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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CLane 11/27/2012

Hi everyone- This post really isnt AF related as much as it is that I just wanted to share some news with my Afib family :) I decided to change directions in my life and pursue a new career. In January, I will be attending our local college to become an EMT. About 25 years ago, I started on this career path in the Army Reserves as a combat medic. I changed direction, got married, had children and chose a different career path, one of opportunity (Real estate appraisal/mortgage industry). While I have enjoyed being self employed as an appraiser, I have always regreted not pursuing the career I set out to do. My children are grown now and knowing that Afib puts a certain perspective and reminds one of their own mortality, I decided it is time for me to pursue my dreams. My husband is behind me 100% and I am so lucky for his support. My AF symptoms are well tolerated and well treated with Atenolol now and I feel better than I have in a couple of years. I start class Jan 7, 2013. I am very excited! Thanks for letting me share my news. I am thankful for the friendships, knowledge and support that I find on this site every day!

deleted_user 11/27/2012

Carrie-

You Go Girl! I think that is fabulous! It's great that you feel good enough to go and start this new adventure. You are an inspiration!

Kelly

Moysra 11/27/2012

Carrie,
It is commendable of you to start a new career and I admire you.
Moy...

jcolacino 11/27/2012

Thats awesome Carrie,

In addition to being an Electrical Engineer, I have been a Firefighter for over 23 years and there is no way to descibe the feeling of helping others!

You truly will love the new experience(s) and I think its awesome!

Jim

PennyLane3389 11/27/2012

Congrats to you. You should be very proud! You deserve to follow your dreams. You are a inspiration ! Thank You

deleted_user 11/27/2012

Good for you. Congrats, you are right to follow your dreams. I know you will be a wonderful EMT.

lchandless 11/27/2012

Good luck Carrie! We are cheering for you! Lisa

pacyetep 11/27/2012

Carrie:

You are going to be so good at reading EKGs!

petey

CLane 11/28/2012

Thanks so much everyone for your kind comments! I love this group! One thing I noticed right away from all the comments I received is how positive and supportive everyone is! This has not been the case among my friends in my personal life. Over the last month, I have been doing the prep work (entry testing, math remediation, re-testing, background check/fingerprinting, drug testing, physical, immunizations) with the school to be ready for classes to begin. During this last month, my husband and I met different friends for dinner on a few occassions and when I tell our friends of my new career plans, I have yet to receive positive feedback. I hear- "That's a tough physical job, are you sure you can handle it?" or "You are going to have to work weekends and holidays" or "With the issues with your heart, are you sure that's a good idea? My husband has been my biggest fan. He says he feels like he will kind of have his own "super hero" right at home. I thank you all for the support! I know it will not be easy but I am ready for the challenge.

RN52 11/28/2012

Good luck to you Carrie! You will be a wonderful EMT! You are so compassionate, knowledgeable, and likeable on this forum, I can only imagine what a wonderful person you are in person. Your patients will be lucky to have you come to their aid. My younger son has been a EMT/firefighter for the last year or so and just recently became a paramedic. He really seems to love his job. My hat is off to you. I know it is difficult to change careers. I applaud you for pursuing your dream!

missd12932 11/28/2012

Carrie, I am so proud you are pursueing your dreams. I so wanted
to be a vetrinarian when I was young and to dumb to go for it.

deleted_user 11/28/2012

Wonderful and I do wish you the best,

sautee 11/28/2012

Congratulations on your decision and on the family support you are receiving. It's wonderful to know that there is the potential of having "life after afib." I, too, admire your determination!
Cheryl

CLane 11/28/2012

Thanks Missd, Janet, Colorado and Cheryl! It sure will feel great to focus on the health of others instead of every heartbeat of my own :)

katyreck 11/28/2012

Hello Carrie, I am so proud of you and I think you would be wonderful at whatever you do. You are very caring and smart. I'm sure you will do well in school and beyond. Congrats, keep us updated on how things are going.

I'm 1 month plus past the ablation. I have had 2 weeks of mostly NSR with episodes in between. The longest was a couple of days in the 160's to 175. My heart rate has dropped in the morning to the low 40's which is fine with me. I am putting off any thinking about the pacemaker until I am sure everything is healed. Being back in NSR has been heavenly. Take are good to hear from you. Best always

CLane 11/28/2012

Thanks Katy! I am so glad you are experiencing some NSR days and I hope, as you heal, things keep getting better and better! I hope after the healing periord, the need for a pacemaker will not be an issue. Take good care of yourself and I am so glad to hear from you!

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