Re: dairy free diet

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/16/2002 11:26:19 AM Pacific Standard Time,

madisonn99@... writes:

<< I am still struggling with

tendinitis - which is older than 6 weeks - i.e. it started before I

officially began 100 % dairy free. But it's just been lingering

without any real improvement - longer than ever experienced before.

Wonder whether that is connected to dairy free?? Normally I would

have let it run it's course, but this one is worse. >>

Hi, ,

I think your problem may be connected to the dairy-free diet, even though it

began before the diet. I had a similar experience last December when I had

been dairy-free for about three months. I had fallen on my left knee when my

too rambunctious pulled me down. This happened Nov. 9, and the knee was

steadily improving during November. Then in December the injury suddenly

worsened and caused me extreme pain for six to ten weeks after the actual

fall. On some days during December, I could barely walk, but during

November, right after the injury, I hadn't had much problem with walking at

all. I also experienced severe joint and muscle aches all over my body

during Dec., Jan., and Feb. As Angus said had happened to him, other old

traumas and injuries flared up. For example, I suddenly began experiencing

pain in the area of my left hamstring muscle, which I had torn about fifteen

years before. That pain had completely left me about ten years before but

returned for no apparent reason last January. I also experienced many more

problems with allergies and asthma than I had recently been experiencing.

Concurrent with all of these problems, in December my afib began steadily

worsening, and during January and February I was in afib for 32 days total

with longer and more intense episodes. If Angus hadn't told me that he also

experienced the joint pains and resurfacing of old problems, I would have

begun guzzling milk again. With his encouragement I stayed with my

dairy-free existence, and in March I began to see improvement. My joint,

muscle, and allergy problems lessened, and I was only in afib for nine days.

In April, I felt better yet and had no afib. In May I had a short afib

episode when I had a really bad stomach virus, and that was my last afib

episode. March seemed to be the turning point month, and that was seven

months after I had stopped dairy. It's been only uphill since then, and I

feel better in many ways now than I have for the past three years. Both

Angus and I seemed to have a similar timetable in going through the various

stages although I believe he arrived in the light at the end of the tunnel

before I did. As I recall, it may have taken him a month or so less than I

to experience great improvement.

I would encourage you to hang in there, . Even if your afib isn't

helped, you may benefit in many other ways as I have.

Best wishes,

in sinus in Seattle (Day 178)

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/16/2002 11:26:19 AM Pacific Standard Time,

madisonn99@... writes:

<< I am still struggling with

tendinitis - which is older than 6 weeks - i.e. it started before I

officially began 100 % dairy free. But it's just been lingering

without any real improvement - longer than ever experienced before.

Wonder whether that is connected to dairy free?? Normally I would

have let it run it's course, but this one is worse. >>

Hi, ,

I think your problem may be connected to the dairy-free diet, even though it

began before the diet. I had a similar experience last December when I had

been dairy-free for about three months. I had fallen on my left knee when my

too rambunctious pulled me down. This happened Nov. 9, and the knee was

steadily improving during November. Then in December the injury suddenly

worsened and caused me extreme pain for six to ten weeks after the actual

fall. On some days during December, I could barely walk, but during

November, right after the injury, I hadn't had much problem with walking at

all. I also experienced severe joint and muscle aches all over my body

during Dec., Jan., and Feb. As Angus said had happened to him, other old

traumas and injuries flared up. For example, I suddenly began experiencing

pain in the area of my left hamstring muscle, which I had torn about fifteen

years before. That pain had completely left me about ten years before but

returned for no apparent reason last January. I also experienced many more

problems with allergies and asthma than I had recently been experiencing.

Concurrent with all of these problems, in December my afib began steadily

worsening, and during January and February I was in afib for 32 days total

with longer and more intense episodes. If Angus hadn't told me that he also

experienced the joint pains and resurfacing of old problems, I would have

begun guzzling milk again. With his encouragement I stayed with my

dairy-free existence, and in March I began to see improvement. My joint,

muscle, and allergy problems lessened, and I was only in afib for nine days.

In April, I felt better yet and had no afib. In May I had a short afib

episode when I had a really bad stomach virus, and that was my last afib

episode. March seemed to be the turning point month, and that was seven

months after I had stopped dairy. It's been only uphill since then, and I

feel better in many ways now than I have for the past three years. Both

Angus and I seemed to have a similar timetable in going through the various

stages although I believe he arrived in the light at the end of the tunnel

before I did. As I recall, it may have taken him a month or so less than I

to experience great improvement.

I would encourage you to hang in there, . Even if your afib isn't

helped, you may benefit in many other ways as I have.

Best wishes,

in sinus in Seattle (Day 178)

[Guest guest]

However, after I quit

> dairy, I had a great deal of trouble for several month. Because I

don't know of anyone besides Angus and me who has quit dairy

> and thereby eliminated afib, I don't know if these troublesome

reactions

> happen to everyone.

Hi ,

So far it's 6 weeks and counting. I am still struggling with

tendinitis - which is older than 6 weeks - i.e. it started before I

officially began 100 % dairy free. But it's just been lingering

without any real improvement - longer than ever experienced before.

Wonder whether that is connected to dairy free?? Normally I would

have let it run it's course, but this one is worse. Finally asked

for meds and physical therapy - hope that helps.

I still haven't

> been able to find out the numbers for my last INR, but I won't

waste my

> energy getting angry about it. I'll just keep trying.

> in sinus in Seattle (Day 175)

You are patient, , as a matter of fact, very patient. However,

considering you haven't had afib in 175 days, it no longer seems to

be that important.

Enjoy the fruits of your efforts.

/

[Guest guest]

However, after I quit

> dairy, I had a great deal of trouble for several month. Because I

don't know of anyone besides Angus and me who has quit dairy

> and thereby eliminated afib, I don't know if these troublesome

reactions

> happen to everyone.

Hi ,

So far it's 6 weeks and counting. I am still struggling with

tendinitis - which is older than 6 weeks - i.e. it started before I

officially began 100 % dairy free. But it's just been lingering

without any real improvement - longer than ever experienced before.

Wonder whether that is connected to dairy free?? Normally I would

have let it run it's course, but this one is worse. Finally asked

for meds and physical therapy - hope that helps.

I still haven't

> been able to find out the numbers for my last INR, but I won't

waste my

> energy getting angry about it. I'll just keep trying.

> in sinus in Seattle (Day 175)

You are patient, , as a matter of fact, very patient. However,

considering you haven't had afib in 175 days, it no longer seems to

be that important.

Enjoy the fruits of your efforts.

/

[Guest guest]

However, after I quit

> dairy, I had a great deal of trouble for several month. Because I

don't know of anyone besides Angus and me who has quit dairy

> and thereby eliminated afib, I don't know if these troublesome

reactions

> happen to everyone.

Hi ,

So far it's 6 weeks and counting. I am still struggling with

tendinitis - which is older than 6 weeks - i.e. it started before I

officially began 100 % dairy free. But it's just been lingering

without any real improvement - longer than ever experienced before.

Wonder whether that is connected to dairy free?? Normally I would

have let it run it's course, but this one is worse. Finally asked

for meds and physical therapy - hope that helps.

I still haven't

> been able to find out the numbers for my last INR, but I won't

waste my

> energy getting angry about it. I'll just keep trying.

> in sinus in Seattle (Day 175)

You are patient, , as a matter of fact, very patient. However,

considering you haven't had afib in 175 days, it no longer seems to

be that important.

Enjoy the fruits of your efforts.

/

[Guest guest]

For example, I suddenly began experiencing

> pain in the area of my left hamstring muscle, which I had torn

about fifteen

> years before. That pain had completely left me about ten years

before but

> returned for no apparent reason last January. I also experienced

many more

> problems with allergies and asthma than I had recently been

experiencing.

> Concurrent with all of these problems, in December my afib began

steadily

> worsening, and during January and February I was in afib for 32

days total

> with longer and more intense episodes.

Thanks , I can see why afib would worsen under these

circumstances. In my case trying to sleep on my painful right side

has been interrupting my sleep, and dealing with pain is not exactly

heart friendly.

/

[Guest guest]

For example, I suddenly began experiencing

> pain in the area of my left hamstring muscle, which I had torn

about fifteen

> years before. That pain had completely left me about ten years

before but

> returned for no apparent reason last January. I also experienced

many more

> problems with allergies and asthma than I had recently been

experiencing.

> Concurrent with all of these problems, in December my afib began

steadily

> worsening, and during January and February I was in afib for 32

days total

> with longer and more intense episodes.

Thanks , I can see why afib would worsen under these

circumstances. In my case trying to sleep on my painful right side

has been interrupting my sleep, and dealing with pain is not exactly

heart friendly.

/

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/18/2002 7:13:21 PM Pacific Standard Time,

madisonn99@... writes:

<< can see why afib would worsen under these

circumstances. In my case trying to sleep on my painful right side

has been interrupting my sleep, and dealing with pain is not exactly

heart friendly. >>

,

I am so sorry to hear about your pain, and I can really sympathize because I

have been there. I had many sleepless nights but did find often that sitting

up all night in a comfortable chair seemed to help. It seems that last

winter, after quitting dairy, I just moved from one pain to another. I was

in almost constant pain from December through March as many old problems

resurfaced. Even the tooth which had undergone the root canal during the

previous summer started to hurt for a while. An x-ray at the time revealed

that the root canal was fine, and there was no apparent reason for the pain.

It only bothered me for a couple of months, and has been no problem since.

However, I can't begin to describe all the problems I had during that period.

Angus had the same experience after giving up dairy.

As you said, dealing with pain is not heart friendly. In fact, three and a

half years ago when my afib worsened dramatically, my doctor said virtually

the same thing. My dog had given an unexpected lunge which caused me to

descend the stairs in a sitting position. You can imagine how painful that

was. I developed a king-size hematoma as a result although no bones were

broken. My doctor commented that the afib could have worsened because the

pain and excessive bleeding put a strain on my heart. Thank God I wasn't on

Coumadin yet.

I would say that your pain, like mine, is possibly due to giving up dairy,

but I would also say that the pain I went through was worth it. If there's a

chance that my six months of sinus have been the result of giving up dairy, I

would choose these past six months of glorious sinus over all the ice cream

and cheese on the planet! I am fervently hoping that you find the same

improvement in afib that I did, but even if you don't, you may find the

numerous other positive results that I have experienced since quitting dairy.

Best wishes,

in sinus in Seattle (Day 181 and still happily counting!)

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/18/2002 7:13:21 PM Pacific Standard Time,

madisonn99@... writes:

<< can see why afib would worsen under these

circumstances. In my case trying to sleep on my painful right side

has been interrupting my sleep, and dealing with pain is not exactly

heart friendly. >>

,

I am so sorry to hear about your pain, and I can really sympathize because I

have been there. I had many sleepless nights but did find often that sitting

up all night in a comfortable chair seemed to help. It seems that last

winter, after quitting dairy, I just moved from one pain to another. I was

in almost constant pain from December through March as many old problems

resurfaced. Even the tooth which had undergone the root canal during the

previous summer started to hurt for a while. An x-ray at the time revealed

that the root canal was fine, and there was no apparent reason for the pain.

It only bothered me for a couple of months, and has been no problem since.

However, I can't begin to describe all the problems I had during that period.

Angus had the same experience after giving up dairy.

As you said, dealing with pain is not heart friendly. In fact, three and a

half years ago when my afib worsened dramatically, my doctor said virtually

the same thing. My dog had given an unexpected lunge which caused me to

descend the stairs in a sitting position. You can imagine how painful that

was. I developed a king-size hematoma as a result although no bones were

broken. My doctor commented that the afib could have worsened because the

pain and excessive bleeding put a strain on my heart. Thank God I wasn't on

Coumadin yet.

I would say that your pain, like mine, is possibly due to giving up dairy,

but I would also say that the pain I went through was worth it. If there's a

chance that my six months of sinus have been the result of giving up dairy, I

would choose these past six months of glorious sinus over all the ice cream

and cheese on the planet! I am fervently hoping that you find the same

improvement in afib that I did, but even if you don't, you may find the

numerous other positive results that I have experienced since quitting dairy.

Best wishes,

in sinus in Seattle (Day 181 and still happily counting!)

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/18/2002 7:13:21 PM Pacific Standard Time,

madisonn99@... writes:

<< can see why afib would worsen under these

circumstances. In my case trying to sleep on my painful right side

has been interrupting my sleep, and dealing with pain is not exactly

heart friendly. >>

,

I am so sorry to hear about your pain, and I can really sympathize because I

have been there. I had many sleepless nights but did find often that sitting

up all night in a comfortable chair seemed to help. It seems that last

winter, after quitting dairy, I just moved from one pain to another. I was

in almost constant pain from December through March as many old problems

resurfaced. Even the tooth which had undergone the root canal during the

previous summer started to hurt for a while. An x-ray at the time revealed

that the root canal was fine, and there was no apparent reason for the pain.

It only bothered me for a couple of months, and has been no problem since.

However, I can't begin to describe all the problems I had during that period.

Angus had the same experience after giving up dairy.

As you said, dealing with pain is not heart friendly. In fact, three and a

half years ago when my afib worsened dramatically, my doctor said virtually

the same thing. My dog had given an unexpected lunge which caused me to

descend the stairs in a sitting position. You can imagine how painful that

was. I developed a king-size hematoma as a result although no bones were

broken. My doctor commented that the afib could have worsened because the

pain and excessive bleeding put a strain on my heart. Thank God I wasn't on

Coumadin yet.

I would say that your pain, like mine, is possibly due to giving up dairy,

but I would also say that the pain I went through was worth it. If there's a

chance that my six months of sinus have been the result of giving up dairy, I

would choose these past six months of glorious sinus over all the ice cream

and cheese on the planet! I am fervently hoping that you find the same

improvement in afib that I did, but even if you don't, you may find the

numerous other positive results that I have experienced since quitting dairy.

Best wishes,

in sinus in Seattle (Day 181 and still happily counting!)

[Guest guest]

> : Wow l81 days!.......I am glad that Wednesday was not as

stressfull as the previous two days......How do I know? I am psychic.

I am feeling better emotionally...in part because I am going to be

participating in a heart study.....if they have can fix the kinks at

their webside. Regards and wishing you well as always,

Isabelle on the Eastern Shore of land

>

>

>snip....................... in sinus in Seattle (Day 181 and

still happily counting!)

[Guest guest]

> : Wow l81 days!.......I am glad that Wednesday was not as

stressfull as the previous two days......How do I know? I am psychic.

I am feeling better emotionally...in part because I am going to be

participating in a heart study.....if they have can fix the kinks at

their webside. Regards and wishing you well as always,

Isabelle on the Eastern Shore of land

>

>

>snip....................... in sinus in Seattle (Day 181 and

still happily counting!)

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/20/2002 3:32:20 AM Pacific Standard Time,

forestbedell@... writes:

<< Wow l81 days!.......I am glad that Wednesday was not as

stressfull as the previous two days......How do I know? I am psychic.

>>

Isabelle,

That's how I feel about my 182 days: WOW! But you must indeed be psychic

because today, Wednesday, indeed was not as stressful as the previous two

days. In fact, yesterday was extremely stressful, and Monday wasn't a walk

in the park either, except that I was so happy about reaching the six month

mark of sinus that the stress didn't get to me as much. Today was indeed

relatively stress-free. How do you know these things?

An interesting aspect of this is that during the past six months I have had

some extremely stress-filled days, but the stress has not triggered afib. I

am concluding that my afib is more vagal than adrenergic although I had

previously thought that I suffered the two types equally. In fact, very

recently stress does not even seem to be causing ectopic beats as it had

previously done. I've had no tachycardia for some time now, and that's

unusual for me because I've experienced sinus tachycardia from my childhood

years. I'm praying that my personal utopia continues and wish you the best in

your pursuit of utopia in sinus.

in sinus in Seattle (Day 182)

[Guest guest]

Thanks,

After some adjustments in my sleeping routine and with the help of a

medication I am sleeping better.

Came across a very brief article: Cut back on cow foods. In one

study, when patients with recurrent diverticulitis avoided milk and

other dairy products, their symptoms disappeared. Doctors aren't

sure why this is. Let's hope it has a similar effect on afib.

/

[Guest guest]

Thanks,

After some adjustments in my sleeping routine and with the help of a

medication I am sleeping better.

Came across a very brief article: Cut back on cow foods. In one

study, when patients with recurrent diverticulitis avoided milk and

other dairy products, their symptoms disappeared. Doctors aren't

sure why this is. Let's hope it has a similar effect on afib.

/

[Guest guest]

Thanks,

After some adjustments in my sleeping routine and with the help of a

medication I am sleeping better.

Came across a very brief article: Cut back on cow foods. In one

study, when patients with recurrent diverticulitis avoided milk and

other dairy products, their symptoms disappeared. Doctors aren't

sure why this is. Let's hope it has a similar effect on afib.

/

[Guest guest]

>

> Thanks,

>

> After some adjustments in my sleeping routine and with the help of

a medication I am sleeping better.

>

> Came across a very brief article: Cut back on cow foods. In one

> study, when patients with recurrent diverticulitis avoided milk

and other dairy products, their symptoms disappeared. Doctors

aren't sure why this is. Let's hope it has a similar effect on afib.

>:

People who are big cheese eaters have more gi conditions than those

that eat very little or no cheese. They also have more cellulitus

(thighs,pock marked with or from fat, etc.)

Most gi docs know that cheese is responsible for gi ailments , but

they don't let anyone know how to prevent these

conditions.....Isabelle

[Guest guest]

> In a message dated 11/20/2002 3:32:20 AM Pacific Standard Time,

> forestbedell@h... writes:

>

> << Wow l81 days!.......Isabelle

> Isabelle,

> That's how I feel about my 182 days: WOW! But you must indeed be

psychic

> because today, Wednesday, indeed was not as stressful as the

previous two

> days. ......................................................snip

: During the last three months I have gotten to know you very

well. Your posts are so supportive and informative not only to me

but other newcomers.

Well, should I stay mysterious or should I tell you how I knew that

Wednesday was less stressfull?..I think I'll tell you!....I can tell

how you are feeling by how you write a post....! Look how

confidently I said that...not a hesitation.

See, how great I am feeling emotionally?...the old rascal in me is

coming out.

Regards, and know that I am always sending you lots of good

wishes from the Eastern Shore of land and don't forgot either

how the sun is shining here in my backyard because of you, thank

you. We are having great weather indeed! Isabelle

[Guest guest]

> In a message dated 11/20/2002 3:32:20 AM Pacific Standard Time,

> forestbedell@h... writes:

>

> << Wow l81 days!.......Isabelle

> Isabelle,

> That's how I feel about my 182 days: WOW! But you must indeed be

psychic

> because today, Wednesday, indeed was not as stressful as the

previous two

> days. ......................................................snip

: During the last three months I have gotten to know you very

well. Your posts are so supportive and informative not only to me

but other newcomers.

Well, should I stay mysterious or should I tell you how I knew that

Wednesday was less stressfull?..I think I'll tell you!....I can tell

how you are feeling by how you write a post....! Look how

confidently I said that...not a hesitation.

See, how great I am feeling emotionally?...the old rascal in me is

coming out.

Regards, and know that I am always sending you lots of good

wishes from the Eastern Shore of land and don't forgot either

how the sun is shining here in my backyard because of you, thank

you. We are having great weather indeed! Isabelle

[Guest guest]

> In a message dated 11/20/2002 3:32:20 AM Pacific Standard Time,

> forestbedell@h... writes:

>

> << Wow l81 days!.......Isabelle

> Isabelle,

> That's how I feel about my 182 days: WOW! But you must indeed be

psychic

> because today, Wednesday, indeed was not as stressful as the

previous two

> days. ......................................................snip

: During the last three months I have gotten to know you very

well. Your posts are so supportive and informative not only to me

but other newcomers.

Well, should I stay mysterious or should I tell you how I knew that

Wednesday was less stressfull?..I think I'll tell you!....I can tell

how you are feeling by how you write a post....! Look how

confidently I said that...not a hesitation.

See, how great I am feeling emotionally?...the old rascal in me is

coming out.

Regards, and know that I am always sending you lots of good

wishes from the Eastern Shore of land and don't forgot either

how the sun is shining here in my backyard because of you, thank

you. We are having great weather indeed! Isabelle

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/21/2002 4:49:04 PM Pacific Standard Time,

forestbedell@... writes:

<< Your posts are so supportive and informative not only to me

but other newcomers.

Well, should I stay mysterious or should I tell you how I knew that

Wednesday was less stressfull?..I think I'll tell you!....I can tell

how you are feeling by how you write a post... >>

Hi, Isabelle,

Thank you for the encouragement. I am happy to know that I have helped you

and others because I remember so clearly how extremely frightening afib can

be in the beginning or even until one begins to understand it. Sympathetic

support and access to knowledge can really make a difference in coping with

afib symptoms. In the beginning I had my brother, also an afibber, on whom I

could rely for support. He was always there for me and ready to listen for

any length of time. He still is there for me, but I don't have to bother him

so much any more. I can remember four hour phone sessions which I was afraid

to terminate for fear I would die, and no one would know it! That was

nineteen years ago, and neither of us knew that we both had afib! By the

time I developed afib, his symptoms had quieted, and it gave me courage to

know that he had survived the same " mammal in the chest " sensations I was

experiencing and had arrived at the point where he wasn't that bothered any

more. He seemed to be in a kind of " remission " at the time I developed afib.

Then about six years later, when his afib became debilitating, I supported

him and helped him to find a good doctor, who turned out to be a

gastroenterologist because my brother was convinced that the problem was with

his stomach, not his heart. His new doctor diagnosed afib from across the

room, and that was the beginning of effective treatment for him. I was very

happy to have been able to repay the support and help he had given me when I

was so frightened by afib.

I would like to spread that support around because I know how important it is

and would like to repay the kindness I have received from my brother, Angus,

you, and others here who have helped me.

You are very perceptive to be able to gauge the stress level of my day from

the way I write! I don't know how you do it. Your ability must be an

intuitive gift. You probably know that on the days when I don't write at

all, my stress level and activity level are stratospheric.

How are you doing with the dairy experiment? I wish you the greatest success

and continuous sinus rhythm.

in sinus in Seattle (Day 184)

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/21/2002 4:49:04 PM Pacific Standard Time,

forestbedell@... writes:

<< Your posts are so supportive and informative not only to me

but other newcomers.

Well, should I stay mysterious or should I tell you how I knew that

Wednesday was less stressfull?..I think I'll tell you!....I can tell

how you are feeling by how you write a post... >>

Hi, Isabelle,

Thank you for the encouragement. I am happy to know that I have helped you

and others because I remember so clearly how extremely frightening afib can

be in the beginning or even until one begins to understand it. Sympathetic

support and access to knowledge can really make a difference in coping with

afib symptoms. In the beginning I had my brother, also an afibber, on whom I

could rely for support. He was always there for me and ready to listen for

any length of time. He still is there for me, but I don't have to bother him

so much any more. I can remember four hour phone sessions which I was afraid

to terminate for fear I would die, and no one would know it! That was

nineteen years ago, and neither of us knew that we both had afib! By the

time I developed afib, his symptoms had quieted, and it gave me courage to

know that he had survived the same " mammal in the chest " sensations I was

experiencing and had arrived at the point where he wasn't that bothered any

more. He seemed to be in a kind of " remission " at the time I developed afib.

Then about six years later, when his afib became debilitating, I supported

him and helped him to find a good doctor, who turned out to be a

gastroenterologist because my brother was convinced that the problem was with

his stomach, not his heart. His new doctor diagnosed afib from across the

room, and that was the beginning of effective treatment for him. I was very

happy to have been able to repay the support and help he had given me when I

was so frightened by afib.

I would like to spread that support around because I know how important it is

and would like to repay the kindness I have received from my brother, Angus,

you, and others here who have helped me.

You are very perceptive to be able to gauge the stress level of my day from

the way I write! I don't know how you do it. Your ability must be an

intuitive gift. You probably know that on the days when I don't write at

all, my stress level and activity level are stratospheric.

How are you doing with the dairy experiment? I wish you the greatest success

and continuous sinus rhythm.

in sinus in Seattle (Day 184)

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/23/2002 11:39:56 AM Pacific Standard Time,

forestbedell@... writes:

<< Perhaps you can help me

with the following.....someone in my family calls me on Sunday

mornings....I dread these phone calls >>

Isabelle,

I would suggest that you invest in an answering machine which will take all

of your calls. Then you can either screen calls or turn off the volume

completely so that you won't even know you are being called at times when you

don't want to talk. Record a message saying that you cannot talk at the

moment and inviting the caller to leave his or her phone number so that you

can return the call at a convenient time. This is what I do. I don't like

calls on Saturday or Sunday mornings either. No law says that you must

answer your phone every time it rings! Little stresses like this can

cumulatively add up to afib.

Speaking of afib, I envy your ability to eat onions without negative afib

consequences. I found out early on, about eighteen years ago, that onions

are one of my worst afib triggers. Are you sure they aren't causing a

problem? You would probably know it by now if the onions were a trigger, but

I thought I should mention it since they have been such a problem for me. I

haven't eaten onions for about eighteen years now.

I have discovered that anything you can do to help yourself emotionally can

help afib. Especially important is eliminating the emotional fear and

anxiety that arises from the afib itself. It sounds as if you are well on

the way to taking care of that.

Best wishes,

in sinus in Seattle (Day 185)

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/23/2002 11:39:56 AM Pacific Standard Time,

forestbedell@... writes:

<< Perhaps you can help me

with the following.....someone in my family calls me on Sunday

mornings....I dread these phone calls >>

Isabelle,

I would suggest that you invest in an answering machine which will take all

of your calls. Then you can either screen calls or turn off the volume

completely so that you won't even know you are being called at times when you

don't want to talk. Record a message saying that you cannot talk at the

moment and inviting the caller to leave his or her phone number so that you

can return the call at a convenient time. This is what I do. I don't like

calls on Saturday or Sunday mornings either. No law says that you must

answer your phone every time it rings! Little stresses like this can

cumulatively add up to afib.

Speaking of afib, I envy your ability to eat onions without negative afib

consequences. I found out early on, about eighteen years ago, that onions

are one of my worst afib triggers. Are you sure they aren't causing a

problem? You would probably know it by now if the onions were a trigger, but

I thought I should mention it since they have been such a problem for me. I

haven't eaten onions for about eighteen years now.

I have discovered that anything you can do to help yourself emotionally can

help afib. Especially important is eliminating the emotional fear and

anxiety that arises from the afib itself. It sounds as if you are well on

the way to taking care of that.

Best wishes,

in sinus in Seattle (Day 185)

[Guest guest]

> In a message dated 11/21/2002 4:49:04 PM Pacific Standard Time,

> forestbedell@h... writes:

>

> << Your posts are so supportive and informative not only to me

> but other newcomers.

>

> Well, should I stay mysterious or should I tell you how I knew

that

> Wednesday was less stressfull?..I think I'll tell you!....I can

tell

> how you are feeling by how you write a post... >>

> Hi, Isabelle,

> Thank you for the encouragement. I am happy to know that I have

helped you

> and others because I remember so clearly how extremely frightening

afib can

> be in the beginning or even until one begins to understand it.

Sympathetic

> support and access to knowledge can really make a difference in

coping with

> afib symptoms. In the beginning I had my brother, also an

afibber, on whom I

> could rely for support. He was always there for me and ready to

listen for

> any length of time. He still is there for me, but I don't have to

bother him

> so much any more. I can remember four hour phone sessions which I

was afraid

> to terminate for fear I would die, and no one would know it! That

was

> nineteen years ago, and neither of us knew that we both had afib!

By the

> time I developed afib, his symptoms had quieted, and it gave me

courage to

> know that he had survived the same " mammal in the chest "

sensations I was

> experiencing and had arrived at the point where he wasn't that

bothered any

> more. He seemed to be in a kind of " remission " at the time I

developed afib.

> Then about six years later, when his afib became debilitating, I

supported

> him and helped him to find a good doctor, who turned out to be a

> gastroenterologist because my brother was convinced that the

problem was with

> his stomach, not his heart. His new doctor diagnosed afib from

across the

> room, and that was the beginning of effective treatment for him.

I was very

> happy to have been able to repay the support and help he had given

me when I

> was so frightened by afib.

> I would like to spread that support around because I know how

important it is

> and would like to repay the kindness I have received from my

brother, Angus,

> you, and others here who have helped me.

>snip......................................

> You are very perceptive to be able to gauge the stress level of my

day from

> the way I write! I don't know how you do it. Your ability must

be an

> intuitive gift. You probably know that on the days when I don't

write at

> all, my stress level and activity level are stratospheric.

>

> How are you doing with the dairy experiment? I wish you the

greatest success

> and continuous sinus rhythm.

> in sinus in Seattle (Day 184) : Perhaps you can help me

with the following.....someone in my family calls me on Sunday

mornings....I dread these phone calls because she is the type of

person who will ask you how you are and 45 minutes later I have

found out everything about her life....She has more than attention

deficit....her call is an intrusion...because I like to watch Sunday

Morning with O. and then I spend some time preparing a one

egg onion omelet for two. I sautee the onions for about twenty

minutes and cook the whipped with water egg for three

minutes....very carefull about reducing the possibility of

salmonella. Well she'll call just at l0:30...I finally told her

last week that I do not like morning calls. I know that I have

asked her to call me at other times but she can't seem to remember

that......One of the reasons that I feel better and I am more like

my old self...is because I finally spoke up. I am not a person who

can handle any problems in the morning.

The other thing that helped me to feel better emotionally was that I

participated in a survey conducted by a Ph.D candidate...on

telecares.com/ and clearly showed me that something is lacking in

my life. The family and social ties are definately missing. I do

not communicate with the rest of my family which is about 25 people

strong..they do live in many different countries. Regards,

Isabelle I do know that when you don't post something is going

on at work