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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RitaB 08/15/2017

I have just been diagnosed with afib and there is no local support group in my small town. I haven't been to the cardiologist yet, and I was told it may be months. In the meatime my doctor has put me on metropolol and baby aspirin. My anxiety and fear are through the roof and I feel like i want to quit my business and my volunteer work because I am so scared. All I want to is cry! Does the anixiety ever cease and will I ever feel "noraml" again. I live in fear of my heart starting to race.

gentlefootprint 08/17/2017

I'm sorry that afib is trying to hard to disrupt the things you enjoy most. The waiting game is unnerving and can certainly lead to anxiety and fear. I feel blessed that my cardiologist (whom I have had since my first bout with afib in 2009) went to bat for me with the EP resulting in getting an ablation within 3 months of my diagnosis. I encourage you not to be fearful or scared and find comfort knowing there are a lot of folks going through what we are. The anxiety itself can increase or compound your symptoms so do whatever it takes to find peace along the journey. Good luck to you!

RitaB 08/17/2017

Thank you for the reassurance. I am trying hard to follow all of the self help ideas as I wait this out. For sure I can identify some triggers, and even though I avoid those religiously, it still creeps its way in.

hydro1570 08/28/2017

How many times have you gone into AFIB? My husband had it once at 38 yrs old & was hospitalized for it. He was told they wouldn't do anything at that point since it had only happened once. They sent him home with no meds even. Well he had it a cpuple other times, but was able to break it on his own. Then recently a year after hos last bad episode he was hospitalized for it again. This time they did an ablation.

keithb517 09/20/2017

Nothing to fear. Easy for someone to say. Be comforted that your dr. has you on meds. AFib is a condition more people have (and many don't even know), but are able to live mostly "normal" life. In my case, I was diagnosed 3 yrs. ago and place on a few different meds for bp and heart rate control. Life style changes (my challenge is my weight) can make a big difference. Cardiac ablation is in my future end of Oct. Keep informed. This and other AFib forums are good source of support, but be cautious about advice and personal stories, as everyone's situation is different. Having said that, my advice is find an "A-team" electrophysiologist if you don't already have one.

ShinPond 09/21/2017

I too have been recently diagnosed. I developed a bacterial infection in my blood and that threw my heart into afib. Had cardioversion which got things back into sinus rhythm but a week later the afib started again. I am nervous, jittery and scared. I have atrial valve regurgitation as well. Will be needing valve replacement soon. I don't know how to move past the nerves and being scared. All I want to do is cry all the time.

Toolingmaster 10/01/2017

Go to Cleveland Clinic , Dr Thomas Callahan did my Ablation, worlds best heart clinic. They fix things the first time.

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