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.
Well I did it this time. I worked Wed., Thursday, Fri of last week in the data center. Data centers have constantly flowing air to cool the equipment. This sucks to moisture out of you body. Also I was on my feet all day each day, and doing a lot of physical work.
So, in the middle of the night Friday/Saturday I get a vicious spasm on the inside of my right thigh. And I need to pee with abandon, so I get up, a bit woozy, an say to Sharon to escort me you the John, since I'm unsteady. Out I went, passed out on the floor, from the pain and dehydration. Ambulance to the ER. Sh*t.
Fortunately, the AFIB was minimal, heart rate on the slow side (usual for me). Verdict from the ER, Superficial Thrombophlebitis most probably brought on by the dehydration.
So I got into reading about dehydration and AFIB, seems its high up there on the trigger list, and we just don't talk about it enough. So here's my remedy. Each morning fill up a 2 quart bottle of filtered water that must be entirely consumed by me each day. This is in addition to any tea, water, electrolyte (see below) or Gatorade I drink. The soda, coffee, beer, wine etc. don't count. At 230 lbs., the literature indicates that 3 quarts of water a day in addition to watery foods like fruits and veggies. Because of the type of environment I work in I probably need more. But, it might take two weeks before this plan is effective since initially my body will need to get used to that much water. A little extra salt and electrolytes also helps, I've been using GU BREW :
http://guenergy.com/store/electrolyte-tablets.html/?___SID=U
Cheaper at Amazon.
I've also read that as we get older, our thirst mechanisms deteriorate, so we don't know when we are need more water. Isn't aging fun?
So, in the middle of the night Friday/Saturday I get a vicious spasm on the inside of my right thigh. And I need to pee with abandon, so I get up, a bit woozy, an say to Sharon to escort me you the John, since I'm unsteady. Out I went, passed out on the floor, from the pain and dehydration. Ambulance to the ER. Sh*t.
Fortunately, the AFIB was minimal, heart rate on the slow side (usual for me). Verdict from the ER, Superficial Thrombophlebitis most probably brought on by the dehydration.
So I got into reading about dehydration and AFIB, seems its high up there on the trigger list, and we just don't talk about it enough. So here's my remedy. Each morning fill up a 2 quart bottle of filtered water that must be entirely consumed by me each day. This is in addition to any tea, water, electrolyte (see below) or Gatorade I drink. The soda, coffee, beer, wine etc. don't count. At 230 lbs., the literature indicates that 3 quarts of water a day in addition to watery foods like fruits and veggies. Because of the type of environment I work in I probably need more. But, it might take two weeks before this plan is effective since initially my body will need to get used to that much water. A little extra salt and electrolytes also helps, I've been using GU BREW :
http://guenergy.com/store/electrolyte-tablets.html/?___SID=U
Cheaper at Amazon.
I've also read that as we get older, our thirst mechanisms deteriorate, so we don't know when we are need more water. Isn't aging fun?
I believe your last comment...despite not drinking much I cant recall ever feeling thirsty.
Hugs
Christine
I too, believe it is essential to stay hydrated
Not a nice thing for your wife, you must have scared her and I hope she doesn't have to go through that again! You neither.
laurab