Multaq Anyone Else Take It (Page 32)

Okay I will start off by saying this drug scares me because it has not been out for very long. I have Afrial Fib which is not behaving I can be 70 beats one min and regular and the next I will be at 190 and in atrial fib and flutter. this is my last chance at a med I have tried all the others I usually end up in the ER two or three times a week. I have had one ablation so far. If anyone else takes it please let me know what it is like. I am starting it on Tuesday.

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Tutsi,
I know exactly what you mean about the Thyroid. Between Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism it can cause more problems than one could imagine. My mother always had problems with it all her life and I know so many people that have various problems arising from their Thyroid. It seems to be quite a common problem these days and I believe doctors should routinely check it during regular checkup visits as a precaution. Here's just a small list of what it can do.

Hypothyroidism:
-fatigue, mental fogginess and forgetfulness, feeling excessively cold, constipation, dry skin, fluid retention, non specific aches and stiffness in muscles and joints, excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), and depression.

Hyperthyroidism:
-excessive sweating, heat intolerance, increased bowel movements, tremor (usually a fine shake), nervousness; agitation, "rapid heart rate", weight loss, fatigue, decreased concentration, and irregular and scant menstrual flow.

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First of all, to "Deb CIncinnati Ohio " - I waved to you over the weekend when we were in the area, but I wasn't sure which direction to actually wave to, so I might have missed you :-)

tutsi, even some well known and respected cardiologists harp on Multaq, so don't worry - keep a sceptical mind. I failed to mention that when I saw the cardiologist last, I asked him "so, if I should go into afib again, should I start on Multaq (I have some left) immediately, along with Pradaxa (my other "favorite" poison) and then come see you?". His answer was Pradaxa yes, Multaq an emphatic NO. Not sure if that was due to his rethinking concern about the drug in general, or whether an evaluation was necessary of the afib type was necessary before determining if the Multaq would be appropriate. I will ask him when I see him again.

Gary, I have seen so many people have success with weight loss, and so many struggle (apparently with both doing the same things), that I truly wonder if pure genetics make up a great deal of the weight differences, and each of us are blessed with different body "set points" that are very hard to fight against. Willpower certainly does play into it, but it's not the whole answer. A doctor told me one time that he has observed that people who were overfed as babies develop extra fat cells for life, and absolutely nothing can be done to get rid of them, everything you eat goes directly to them, He said he's seen that in preemies whose mothers were told to "stuff them" to get their weight up. However, I'm constantly aware of people who claim they are trying to lose weight by "eating light", but I observe quite a different story. On the other hand, I have friends that constantly eat the most amazing amount of junk, never exercise, and yet are skinny as a rail, and have perfect cholesterol levels. . . . . Sigh. Some of us constantly struggle.

Perhaps I haven't found the foods my body processes more efficiently, I don't know. My wife eats cereal and milk for breakfast, and it energizes her for the day. If I eat cereal and milk, I drag around all day and want to go back to bed. I need protein in the morning. I have found some higher protein cereals and soy milk that are better for me. The ultimate for me is eggs or egg beaters and some fruit. That shows me that our bodies respond to food differently. Yes, calories in vs calories out is the equation, but somewhere along the line, something in our makeups hijack the equation and it becomes no longer linear, but instead contains some type of logarithmic or inverse logarithmic function.

I forgot to ask my wife about the book title, as we were on the road all weekend, and concentrating on other concerns, but I will do so when she gets up.

Sorry I got so far off from the Evil Multaq topic.

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Trapper

I agree that many are predisposed to hereditary factors involving weight and body shape, this is not a new discovery. I quoted Hormones, body composition and metabolic rate, all of these and many more factors can be hereditary. But most can be changed these days (unlike in the past) and weight loss or gain can be treated in many different ways that may be unknown to most.

Some people will never be thin, some cannot gain weight. But both can be helped and therefore can maintain a healthy life. That's the main goal, is it not?

There are many programs (diet and exercise etc.) that are specifically made to help those with with hereditary weight problems in this day and age, gene testing is usually done first to isolate which genes are causing the problems.

Although everyone cannot have their ideal weight or body shape, even those with predisposed hereditary causes and/or other hormonal problems affecting their weight can be helped towards weight control and body shape. My wife took after her mother and grandmother with her body shape but she was able to make significant changes thru specific exercises and diet designed for her problem.

Things have changed drastically today in health, diet and exercise than they were years ago in helping these problems. The fact is that "no one" has to accept being the way they are and thinking they can't change, that was yesterdays problem. The problem today is finding the right doctors who have knowledge in the many new treatments and not just taking the word of one or two un-knowledgeable or less caring doctors (which seems like the trend these days).

Yes, it can be done to various extents where a person will see and notice a difference but it will naturally be much more difficult to achieve. So no matter which end of the the spectrum one is one, in the end it is willpower and determination that is a main component no matter what. I've found that today too many are dependent on others for the answers and the needed help. Self sufficiency, learning and research is not a big part of today's thinking for many (especially the younger generation) that want changes in their lives.

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Great words, Gary.
I'd love to respond further, but I'm now at work.

Take care all.

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"even some well known and respected cardiologists harp on Multaq, so don't worry - keep a sceptical mind."

Absolutely, to not be skeptical is being foolish. Unfortunately there are many others that are just plain stubborn and believe what they want because it's on the net (not in any way meant towards you, Tutsi).

This all boils down to either Multaq working for you or not. I happen to be one of those that it flawlessly works on with no side effects whatsoever and no underlying problems, there are many more just like me out there that are not on this board although a few have posted in the past maybe once. Why Multaq works for me I cannot explain exactly why but obviously my body composition is one that can except it without any problems. As we all know by now by the constantly true postings, we all have different physical and mental makeups.

So I suggest some of you stop constantly harping on how dangerous it is to anyone trying it. This is obviously not true in some cases. If someone who can take it like myself is scared off because of these rantings, that person may not enjoy the positive benefits of the drug as I do. Maybe if it's kept in perspective and both the good and bad about Multaq were stated then there wouldn't be so much fear involved if one wanted to try it. Try and be sensible in your comments, not horrific. It irks me to no end that someone can be benefiting from the drug but is not because of some of the unbacked comments on here.
Yes, I agree it has side effects on many and it seems it works or does not work to various degrees on different people and with varying side effects, but vilifying it because of your own personal experience is wrong

I've also personally talked to and have been treated for a few ailments by some of the supposed best in their field and have found that many should not even have a license to practice medicine based on their methods, treatments, mannerism and constantly flip flopping on their diagnosis. So Trapper, I really have to take your comment about "some well known and respected cardiologists" with a really big grain of salt based on real experience.

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Gary, I am one of those it seems to work on. I am now on 1 1/2 pills a day and on an aspirin for a blood thinner.
When I first began multaq, I was very tired and I would take a 60 or 90 minute nap everyday and then I was fine. After about 2 months the tiredness subsided and I was really almost back to normal. I have my blood checked every three months to see how my liver is doing and after almost three years on multaq it is still fine. They did tell me that since I am on aspirin that if I did go back into Afib, I have 72 hours to be cardioverted before I might have a stroke. Since I live in an area with several trauma centers that is not a problem for me. And, I can always tell if I am out. I will say that I do have strange dreams, but I realize what is causing them and I do not let them bother me. Since I am in my 70's I don't think I am doing too badly. If folks get put on multaq I think they need to give it a chance! I do believe that diet and exercise are a good thing for any heart patient. Thanks for everyone's post on this website. They are very informative and really make one think. Gayle

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"So Trapper, I really have to take your comment about "some well known and respected cardiologists" with a really big grain of salt based on real experience."

I really got a chuckle out of that - it's my take on "well known and respected" politicians also.

I also fired a "well known and respected" MD once who never seemed to hear what I was saying.

Devil's advocate question. Have you ever stopped taking Multaq to see if it truly is helping, and/or perhaps you are now in NSR on your own?

Gotta run . . . there's one of them "Bad Drug" lawyer ads on right now, and I gotta gets me the phone number.

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Gayle,
Your lucky your strange dreams only started after Multaq. I've always had very strange dreams most of my life.
When I have dreams they are 3D full featured technicolor cinematic movies and I remember them all. Even when I awaken and happen to go back to sleep again, the "dream" continues where it left off, kinda like an intermission to get some popcorn, LOL! Last night was a really weird one, a combination of 2 sci-fi movies I watched on TV during the last 2 days.

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Trapper, you read my mind! On my next visit to my cardiologist (Jan. 2013) I planned to question him about reducing my dosage and the possibility of weeding myself slowly off it as I've done with other meds in the past for other unrelated things. I've only been on Multaq for about a year and a half and I don't believe in rushing into things without knowing exactly what I'm doing.

Politicians? I worked for local county government in law enforcement (retired now). Wife still works for the city, over 30 years.
I don't trust the government at all and I trust politicians even less. I want them out of my life. I know exactly where you're coming from and couldn't agree more!

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Gary, please tell me you like Stargate SG1

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Gary,

Don't tell me you have second thoughts about Multaq??

Anyway, you and Trapper made my morning - I laughed my head out. With your dreams, politicians etc - need that in this blog.

Nothing else to report for now. You all have a nice day.

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Trapper, I used to love to watch Stargate in the beginning but then slowly stopped after it just kept running year after year on various channels, still watch it though if there's nothing else on.


Tutsi, Actually they aren't second thoughts, it's always what I plan on with any drug. I don't like taking any meds for long periods, always been a health nut and always looking for natural or safer ways to help whatever condition.

Besides that, I've been one of those crazy survivalist people since the early eighties (though not as crazy as the ones you see on TV, lol!). If things ever broke down for whatever reason (Katrina is a perfect example) and I couldn't get my meds, then what? I certainly don't want to depend on (or need) the government for help because I'd probably end up dead waiting for them. Incompetence at its finest! LOL!

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Hello all this is Deb from Cincy ,my doc told me last visit that the plan for me was to up my coreg and get me off Multaq and Pradaxa. I hope this comes to be realistic I'm always worried about taking all these pills. I must say my afib is rare and I feel pretty darn good. As with any drug when my coreq is upped I feel a little tired but the symptoms do go away. The multaq makes me at times have to find a bathroon asap and that is sort of hard to deal with when you work full time. I wait until I get to work to take my Multaq and it has worked much better I do not care for public bathrooms during emergencies :o)

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I just started a post, but got called to an emergency.

Hi to all - Deb in Cinci, I waved to you several weeks ago when I was there, but I guess you didn't see me :-0
\Anyway, I will be back, but will leave you with one thought and complaint.

Why in the world do cardiologists have us guys blood pressure and pulse taken by the cutest young nurses on the planet? That's the ultimate "white coat" effect.

That's all I'm going to say for now - forgive me.

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I just started a post, but got called to an emergency.

Hi to all - Deb in Cinci, I waved to you several weeks ago when I was there, but I guess you didn't see me :-)
Anyway, I will be back, but will leave you with one thought and complaint.

Why in the world do cardiologists have us guy's blood pressure and pulse taken by the cutest young nurses on the planet? That's the ultimate "white coat" effect.

That's all I'm going to say for now - forgive me.

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Trapper says: "Why in the world do cardiologists have us guys blood pressure and pulse taken by the cutest young nurses on the planet? That's the ultimate "white coat" effect."


So they can keep you coming back to treat your high BP, LOL!

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Gary, we are starting on SG-1 Season 1 and working our way up. We watched the original movie a few weeks ago. A friend of ours has all seasons, all movies, and all spinoffs. I watched several seasons last year during all the afib stuff (post cardioversion got me started, as something to do while on the couch) and got hooked. Now my wife is hooked, so we are plowing our way through - about 6 episodes a week.

No Multaq updates from me - how boring . . . . . . .

I might do a general summary of all I've learned and post it this weekend, though.

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Sorry Pal I did not see you I for sure would wave to you I think the world of you and your family.......

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I have been on Multaq for a couple of months, along with coumadin. I have my blood levels checked weekly and they keep changing the dose to get the numbers around the 2 to 3 mark. My husband and I are very social and do drink alcohol regularly. While probably not the smartest thing, any horrible consequences??

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cr,

Here is an answer that was previously posted here in 2011:

"I asked my cardiologist about the Multaq warning and he told me that the few problems which have occurred have been associated with simultaneous use of alcohol and Tylenol."

That said, Multaq can have some serious liver issues associated with it. It's already medically established that alcohol can have serious consequences on a liver's health.

I guess you can just put 2 and 2 together for your answer.

For myself, I've been on Multaq for about 2 years now with no side effects at all and no liver problems (I do get blood tests). I also don't drink or smoke by personal choice. It's also been established on this forum that Multaq effects each person differently and can also work for one person but not another.

Instead of asking about the dangers of drinking alcohol while taking Multaq on here, you should really be asking your cardiologist that question. Since he should know of any other health conditions you may have, he/she would be the best qualified to answer you.

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