Hi Shae,
Sometimes we can look too deep into what we're reading about afib and focus on the worst scenario, i.e., stroke. Like you, I didn't want to go on meds (Rythmol), but equally I didn't want to worry about going into afib. Fortunately, it seems to be working, at least so far, it's been 15 months since an episode. I did just go for another halter monitor to check on the occasional palpitations I get. I never used to worry about them before, they tend to run in my family, but I'm the only one who has afib. There are days when I'm really down too. I'll worry about a stroke, worry that the aspirin won't be enough to prevent it, but there is that some part of me, the logical part, that tells me all this stress isn't helping and I'll try to do something to make me forget. Just the other night I realized I went the entire day without thinking about afib, and that's a first for me in two years.
I used to travel a lot, now I'm afraid. Every winter I would fly somewhere warm, and in the summer maybe to Europe, now I'm afraid to travel more than an hour by car. I understand where you're coming from, I know all those fears, and I let the afib take control of them. All we can do is stay educated and informed, have a EP or cardio doctor that we have faith in and try not to stress over it, it only compounds an already strange disease. Stay strong!

Shae,
I'm sorry. I sometimes feel that way too. Having something to take for anxiety when I need it has helped me a great deal. What is the worst thing that happens when your heart acts up? Do you get short of breath, feel light headed or dizzy, etc? Are you unable to function? Or is it the fear that something bad (like a stroke) will happen that is holding you back? From what you describe it doesn't sound like you are in sustained a fib for any length of time-you mention PVC's and PAC's or runs of them...but that is different than atrial fib. How long does a run last? If it is only a few minutes your stroke risk is very low. If you stay in a sustained arrythmia for more than 2 hours (one Dr told me 4 hours) the risk is greater. Your blood has to have time to pool in your heart and form a clot which then may get pumped out and travel to your brain causing a stroke. If you are going in and out of NSR within a few minutes the blood isn't pooling long enough-the NSR will keep things moving. If that is the case for you, I hope it eases your mind some.
It sounds like your fears are really affecting the quality of your life. What can happen if you go to your niece's party that can't happen at home? Make an appointment with your Dr (your EP may not be as comfortable giving you anxiety medication as your primary care Dr.) and tell him how anxious you are about the trip and ask for an anxiety med. Beware that these meds are very addictive if taken every day.
. Fear and anxiety is as much an enemy for us as the a Fib.
I hope you will be able to go to the party and have a great time. Best wishes.

Shea, I have been on Flecainde/Metoprolol for over three years and have been completely free of AFIB. Prior to that I was on the "safe" drugs and it didn't help very much. Feel much happier now that I've been taking Flecainide/Metoprolol. The only problem I have read about with Flecainide is with people who have had an MI. I go to Florida every year and don't think twice about it.

Shae, have courage. I have lived 24/7 at the end of an O2 line for a year and a half (Congestive Heart Failure) along with being in permanent Afib for four months. Sometimes I take the dogs for a long walk with my heart beating like a runaway train and with just enough oxygen in my backpack to make the full trip. I've returned through the door on empty but with a couple happy dogs.

Makes me feel like I'm still living :-))

"It is impossible that anything so natural, so necessary, and so universal as death, should ever have been designed by Providence as an evil to mankind."
Jonathan Swift

Best to you in confronting your fear,

Jack

HI Shae,

A lot of us here know how you feel...our thoughts are with you...for the first several months I felt like there was a large, dark cloud over my head, but had to learn to live with it. My job requires air travel about every other week, and I spent the last 7 days in Oregon...I finally convinced myself that wherever I go they have doctors and hospitals as well, and I learned from this group that having an emergency anxiety medication handy is a blessing. I used to pick hotels near a good restaurant with a decent wine list...now I look for hotels on the same exit as the big blue H sign ;>)...I agree that it is easy to get overwhelmed by what we read...please don't let this condition win... talk to your EP about the medication, and seek a second opinion as well...it will all work out!

During my hosptial stay I spent over 3 days hooked up to a heart monitor. I learned that my thought process does have a direct effect on my heart. This sounds kinda freaky or eastern religion like but how you are thinking and what you are thinking can play out on the heart monitor.

Do your best to get your stress under control. Find a happy place in your head and go there when required.

I suggest you seek out God. Not just a single thought or prayer each day, but actually chase him down, grab hold of him and figure out what life is about.

I'm not afraid death anymore. If you can get to that point much of the fear falls away.

Read up on the chances of stroke. Make sure you stay on your blood thinner. You will find you have a greater chance of being in a car wreck than stroking out due to afib.

Make sure the magnesium you are taking is Magnesium Sulfate.