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.
Very new to all this A-fib, went in for a routine new patient appointment with new PCP. P. A. asked if my heart rate was always high and all I could say was what is high. Next the Dr. was in taking it and then I had High Blood Pressure and I generally run low. ECG came out and then I was asked to have DH pick me up and take me to ER and that changed he arrived after the paramedics came to transport.
I remained in a state of shock for most of the day as I had no idea what A-fib was. I have been back to ER once and PCP a few times. I see my Cardiologist on the 21st who I know from DH heart attacks. When I requested him I was not aware that electrical issues were his specialty, so I will be in good hands.
I have been poking around learning all I can when one night after reading the fibromyalgia boards I stumbled on to you guys, wow is all I can say it took a lot of fear away.
I am on Eliquis and metoprolol. the metoprolol has been changed a couple of times to keep the heart rate up and trying to keep me in rhythm, they have also lowered thyroid meds to see if that will help. I pretty much stay out of rhythm, I had already figured out on my own that it was okay and to wait till it climbs above 105 as that is when the Dr. first got worried. It always starts when I wake up so I am trying to figure out triggers from the night before.
I am amazed from the wealth of information I have gotten from you all in the last few days. Not that I understand half of it. I seem to see anxiety an underlying issue, I have panic attacks and plenty of anxiety.
The most unusual thing is that it all started two weeks after getting my port out for chemo/Herceptin. It had to be on the left side because of problems with the R. sided one. Rads on left side and drugs that cause heart issues so all of that could be the cause or just one of those things that don't have a reason.
It is late here in the NW hope all are sleeping peacefully
laurab
PS spelling and grammar can be way off as the eyes don't always work and the brain is even worse! Just wait till my tablet takes off with a mind of its own.
I remained in a state of shock for most of the day as I had no idea what A-fib was. I have been back to ER once and PCP a few times. I see my Cardiologist on the 21st who I know from DH heart attacks. When I requested him I was not aware that electrical issues were his specialty, so I will be in good hands.
I have been poking around learning all I can when one night after reading the fibromyalgia boards I stumbled on to you guys, wow is all I can say it took a lot of fear away.
I am on Eliquis and metoprolol. the metoprolol has been changed a couple of times to keep the heart rate up and trying to keep me in rhythm, they have also lowered thyroid meds to see if that will help. I pretty much stay out of rhythm, I had already figured out on my own that it was okay and to wait till it climbs above 105 as that is when the Dr. first got worried. It always starts when I wake up so I am trying to figure out triggers from the night before.
I am amazed from the wealth of information I have gotten from you all in the last few days. Not that I understand half of it. I seem to see anxiety an underlying issue, I have panic attacks and plenty of anxiety.
The most unusual thing is that it all started two weeks after getting my port out for chemo/Herceptin. It had to be on the left side because of problems with the R. sided one. Rads on left side and drugs that cause heart issues so all of that could be the cause or just one of those things that don't have a reason.
It is late here in the NW hope all are sleeping peacefully
laurab
PS spelling and grammar can be way off as the eyes don't always work and the brain is even worse! Just wait till my tablet takes off with a mind of its own.
Firstly, welcome. Im glad you found us. It sounds like you had one heck of a jump-start into the a-fib experience! Im glad the information here has been able to help you take the edge off your fear.
It sounds like you have a bunch of things going on: thyroid, heart attack, chemo, radiation and anxiety. A bit of a balancing act to be sure. What do your doctors say as to why they think you now have a-fib? Its good that your cardio is also an EP a specialist in that area is always an advantage.
I hope you are now in NSR (normal sinus rhythm) but if you are still in a-fib I hope your rate is tolerable and you are able to function normally.
take care,
atp (across the pond)
I have an idea but what does EP stand for? Got the NSR, just not sure how that feels anymore. My PCP says Cardio my have to shock it into rhythm, that remains to be seen.
Thank you
EP = Electrophysiologist (that would be the cardiologist who specializes in rhythm)
HR = heart rate (pulse)
BP = blood pressure
AF, afib, a-fib = ummmm, Ive never heard of that before...
Okay, what is DH? Diseased Heart?
Sometimes shocking your heart gets it back in rhythm (Okay, Petey says it ALWAYS get your heart back in rhythm, the question is for how long ;-)). There are other options, too.
take care,
atp
So much new info to process.
It sounds like you and your body have been through a lot of stress and drugs. Hearts arent all too fond of stress they tend to rebel (sooner or later). A-fib is a small and luckily not life-threatening price to pay (the stroke risk is a different story, but you are on a blood thinner so your doctors are looking out for you!).
Being aware of what is happening will hopefully make you calmer it has me. It IS frustrating and sometimes really, really tough when in a-fib but I try to stay optimistic. There are people on this site that do yoga and breathing techniques that help relieve their anxiety maybe they will chime in. Do you work or are you able to set up your day around your health?
Take care,
atp