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.
Geez,
It seems that the nasty afib is trying to make a comeback...I was doing so well for about 4 months. Pulse in the high 70s, low 80s. Then Mom went into the hospital, and it may be her time to pass on. I pray not, but it doesn't look too good. So in the past month, the pulse rate is WAY up (90-95 range resting), the BP is WAY up (140/90). And of course not only am I dealing with the terrible idea of losing Mom, but now am absolutely freaked out about the heart thing. Last night, bam! 164 beats per minute. I did catch it on the lab provided heart monitor. When I called they said "Umm....try not to freak out, but we will be contacting the cardiologist about this one." TRY NOT TO FREAK OUT...so you can imagine the impact that had. Woke up in the middle of the night with an anxiety attack. Never had one of those before Mom went into the hospital. Cuz in the good old days (before afib), getting rid of stress was not an issue...run several miles or drink a few beers. Now? The stress seems to be attacking my heart, as well as my head. Praying for Mom, praying for me, but it doesn't seem to be helping. I know that in our age group (late 50s), many of you have lost your parents. But I am now learning that no matter how old we are, we are NEVER ready to let Mom go. God bless that wonderful woman and everything she ever did for me. God bless all of our Moms. NSR to all.
Bill
It seems that the nasty afib is trying to make a comeback...I was doing so well for about 4 months. Pulse in the high 70s, low 80s. Then Mom went into the hospital, and it may be her time to pass on. I pray not, but it doesn't look too good. So in the past month, the pulse rate is WAY up (90-95 range resting), the BP is WAY up (140/90). And of course not only am I dealing with the terrible idea of losing Mom, but now am absolutely freaked out about the heart thing. Last night, bam! 164 beats per minute. I did catch it on the lab provided heart monitor. When I called they said "Umm....try not to freak out, but we will be contacting the cardiologist about this one." TRY NOT TO FREAK OUT...so you can imagine the impact that had. Woke up in the middle of the night with an anxiety attack. Never had one of those before Mom went into the hospital. Cuz in the good old days (before afib), getting rid of stress was not an issue...run several miles or drink a few beers. Now? The stress seems to be attacking my heart, as well as my head. Praying for Mom, praying for me, but it doesn't seem to be helping. I know that in our age group (late 50s), many of you have lost your parents. But I am now learning that no matter how old we are, we are NEVER ready to let Mom go. God bless that wonderful woman and everything she ever did for me. God bless all of our Moms. NSR to all.
Bill
No,
I had my very first ablation in January. I have been weaned down to one 25 mg of metoprolol every 3 days, but just asked if I could go back to 25mg every day until this bad period passes. I really would hate to see the ablation fail simply because of this stress. I really appreciate your prayers, especially for Mom.
Bill
I choose Meditation with a focus on breathing many yrs. ago to assist me though stressful times. I also included alcohol for stress reduction. Now, I just do Meditation.
I have just recently signed up for this free online meditation . We are on day 3. I really Like it a lot!
I think you can still sign up to see if it is of interest. We each have to find a way to cope that will work for us. Trial and error....see what you think.
http://www.mentorschannel.com/bestsellers/LandingPage.aspx?BookId=177
Hugs and Prays !!!!!!! Carol
Your heart is still healing from your ablation so try not to panic. I doubt your stress level would cause your ablation to fail but it certainly is testing it. It's possible that this occurrence is coincidental and that a minor touch up ablation is in order which would likely bring complete success. Your EP can best assess the situation, the beta blocker should keep your rate under control in the meantime.
I'll be praying for you and your Mom. Please do keep us posted.
jan
So sorry to hear about your situation. I've lost my dad and I emphasize with the feelings you are experiencing.
Robin from Good Morning America said no matter how old you are, when you are sick, you still need your mom. So true.
Hope you can get this thing under control and not have the a fib return. I sent up a prayer for you. Take care!
You are blest to have had and hopefully still have such a wonderful relationship with your Mom, but, as you know, as she gets ready to go it is tough on you. I went through the same thing about 2 years ago. I will keep you in my prayers,
As for your pulse, I think your dose of metoprolol is very low. I like your idea of going back to 25 mgs per day. I hope your doc does too. My pulse is 45 - 65 bpm and I take 50 mgs per day. Even in the most stressful situations my pulse never got higher than about 75 bpm. God bless and take care of yourself.
Steve
thinking of you
leanne
Take care,
Annette
Try to relax and get some sleep.
D.
I'm with Mom now in Mt Sinai as you know. Waiting to get her a bed for tomorrow's aortic heart valve replacement. Im showing her videos of her hometown in Greece to keep her mind occupied. She's in good Spirits. My heart has finally acted up with a rate now in the 90s. Pretty regular but have some irregularity.
Ah the stress of it all!
How are you doing????
It's been a rough 2 1/2 weeks between my ablation and taking care of my mom. We had a successful TAVR procedure replacing her aortic valve thru her femoral artery. There was cutting in her lower abdomen by a vascular surgeon thru the larger artery but better than cracking her chest open. However this is a much more complex and complicated procedure with more risks but also benefits. An ablation is a cakewalk compared to this.
I'm good heart finally acted up Thursday morning HR up into the 90-103 range with some irregularity. Actually this is a good thing as studies show this is a sign of a good durable ablation.
I'm backing off coffee and exercise and stress for now!
Let the heart heal!
Here's to hoping each of you continue to stay on the mend....glad you all have each other!! This has been a stressful time for sure~
Whoever said, when it rains, it pours....knew how life can be at times!
Hugs and Hopes, Carol