I have been following this site since last November when I was first diagnosed with AFIB. Before I share a little bit of my story, let me simply say "Thanks" for all of the wonderful information and encouragement that I've discovered by reading the posts here at Daily Strength. It helped me navigate the rough waters of fear and uncertainty that come with the initial diagnosis of AFIB.

I'm a 45-year old male, excellent health, with no underlying cause (thus far) for my AFIB. My first episode last November occurred as I was riding my lawn mower. The all-too familiar "heart flopping" was taking place, but having never experienced it to that degree, I wasn't sure what was occurring. I continued doing yard work for another hour or so, came in and showered, then had some lunch. I continued to have some shortness of breath and dizzy spells so I finally told my wife what I was feeling. We immediately traveled up to the ER and I was soon presented with a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. I don't believe I had even heard the term prior to that moment.

It turned into a 2-day stay in the hospital. I converted to NSR after 24 hours via a Cardizem drip. The EKG and bloodwork came back normal and I was discharged with a prescription for Multaq and a daily baby aspirin. After doing some research on Multaq, I contacted my cardiologist and asked if it would be too big of a risk to not go on any anti-arrythmics at this point. He agreed to let me forego the Multaq so my next step was to contact an EP.

I ended up seeing David Delurgio at Emory Healthcare in Atlanta. He advised a 30-day monitoring period along with a sleep study. The 30-day period revealed no additional AFIB episodes and the sleep study didn't show any sleep apnea.

I had read about the PIP approach so I suggested this as an alternative treatment option and the EP felt I was an excellent candidate. So, I'm currently keeping Rythmol (propafenone) on standby. I ended up having to use it back in May when I had my second episode (while playing softball). I ended up converting back to NSR after 2 hours.

Since then, no additional episodes so I continue to adapt to living with an arrhythmia that can rear its ugly head without any warning. All in all, I consider myself fortunate as I could remain paroxysmal for a long time to come. I realize that there are many who have to deal with the daily effects of persistent or permanent AFIB.

I did have my thyroid tested within the past 2 weeks and I'm in the high normal range for my TSH (currently 3.1). My PCP believes that I have hypothyroidism and wants to start me on Synthroid. He wants my level to be at 2.5 or below. An endocrinologist I consulted believes I'm simply at the high end of normal (less than 3.5 TSH) and says just to monitor it. I know the thyroid can play part in all things heart and cardiovascular related (among other things), so this is something I'm having to weigh into the equation as well.

For now, I'm not on medication of any kind, including anticoagulants as my CHADS score is 0. My goal is to avoid medication for as long as possible and wait to see if ablation technology advances over the next 5-10 years to the point that the success rate increases to a 90% or greater level.

Your replies and insight are welcomed. Thanks again for the service all of you provide on this forum!