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.
Background: I've had AFIB for decades, diagnosed about six years ago. Metoprolol for five years. Stroke last December, ablation April 7, 2014. NSR for the next four months. Beginning in August I started having events again, although not as debilitating as last year. Now I take metoprolol PIP and the event stops with 1/2 hour. I have copies of my blood work going back to 2001, never had thyroid issues.
In mid September I saw my PCP for my 'Welcome to Medicare' visit. My TSH was 0.048 (acceptable range of 0.45-4.5) not good. The TSH is one of those reverse indicators (low means hyper). My PCP sent me to an endocrinologist (who specializes in thyroid and worked at the Cleveland Clinic ... guess she knows AFIB). She did a battery of blood work, and guess what, I came back hyperthyroid. So next I need to go for an Iodine Uptake Test at the hospital. Then decide on a course of treatment.
The good thing is that thyroid problems are readily treatable (hyper a little more difficult that hypo). Also, we all know the hyperthyroid is directly related to AFIB (and anxiety ... thought I should just throw that in). So maybe this can explain the return of my AFIB after the ablation. Just looking on the bright side.
On another bright note, my implant when in this morning, only a little pain and minimal blood. Sitting here with an ice pack. I six months the new tooth goes on the implant.
In mid September I saw my PCP for my 'Welcome to Medicare' visit. My TSH was 0.048 (acceptable range of 0.45-4.5) not good. The TSH is one of those reverse indicators (low means hyper). My PCP sent me to an endocrinologist (who specializes in thyroid and worked at the Cleveland Clinic ... guess she knows AFIB). She did a battery of blood work, and guess what, I came back hyperthyroid. So next I need to go for an Iodine Uptake Test at the hospital. Then decide on a course of treatment.
The good thing is that thyroid problems are readily treatable (hyper a little more difficult that hypo). Also, we all know the hyperthyroid is directly related to AFIB (and anxiety ... thought I should just throw that in). So maybe this can explain the return of my AFIB after the ablation. Just looking on the bright side.
On another bright note, my implant when in this morning, only a little pain and minimal blood. Sitting here with an ice pack. I six months the new tooth goes on the implant.
I've now been on the thyroid suppression drug (10 mg OD Methimazole) for just about 90 days. All the latest thyroid tests (from that ER visit on 1/31, when I passed out from dehydration) are pretty much in the normal range. Over the last six weeks my AFIB has been minimal. I still get occasional PAC and PVC's, but not too much. I see the endocrinologist again in about a month. I'm going to see if we can knock the Methimazole down to 5mg OD. I'm cold a lot (but then again its been near zero here in NJ). I wonder if I'm starting to go hypo. My cardiologist said that eventually my hyperactive thyroid will burn itself out, and I'll wind up hypo. I see the EP in about two months, will see if my AFIB burden has come down from 13%. I'm still trying to drink two quarts of water a day in addition to the tea and Gatorade. Peeing a lot. Usually not too together when I get up in the morning. It takes about an hour for all the systems to start working again. I'm like an old computer that takes a long time to boot.
Still working 1-3 days per week. Today I finished the blueprints for the network core of the new stock exchange I'm building. Since that part is now done, we can order the parts to build the rest on the infrastructure. Once those items arrive, I'll probably be working a lot more days for a several months. Hope my body holds up.
I guess this is a very good outcome. After all who wants AFIB.
I am really happy for you and I am glad that your thyroid and the afib are under control. That is great.
We need you! Stay well and get that exchange done ASAP :-) Really, I hope everything goes well and you stay healthy too. The exchange sounds exciting.
Stay well and take care,
Scott
Seems like a lot according to this board.
Glad you are doing better, Paul.
For those who don't know there is a search utility towards the top of the page. I typed in "thyroid".
petey
As you may recall, early last fall I suddenly became markedly hyperthyroid, which we all know, can aggravate AFIB. After the assorted tests detailed above, the endocrinologist put me on 10 mg of methimazole (a thyroid suppression drug). The dose was gradually reduced over the next eight months as I became hypo (and gained some weight). Then the meds were reduced further. As of yesterday I now show normal on all thyroid tests (and have lost the extra weight). As of Tuesday the endo has stopped the thyroid drug!!! She cautioned that many people will go back to hyperthyroid when the drug is stopped, but I was already down to 1/4 of the minimum dose, so I might be one of those that can stay off the drug.
My AFIB has been pretty good lately, my IT project has slowed down a bit, I'm down to three days a week (from 5-6). I hope to be done with it within the next few months.
I also may have found a solution to my frequent nighttime urination problem. Yes, some of this comes from the AFIB. I tried elimination the vitamins and minerals that could contribute. No luck. Then one day I was reading about AFIB drugs and my blood pressure drug (NORVASC) came up. Guess what one of the side effect was? Frequent nighttime urination. Its a vaso dilatator, they make you pee. About one month ago I cut the dosage in half. My blood pressure is still good (I take it every other day). I'm hoping everything stays good.