Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Support Group
Atrial fibrillation (AF or afib) is an abnormal heart rhythm (cardiac arrhythmia) which involves the two small, upper heart chambers (the atria). Heart beats in a normal heart begin after electricity generated in the atria by the sinoatrial node spread through the heart and cause contraction of the heart muscle and pumping of blood.
I am in awe of the folks in this support group. You are so positive, helpful, supportive, and knowledgeable (and funny)! I was diagnosed 2 weeks ago today in the ER with Afib. I converted after about 18 hours on a Cardizem drip. I'm now on Diltiazem (180 - down from 240 prescribed at the hospital) and Pradaxa. I'm very sensitive to prescription meds, and I'm really dizzy and weak. How do you "get your life back", i.e., not worry 24/7, not check your pulse every hour, etc.? I know anxiety is SO not helpful here, but I don't have the energy right now to do things that might distract me from thinking about it. Any words of wisdom would be appreciated. Thanks, sautee
We all understand how you feel, and I'm sure all of us felt scared, anxious and had a sense of doom after our diagnosis. But knowledge is power and the more you learn about Afib, the less anxious and frightened you will be. Afib doesn't kill you, it can be managed. It seems you are taken the correct meds, a rate control and a blood thinner. It might take a bit to find the correct dosage, but don't get discouraged.
Ask as many questions as you can, we are all here for support and to learn from each other. Again welcome to our group.
Seriously, when I was first diagnosed I checked mine every few minutes - still have days where I do that, and I've been dealing with this for eleven years.
I agree with sanibel - educate yourself, read everything you can get your hands on and ask your doctors tons of questions. You will get through this, and it does get easier. Hopefully your body will adjust to the meds quickly, and you'll feel better soon. Keep us posted.
I know just how you feel, believe me! It took months before my doctors finally found the right medicine and dose for me, and those months were the worst. I was afraid all of the time, afraid to go to sleep, afraid to go to work, afraid to exercise, afraid to eat certain things, the list just goes on and on. I have days where I am still anxious over this condition.
You will be ok. This is the best place to learn about afib. You will learn about new treatments and different medicines here. And once things are under control for you, you will get your confidence back.
Please keep in touch!
Kelly
You were diagnosed in the ER, be sure you get established with a EP (Electrophysiologist).
Take care and keep us posted!
Cheryl
Most of the time, I just read posts, as everyone here seems to be so educated on the subject. This is a great site.
Moy...
I thought I'd really gone to H___!
That day I was diagnosed with Afib
I couldn't figure out just what I did,
or what I was supposed to do
I just didn't really have a clue!
It does take a while to figure it out
But pretty soon you'll know what it's all about!
It is unique to each one of us
so we gather here our thoughts to discuss.
You'll be just fine, one day at a time..
I'm glad you're here, so I could think of a rhyme!