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.
We got home from the hospital yesterday afternoon, nothing went quite as planned, Ken was in surgery for over 8 hours and lost way too much blood , its a long story but the important thing is we are home and now I have my work cut out for me. They suggested a blood transfusion but I decided to see what we can do at home with nutrition etc and have the blood count rechecked next week.....its AWESOME to be home.
Here is my little a fib story.....as we all know I have been episode free for a long time however Monday night ( going to hospital on Tuesday at 5am for surgery ) I woke up from a sound sleep in that PRE a fib state....stomach upset, hot, and pulse racing but definitely not out of rhythm....just on its way.....I did NOT want to ruin Kens surgery in any way but of course the stress of all those thoughts just made it worse....I did stay calm got up and took an extra 50mg of Flecainide and a 0.25mg Xanax and laid back down and within 20 minutes my pulse was back to 60 something and I was calm and able to doze before the alarm went off and everything has been fine since.....thank you Flecainide for still being my friend !!!!
Will read and catch up on the board over the week end ....thanks for everyones good wishes and positive thoughts....it means a lot
jan
Here is my little a fib story.....as we all know I have been episode free for a long time however Monday night ( going to hospital on Tuesday at 5am for surgery ) I woke up from a sound sleep in that PRE a fib state....stomach upset, hot, and pulse racing but definitely not out of rhythm....just on its way.....I did NOT want to ruin Kens surgery in any way but of course the stress of all those thoughts just made it worse....I did stay calm got up and took an extra 50mg of Flecainide and a 0.25mg Xanax and laid back down and within 20 minutes my pulse was back to 60 something and I was calm and able to doze before the alarm went off and everything has been fine since.....thank you Flecainide for still being my friend !!!!
Will read and catch up on the board over the week end ....thanks for everyones good wishes and positive thoughts....it means a lot
jan
Eight hours, what an ordeal for the both of you!! I am happy the doctors felt confident enough to send Ken home. That is a positive sign.
I know exactly what you felt when you woke up with that pre-afib feeling. I am so happy a small dose of Flecainide prevents or stops afib in its tracks.
Take care of yourself as you care for your husband. Out thoughts and prayers are with you two. I hope this surgery will result in much more arm function.
Thanks for keeping us up to date.
Steve
Mary Ann
You did the right thing about your a fib. Just think if you were hospitalized for YOUR a fib and you couldn't be there for him. Glad he's home. What a traumatic experience. You both have been thru a lot. Remember to take care of yourself too during this stressful time of his recovery!
Hang in there. Just sent up a prayer for you both!