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.

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lchandless 12/26/2012

First of all, I hope everyone had a peaceful holiday! I wanted to give everyone an update on my husband Chris. He had his ablation almost 7 weeks ago in Redwood City, California by a doctor named Roger Winkle. We went into the surgery very open minded as well as optimistic that it could take 2. As of today Chris has been in NSR since surgery. I was worried that the holidays..heavy food lots of sodium would cause some trouble, but he was very disciplined and ate only what he really needed. We are thankful for each NSR day and hope the best for all. Just some background on my husband... 48 years old, commercial construction contractor, 6'3" 250 lbs, obstructive sleep Apnea on CPAP, neck larger than 18" 3 daughters (Stress), 3 of 4 brothers have Afib. :) Lisa

pacyetep 12/26/2012

Congrats. Are the brothers all big with big necks and OSA? petey

lchandless 12/26/2012

Thanks Petey, all 4 boys are ex football players huge necks. Out of 4 brothers chris is #3 is size. Smallest brother 6'2" 290 lbs OSA with CPAP. Chris 6' 3" 250 diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea with 2 tests a lot of O2 depreprivation during sleep. Other brother snores has episodes of arrythmia with diet especially foods containing MSG and stress, no sleep study done. Exercise seems to regulate the arrythmia. Oldest brother #4 6'4" has felt flutter, never adressed it. Does Iron Man triathalon in Hawaii and was ex semi pro football player. Dad was 6'5" size 15 shoe...giant also heart isuues later in life. Lived to his 70's. Died from lung cancer due to smoking. We are finding this runs in the family! I know making these conections and hearing stories helps us all! Take Care, Lisa

CLane 12/27/2012

Lisa: Thanks for sharing your good news with us! Congratulations to you and Chris!

heart2222 12/27/2012

Lisa,
Thanks for sharing the good news about Chris's NSR!! That's fantastic. Kudos to his discipline to watch what he eats , especially during the Holiday season.

deleted_user 12/27/2012

Lisa,

Good to hear from you and glad to hear that Chris is still doing well! My ablation is coming up quickly, so I'm starting to feel a bit anxious.
Thanks for the good news!

Kelly

deleted_user 12/27/2012

I think the 3 daughters (stress) part is very relevant my first (documented) a fib began three weeks ago while having a heated discussion with my 16 year old daughter and 13 year old son. Beta blocker is definitely helping to keep the heart rate down in subsequent times of tension with teens! Also, I ate a lot of ham, smoked turkey and chocolate the last few days and I had a (gasp) second cup of coffee yesterday and was pretty sure I had a short episode of a fib last night (5-10 mins) but I was beta blocked so I'm not sure......amazing how food can be triggers....I hope your husband's NSR continues!!!!!!! Congrats!

lchandless 12/28/2012

Thanks everyone for the well wishes. We are taking 1 day at a time and enjoying it. I wish all of you peace and thanks for your shared experiences they help so much! Good luck Kelly with your upcoming procedure . The stress according to Chris is far worse than the procedure. Our prayers are going out to you. co The Chandless Family

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