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

The hardest thing

juniebe
juniebe
is the sickening unpredictability of this condition. Yesterday was a day from the gods, I wouldn't have known I ever had afib. Was awakened as 12:45 AM today with you-know-what, Since the docs are taking so long to prescribe anything for me, I only had my little home remedies of Gatorade, bananas and a little lorazepam. I must say though that as a result of coming here, I was much less anxious and didn't feel quite as symptomatic as usual. I propped myself up on pillows and meditated, and was able to sleep for a few hours. Then, wonder of wonders I converted about 5:30 or 6:00 a,m. I truly believe that my state of mind has improved by being able to share the advice and info I get on this site. As well as prayer and meditation.
I just hope I don't get a lot worse before I get some medication that works. The unpredictability is a very difficult to deal with. TGIF!!
acrossthepond
acrossthepond
Looky there. Good for you!

When Im in NSR, after getting over the initial tiredness from a-fib, I feel completely normal. Which is why for a long time there I was in denial that I even had a-fib. That was why I bought a little ecg machine; to prove to myself that Houston had a problem. I still use it now but not as consequent as right after I bought it.

Enjoy your NSR!!
atp
yogacat
yogacat
Yes, I totally agree...the Unpredictability is the Huge Challenge for us Paroxysmal affibers.

It has sharpened my 'gratitude awareness' of the Normal Sinus Rhythm Days. so now Everyday w/o an episode is not taken for granted as much as before diagnosis.
. My Acceptance level has also had the bar raised....Accept the things I cannot change....I go with the flow alot more readily since diagnosis.

I still get that sinking feeling when I get an episode and have some choice words to utter....still have to cancel plans and 'wonder' when it will resolve....but it is what it is.....One Day at a Time~
duder
duder
Yep you can go from "on top of the world" to "wanna crawl in a hole" in seconds flat with afib.
Hwkmn
Hwkmn
june, that is truly impressive and exciting. Im willing to bet your remedy is as good if not better than meds. The paradox is AF causes worry which in turn worsens the episode. Easier said than done, dont worry while your heart is racing out of rhythm, but you did it. Love the banana/gatorade fix, Potassium with hydration most likely aided your return to NSR, congrats.
pianoman1
pianoman1
Glad to hear your remedy worked june
daisy0808
daisy0808
Good for you, you took charge to try find something to help, that is awesome! So glad it worked out for you. Coconut water is also good to hydrate with, I keep some handy. The unpredictability is awful but what can we do? I still worry sometimes especially if I have been plans to go do something and worry about going into afib and ruin it. Not near as bad as I used to be, that piece does get better. We go on.............. hope you get a good nights rest!
Surfrat
Surfrat
Indeed. the not knowing when or where is/can be very difficult. Early on I had a few episodes at the very worst, most inconvenient times. On one occasion I had to left all my gear and equipment on the beach. Not thinking it would get any worse I went to the vehicle in the parking lot and the shower/bathroom area to try to calm down. I figured I'd return but I couldn't make it back as I was about to pass out repeatedly. Fortunately, I called a Buddy from the ER and told him to pack it all up and store it for me. Aside from the mental anguish, try to be prepared and have a PIP and a plan. It's not easy but can be done,....