicitly. Digoxin is also an > old drug and thus " tried and true " without some of the side effects of some of > the newer ones. Since I can't take any of the newer ones anyway, this gives > me some comfort. That and the fact that overall it works in keeping my rate > under 100 when in a-fib. > > Toni > CA > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 7, 2005 Report Share Posted December 7, 2005 Great information thanks. My A-Fib never really does get my heart rate up. I am always in the 80s when in A-Fib. I am just wondering if the digoxin would help me from getting future a-fib episodes? I went 8 months in NSR while on cartia but it really upsets my stomach which I think contributes to the episodes for me. I went off the cartia and then went two months in NSR before having some milk, which is one of my triggers. Ahhh!! So does anyone have any recommendations about which is better cartia vs. digoxin? I am not sure what to do. Thanks, > > In a message dated 12/6/05 7:15:32 PM Pacific Standard Time, > rdeyermond@y... writes: > > > I think it is great that digoxin helps control your heart rate, but > > personally, I don't want to take any drug if it is not doing anything for me. I > > intend to speak to my cardiologist about the report and discuss the digoxin > > use. I would be curious if other EPs have similar opinions about digoxin as > > Dr. Eldadah? > > > > Well, people speak pretty highly of Dr. Natale here, and he believes in > digoxin. It's the only drug I can take and he said I needed to keep taking it to > keep my rate under 100 when I'm in a-fib, which (on the whole), it does a good > job of. So I think it's just one of those things that different doctors have > different opinions about. I trust Dr. Natale implicitly. Digoxin is also an > old drug and thus " tried and true " without some of the side effects of some of > the newer ones. Since I can't take any of the newer ones anyway, this gives > me some comfort. That and the fact that overall it works in keeping my rate > under 100 when in a-fib. > > Toni > CA > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 7, 2005 Report Share Posted December 7, 2005 Dunno..... I got dig after being in afib without any rate contol for 6 weeks (my old cardios oversite, I might add) and within the afternoon my heart rate had dropped considerably. I also got a dig drip down in the islands to slow it down... from 180+ to about 80, so that, despite the afib, I could somewhat enjoy the rest of my vacation. The web says it promotes strong and regular heart beat, but it is the only thing that will slow my heart.. . and quite noticably and dramatically... so Dr. E saying it does nothing to control rate may be technically correct, but realistically incorrect. if you're having trouble with rate control, it certainly wouldn't hurt you to try it yourself... you can always stop if it's doing nothing. My experience is that what it did, it did quite quickly! Stef Deyermond wrote: Stef, This is what my cardiologist has been telling me for years, however, I just met with Dr. Eldadah (EP) at Washington Hospital Center and he reiterated that digoxin does basically nothing to control heart rate when in afib. This was not the first time I had heard this so I asked if I should speak to my cardiologist about it? He said he would include it in his report back to him. I think it is great that digoxin helps control your heart rate, but personally, I don't want to take any drug if it is not doing anything for me. I intend to speak to my cardiologist about the report and discuss the digoxin use. I would be curious if other EPs have similar opinions about digoxin as Dr. Eldadah? Bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 7, 2005 Report Share Posted December 7, 2005 Dunno..... I got dig after being in afib without any rate contol for 6 weeks (my old cardios oversite, I might add) and within the afternoon my heart rate had dropped considerably. I also got a dig drip down in the islands to slow it down... from 180+ to about 80, so that, despite the afib, I could somewhat enjoy the rest of my vacation. The web says it promotes strong and regular heart beat, but it is the only thing that will slow my heart.. . and quite noticably and dramatically... so Dr. E saying it does nothing to control rate may be technically correct, but realistically incorrect. if you're having trouble with rate control, it certainly wouldn't hurt you to try it yourself... you can always stop if it's doing nothing. My experience is that what it did, it did quite quickly! Stef Deyermond wrote: Stef, This is what my cardiologist has been telling me for years, however, I just met with Dr. Eldadah (EP) at Washington Hospital Center and he reiterated that digoxin does basically nothing to control heart rate when in afib. This was not the first time I had heard this so I asked if I should speak to my cardiologist about it? He said he would include it in his report back to him. I think it is great that digoxin helps control your heart rate, but personally, I don't want to take any drug if it is not doing anything for me. I intend to speak to my cardiologist about the report and discuss the digoxin use. I would be curious if other EPs have similar opinions about digoxin as Dr. Eldadah? Bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 7, 2005 Report Share Posted December 7, 2005 Dunno..... I got dig after being in afib without any rate contol for 6 weeks (my old cardios oversite, I might add) and within the afternoon my heart rate had dropped considerably. I also got a dig drip down in the islands to slow it down... from 180+ to about 80, so that, despite the afib, I could somewhat enjoy the rest of my vacation. The web says it promotes strong and regular heart beat, but it is the only thing that will slow my heart.. . and quite noticably and dramatically... so Dr. E saying it does nothing to control rate may be technically correct, but realistically incorrect. if you're having trouble with rate control, it certainly wouldn't hurt you to try it yourself... you can always stop if it's doing nothing. My experience is that what it did, it did quite quickly! Stef Deyermond wrote: Stef, This is what my cardiologist has been telling me for years, however, I just met with Dr. Eldadah (EP) at Washington Hospital Center and he reiterated that digoxin does basically nothing to control heart rate when in afib. This was not the first time I had heard this so I asked if I should speak to my cardiologist about it? He said he would include it in his report back to him. I think it is great that digoxin helps control your heart rate, but personally, I don't want to take any drug if it is not doing anything for me. I intend to speak to my cardiologist about the report and discuss the digoxin use. I would be curious if other EPs have similar opinions about digoxin as Dr. Eldadah? Bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 7, 2005 Report Share Posted December 7, 2005 > (snip) > Digoxin is also an old drug and thus " tried and true " without some of > the side effects of some of the newer ones. > (snip) > Toni > CA > Toni: Digoxin may be an old drug... but it is not without side effects. Digoxin has a " narrow therapuetic window " (there is not much range between an " effective dose " and a " toxic dose " ). I have heard an estimate that approximately 10% of the hospital addmission of the elderly are due to digoxin intoxication. It is old, it is cheap, it may be effective --- but it also has problems. Everything is a trade off. , Charlotte NC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 7, 2005 Report Share Posted December 7, 2005 > (snip) > Digoxin is also an old drug and thus " tried and true " without some of > the side effects of some of the newer ones. > (snip) > Toni > CA > Toni: Digoxin may be an old drug... but it is not without side effects. Digoxin has a " narrow therapuetic window " (there is not much range between an " effective dose " and a " toxic dose " ). I have heard an estimate that approximately 10% of the hospital addmission of the elderly are due to digoxin intoxication. It is old, it is cheap, it may be effective --- but it also has problems. Everything is a trade off. , Charlotte NC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 7, 2005 Report Share Posted December 7, 2005 Digoxin may be an old drug... but it is not without side effects. Digoxin has a " narrow therapuetic window " (there is not much range between an " effective dose " and a " toxic dose " ). I have heard an estimate that approximately 10% of the hospital addmission of the elderly are due to digoxin intoxication. It is old, it is cheap, it may be effective --- but it also has problems. Everything is a trade off. ------ I'm sure that's true, . I do have to get my digoxin levels checked, which is a pain. I don't have to have it checked as often as I did the first eight months or so, and I usually just get it done now if I'm having blood drawn for something else anyway (I have a " lab card " do I can get my dig levels checked whenever I want, which is cool). But I HATE going to the lab and waiting, which is one reason I'm glad I'm not on coumadin. Reading everyone's experiences with constant INR tests and varying levels just would be a nightmare for me. I may end up on it eventually, but not so far. And the elderly do tend to metabolize drugs differently from younger folks, so the statistic you mention doesn't surprise me. I was a hospice volunteer for nine years, and this was a constant issue with elderly patients (on many kinds of drugs). I guess I feel safer with digoxin because it's plant-based and old, so the effects are known and normally preventable. Like I said, I can't take the other drugs anyway anymore, so digoxin is my only hope for some type of reasonable management of this annoying condition so I guess that's my trade-off. Thanks for helping round out the information on it. Toni CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 7, 2005 Report Share Posted December 7, 2005 Digoxin may be an old drug... but it is not without side effects. Digoxin has a " narrow therapuetic window " (there is not much range between an " effective dose " and a " toxic dose " ). I have heard an estimate that approximately 10% of the hospital addmission of the elderly are due to digoxin intoxication. It is old, it is cheap, it may be effective --- but it also has problems. Everything is a trade off. ------ I'm sure that's true, . I do have to get my digoxin levels checked, which is a pain. I don't have to have it checked as often as I did the first eight months or so, and I usually just get it done now if I'm having blood drawn for something else anyway (I have a " lab card " do I can get my dig levels checked whenever I want, which is cool). But I HATE going to the lab and waiting, which is one reason I'm glad I'm not on coumadin. Reading everyone's experiences with constant INR tests and varying levels just would be a nightmare for me. I may end up on it eventually, but not so far. And the elderly do tend to metabolize drugs differently from younger folks, so the statistic you mention doesn't surprise me. I was a hospice volunteer for nine years, and this was a constant issue with elderly patients (on many kinds of drugs). I guess I feel safer with digoxin because it's plant-based and old, so the effects are known and normally preventable. Like I said, I can't take the other drugs anyway anymore, so digoxin is my only hope for some type of reasonable management of this annoying condition so I guess that's my trade-off. Thanks for helping round out the information on it. Toni CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 7, 2005 Report Share Posted December 7, 2005 Digoxin may be an old drug... but it is not without side effects. Digoxin has a " narrow therapuetic window " (there is not much range between an " effective dose " and a " toxic dose " ). I have heard an estimate that approximately 10% of the hospital addmission of the elderly are due to digoxin intoxication. It is old, it is cheap, it may be effective --- but it also has problems. Everything is a trade off. ------ I'm sure that's true, . I do have to get my digoxin levels checked, which is a pain. I don't have to have it checked as often as I did the first eight months or so, and I usually just get it done now if I'm having blood drawn for something else anyway (I have a " lab card " do I can get my dig levels checked whenever I want, which is cool). But I HATE going to the lab and waiting, which is one reason I'm glad I'm not on coumadin. Reading everyone's experiences with constant INR tests and varying levels just would be a nightmare for me. I may end up on it eventually, but not so far. And the elderly do tend to metabolize drugs differently from younger folks, so the statistic you mention doesn't surprise me. I was a hospice volunteer for nine years, and this was a constant issue with elderly patients (on many kinds of drugs). I guess I feel safer with digoxin because it's plant-based and old, so the effects are known and normally preventable. Like I said, I can't take the other drugs anyway anymore, so digoxin is my only hope for some type of reasonable management of this annoying condition so I guess that's my trade-off. Thanks for helping round out the information on it. Toni CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 7, 2005 Report Share Posted December 7, 2005 Hi Toni, I'm sorry to hear you are stuck in AF right now, and I couldn't imagine a week with symptomatic AF - a recent 3-day run was way too much for me. I hope you get back to NSR soon! Are you going to have (or have you had) a cardioversion? ** SNIP ** I am also probably chronic at this point since I'm > in day 103 of this current episode and frustrated and discouraged about it all > ... also highly symptomatic the past week or so, which makes it worse. I hope > something works for you! Magnesium worked dandy for me for a few years, but > even that isn't helping now. > > Toni > CA ** SNIP ** Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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