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.
My name is jan , Im a Recovery Room Nurse in the Chicago area and I have been reading this forum for about a year now, like some of the other new Posters I have totally appreciated the information, the advice and the camaradarie and support in this group . It took me awhile to do the registration and who knows how long it will take to figure out a picture but I will try . I was diagnosed with Parox. A. Fib about 7 years ago, but like a lot of others I suspect I had a few episodes prior to that...first episode actually happened at work , very freaky and since everything was new I was whizzed off to the ER, we had done a 12 lead EKG that showed the A fib but by the time I was on a monitor in the ER I was back in NSR. Of course now that you know what *it* is you are so much more aware, I joined the constant checking of the pulse club or even worse getting out the stethescope. My episodes are infrequent and the longest event I have ever had was just about 2 hours , after 2 years and a handful of episodes I started on Flecainide 50mg twice a day and have been on it, at that dose, for nearly 5 years now.....I have break through events about 2-3 times a year and when they occur I take an additional Flecainide first....followed by 25mg of Atenolol if the Fecainide doesnt break it , so far so good. In all the time I have been on Flecainide I have never experienced any side effects other than a slow pulse , which I had to begin with anyways, and there are a few medications you arent able to take because of interactions. Im a CHAD score zero , have done stress tests and echos and my yearly *for the heck of it* EKG , when I go into a fib I know IMMEDIATELY and I also know the minute I go back into Sinus would never need an EKG to tell me. I read about those who have had ablations with great interest and hope that the day comes when its a safe regularly advised procedure for all of us and is called a cure. Couple of good docs here doing cryoablations a friend just had one and is having excellent recovery and results so far. Thanks so much for all the great information , I hope I will have something helpful or interesting to say from time to time . This is another one of those *clubs* no one really wants to join, but its always nice to know you are in good company and not alone.
jan
jan
Glad you decided to come out of lurk mode and join us.
You story is very similar to mine. I am an RN (age 60), have had paroxsymal a fib for almost 5 years, and have been taking flecainide for 1 year. I have had a couple breakthrough episodes also. I am very symptomatic too. That is the reason I opted for flecainide finally. I was taking 200mg of toprol daily and could still tell when I was in a fib. I feel better with flec, since I am able to stay in NSR, and also more energy because I was able to cut down to 100mg of toprol.
Welcome to this forum, I am new also, and I am learning so much and finding so much support. I actually have some questions I need answered by my doctor after reading such amazing topics, and finding out how much I did not realize about this condition.
jan
Amazing how much we have in common. Mine is also stress triggered..worrier/perfectionist...I do take a daily ASA, but also chew 4 baby aspirin at the start of an episode (just in case) and an ativan helps me convert faster also. The best thing I can do to convert is to take an ativan and an extra flecainide and try to be very still and meditative (or sleep if I can manage). I have to shut the stress response down. I usually convert in 2-4 hours.
I am hoping to retire in the fall of 2013 and I want to try getting off flecainide to see what happens. My job is also very stressful. I work in a federally qualified health center as a casemanager. It is challenging and rewarding but also a zoo much of the time.
I have been working to find more balance in my life. I pace myself a little more now.
Its SO nice to know I have a twin out there who is indeed experiencing all this almost the same as me. Perhaps you or someone else here can tell me how to put up a picture we even look a tiny bit alike .
I am HOPING to retire in 2014 or at least cut way back on my hours and I too thought it might be nice to go off Flecainide just to see how things go when I dont have to worry about going into a fib at the bedside in the Recovery Room. My Dr says you dont have to wean off of Fecainide or anything, that when you take the last dose, thats it, as if your body never had it in the first place. I had a very small little episode last week first one in a long time only lasted 28min. start to finish and it was totally stress drive after a bad day at work and a trip out to the new house I almost knew when I went to bed something could be coming......totally annoying for the most part.
Thanks again to everyone who is responding to me.....and thanks to YOU marikay....being a part of this group does bring a nice sense of well being
jan