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.
This is my story. I'm 62, in good health but should lose 10 lbs. Love to exercise---keeps me sane!
In January was vaccuuming when all of a sudden felt dizzy and so very sick to my stomach! Thought it was the flu, but something felt weird. Told my husband to take me to the hospital if I passed out.
After an hour the dizziness became quite extreme so went to the ER.
Dr. said my heart rate was jumping from 87 to 187. It went back to normal on it's own but the Drs. decided to put me into the ICU overnight.
After many tests, all they found was that I have A Fib.
I was started on Digoxin, Warfarin, then Cardizem was added in March.
In June had the 24 hr. monitoring test. I felt completely normal but the test showed 2 episodes of A Fib---the highest rate was just 120.
My cardiologist said then that I didn't need another medication but he'd feel better if I stayed on Warfarin.
In July I was aware of an episode but it wasn't too bothersome. My heart rate was 92 to 104. On the 3rd day I tried 30 minutes of moderate exercise and soon my heart rate went back to normal (60's to 70's for me).
Cardiologist phoned me and said try Propafenone for 10 days. Twice he told me it had no permanent side effects. He said it was not good that my heart rate would go back to normal on its own---that it would be better if I was in constant A Fib. What does that mean??
After 8 days the side effects pf {rp[afempafenone were so bad that I had to stop. Unfortunately, one side effect "ringing in ears" has lingered. Talked with a pharmarcist who told me 2 out of 100 people have this side effect which usually will go away--- but might not. So far mine has eased but is still there. Has anyone else had problems with Propafenone?
One thing learned---never to start a new A Fib med without talking to a pharmarcist!!
The cardioligist said I could try Flecainide. I looked it up online and it said in bold print not to use if you have chronic A Fib.
And at my last appt. the cardioligist said I had chronic A Fib!
Wonder if I really need to add another A Fib medication at this time because I feel good and my heart rate seems to be controlled by the dixogin and cardizem?
Realize that A Fib is very individual. I'm just so confused!
So glad to find this site and to read about other people who actually have this condition.
In January was vaccuuming when all of a sudden felt dizzy and so very sick to my stomach! Thought it was the flu, but something felt weird. Told my husband to take me to the hospital if I passed out.
After an hour the dizziness became quite extreme so went to the ER.
Dr. said my heart rate was jumping from 87 to 187. It went back to normal on it's own but the Drs. decided to put me into the ICU overnight.
After many tests, all they found was that I have A Fib.
I was started on Digoxin, Warfarin, then Cardizem was added in March.
In June had the 24 hr. monitoring test. I felt completely normal but the test showed 2 episodes of A Fib---the highest rate was just 120.
My cardiologist said then that I didn't need another medication but he'd feel better if I stayed on Warfarin.
In July I was aware of an episode but it wasn't too bothersome. My heart rate was 92 to 104. On the 3rd day I tried 30 minutes of moderate exercise and soon my heart rate went back to normal (60's to 70's for me).
Cardiologist phoned me and said try Propafenone for 10 days. Twice he told me it had no permanent side effects. He said it was not good that my heart rate would go back to normal on its own---that it would be better if I was in constant A Fib. What does that mean??
After 8 days the side effects pf {rp[afempafenone were so bad that I had to stop. Unfortunately, one side effect "ringing in ears" has lingered. Talked with a pharmarcist who told me 2 out of 100 people have this side effect which usually will go away--- but might not. So far mine has eased but is still there. Has anyone else had problems with Propafenone?
One thing learned---never to start a new A Fib med without talking to a pharmarcist!!
The cardioligist said I could try Flecainide. I looked it up online and it said in bold print not to use if you have chronic A Fib.
And at my last appt. the cardioligist said I had chronic A Fib!
Wonder if I really need to add another A Fib medication at this time because I feel good and my heart rate seems to be controlled by the dixogin and cardizem?
Realize that A Fib is very individual. I'm just so confused!
So glad to find this site and to read about other people who actually have this condition.
Have you looked into having an EP doctor? A good one will work with your cardiologist and help with your medications. They will have more experience on irregular rhythms of your heart - they will also be the person who will perform any procedures you may need to have on your heart.
It will be good when we no longer have new members of this club.
Take care.
mek3
Some doctors think that persistent (chronic) AFIB is less symptomatic and that the switching back and forth from AFIB to Sinus is more likely to cause stroke, but most doctors don't think that.
I have been taking flecainide for 4 months without any bad side effects and it has stopped my a fib, at least for now. All the antiarrythmic meds are kind of scary with some unpleasant side effects. If your heart goes back to normal rhythm sometimes (even if you aren't aware) then you have what is called paroxsysmal a fib. it doesn't sound like you are in chronic a fib. Flecainide is used for P a fib.
I think your Dr may have meant that it is not good that you can't tell if you are in a fib. I can't imagine that it is better for your heart to be in constant a fib (someone correct me if I am wrong). It is definitely easier for him to manage if you are in a fib all the time. When you go in and out of a fib the meds that keep your heart rate controlled when in fib can make you feel lousy and drop your B/P too much when not in a fib. I have a prescription for cardizem that I would only take at the beginning of a fib to slow my heart rate. That worked quite well for me. I agree that seeing an EP for another opinion is a great idea. I wish I would have done it sooner. .