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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lalab707 03/30/2015

In 2002 started a journey of tests for several years for non Epileptic Seizures/Tremors. Many MIR's, Cat scans and EEG's awake and asleep. A lot a brain action on EEG's but never loss of consciousness. They came up with misfiring of the brain, anxiety and the non Epileptic seizures. Two neurologist felt anxiety played a part, I think it caused anxiety.

I also have fibromyalgia so have tried many antidepressants, they do cause seizures so it is in my chart to not give me any. I could go on about my problems with meds. I am on a low dose of Xanax during the day and a clonazepam at night which keeps seizures at bay.

I woke up fine this morning BP heart rate good and about10:30 not quite right on the way to afib bouncing from 45 to 90 HB. So I am reviewing my previous day and morning for any or triggers and just put it off to oh well it happens and went on with my day.

With my Dr. approval last week I have been cutting back on the Xanax. I have almost always in 5 years taken less than RX says. Maintain the a.m. one and nightly and only as needed during the day. Went to take my lunch vitamins and had taken no Xanax this morning, in 25 min in NSR. I am actually afraid of my meds now I am almost afraid of going off. It is all electrical, I don't see my cardio/EP for a few months, but will probably e mail him. I just feel crazy right now I need a body electrician LOL. If you knew the amount of tests they put me through in 2002-2005 you would know why, I pulled the plug back then.

Now in my own mind I see a connection. I would need to get the EP, Neurologist and Pyschiatrist all on the same page.

So if anyone gets through this long jumbled post I would love your input before I take it to the professionals and the argument comes up again biological or psychological?

laurab

daisy0808 03/30/2015

Are you saying you went back to NSR in 25 minutes after you took your xanax?

lalab707 03/30/2015

Yup, seems weird.

marikay234 03/30/2015

It isn't one or the other.....definitely a mind-body connection. The xanax calms your central nervous system. I always take an ativan at the start of an afib episode and I am certain it helps me to convert faster.

lalab707 03/31/2015

Well it was easy just check the internet with seizures and afib and yes they can be connected. Often epilepsy leads to afib so why not even if it is just a seizure disorder do the same.

I have done a lot of work on relaxation, biofeedback, CBT etc_____the Neurologist who called it panic attacks and made me just accept it was panic attacks, but thanks to the Dr. who treated it with clonazepam which treats seizures.

The bizarre thing is my Mom's cardiologist once said he thought it was my heart when he saw me have one in his office.

laurab

lalab707 03/31/2015

Yes marikay I agree they are all interconnected in these bodies we have. I was posting and watching dancing with the stars while you posted.. thanks for your thoughts

daisy0808 03/31/2015

I agree with marikay, the xanax does seem to clam things down and maybe convert faster, it has happened to me.

Orchard25 03/31/2015

Very interesting comments and I agree about the anxiety issues. I have been taking Oxazepsm for 43 yrs and out of all my medicines seems to relax me and help Mrs the most! I am glad you all go back into NSR. I have been in a-fib now for 6 weeks but getting around pretty good - don't like my fast h.r. When resting it goes down to around 78 and hovers around 85 to 120. My cardiologist said it won't hurt me as long as it doesn't stay at 130 or higher. The FLEC hasn't helped me, so he answered my e- mail with NOT. to take the FLEC! Just to take my carvedilol, lisinopril, sertraline ( which I never wanted to take when they put me on it Co) and the Warfarin which I am definitely going to bite the bullet and switch to Eliquis when I see him on the 9th. I am scared of a stroke being in a-fib so long. He said we will discuss the rate control Don't know if he intends to schedule another cardioversion(since my INR was too low last time to do it ! He said lots of people stay in Stub and do well. Thoughts and advice? please!

lalab707 03/31/2015

Orchard25, I do not know how you do it, how are you holding up. Other than my two trips to ER it is always 2 to 6 hours for me. Hang in there if you can catch your breath!

laurab

Orchard25 03/31/2015

I am at the point right now where I am totally confused and don't know what to do ? My cardiologist is so nice and everyone raves about him and even all the nurses at the hospital. I also have an E.P. who I don't see again until the beginning of next year unless my cardiologist sends me back to him. I just saw him two days before this attack started and I was doing fine! !!! I hats medicines especially the rythmn controls. Sotalol kept me out of a-fib for 14 months untiL last Nov. It caused long QT intervals and I ended up in ICU for 4 days.
I know Petey stays in a-fib and takes s h.r. control medicine.
The thing that is the worst is that I get so tired by 9: O0 pm, so watch T.V in bed and play games on my Kindle. I then sleep really well .
Hugs,
Christine

Panicker 04/03/2015

Christine,

You are far more patient than me. I would be calling my EPs office on the phone. Or heading out to consults with other EPs like Natalie and giving ablation some consideration.

I'm fairly new here so maybe there is more to your situation

So sorry you are uncomfortable

Orchard25 04/03/2015

Thanks for your replies and some days it is worse than others. The a-fib doesn't bother me much like previous episodes I don't like the fast h.r. though. I see my new PCP on Monday (my other one was dropped by my ind. Co.) Then I see my Cardiologist on Thursday. I don't know if he will plan a cardioversion? He said many people do o.k. in permanent a-fib and rate control. I don't want an ablation!
With Sotalol I stayed in perfect NSR for 14 months but in Nov had another attack and EKG showed long QT intervals, and I was taken off
it. No other rythmn drug prescribed and I hate them..
I will see what my cardiologist has to say? Thanks everyone for your thoughts.
Hugs
Christine

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