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.
I've had a-fib for about 4 years now. It rears it's ugly head about every 5-6 months. Last episode was in June....out in the middle of the ocean on our yearly cruise. Pretty scary!
So.......Saturday night I took a swig of ice water, and guess what? I was in a-fib again. I take Atenolol and Multaq daily, so that usually keeps my heart rate around 100bpm when I'm having an episode. I take a bit extra Atenolol and I usually convert on my own in a day or two.
This time, my heart flopped for about 8 hours, and then it become somewhat regular but seems a bit weak and fluttering. Heart rate remains about 100. I'm guessing it's atrial flutter now. I have no other symptoms, however, I am not able to work (I'm a teacher in a stressful classroom.)
I'd love to give it another day to try to regulate on it's own. I know my cardiologist will want me to have another cardioversion (will be my 3rd), and I really, really don't want that. That seems to be his answer to this. I'm worried that they CAN'T BE GOOD for my heart!
Guess I just wanted to whine a bit. Thank you all for being here. I know you all know how I'm feeling this am. If I'm not in NSR by tomorrow morning, I'll have to call. This is just so maddening!!!
So.......Saturday night I took a swig of ice water, and guess what? I was in a-fib again. I take Atenolol and Multaq daily, so that usually keeps my heart rate around 100bpm when I'm having an episode. I take a bit extra Atenolol and I usually convert on my own in a day or two.
This time, my heart flopped for about 8 hours, and then it become somewhat regular but seems a bit weak and fluttering. Heart rate remains about 100. I'm guessing it's atrial flutter now. I have no other symptoms, however, I am not able to work (I'm a teacher in a stressful classroom.)
I'd love to give it another day to try to regulate on it's own. I know my cardiologist will want me to have another cardioversion (will be my 3rd), and I really, really don't want that. That seems to be his answer to this. I'm worried that they CAN'T BE GOOD for my heart!
Guess I just wanted to whine a bit. Thank you all for being here. I know you all know how I'm feeling this am. If I'm not in NSR by tomorrow morning, I'll have to call. This is just so maddening!!!
Is you PIP Atenolol dose keeping you BP high enough. If you took a PIP yesterday, could you take another today?
I sure do hope you have converted by now!!!!
I think it's time to see an EP and discuss ablation. I'm so tired of this disrupting my life!
Still feeling discouraged, and a bit angry. Thanks for listening!!!
I too feel discouraged and depressed when this happens...and lingers...and disrupts plans
No, I have not converted yet. Looks like it'll be a cardioversion tomorrow afternoon. Sure not looking forward to it again.
I'll let you know. Thanks, again! So nice to not be all alone in this.
Big Sigh!
Here's to hoping.
Christine
Thinking of you and hoping for the best outcome.
Im hoping that you were able to convert on your own.
Take care,
atp (across the pond)
Thanks so much, once again, for offering words of encouragement during those tough times. I'm so glad I found you all!
Take care,
atp
Great to hear you converted! You're so right. AFib disrupts my life as well. Like you said, when you're not in it you're worrying about when it will come back. Take care,
Erik