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.
Just out of the hospital for my first confirmed afib attack. I have had irregular heart issues before but never definitely diagnosed as afib. Went to the ER when it didnt right itself like the other ones did.
Doc is recommending ablation and a med that I would have to stay in the hospital for about 3 days to get started.
I think all the above is a bit much when this is my first time with this. Right now she put me on 325mg aspirin since I have no other risk factors.
I am an otherwise healthy 60 year old female who exercises and eats right.
I am interested in other folks experiences and did u go for treatment after the first one or did u wait??
Doc is recommending ablation and a med that I would have to stay in the hospital for about 3 days to get started.
I think all the above is a bit much when this is my first time with this. Right now she put me on 325mg aspirin since I have no other risk factors.
I am an otherwise healthy 60 year old female who exercises and eats right.
I am interested in other folks experiences and did u go for treatment after the first one or did u wait??
Welcome. So sorry you are joining this "club"! I'm pretty new here myself, but I wanted to let you know you've come to the right place. There are some really knowledgeable people here, and they are kind and compassionate. I don't post often, but I read the posts almost everyday!
I'm not new to A-fib, though. I was diagnosed about 5 years ago. I, too, spent a few days in the hospital after my first episode. I've been treated with medications ever since, and usually only have an a-fib episode every 5 or 6 months. I've had 2 cardio-versions, but the other times I've self regulated. It continues to be a concern and it has certainly added anxiety to my life. I worry when I'm in a-fib, and I worry when I'm not for fear it will happen! I didn't see an EP until this year, and he is changing my medication and discussed the possibility of an ablation this summer. I'm hoping for great things with this new doctor. My regular cardio never even mentioned ablation!
I take both a rate control drug and an antiarrythmic. I'm hoping the new drug will help me stay in normal rhythm longer. I hate taking all of the medication everyday and wish I could only take it when I have an episode. That would be a good question for you to ask.
I know there will be others responding to your post with lots more knowledge, but my advice to you would be to do lots of reading here and other A-fib sites. I really think it's best to learn all you can about A-fib so you can have some say in your treatment plan.
Please take care. Know that you are not alone. Come back with your questions anytime!
It is with sadness that I say welcome to the group. It seems from being on this website for the past 3 years that the vast majority of folks with afib do try the drug approach first...we have folks here who have lived with afib for decades. I personally went for the ablation right off the bat. I had only two episodes, then went on the drugs (metoprolol and flecanide), but they just wiped me out. I was constantly tired. I did some research and was lucky enough to find a wonderful and experienced EP at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore...but even he didn't favor ablation without first trying the drug therapy. When he found out I was only 3 years from completing my military career, he agreed to go ahead with the ablation. I am incredibly happy that he did, and I would make that decision again. However, it is important to weigh the pros and the cons of this decision. There are several folks on this site who have a great deal of knowledge on this subject, and I am sure they will pitch in here shortly.....but it does seem from the readings on this site and stopafib.org that there has been great progress in the last few years with ablation techniques, and the percentages of success have increased greatly. Best of luck to you on this important decision, but I can tell you, you have come to the right place for advice and compassion!
Bill
I am taking magnesium. I was having SVT issues and for over a year while taking the magnesium no issues at all. So maybe I will up that.
I feel so much stress and worry over this and I know that will make things worse.
I cant see and EP until after my husband has hernia surgery next week and I probably couldn't get in that fast anyway.
Are you all taking an anticoagulant too???
I was in afib from about 8am until 2pm on Thursday. They gave me a drug to help the afib to resolve. the name is not coming to me at the moment.
Sorry for multiple posts but I dont see how to edit my previous ones.
My advice is not to rush into anything. Take time to learn as much as you can first. You can choose to treat by rate control and anticoagulation, antiarrythmic med, or ablation. If you are symptomatic with afib your choice may be different than someone who cannot tell when they are in afib. It is all a very personal decision.
You may not have another episode for a long time so don't feel you have to make a decision right now. See what the EP has to say...he may have other options to consider. I was certain that I needed an ablation and my EP wanted to try flecainide, an antiarrythmic, first. I expected it to fail and instead it gave me my life back. I have been in NSR for over 2 years now with no side effects. I actually waited for several years while my episodes became more and more frequent before I considered ablation.
Best wishes
http://www.medpagetoday.com/resource-center/atrial-fibrillation/first-line-ablation/a/46885
petey
Just looking at options.
Charlene