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.
Wow, I never would have guessed how many people suffer with this nasty condition.
I am female and 67 years old just diagnosed with afib this past March. I had a bad episode in March which landed me in the hospital for three days. I totally blamed myself for doing too much that day (walk in the am followed by tennis and then followed by 18 holes of golf followed by the pub and a couple too many beers) without eating all day. I felt it was an isolated episode and I wasn't going to have any more because I stopped alcohol, caffeine and excercising too much.
It worked, no more episodes. Or so I thought. When I returned to Michigan from Florida in May and went to see my family doctor and he found out about it he referred me to a cardiologist.
The cardiologist had me wear a halter monitor for a month in July to determine if I did in fact have afib since I had not been having any more episodes. The monitor showed a couple arrythmias during that month but very short episodes. All just a few seconds long. It was determined I did have afib.
I was then put on Metropolol 12.5 mg 2 times a day. And Eloquis.
Then the episodes really started hitting hard. Every day and longer lasting. I went back to see the cardiologist and was sent to a specialist. He upped the meds to 50 mg Metropolol er in the am and 25 mg in the evening. Today was the first day I started the new dosage. Felt heart palpatations all day off and on (mostly on).
Does it take a while for the meds to work?
I mentioned ablation to the doctor but he wants to try meds first. He said people with afib get used to it after a while. I don't think I'm one of those people. I REALLY don't like this at all.
It's helpful reading the discussions on this site. I have learned a lot and it's calming to know that I'm not alone, although I would never wish this condition on anyone.
I am female and 67 years old just diagnosed with afib this past March. I had a bad episode in March which landed me in the hospital for three days. I totally blamed myself for doing too much that day (walk in the am followed by tennis and then followed by 18 holes of golf followed by the pub and a couple too many beers) without eating all day. I felt it was an isolated episode and I wasn't going to have any more because I stopped alcohol, caffeine and excercising too much.
It worked, no more episodes. Or so I thought. When I returned to Michigan from Florida in May and went to see my family doctor and he found out about it he referred me to a cardiologist.
The cardiologist had me wear a halter monitor for a month in July to determine if I did in fact have afib since I had not been having any more episodes. The monitor showed a couple arrythmias during that month but very short episodes. All just a few seconds long. It was determined I did have afib.
I was then put on Metropolol 12.5 mg 2 times a day. And Eloquis.
Then the episodes really started hitting hard. Every day and longer lasting. I went back to see the cardiologist and was sent to a specialist. He upped the meds to 50 mg Metropolol er in the am and 25 mg in the evening. Today was the first day I started the new dosage. Felt heart palpatations all day off and on (mostly on).
Does it take a while for the meds to work?
I mentioned ablation to the doctor but he wants to try meds first. He said people with afib get used to it after a while. I don't think I'm one of those people. I REALLY don't like this at all.
It's helpful reading the discussions on this site. I have learned a lot and it's calming to know that I'm not alone, although I would never wish this condition on anyone.
Firstly, good that you are on a blood thinner; a-fib is bad but a stroke is worse.
Next, Metoprolol is a beta blocker, it slows down your heart rate but doesnt (or only for a few lucky people) stop episodes/bouts/events/attacks of a-fib. It usually keeps your rate bearable while in a-fib and if you tend to have a tachy (fast) rate normally it will slow that down too. Some people with a normally slower heart rate take metoprolol as a PIP (Pill in the Pocket = when needed) only when in a-fib. As you can tell, lots of differences and you and your doctors will have to find the right solution just for you. Metoprolol works relatively fast within hours (for some within 20 minutes) you should notice your heart rate lowered.
Ablation might be helpful, depending on your basic heart health. Most doctors (Im assuming that the specialist you saw was an EP) will want to try medicine first before moving on to ablation but that is not written in stone. An ablation might cure the a-fib or it might not (doctors dont usually like speaking of cure). There have been (and probably will be more) discussions about the pros and cons of ablation on this site. Its an individual decision.
Rhythm control medicine (beta blockers are rate control) will not cure a-fib, it might make you feel better and it might stop the episodes and that might be all you need. There are people on this site who are doing well with this route.
I empathize completely with you REALLY not liking this. I dont think any of us do okay, Ill only speak for myself; I dont either. Im doing my best to get out. I must admit, though, being able to compare notes with others who are in a similar (no two a-fibbers are exactly alike) situation has helped me immensely. Triggers, anxiety, food, medicine
Its good to know a-fib wont kill you and its good to know you can come here and ask questions.
Take care,
atp (across the pond)
You sure are on a lot of Metoprolol....do you still have energy? It slowed me down a lot. It would kick in soon after taking it.
Since you are getting more episodes after starting it, I wonder if this is the Best Med for you....just wondering.
Hoping Today is a good one for you!!!!
I agree with YogaCat on this one...you up the meds and you start having more palpitations. Sounds to me there might be a connection;) If it were me, I'd ask if I could lower the dose or consider other drugs or get off them completely.
You left out some critical details, however. You said you wore a monitor for a month and "a couple arrythmias" were detected. Can you expand on that? Were they afib episodes or something else? How many did you have? When you say "short episodes" what does that mean...1 hour, 2 hours, etc.?
I personally believe these drugs do more harm than good. You might do better not being on metropolol at this time. A pill in the pocket approach might make more sense. I don't know. It depends on what the monitor found during that month and your general health (things none of us obviously know).
I guess my primary point is this...do your research and don't just accept what your doctor tells you. I would also advise you see an EP, a doctor that specializes in arrythmias.
Travis
Garbage......and its good that you found this site. ....we are in this together and so much good support......stay strong.....Tony
Travis, when I wore the monitor the episodes were only seconds long,
i'm not sure what kind exactly. It does seem weird that after starting the meds the episodes increased in length and quantity. And I totally agree that meds can make things worse. I'm planning on getting a second opinion when I get back to Florida in about a month or so. I live in Michigan half the year.
Today I woke up feeling great. It lasted all day until around 6pm, which is when the afib normally starts. Although, I have to admit that its not as bad as usual. We'll see, the nights not over yet.
Yogacat, I didnt really notice feeling tired with the increased dose of Metropolol, but I was so elated to not be in afib today that I was kinda on a high. lol
Just goes to show how each med affects each of us differently. With 25mg extended release, I became a 'Lazy Girl Potato'
Hopefully your meds will help to keep you in rhythm. Take care!
-Mark