RE: New here ... not sure how to do this ...

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

I sympathize with your husband's feelings about the afib and medications. We've

all had a pretty rough go with this ailment. There is no known cause, and no

natural way to ease the suffering. But there is hope. Sometimes it takes a few

trials to find the right medication (there are many), and there is a procedure

called " ablation " which has cured more than a few members of our group. I think

it is crucial that your husband see the cardiologist, and possibly also an

electrophysiologist. If he doesn't feel that he is getting help, then find

another doctor, until he connects with someone who can help him. Learn as much

as you can about afib, and most of all, don't give up. I am not a doctor, just

another a-fibber, but if your husband is terribly depressed, perhaps he can get

some help for that, too. I wish you both all the best.

Sandy

55

NC

New here ... not sure how to do this ...

My husband has afib and is really having a tough go. What seems

to be greatly lacking in the information is: 1) What triggers an episode? 2)

Is there any " natural " way to ease the suffering?

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

I sympathize with your husband's feelings about the afib and medications. We've

all had a pretty rough go with this ailment. There is no known cause, and no

natural way to ease the suffering. But there is hope. Sometimes it takes a few

trials to find the right medication (there are many), and there is a procedure

called " ablation " which has cured more than a few members of our group. I think

it is crucial that your husband see the cardiologist, and possibly also an

electrophysiologist. If he doesn't feel that he is getting help, then find

another doctor, until he connects with someone who can help him. Learn as much

as you can about afib, and most of all, don't give up. I am not a doctor, just

another a-fibber, but if your husband is terribly depressed, perhaps he can get

some help for that, too. I wish you both all the best.

Sandy

55

NC

New here ... not sure how to do this ...

My husband has afib and is really having a tough go. What seems

to be greatly lacking in the information is: 1) What triggers an episode? 2)

Is there any " natural " way to ease the suffering?

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Ditto on the Electrophysiologist suggestion. , that's what

the " EP " stands for when you read through various postings about

doctors.

I was a little interested in hearing that his former cardio had to do

a heart catheriterization to determine he had A-fib. Usually, (from

my experience and what I've read) a-fib is always diagnosed from a

simple ECG. Many of us have undergone various amounts of additional

testing to make sure there's no underlying heart disease, or other

abnormalities, that could account for our symptoms, but as far as I

know most are not invasive (for example, x-rays, ultrasounds, stress

tests with/without echo, etc.)

I'm 38 (almost 39 in 11 days), athletic (at least was before a-fib),

etc. and a-fib does suck and is depressing. I've been fortunate to

have a supportive wife through all this, and the best thing you can

do for your husband is also be supportive which it sounds like you

are. I know the support I've gotten from my wife through all this

has helped a lot even though it may not seem like it to her.

Good luck,

Bruce

PVI Ablation T-24 days and counting....

> Dear ,

>

> I sympathize with your husband's feelings about the afib and

medications. We've all had a pretty rough go with this ailment.

There is no known cause, and no natural way to ease the suffering.

But there is hope. Sometimes it takes a few trials to find the right

medication (there are many), and there is a procedure

called " ablation " which has cured more than a few members of our

group. I think it is crucial that your husband see the cardiologist,

and possibly also an electrophysiologist. If he doesn't feel that he

is getting help, then find another doctor, until he connects with

someone who can help him. Learn as much as you can about afib, and

most of all, don't give up. I am not a doctor, just another a-

fibber, but if your husband is terribly depressed, perhaps he can get

some help for that, too. I wish you both all the best.

>

> Sandy

> 55

> NC

> New here ... not sure how to do this ...

>

>

> My husband has afib and is really having a tough go. What seems

> to be greatly lacking in the information is: 1) What triggers an

episode? 2)

> Is there any " natural " way to ease the suffering?

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much. If we're not satisfied with the next

cardiologist, then I will certainly start looking for a

good " electrophysiologist " (I didn't even know there was such a

thing).

> Dear ,

>

> I sympathize with your husband's feelings about the afib and

medications. We've all had a pretty rough go with this ailment.

There is no known cause, and no natural way to ease the suffering.

But there is hope. Sometimes it takes a few trials to find the right

medication (there are many), and there is a procedure

called " ablation " which has cured more than a few members of our

group. I think it is crucial that your husband see the cardiologist,

and possibly also an electrophysiologist. If he doesn't feel that he

is getting help, then find another doctor, until he connects with

someone who can help him. Learn as much as you can about afib, and

most of all, don't give up. I am not a doctor, just another a-

fibber, but if your husband is terribly depressed, perhaps he can get

some help for that, too. I wish you both all the best.

>

> Sandy

> 55

> NC

> New here ... not sure how to do this ...

>

>

> My husband has afib and is really having a tough go. What seems

> to be greatly lacking in the information is: 1) What triggers an

episode? 2)

> Is there any " natural " way to ease the suffering?

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much. If we're not satisfied with the next

cardiologist, then I will certainly start looking for a

good " electrophysiologist " (I didn't even know there was such a

thing).

> Dear ,

>

> I sympathize with your husband's feelings about the afib and

medications. We've all had a pretty rough go with this ailment.

There is no known cause, and no natural way to ease the suffering.

But there is hope. Sometimes it takes a few trials to find the right

medication (there are many), and there is a procedure

called " ablation " which has cured more than a few members of our

group. I think it is crucial that your husband see the cardiologist,

and possibly also an electrophysiologist. If he doesn't feel that he

is getting help, then find another doctor, until he connects with

someone who can help him. Learn as much as you can about afib, and

most of all, don't give up. I am not a doctor, just another a-

fibber, but if your husband is terribly depressed, perhaps he can get

some help for that, too. I wish you both all the best.

>

> Sandy

> 55

> NC

> New here ... not sure how to do this ...

>

>

> My husband has afib and is really having a tough go. What seems

> to be greatly lacking in the information is: 1) What triggers an

episode? 2)

> Is there any " natural " way to ease the suffering?

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

- You'll find out from this group that each of us has different

triggers. This is a very individualistic condition. I found out my triggers

by keeping a journal. I recorded everything I could think of that preceded an

AFib episode - food and drink consumed, exercise regime, sleeping patterns,

time of day, emotional condition, etc. I finally pinpointed a number of

triggers. I avoid them (the triggers) when I can and keep my AFib episodes to

a minimum. I believe you'll find that others in this group have successfully

identified their triggers this way also. Good luck.

Sharon in El Paso

[Guest guest]

- You'll find out from this group that each of us has different

triggers. This is a very individualistic condition. I found out my triggers

by keeping a journal. I recorded everything I could think of that preceded an

AFib episode - food and drink consumed, exercise regime, sleeping patterns,

time of day, emotional condition, etc. I finally pinpointed a number of

triggers. I avoid them (the triggers) when I can and keep my AFib episodes to

a minimum. I believe you'll find that others in this group have successfully

identified their triggers this way also. Good luck.

Sharon in El Paso

[Guest guest]

We were also upset when we found out what he had as to why he needed

the catheterization!!! He first went in when (a couple of weeks

after our most beloved dog died - so he truly had a broken heart at

the time) he was on a run and feeling great one minute, and then the

next second he almost collapsed into the ditch. It's as if someone

just unplugged him. Extreme chest pain and nausea and extreme

extreme fatigue. That's what kicked everything off. They checked

him inside and out and couldn't find anything wrong with him. He has

a heart the size of a horse and I guess they did the procedure just

to rule out any immediate danger. They sent him home with just a

shake of the head saying they didn't know what was wrong. Then he

had a really severe afib attack and went back and said that something

was definitely wrong. That's when they had him wear this monitor

around his chest and they were able to see the afib.

I'm really glad to have found this support group. I'll try to get my

husband to join so he see that's he's not alone and to get some info

and support from the rest of you that suffer also.

Thanks so much for the input.

> > Dear ,

> >

> > I sympathize with your husband's feelings about the afib and

> medications. We've all had a pretty rough go with this ailment.

> There is no known cause, and no natural way to ease the suffering.

> But there is hope. Sometimes it takes a few trials to find the

right

> medication (there are many), and there is a procedure

> called " ablation " which has cured more than a few members of our

> group. I think it is crucial that your husband see the

cardiologist,

> and possibly also an electrophysiologist. If he doesn't feel that

he

> is getting help, then find another doctor, until he connects with

> someone who can help him. Learn as much as you can about afib, and

> most of all, don't give up. I am not a doctor, just another a-

> fibber, but if your husband is terribly depressed, perhaps he can

get

> some help for that, too. I wish you both all the best.

> >

> > Sandy

> > 55

> > NC

> > New here ... not sure how to do this ...

> >

> >

> > My husband has afib and is really having a tough go. What

seems

> > to be greatly lacking in the information is: 1) What triggers

an

> episode? 2)

> > Is there any " natural " way to ease the suffering?

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

We were also upset when we found out what he had as to why he needed

the catheterization!!! He first went in when (a couple of weeks

after our most beloved dog died - so he truly had a broken heart at

the time) he was on a run and feeling great one minute, and then the

next second he almost collapsed into the ditch. It's as if someone

just unplugged him. Extreme chest pain and nausea and extreme

extreme fatigue. That's what kicked everything off. They checked

him inside and out and couldn't find anything wrong with him. He has

a heart the size of a horse and I guess they did the procedure just

to rule out any immediate danger. They sent him home with just a

shake of the head saying they didn't know what was wrong. Then he

had a really severe afib attack and went back and said that something

was definitely wrong. That's when they had him wear this monitor

around his chest and they were able to see the afib.

I'm really glad to have found this support group. I'll try to get my

husband to join so he see that's he's not alone and to get some info

and support from the rest of you that suffer also.

Thanks so much for the input.

> > Dear ,

> >

> > I sympathize with your husband's feelings about the afib and

> medications. We've all had a pretty rough go with this ailment.

> There is no known cause, and no natural way to ease the suffering.

> But there is hope. Sometimes it takes a few trials to find the

right

> medication (there are many), and there is a procedure

> called " ablation " which has cured more than a few members of our

> group. I think it is crucial that your husband see the

cardiologist,

> and possibly also an electrophysiologist. If he doesn't feel that

he

> is getting help, then find another doctor, until he connects with

> someone who can help him. Learn as much as you can about afib, and

> most of all, don't give up. I am not a doctor, just another a-

> fibber, but if your husband is terribly depressed, perhaps he can

get

> some help for that, too. I wish you both all the best.

> >

> > Sandy

> > 55

> > NC

> > New here ... not sure how to do this ...

> >

> >

> > My husband has afib and is really having a tough go. What

seems

> > to be greatly lacking in the information is: 1) What triggers

an

> episode? 2)

> > Is there any " natural " way to ease the suffering?

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

> Hi everyone,

>

> I'm new to this group and it looks like it's the only support

group of it's

> type. My husband has afib and is really having a tough go. He is

43 years old and is an athlete.snip................................ H

Hello : I welcome you and your husband; you have come to

the right place...You will get information, coping strategies and

support that will enable you and your husband to be a little

calmer. The important thing is to be optimistic...Mood can affect

an afibber.

I am a member as of August '02 and I have to tell you, that so

many members extended themselves to me and made me more

comfortable.....by educating me and offering solace when I needed

it.

So, ask questions and start reading as much as possible and if

possible print some of the relevant posts so your husband will be

more amenable to read them....at this point he may not want to read

the posts on the computer.....

I do have to tell you that it is important to be on either Coumadin

or Aspirin and sometimes both meds...to thin the blood an establish

an INR of between two and three, this is called the therapeutic

level and is believed to reduce strokes.The average person has an

INR of one.

The INR measures the viscosity or thickness of the blood. This will

reduce the likelyhood of a clot forming. It is important to be well

hydrated and check his hematocrit ASAP if nothing else (A FASTING

CBC with differential, a ferritin, a FBS and an A1C would be better

in my opinion) . His hematocrit should be slightly below 45 being

male, females should have a 42 hmt or slightly lower. This is

accomplished through mini blood donations (150ml) and is called a

therapeutic phlebotomy, if his hmt is is above 15. An RX is needed

from a physician stating 4 X l50ml...a week or two apart.

A lot of people and physician do not pay attention to this...but I

do, since afibbers are 5 times more likely to have a brain attack or

stroke as the general public. So get to a Doctor that will do the

blood work...maybe an Osteopath. Regards, Isabelle

[Guest guest]

> Hi everyone,

>

> I'm new to this group and it looks like it's the only support

group of it's

> type. My husband has afib and is really having a tough go. He is

43 years old and is an athlete.snip................................ H

Hello : I welcome you and your husband; you have come to

the right place...You will get information, coping strategies and

support that will enable you and your husband to be a little

calmer. The important thing is to be optimistic...Mood can affect

an afibber.

I am a member as of August '02 and I have to tell you, that so

many members extended themselves to me and made me more

comfortable.....by educating me and offering solace when I needed

it.

So, ask questions and start reading as much as possible and if

possible print some of the relevant posts so your husband will be

more amenable to read them....at this point he may not want to read

the posts on the computer.....

I do have to tell you that it is important to be on either Coumadin

or Aspirin and sometimes both meds...to thin the blood an establish

an INR of between two and three, this is called the therapeutic

level and is believed to reduce strokes.The average person has an

INR of one.

The INR measures the viscosity or thickness of the blood. This will

reduce the likelyhood of a clot forming. It is important to be well

hydrated and check his hematocrit ASAP if nothing else (A FASTING

CBC with differential, a ferritin, a FBS and an A1C would be better

in my opinion) . His hematocrit should be slightly below 45 being

male, females should have a 42 hmt or slightly lower. This is

accomplished through mini blood donations (150ml) and is called a

therapeutic phlebotomy, if his hmt is is above 15. An RX is needed

from a physician stating 4 X l50ml...a week or two apart.

A lot of people and physician do not pay attention to this...but I

do, since afibbers are 5 times more likely to have a brain attack or

stroke as the general public. So get to a Doctor that will do the

blood work...maybe an Osteopath. Regards, Isabelle

[Guest guest]

Hi!

You need to go to a Cardiologist Dr. who specializes in Heart arrythmias. A

cardiologist may not know much about AFIB. I suggest that you provide to

this 'group' your location and I am sure that someone will recommend a Dr.

Tell your husband that there is good treatment for AFIB including medication

and non-invasive surgury.

Do not give up it is very treatable.

Victor

New here ... not sure how to do this ...

> Hi everyone,

>

> I'm new to this group and it looks like it's the only support group of

it's

> type. My husband has afib and is really having a tough go. He is 43

years

> old and is an athlete. Since this condition starting getting nasty (May

> 2001), he has not been the same. Last night he was absolutely sure he was

> going to die. We've been to a well known cardiologist and after lots of

> testing (including a hearth catheterization) he determined that afib is

what

> my husband has. He put him on a medication (the most benign available I

> guess) and not only did it not help at all, the side effects were

unbearable

> (extreme fatigue and nausea). My husband won't talk about it and has

> stopped going to the cardiologist. He says that there's such a thing as

> quality of life and being on nasty medications is just no way to life.

> After last night's episode, he's agreed to get a second opinion. He has

an

> appt. for next Monday and this time I'm going with him so I can hear all

the

> details myself ... since getting information out of my husband is no easy

> thing.

>

> Anyway, we've started reading all we can about the condition. What seems

> to be greatly lacking in the information is: 1) What triggers an episode?

2)

> Is there any " natural " way to ease the suffering?

>

> Do certain things such as foods - medications - vitamins - liquids -

> exercise - etc. either help or hurt the condition?

>

> Any information would be urgently appreciated.

>

> Thank you,

>

>

>

> Web Page - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AFIBsupport

> FAQ -

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AFIBsupport/files/Administrative/faq.htm

> For more information: http://www.dialsolutions.com/af

> Unsubscribe: AFIBsupport-unsubscribe

> List owner: AFIBsupport-owner

> For help on how to use the group, including how to drive it via email,

> send a blank email to AFIBsupport-help

>

> Nothing in this message should be considered as medical advice, or should

be acted upon without consultation with one's physician.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Some clarification ... an Electrophysiologist is a Cardiologist who

specializes in the electrical functions of the heart. Cardiology is

a specialized branch of the medical world, and electrophysiology is a

specialization within cardiology.

Many cardio's, although well intentioned, try to treat this condition

for their patients. But they are limited in their knowledge of the

disorder. Also, they are not into the latest/greatest treatments,

and if something more is recommended (like an ablation) they will

refer you to an EP anyway, or at least they should. My first cardio

fell into this category, but I eventually " fired " him (for other

reasons that I shall not go into here.)

A-fib is in a very basic sense an electrical problem in the heart.

Based on other things I've read in this thread, it sounds like your

husband was going through some very stressful situations recently,

and stress can trigger a-fib. Also, one more thing about general

cardio's (and this is based on my experience and opinion) they tend

to jump the gun on treatments, and as I believe was the case with me,

made my condition worse.

I do agree with someone else's post that he at least needs to take an

aspirin a day to help keep the blood thin and make it harder for

clots to form.

My 2 cents for now.

Bruce

> > Dear ,

> >

> > I sympathize with your husband's feelings about the afib and

> medications. We've all had a pretty rough go with this ailment.

> There is no known cause, and no natural way to ease the suffering.

> But there is hope. Sometimes it takes a few trials to find the

right

> medication (there are many), and there is a procedure

> called " ablation " which has cured more than a few members of our

> group. I think it is crucial that your husband see the

cardiologist,

> and possibly also an electrophysiologist. If he doesn't feel that

he

> is getting help, then find another doctor, until he connects with

> someone who can help him. Learn as much as you can about afib, and

> most of all, don't give up. I am not a doctor, just another a-

> fibber, but if your husband is terribly depressed, perhaps he can

get

> some help for that, too. I wish you both all the best.

> >

> > Sandy

> > 55

> > NC

> > New here ... not sure how to do this ...

> >

> >

> > My husband has afib and is really having a tough go. What

seems

> > to be greatly lacking in the information is: 1) What triggers

an

> episode? 2)

> > Is there any " natural " way to ease the suffering?

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Some clarification ... an Electrophysiologist is a Cardiologist who

specializes in the electrical functions of the heart. Cardiology is

a specialized branch of the medical world, and electrophysiology is a

specialization within cardiology.

Many cardio's, although well intentioned, try to treat this condition

for their patients. But they are limited in their knowledge of the

disorder. Also, they are not into the latest/greatest treatments,

and if something more is recommended (like an ablation) they will

refer you to an EP anyway, or at least they should. My first cardio

fell into this category, but I eventually " fired " him (for other

reasons that I shall not go into here.)

A-fib is in a very basic sense an electrical problem in the heart.

Based on other things I've read in this thread, it sounds like your

husband was going through some very stressful situations recently,

and stress can trigger a-fib. Also, one more thing about general

cardio's (and this is based on my experience and opinion) they tend

to jump the gun on treatments, and as I believe was the case with me,

made my condition worse.

I do agree with someone else's post that he at least needs to take an

aspirin a day to help keep the blood thin and make it harder for

clots to form.

My 2 cents for now.

Bruce

> > Dear ,

> >

> > I sympathize with your husband's feelings about the afib and

> medications. We've all had a pretty rough go with this ailment.

> There is no known cause, and no natural way to ease the suffering.

> But there is hope. Sometimes it takes a few trials to find the

right

> medication (there are many), and there is a procedure

> called " ablation " which has cured more than a few members of our

> group. I think it is crucial that your husband see the

cardiologist,

> and possibly also an electrophysiologist. If he doesn't feel that

he

> is getting help, then find another doctor, until he connects with

> someone who can help him. Learn as much as you can about afib, and

> most of all, don't give up. I am not a doctor, just another a-

> fibber, but if your husband is terribly depressed, perhaps he can

get

> some help for that, too. I wish you both all the best.

> >

> > Sandy

> > 55

> > NC

> > New here ... not sure how to do this ...

> >

> >

> > My husband has afib and is really having a tough go. What

seems

> > to be greatly lacking in the information is: 1) What triggers

an

> episode? 2)

> > Is there any " natural " way to ease the suffering?

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

,

I can empathize with your husband. I have been trying to deal with A-fib and

continue to be a competitive long distance runner for the past 7 years. This

past year the condition worsened and I found that I could not deal with the

medications that my ElectroCardiologist put me on to maintain a normal sinus

rhythm. In September I had a pulmonary vein ablation. I am still in the

recovery mode, so I'm not sure yet whether or not it will be 100% sucessful, but

I am off of all medications now and have been in normal sinus rhythm for about 4

weeks now.

It seems like many of the members of this group can live reasonably acceptable

lives taking various medications to keep them in normal sinus rhythm. I felt

like the medications I took would not allow me to be as active as I wanted to

be. I chose to go the Abalation route. Hopefully it will be 100% sucessful for

me.

Good luck to your husband in dealing with his A-Fib condition.

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this group and it looks like it's the only support group of it's

type. My husband has afib and is really having a tough go. He is 43 years

old and is an athlete. Since this condition starting getting nasty (May

2001), he has not been the same. Last night he was absolutely sure he was

going to die. We've been to a well known cardiologist and after lots of

testing (including a hearth catheterization) he determined that afib is what

my husband has. He put him on a medication (the most benign available I

guess) and not only did it not help at all, the side effects were unbearable

(extreme fatigue and nausea). My husband won't talk about it and has

stopped going to the cardiologist. He says that there's such a thing as

quality of life and being on nasty medications is just no way to life.

After last night's episode, he's agreed to get a second opinion. He has an

appt. for next Monday and this time I'm going with him so I can hear all the

details myself ... since getting information out of my husband is no easy

thing.

Anyway, we've started reading all we can about the condition. What seems

to be greatly lacking in the information is: 1) What triggers an episode? 2)

Is there any " natural " way to ease the suffering?

Do certain things such as foods - medications - vitamins - liquids -

exercise - etc. either help or hurt the condition?

Any information would be urgently appreciated.

Thank you,

[Guest guest]

,

I can empathize with your husband. I have been trying to deal with A-fib and

continue to be a competitive long distance runner for the past 7 years. This

past year the condition worsened and I found that I could not deal with the

medications that my ElectroCardiologist put me on to maintain a normal sinus

rhythm. In September I had a pulmonary vein ablation. I am still in the

recovery mode, so I'm not sure yet whether or not it will be 100% sucessful, but

I am off of all medications now and have been in normal sinus rhythm for about 4

weeks now.

It seems like many of the members of this group can live reasonably acceptable

lives taking various medications to keep them in normal sinus rhythm. I felt

like the medications I took would not allow me to be as active as I wanted to

be. I chose to go the Abalation route. Hopefully it will be 100% sucessful for

me.

Good luck to your husband in dealing with his A-Fib condition.

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this group and it looks like it's the only support group of it's

type. My husband has afib and is really having a tough go. He is 43 years

old and is an athlete. Since this condition starting getting nasty (May

2001), he has not been the same. Last night he was absolutely sure he was

going to die. We've been to a well known cardiologist and after lots of

testing (including a hearth catheterization) he determined that afib is what

my husband has. He put him on a medication (the most benign available I

guess) and not only did it not help at all, the side effects were unbearable

(extreme fatigue and nausea). My husband won't talk about it and has

stopped going to the cardiologist. He says that there's such a thing as

quality of life and being on nasty medications is just no way to life.

After last night's episode, he's agreed to get a second opinion. He has an

appt. for next Monday and this time I'm going with him so I can hear all the

details myself ... since getting information out of my husband is no easy

thing.

Anyway, we've started reading all we can about the condition. What seems

to be greatly lacking in the information is: 1) What triggers an episode? 2)

Is there any " natural " way to ease the suffering?

Do certain things such as foods - medications - vitamins - liquids -

exercise - etc. either help or hurt the condition?

Any information would be urgently appreciated.

Thank you,

[Guest guest]

,

I can empathize with your husband. I have been trying to deal with A-fib and

continue to be a competitive long distance runner for the past 7 years. This

past year the condition worsened and I found that I could not deal with the

medications that my ElectroCardiologist put me on to maintain a normal sinus

rhythm. In September I had a pulmonary vein ablation. I am still in the

recovery mode, so I'm not sure yet whether or not it will be 100% sucessful, but

I am off of all medications now and have been in normal sinus rhythm for about 4

weeks now.

It seems like many of the members of this group can live reasonably acceptable

lives taking various medications to keep them in normal sinus rhythm. I felt

like the medications I took would not allow me to be as active as I wanted to

be. I chose to go the Abalation route. Hopefully it will be 100% sucessful for

me.

Good luck to your husband in dealing with his A-Fib condition.

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this group and it looks like it's the only support group of it's

type. My husband has afib and is really having a tough go. He is 43 years

old and is an athlete. Since this condition starting getting nasty (May

2001), he has not been the same. Last night he was absolutely sure he was

going to die. We've been to a well known cardiologist and after lots of

testing (including a hearth catheterization) he determined that afib is what

my husband has. He put him on a medication (the most benign available I

guess) and not only did it not help at all, the side effects were unbearable

(extreme fatigue and nausea). My husband won't talk about it and has

stopped going to the cardiologist. He says that there's such a thing as

quality of life and being on nasty medications is just no way to life.

After last night's episode, he's agreed to get a second opinion. He has an

appt. for next Monday and this time I'm going with him so I can hear all the

details myself ... since getting information out of my husband is no easy

thing.

Anyway, we've started reading all we can about the condition. What seems

to be greatly lacking in the information is: 1) What triggers an episode? 2)

Is there any " natural " way to ease the suffering?

Do certain things such as foods - medications - vitamins - liquids -

exercise - etc. either help or hurt the condition?

Any information would be urgently appreciated.

Thank you,

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

Welcome to the group. If you want support, advice and understanding,

this is the place. (To be fair you may also want to check out another

discussion group http://www.afibbers.org/bulletin.htm which is for

people with Lone A-Fib (A-Fib without any cause or trigger). I think

most of us here at one time or another have had bad reactions to

antiarrhythmic medications. Sometimes they work, sometimes the side

effects are worse than the cure.

I am an athlete (running, weight lifting) also. I was cured of my

a-fib over nearly five years ago and have been symptom free ever since.

Your husband can be to. The important thing for you both is to not get

discouraged. I was cured by a non-surgical, low risk procedure called

Focal Catheter Ablation (Pulmonary Vein Ablation). It is described here

http://www.a-fib.com/FocalAblation(PVA).htm

Here is a piece I wrote on the triggers of A-Fib which may be of

help to you:

HOW DO YOU GET A-FIB?

Nearly three million people in the U.S. have A-Fib. If you've had

other heart problems, this could lead to diseased heart tissue which

generates the extra A-Fib pulses. Hypertension (high blood pressure) and

Mitral Valve disease seem to be related to A-Fib, possibly because they

stretch and put pressure on the pulmonary veins where most A-Fib

originates. Many people get A-Fib after open heart surgery. Heavy

drinking may trigger A-Fib, what hospitals call " holiday heart " ---the

majority of A-Fib admissions occur over weekends or holidays when more

alcohol is consumed. Extreme fatigue, emotional stress, severe

infections, severe pain, and illegal drug use can trigger A-Fib. Low or

high blood and tissue concentrations of minerals such as potassium can

trigger A-Fib. Thyroid problems (hyperthyroidism), lung disease, and

viral infections can trigger A-Fib. Some research has identified a

Familial A-Fib where A-Fib is passed on genetically but it is relatively

rare. Some cases have been reported where antihistamines, bronchial

inhalants, local anesthetics, tobacco use, MSG, and even coffee are

said to have triggered A-Fib. Athletes are more prone to A-Fib because

they have larger hearts where there is more room for these extra

electrical signals to develop and propagate, and possibly because of the

extra pressure they put on their pulmonary veins through aerobic

exercise. A-Fib is often found in tall people, particularly basketball

players. Men get A-Fib more than women. A-Fib is associated with aging

of the heart---10% of people over 60-years-old have A-Fib. But in many

A-Fib cases, there is no currently discernible cause or trigger for

A-Fib (called " Lone " or " Idiopathic A-Fib " ).

Some people on our site have said they can get out of an A-Fib

episode by splashing ice water on their back and/or face or by bearing

down hard pushing their diaphragm. Other than that I don't know of any

exercise that helps. In some cases moderate exercise may help get you

out of an episode (Vagal A-Fib). In other cases exercise may trigger an

A-Fib episode. Unlike heart disease, we don't really know what kind of a

diet or supplements will help other than avoiding the above mentioned

stimulants,. Some people on this site have been helped by staying away

from dairy products. Sorry we can't help you much in this area.

Where do you live? You may want to get in touch with an

Electrophysiologist, a Cardiologist who specializes in the electrical

activity of the heart and in the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm

disorders. I have some listed at http://www.a-fib.com/Facilities.htm .

You can find others at the NASPE site http://www.naspe.org, then hit the

button " Find a Heart Rhythm Specialist. "

A-FibFriendSteve

.McCullough@... wrote:

> Hi everyone,

>

> I'm new to this group and it looks like it's the only support group of

> it's

> type. My husband has afib and is really having a tough go. He is 43

> years

> old and is an athlete. Since this condition starting getting nasty (May

> 2001), he has not been the same. Last night he was absolutely sure he was

> going to die. We've been to a well known cardiologist and after lots of

> testing (including a hearth catheterization) he determined that afib

> is what

> my husband has. He put him on a medication (the most benign available I

> guess) and not only did it not help at all, the side effects were

> unbearable

> (extreme fatigue and nausea). My husband won't talk about it and has

> stopped going to the cardiologist. He says that there's such a thing as

> quality of life and being on nasty medications is just no way to life.

> After last night's episode, he's agreed to get a second opinion. He

> has an

> appt. for next Monday and this time I'm going with him so I can hear

> all the

> details myself ... since getting information out of my husband is no easy

> thing.

>

> Anyway, we've started reading all we can about the condition. What seems

> to be greatly lacking in the information is: 1) What triggers an

> episode? 2)

> Is there any " natural " way to ease the suffering?

>

> Do certain things such as foods - medications - vitamins - liquids -

> exercise - etc. either help or hurt the condition?

>

> Any information would be urgently appreciated.

>

> Thank you,

>

>

>

> Web Page - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AFIBsupport

> FAQ -

> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AFIBsupport/files/Administrative/faq.htm

> For more information: http://www.dialsolutions.com/af

> Unsubscribe: AFIBsupport-unsubscribe

> List owner: AFIBsupport-owner

> For help on how to use the group, including how to drive it via email,

> send a blank email to AFIBsupport-help

>

> Nothing in this message should be considered as medical advice, or

> should be acted upon without consultation with one's physician.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much for the input Steve. It's truly music to my ears to hear

of someone who has been cured of this ailment. I've been reading all about

the Focal Point Ablation and got really excited when I saw that there was

real hope with this procedure. We are now in the process of getting my

husband approved for the procedure with Dr. Natale at the Cleveland Clinic.

I sure hope we can get it all set up ... they are scheduling for next June

right now. We live in Colorado, but they told me that they have hotels right

there on campus for outpatients.

Where did you have your procedure done? I'm sure five years ago it was very

cutting edge. Any words of advise of what to expect?

It's so wonderful that you've been symptom free for five years now. My

husband has been so depressed over this for over a year and now that he

realizes that there's a possibility of a cure I can really see a change in

his demeanor. Unfortunately we had a ill-informed cardiologist who took

forever to even diagnose him, and then tried meds unsuccessfully and never

even mentioned this procedure. He just said it was meds or open heart

surgery with a pace-maker implanted. Ugh! I decided that we had nothing to

lose if I just started snooping around the net just to see exactly what

options were available. Then I found out about the Focal Point Ablation

(and found this support group) and our lives have changed ... hope is a

beautiful thing.

Thanks again,

Re: New here ... not sure how to do this ...

Dear ,

Welcome to the group. If you want support, advice and understanding,

this is the place. (To be fair you may also want to check out another

discussion group http://www.afibbers.org/bulletin.htm which is for

people with Lone A-Fib (A-Fib without any cause or trigger). I think

most of us here at one time or another have had bad reactions to

antiarrhythmic medications. Sometimes they work, sometimes the side

effects are worse than the cure.

I am an athlete (running, weight lifting) also. I was cured of my

a-fib over nearly five years ago and have been symptom free ever since.

Your husband can be to. The important thing for you both is to not get

discouraged. I was cured by a non-surgical, low risk procedure called

Focal Catheter Ablation (Pulmonary Vein Ablation). It is described here

http://www.a-fib.com/FocalAblation(PVA).htm

Here is a piece I wrote on the triggers of A-Fib which may be of

help to you:

HOW DO YOU GET A-FIB?

Nearly three million people in the U.S. have A-Fib. If you've had

other heart problems, this could lead to diseased heart tissue which

generates the extra A-Fib pulses. Hypertension (high blood pressure) and

Mitral Valve disease seem to be related to A-Fib, possibly because they

stretch and put pressure on the pulmonary veins where most A-Fib

originates. Many people get A-Fib after open heart surgery. Heavy

drinking may trigger A-Fib, what hospitals call " holiday heart " ---the

majority of A-Fib admissions occur over weekends or holidays when more

alcohol is consumed. Extreme fatigue, emotional stress, severe

infections, severe pain, and illegal drug use can trigger A-Fib. Low or

high blood and tissue concentrations of minerals such as potassium can

trigger A-Fib. Thyroid problems (hyperthyroidism), lung disease, and

viral infections can trigger A-Fib. Some research has identified a

Familial A-Fib where A-Fib is passed on genetically but it is relatively

rare. Some cases have been reported where antihistamines, bronchial

inhalants, local anesthetics, tobacco use, MSG, and even coffee are

said to have triggered A-Fib. Athletes are more prone to A-Fib because

they have larger hearts where there is more room for these extra

electrical signals to develop and propagate, and possibly because of the

extra pressure they put on their pulmonary veins through aerobic

exercise. A-Fib is often found in tall people, particularly basketball

players. Men get A-Fib more than women. A-Fib is associated with aging

of the heart---10% of people over 60-years-old have A-Fib. But in many

A-Fib cases, there is no currently discernible cause or trigger for

A-Fib (called " Lone " or " Idiopathic A-Fib " ).

Some people on our site have said they can get out of an A-Fib

episode by splashing ice water on their back and/or face or by bearing

down hard pushing their diaphragm. Other than that I don't know of any

exercise that helps. In some cases moderate exercise may help get you

out of an episode (Vagal A-Fib). In other cases exercise may trigger an

A-Fib episode. Unlike heart disease, we don't really know what kind of a

diet or supplements will help other than avoiding the above mentioned

stimulants,. Some people on this site have been helped by staying away

from dairy products. Sorry we can't help you much in this area.

Where do you live? You may want to get in touch with an

Electrophysiologist, a Cardiologist who specializes in the electrical

activity of the heart and in the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm

disorders. I have some listed at http://www.a-fib.com/Facilities.htm .

You can find others at the NASPE site http://www.naspe.org, then hit the

button " Find a Heart Rhythm Specialist. "

A-FibFriendSteve

.McCullough@... wrote:

> Hi everyone,

>

> I'm new to this group and it looks like it's the only support group of

> it's

> type. My husband has afib and is really having a tough go. He is 43

> years

> old and is an athlete. Since this condition starting getting nasty (May

> 2001), he has not been the same. Last night he was absolutely sure he was

> going to die. We've been to a well known cardiologist and after lots of

> testing (including a hearth catheterization) he determined that afib

> is what

> my husband has. He put him on a medication (the most benign available I

> guess) and not only did it not help at all, the side effects were

> unbearable

> (extreme fatigue and nausea). My husband won't talk about it and has

> stopped going to the cardiologist. He says that there's such a thing as

> quality of life and being on nasty medications is just no way to life.

> After last night's episode, he's agreed to get a second opinion. He

> has an

> appt. for next Monday and this time I'm going with him so I can hear

> all the

> details myself ... since getting information out of my husband is no easy

> thing.

>

> Anyway, we've started reading all we can about the condition. What seems

> to be greatly lacking in the information is: 1) What triggers an

> episode? 2)

> Is there any " natural " way to ease the suffering?

>

> Do certain things such as foods - medications - vitamins - liquids -

> exercise - etc. either help or hurt the condition?

>

> Any information would be urgently appreciated.

>

> Thank you,

>

>

>

> Web Page - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AFIBsupport

> FAQ -

> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AFIBsupport/files/Administrative/faq.htm

> For more information: http://www.dialsolutions.com/af

> Unsubscribe: AFIBsupport-unsubscribe

> List owner: AFIBsupport-owner

> For help on how to use the group, including how to drive it via email,

> send a blank email to AFIBsupport-help

>

> Nothing in this message should be considered as medical advice, or

> should be acted upon without consultation with one's physician.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much for the input Steve. It's truly music to my ears

to hear

of someone who has been cured of this ailment.

Dear ,

You and your husband ought to be proud of yourselves. You've learned

and accomplished in two weeks what it took me over two years to do.

I went to Bordeaux, France, nearly five years ago for what was then

called a Focal Catheter Ablation. The difference, I believe, is at that

time they didn't use Pulmonary Vein Potentials to identify the Focal

Points to be ablated. There wasn't much going on in the US then. I had

had three unsuccessful catheter ablation procedures before that. (In

hindsight I was way too trusting and uncritical of my doctors. I should

have stopped after the first procedure and did my own research till I

felt that what they were doing was right. I eventually saw a lot of

doctors and became much more discerning. But it all worked out.)

The procedure itself is practically painless and low risk. They

shave the hairs off your groin, then give you a local anesthetic, make

an incision and insert the catheters into your veins and/or arteries.

It's less painful than giving blood. (Occasionally they'll also go in

through a vein in your neck.) They move the catheters up into your

heart, map where the A-Fib signals are coming from and zap those areas

with RadioFrequency energy to ablate or isolate them from your heart.

It's painless because there are no nerve endings in your veins or heart.

The only thing I felt once was a slight tingling and warmth in my right

shoulder, which the doctors warned me about. After the procedure you may

have some slight bruising and pain where they inserted the catheters.

The room they do the procedure in is very cold. Don't be shy about

asking for an extra cover. Here's a little trick that may help you. Go

to the room where you will have your catheter ablation a day or two

before. That way you will be familiar with the room and won't be as

nervous. I was awake and interacting with the doctors all the time. It

was an unforgettable experience. If you have a choice, ask to be kept

awake. But you may be put under anyway depending on the doctors and

medical centers or how they think you are reacting.

After the procedure I was ravenously hungry.

Sometimes the first ablation doesn't cure everything. Heart tissue

has a tendency to heal and regenerate itself. Also, most doctors are

very conservative and ablate the least amount of heart tissue possible.

They may miss something the first time. Don't worry if you have to go

back a second time. The second time is usually the charm.

Is this what you were looking for?

Best of luck. We're praying for you.

A-FibFriendSteve

[Guest guest]

Dear Steve,

I wanted to tell you what a difference you've made. I'm now wondering if

you are the " personal experience " man who wrote about your experience on

www.a-fib.com. It was reading that experience account that was the pivotal

moment when I began to have hope (I'll never forget that moment). It was

late the other night and my husband --> whose name is Orgain, by the way

(I'll stop calling him husband), had already gone to sleep. It was the

saddest day he had yet and I could really see the despair in his eyes. My

heart was breaking. Then I settled down to read through all the information

I had printed during the day and that " personal experience " was the first

thing I read. I went to bed that night with a huge smile on my face and joy

in my heart. I couldn't wait for morning to tell Orgain that he was wrong

.... that there WAS hope and there WERE ways to possibly cure this awful

nightmare. It's been snowballing ever since.

I just want to thank you and let you know that you've made a difference. It

really helps reading your account of what you've experienced. I forwarded

your email to Orgain and he just called and laughed ... he said that when he

had his heart catheterization done it hurt like crazy afterwards (he kept

having a " vagal " response and couldn't even stand up and had to spend the

night in the hospital ... it was a major bummer and yucky experience). But

he reminded me that they told him the medications they gave him during the

procedure would cause him to have amnesia afterwards (he was awake for it).

He called laughing and said to tell Steve that it must be the amnesia got to

you and you just don't remember it hurting. Either way, the point is you

have him laughing again ... hope is a beautiful thing!!

Sincerely,

[Guest guest]

Dear Steve,

I wanted to tell you what a difference you've made. I'm now wondering if

you are the " personal experience " man who wrote about your experience on

www.a-fib.com. It was reading that experience account that was the pivotal

moment when I began to have hope (I'll never forget that moment). It was

late the other night and my husband --> whose name is Orgain, by the way

(I'll stop calling him husband), had already gone to sleep. It was the

saddest day he had yet and I could really see the despair in his eyes. My

heart was breaking. Then I settled down to read through all the information

I had printed during the day and that " personal experience " was the first

thing I read. I went to bed that night with a huge smile on my face and joy

in my heart. I couldn't wait for morning to tell Orgain that he was wrong

.... that there WAS hope and there WERE ways to possibly cure this awful

nightmare. It's been snowballing ever since.

I just want to thank you and let you know that you've made a difference. It

really helps reading your account of what you've experienced. I forwarded

your email to Orgain and he just called and laughed ... he said that when he

had his heart catheterization done it hurt like crazy afterwards (he kept

having a " vagal " response and couldn't even stand up and had to spend the

night in the hospital ... it was a major bummer and yucky experience). But

he reminded me that they told him the medications they gave him during the

procedure would cause him to have amnesia afterwards (he was awake for it).

He called laughing and said to tell Steve that it must be the amnesia got to

you and you just don't remember it hurting. Either way, the point is you

have him laughing again ... hope is a beautiful thing!!

Sincerely,

[Guest guest]

> Dear Steve,

>

> I wanted to tell you what a difference you've made. I'm now

wondering if

> you are the " personal experience " man who wrote about your

experience on

> have him laughing again ... hope is a beautiful thing!!

>

> Sincerely,

>

Steve, I don't think I ever mentioned to you that your site was a

constant reenforcement for me after I decided to go ahead and have

the PVA. And I still remember that I promised to write my

experiences for your site. It seems I feel so great - aside from a

few ectopics and a faster than normal heart rate (for me), I have had

an incredibly full life. (and only two weeks post procedure) My

husband thinks he has a new wife.

, as far as the pain goes, the only pain I remember is the pain

in my back from lying flat for so long. I was awake for the whole

procedure but it seemed like 20 minutes - ah, the wonders of versed.

So far, it has been well worth it.

Dorothy

[Guest guest]

> Dear Steve,

>

> I wanted to tell you what a difference you've made. I'm now

wondering if

> you are the " personal experience " man who wrote about your

experience on

> have him laughing again ... hope is a beautiful thing!!

>

> Sincerely,

>

Steve, I don't think I ever mentioned to you that your site was a

constant reenforcement for me after I decided to go ahead and have

the PVA. And I still remember that I promised to write my

experiences for your site. It seems I feel so great - aside from a

few ectopics and a faster than normal heart rate (for me), I have had

an incredibly full life. (and only two weeks post procedure) My

husband thinks he has a new wife.

, as far as the pain goes, the only pain I remember is the pain

in my back from lying flat for so long. I was awake for the whole

procedure but it seemed like 20 minutes - ah, the wonders of versed.

So far, it has been well worth it.

Dorothy

[Guest guest]

> Dear Steve,

>

> I wanted to tell you what a difference you've made. I'm now

wondering if

> you are the " personal experience " man who wrote about your

experience on

> have him laughing again ... hope is a beautiful thing!!

>

> Sincerely,

>

Steve, I don't think I ever mentioned to you that your site was a

constant reenforcement for me after I decided to go ahead and have

the PVA. And I still remember that I promised to write my

experiences for your site. It seems I feel so great - aside from a

few ectopics and a faster than normal heart rate (for me), I have had

an incredibly full life. (and only two weeks post procedure) My

husband thinks he has a new wife.

, as far as the pain goes, the only pain I remember is the pain

in my back from lying flat for so long. I was awake for the whole

procedure but it seemed like 20 minutes - ah, the wonders of versed.

So far, it has been well worth it.

Dorothy