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.
Greetings All,
Forgive me for re-hashing stuff again... but I need too.
Briefly, my vitals:
- (54) yo Male,
- general good health, non-smoker, not overweight, eat right due to family history (see below), light-alcohol consumption ( i like a steak and red wine when I can get both), no meds at all.
- BP slightly below average, resting HR normally 62 BPM
- Family history: paternal grand-dad had AF, dad had AF, (2) of his sisters had AF, my older brother had 1 episode of AF after massive heart attack at 46 (he's lucky to be alive)
What Happened:
- Woke up (2) weeks ago last Sunday, HR felt high, pounding in chest
- continued through MONDAY,
- Checked BP / HR that TU, BP was OK, HR was 181. Thought WOW, that's a little high (3x my normal), _still_ didn't get it!
- WED & TH check HR again, all over the board, from 76 to 150
- Planned to go to DR on Friday, but didn't get around to it,
- Wife made appt on Monday. That's when things changed: GP said you are in AF, you must see a cardiologist NOW (as in leave the office (called my wife to come drive me)),
- Arrived at C's office, still in AF, prescribed some MEDs, said come back tomorrow (my DR call me at home to check on things, WOW again), believe she thought meds would fix it...
- Went back TU, quick check by her said you are going to hospital NOW, not in 10 minutes, but NOW!
- Checked in, tried various things
- had a TEE (trans-esophageal-ECHO)
- Had nuclear stress test, one step on the treadmill, i was over the target heart rate.
- in bed, my HR was 90, sitting up in bed was 120 - 190
- Began Tikosyn for three days,
- after the last dose (6th pill) plus 30 minutes, i was in rhythm.
- Although i couldn't believe it, they checked me out last SUNDAY, after my hearth was in rhythm for ~5 hours.
- diagnosis: permanent AFIB. MEDS: Metroprocol, tikosyn, warafin, and diltiazem as needed
Checkouted on SUNDAY PM, Monday and Tuesday were a wash-out. I was very tired, and couldn't hardly do anything. Wed was a little better, and Thursday (today) was a mix.
I know you are asking, "So, is there a question in all this prose?" Yes..
1.) I'm not sure how to feel anymore. Before the hospital and meds, i could feel my heart racing, etc. but no more... Dr's starting telling me, "when you feel an attack coming on, take some meds..." Problem is I can't feel it anymore, which is what I told them. So, how do you determine how you feel?
2.) Since i have SOB, how should I handle it? Work through it or sit down? I feel it's binary, as either i work through it, or pass out.
3.) I don't know what to expect. Will there be more events? Will the meds work? What if the meds don't work? What about ablastation (i'm willing to try that)? I heave read for some, the meds work a short while, then are not effective; others indicate you shouldn't be on them long term. My DR indicates i will be on them for 6 mo. to a year...
4.) I'm about 5 years from retirement, and I was looking forward to an active retirement (just got a boat after 29 years) but after 2 days of feeling bad, it'll be hard just getting through the day. So, "How should I get through it?" Say "Damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead!" I'm generally a type A-minus personality...
5.) Finally, My lifestyle is already pretty healthy... always avoided salt, greasy foods, eat in moderation, etc. What 'other' lifestyle changes should i make?
OK, i've hit the (5) question limit, so i'll wait for some answers before continuing my rant and more questions...
Robert
PS: I _know_ how lucky I am... i had this for ~10 days and survived HR's of 180+. No clots or blockages. Now if I could just figure out how to live with this...
Forgive me for re-hashing stuff again... but I need too.
Briefly, my vitals:
- (54) yo Male,
- general good health, non-smoker, not overweight, eat right due to family history (see below), light-alcohol consumption ( i like a steak and red wine when I can get both), no meds at all.
- BP slightly below average, resting HR normally 62 BPM
- Family history: paternal grand-dad had AF, dad had AF, (2) of his sisters had AF, my older brother had 1 episode of AF after massive heart attack at 46 (he's lucky to be alive)
What Happened:
- Woke up (2) weeks ago last Sunday, HR felt high, pounding in chest
- continued through MONDAY,
- Checked BP / HR that TU, BP was OK, HR was 181. Thought WOW, that's a little high (3x my normal), _still_ didn't get it!
- WED & TH check HR again, all over the board, from 76 to 150
- Planned to go to DR on Friday, but didn't get around to it,
- Wife made appt on Monday. That's when things changed: GP said you are in AF, you must see a cardiologist NOW (as in leave the office (called my wife to come drive me)),
- Arrived at C's office, still in AF, prescribed some MEDs, said come back tomorrow (my DR call me at home to check on things, WOW again), believe she thought meds would fix it...
- Went back TU, quick check by her said you are going to hospital NOW, not in 10 minutes, but NOW!
- Checked in, tried various things
- had a TEE (trans-esophageal-ECHO)
- Had nuclear stress test, one step on the treadmill, i was over the target heart rate.
- in bed, my HR was 90, sitting up in bed was 120 - 190
- Began Tikosyn for three days,
- after the last dose (6th pill) plus 30 minutes, i was in rhythm.
- Although i couldn't believe it, they checked me out last SUNDAY, after my hearth was in rhythm for ~5 hours.
- diagnosis: permanent AFIB. MEDS: Metroprocol, tikosyn, warafin, and diltiazem as needed
Checkouted on SUNDAY PM, Monday and Tuesday were a wash-out. I was very tired, and couldn't hardly do anything. Wed was a little better, and Thursday (today) was a mix.
I know you are asking, "So, is there a question in all this prose?" Yes..
1.) I'm not sure how to feel anymore. Before the hospital and meds, i could feel my heart racing, etc. but no more... Dr's starting telling me, "when you feel an attack coming on, take some meds..." Problem is I can't feel it anymore, which is what I told them. So, how do you determine how you feel?
2.) Since i have SOB, how should I handle it? Work through it or sit down? I feel it's binary, as either i work through it, or pass out.
3.) I don't know what to expect. Will there be more events? Will the meds work? What if the meds don't work? What about ablastation (i'm willing to try that)? I heave read for some, the meds work a short while, then are not effective; others indicate you shouldn't be on them long term. My DR indicates i will be on them for 6 mo. to a year...
4.) I'm about 5 years from retirement, and I was looking forward to an active retirement (just got a boat after 29 years) but after 2 days of feeling bad, it'll be hard just getting through the day. So, "How should I get through it?" Say "Damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead!" I'm generally a type A-minus personality...
5.) Finally, My lifestyle is already pretty healthy... always avoided salt, greasy foods, eat in moderation, etc. What 'other' lifestyle changes should i make?
OK, i've hit the (5) question limit, so i'll wait for some answers before continuing my rant and more questions...
Robert
PS: I _know_ how lucky I am... i had this for ~10 days and survived HR's of 180+. No clots or blockages. Now if I could just figure out how to live with this...
Sounds quite overwhelming. I have a little different experience than you. I have paroxsymal A fib. I have episodes that usually last anywhere from 2-6 hours and then I self convert. I try to avoid stress, any stimulants, caffeine, chocolate, wheat for me, and exercise can all trigger an episode.
I will try to answer some of your questions.
1. When you are taking medication like metoprolol (a beta blocker) it slows your heart rate and does make the heart pounding sensation less noticable. If you are in NSR now, what you may notice if you go into a fib is that your heart beat changes. A fib is an irregular beat, not that nice comforting "lub dub". I can always tell when it starts and by the irregular pulse.
2. Sounds like you had quite an ordeal and with heart rates that high it is no wonder you are worn out. It's not unusual to feel like you just ran a marathon after A fib. If you are SOB I would listen to your body, pace yourself, rest if you need to.
3. There may be more events...really hard to say. I have never taken an antiarrythmic so I don't have experience with that.
4. Even people who are in A Fib all the time can lead quite active lives. In some ways A fib has been a good thing for me. It has caused me to find more balance in my life, and learn to say "no" sometimes, and take care of me.
5. Lifestyle....get enough sleep, avoid stimulants, alcohol is a definite trigger so be very careful with that. Basically try to do what is heart healthy. It sounds like your diet is already good (should be low sodium, low in saturated fat, low sugar), Keep B/P down, keep your weight down, and exercise.
I hope you don't have another episode but if you do try to figure out what may have triggered it. You mentioned diltiazem as needed. Is that to take if you do go into a fib?
I have 30mg diltiazem and I take 1 1/2 tabs at the beginning of an episode. It helps to slow down my heart rate so I am less symptomatic and I think it gives my heart a chance to self convert. If that is how you are using it, make sure it is not the extended release kind. You want it to work as quickly as possible.
Lots of us live with this, and sometimes it is difficult. But we are here to give you support and encouragement. Sorry you ended up here, but welcome to the group! Best wishes.
I can feel the palpitations when I am quite, but forget about them when I go about my work. My brother had two ablations and they really did not work so well for him, but he had other problems.
My plan is to keep studying it, keep exercising even more, monitor it, and learn to live with it. I can think of alot worst problems to have.
It is worth seeing an electrophysiologist to see if you are suitable for an ablation. I have had one for Atrial flutter (very high pulse rate up to 200+) but they couldn't change my A-Fib. I am controlled by Digoxin and Metroprolol with extra Metroprolol when in A-Fib.
The early stages of A-Fib are very stressful until you find out the pattern of your heart beat with medication. Be prepared to be a 'work in progress' for 12 months until all your tests are done, medication is trialled and perhaps changed at times. I have had this for 20 years now, but have had long periods of stability with a few episodes each year. I have had some dramatic times but I am well prepared now.
A hint. Keep all your test records in a file with all your personal info and Health Fund details etc. Have a packed bag for hospital with everything that will make you comfortable if you need to go to ER. You will get better treatment if your information is at hand and it is nice to have your own stuff. Emergency staff may not have access to your medical file so I have found this to be very useful. The doctors and nurses are calmer and you don't have to answer so many questions with your heart going like a steam train on wobbly wheels.
Your lifestyle seems very healthy, perhaps don't be too goal driven for a year and give yourself time to learn about your rebellious heart!. It can be tamed!.
Best wishes, Ruth
1. You WILL be OK.
2. Your problem is MILD.
3. The Doc's freaked out ONLY because of the chance there was something else wrong with your heart. (According to what you wrote there isnt)
4. Ablation is jumping the gun here.
5. One sign of afib is being out of breath when doing some activity you usually are not out of breath for. LIke climbing stairs.
6. While not perfect, one way to tell if you are in afib is to check your pulse... is it slow and steady? Under 100? Even if your usual is in the 60's the stress of worry can bump it up. IF your pulse is above 100 and seems to be skipping beats you prob are in afib.
7. You "surviving 10 days...... with no clots" is Not a great feat... people live 30-40 years without problems.... yes there is a threat of a clot, just take your blood thinner and stay hydrated (drink lots of water)
8. Remember: ALL IS WELL. (nearly) and the part that isnt well can be fixed.
What i need is a DI (drill instructor) to tell me, "It's been a week, now get over it!"
As mentioned above, i'm in generally good health.. always tried to eat right, no smoke, etc. Even though there is a long thread in my family, i guess i was caught off-guard.
Anyway, heart seems to always hit 62 BPM, BP is 110/70. Just getting used to no-caffeine, etc. Guess i've been slow long enough, time to get moving again... even if there is some SOB, just need to work through it!
THX,
Robert
You don't have to "get over it" so quickly. It's a mental adjustment to afib and it takes a bit of time to figure out what will work and how you can adapt to the new heart issues with minimal impact on your lifestyle.
Don't forget that afib and anxiety are tied together, so you will worry more than average as part of the afib phenomenon.
Do what you can to get your condition diagnosed and under control as best you can. You will eventually adjust to the new "normal".
Best to you.
I got a big chuckle with Ruth's comments , God Bless You Ruth :) .. Robert like you I am determined not to have to take meds and be able to have a better quailty of life , if this Cryo does not work , I will thank God for what he has given me and accept it and like Ruth , live life ... BTW I too love to fish, I get panic attacks thinking of what happens if I go into afib 30 miles offshore , I take Catching very serious , soon I hope to continue my regular fishing trips .. Alan
Seek advice from a good EP now.
Ken
What is interesting is that my 84 yo. mom is on the same motropolol. Although she lives far away and I don't get to visit often, she is always very tired. Now I can fully understand why! She's got about 30 years on me... and frankly i don't know how she makes it. I told her this evening that 'she is a very strong person' to do what she's able to do on this med.
And Alan, after 29 years of wanting a boat I finally got one last year. So i'm looking forward to going down the AIWW and into the ocean.
So my plan is to work through the angina and tiredness the best I can. I'm a little concerned since my doctor indicates I should be able to do more and not be as tired. Guess we'll discuss that during my next visit.
THX again all,
Robert
My worry is that this is the 'new normal'. I see myself working a full day (at a desk) and come home and pass out. I have come to realize that the new normal will _hopefully_ last only a year.