Phillip: Do some kind of exercise on a schedule. Do the relaxation things you are doing. Get outside yourself as much as possible. Concentrate on your family's needs and try to help people here. Cutting out the alcohol probably would even you out. The problem with alcohol is that if you use it to relax, you feel more anxiety when it wears off. Do things that you love to do. If you stop doing them, depression sets in. petey

Hi Phillip, I do well sometimes, and sometimes I get a bit discouraged and anxious.

I find getting outside in Nature very helpful for me. I exercise, this is helpful for me too. I find I have to seek to find uplifting things to read and think about them, to get my thinking better. Stinking Thinking is problem for me, so I have to watch out for negativity.

I, Like you, have found I appreciate my life more, since diagnosis.

I think you are doing Great!

I agree... the constant worry and hyper alert worry about "what if" is the toughest thing to manage. I've spent the last 7 months trying to identify and limit my triggers by trying to keep busy with work, family and walk 3 - 5 times a week... gave up booze except for maybe one beer a week, one cigar a month probably and cut down on sugar........ BUT the afib still rears its ugly head. ... Last night had about 8 hrs of palpitations or whatever they were... ugh. Had a tough day working around our place with a lot of physical strain and boom, it came on right before bed and persisted on and off until about 3 am or so..... and i dont know about you, but i find that once i start worrying and/or paying attention to the palpitations, they get more prevalent and continue longer !! Like being a hamster on a wheel...... but i'll try to walk later and that usually helps.

To be honest, after a tough day with afib i read these blogs and seeall these people who seem to be in good spirits and handling things well and it makes me realize it could be worse.. Good luck....

The enormous fear, frustration and anxiety can really take you over if you let it especially when this monster first hits you. My PCP gave me some xanax to help with the anxiety which helped immensely. My cardio suggested it but he would not prescribe it but felt maybe I needed a little something to help with the anxiety. I would only take it when the anxiety set in so bad and to stop a panic attack, not good to take on a regular basis, more often than not just knowing you have something to take the edge off is enough to settle you down along with some deep breathing. I must tell you though it was so bad for me I was even afraid to take the anxiety med, had the script for 3 months before i got brave enough to try it and it was the lowest dose out there and I even cut it half! I was afraid to do much of anything for fear of setting off an attack! I was a real basket case! You might want to talk to your doctor about your anxiety and see if they can help you with that and don't be afraid to. You are doing the right things by cutting the bad things out, trying to relieve stress and focusing more on others, it is hard at times but you will prevail. It takes time to learn how to deal with this and some of us have a harder time than others. It was really hard for me and I still have days where I am not so good. As far as a daily routine you will need to make your own as to what works for you, but keeping busy and focusing on other things helps allot. Do anything you like to do within reason and that you have your docs okay on that will take your mind off the beast and the worry as to when it will hit again. Worrying about it does not stop it from hitting and may only magnify it. Embrace the good days and do the best you can with the not so good days. We all have them you are not alone,

Nicely put Daisy. Phillip I also have a scrip for xanax and have taken it for about 6 mnths. I've begun cutting it down to a more "as needed" level now... but it has been a huge help in this whole process. This is a scary road but one i'm sure will become easier in time. Good luck
Mike

This is a summary of what people came up last time we were talking about stress management (I revived the thread also):


Summary of our suggestions and a few of mine.

Xanax or Valium
Warm bath with Epsom Salts
TM
Yoga
Biofeedback
Sex
Grass
Exercise
Walk on the beach
Nice music
T'ai Chi
Laughter
Relaxation tapes
Lie down
Psychologist
Painting
Massage
Playing an instrument
Any hobby
Pets
Controlled breathing
Visualization
Smile
Put on your favorite TV station


petey "

At this point, I try "not" to think about it. I try to be aware and relatively diligent and cautious. Take your med.s, supplements and do your thing.

Hi Phillip : being here is a great place to start when you start feeling stressed or bad. We have all been where you are now, and there really is a light at the end of that little darkness. And I know at some point, it does seem easier said than done. I also "try" not to think about it and I do just like Tom says : take your meds, supplements and do your thing. I ride my bike when I can. Hang in there -- Cyndi

I'm actually doing much better since my visit with the new EP. I like the list pacy thanks for posting. I'm headed on a boy scout camping trip to the "mountains" this weekend. Hoping for a little stress relief and relaxation. Too bad it's going to be 100 degrees....

Have a great trip and stay hydrated!

Have a Wonderful Weekend!!

I plan on it! My boy is very excited and I get to take my little girl with us too. Here's to NSR and a great time! Wishing everyone a great holiday weekend!