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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Heart, Blood & Circulation
/ Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Support Group

looking for answers

paulh1
paulh1
Was diagnosed with PAF in October. Prior to that I had three stents put in my heart to relieve blockages. I went from being very active on a consistent basis to exercising sporadically due to my lack of endurance(stamina). Sometimes I do just fine and other times I have no gas at all. I'm taking three types of blood thinners. The EP wants to put me on Tikosyn to regulate my heart rhythm. I'm hesitant about doing this because I really haven't had an AFIB episode (to my knowledge) in maybe six weeks. I'm going up to Indianapolis in January for a second opinion. My wife thinks I'm in denial. I think I'm just confused. :-(
yogacat
yogacat
Afib Is cunning and baffling...especially when first diagnosed. The thing is....each of us is different in how it presents.....and in my opinion, the docs each seem to have their favorite....one size fits all ...way of treating

It takes time to see how afib presents for you.

My first Cardio Dr. put me on a daily med that I did not tolerate, and it did not keep me out of afib. I got a second opinion, and got off that med. and have done well using it as PIP...(pill in pocket) I take it only when I have an episode.
marikay234
marikay234
I'm sure you are confused! Afib scares the crap out of me while I am in it....as soon as it stops (I self-convert) part of me believes that it won't happen again (denial?)....all is right with my world....even though experience tells me it will be back. Afib is tricky, and trying to figure out what may be a trigger and what helps is often very confusing.
It takes some trial and error to find the right treatment, and I am reading more about the importance of lifestyle changes for management of afib. We can have some control by losing weight, diet changes, exercise etc.
A second opinion is a very good idea. If you are having infrequent episodes on option to ask about is using an antiarrythmic as a pill in pocket. Just to take at the start of an episode to help you convert.
I take flecainide twice a day for almost 3 years and it gave me my life back. No side effects. You are on the path to discovering the best way for you to live with and manage afib. Best wishes.
andoy12
andoy12
Hi new here. Had afib after a surgery and was converted with sotalol. Two years on it at a low dose, all test normal, no afib but the side effects, of which there are many, don't sit well with me. Lethargy, lack of focus, nightmares - my gp suggested trying 1/2 pill - which seems to help with the lethargy, but now getting jittery and nervous - wondering if its a withdrawal symptom of the low dose.. ugh - cant say which is worse- the nervousness or the lethargy! any ideas?
daisy0808
daisy0808
Isn't afib after surgery common? Not all people ever have it again once they are converted. Have you discussed this with your doctor? Maybe you could try another med and see how that works for you?
andoy12
andoy12
yes looking at alternatives. They kept me a couple of more days after my gall bladder surgery to treat. After I was released I wasn't taking any meds. Afib probably wasn't resolved until several months later when I was given the sotalol. Been in SR for 2 years, all tests come back normal .. I suspect being in the hospital for several days feeling stressed and no liquids or food didn't help.