Re: New onset-chronic afib

[Guest guest]

Marcelle - I had a focal ablation in June, 2000 for AFlutter. For several

weeks afterwards (actually stretching into a few months) I had more AFib that

I had experienced previously. It was as if my heart was saying, " WHAT WAS

THAT? " The AFib episodes gradually diminished and became less severe. I now

have AFib occasionally but I have no symptoms that reduce my effectiveness. I

take only coumadin and some blood pressure medicine. I'm thankful that my

doctors took a wait and see approach.

Once again - this is only one person's experience. I learned to

identify my triggers and avoid things like caffeine. I also learned to relax

as I discovered stress was one of my biggest triggers. I just stopped taking

my pulse (which I compulsively did to see if I was in AFib) except when

exercising and just went on with my life.

By the way, I am one of the original 120 members. Thanks to everyone

in that original group for providing all the advice and support when I was

absolutely frantic. You really helped me.

Sharon in El Paso

[Guest guest]

Marcelle - I had a focal ablation in June, 2000 for AFlutter. For several

weeks afterwards (actually stretching into a few months) I had more AFib that

I had experienced previously. It was as if my heart was saying, " WHAT WAS

THAT? " The AFib episodes gradually diminished and became less severe. I now

have AFib occasionally but I have no symptoms that reduce my effectiveness. I

take only coumadin and some blood pressure medicine. I'm thankful that my

doctors took a wait and see approach.

Once again - this is only one person's experience. I learned to

identify my triggers and avoid things like caffeine. I also learned to relax

as I discovered stress was one of my biggest triggers. I just stopped taking

my pulse (which I compulsively did to see if I was in AFib) except when

exercising and just went on with my life.

By the way, I am one of the original 120 members. Thanks to everyone

in that original group for providing all the advice and support when I was

absolutely frantic. You really helped me.

Sharon in El Paso

[Guest guest]

Marcelle - I had a focal ablation in June, 2000 for AFlutter. For several

weeks afterwards (actually stretching into a few months) I had more AFib that

I had experienced previously. It was as if my heart was saying, " WHAT WAS

THAT? " The AFib episodes gradually diminished and became less severe. I now

have AFib occasionally but I have no symptoms that reduce my effectiveness. I

take only coumadin and some blood pressure medicine. I'm thankful that my

doctors took a wait and see approach.

Once again - this is only one person's experience. I learned to

identify my triggers and avoid things like caffeine. I also learned to relax

as I discovered stress was one of my biggest triggers. I just stopped taking

my pulse (which I compulsively did to see if I was in AFib) except when

exercising and just went on with my life.

By the way, I am one of the original 120 members. Thanks to everyone

in that original group for providing all the advice and support when I was

absolutely frantic. You really helped me.

Sharon in El Paso

[Guest guest]

> I'd like to introduce myself as a new member, and would appreciate

> any feedback from anyone in the same situation................

Hello Marcelle: Welcome...I recognize that you might speak French,

I was born in Belgium but I have been in the US about 51 years. I

will only address those things that I feel will help you.

First, note that I am a member since August and that I went from

being really nervous to regaining my composure with the aid of this

support group.

I have had undiagnosed iron overload, which was entirely overlooked

by all physicians for probably most of my life....I did suspect it

somehow and did research on the net and when I went to compare my

bloodwork with the previous 5 years, I saw the seriousness of my

situation.So, I came up with the idea that what would help me was

simply blood donations. My hemoglobin and hematocrit were too high

for a woman my age or for that matter any age.

Unfortunately, both physicians and the general public do not make

themselves available to the information and protocol for

hemochromatosis or iod. So I gave blood until my tibc and uibc

which had been low, were in the normal range ( most physicians

prescribe iron for this but this is the worst remedy since the

disorder requires blood letting and iron could make the condition

much worse, because all major organs would store iron and the

circulating blood would have very little).....

I continued until my hematocrit was below 42, and that turned me

into a different person. I had energy and felt generally much

better. NO bloat around the waist area. Last February a doc advised

me to stop the therapeutic phlebotomies for 4 months so I did.... .

Then about 4 months ago I was diagnosed with afib....that too was

undiagnosed for 4 to 5 years. I had let myself slide for about 8

months and had not give blood, so I had a hematocrit of 48. This

might have brought on my afib (the literature indicates that heart

disease and or arrhythmia may occur as a result of iron overload

which is a disorder of iron metabolism.....people absorb iron from

their diet more efficiently than non HH people to their detriment.

snip.... Why is it important to keep the hematocrit at 42 for

females and 45 for males is because it thins the blood where one is

less likely to form clots. Platelets should also be

checked.....when the platelets are in the normal range they are less

sticky and really in the safer zone for us.

snip........ If I try to cook a real dinner, I'm

> so tired an pooped out I can't even eat it--spending most of my

time

> in lounge chair!Feel dizzy and lightheaded at times,

> forgetful, can't concentrate, etc.- I have been in constant afib

ever since. snip.......................

The symptoms you describe are so similar to what I had and most of

us have, who have iod, this coupled with your heart syndrome....can

sure tire a person out.

The afib made me very anxious but the people on this board in their

infinite wisdom and kindness brought me out of my distress and I

must tell you that I have not felt this good for a long long time.

I cannot remember when I could clean or organize and complete

tasks....nor be as assertive as I am since ll days ago.I even went

cold turkey on my tranquilizer.

I have vigor again after so many years of lassitude, and hope that

in no way that you will misinterpret this, and know that I hear you

and that I am not dismissing your feelings nor ignoring what you are

telling me.. I do hope it makes you a little hopefull and the

future is not as bleak with knowledge and support from people who

care. This is all that I can do for you to night and I hope you

will let us know how you are doing, even a short post will be

appreciated. Regards, Isabelle

[Guest guest]

> I'd like to introduce myself as a new member, and would appreciate

> any feedback from anyone in the same situation................

Hello Marcelle: Welcome...I recognize that you might speak French,

I was born in Belgium but I have been in the US about 51 years. I

will only address those things that I feel will help you.

First, note that I am a member since August and that I went from

being really nervous to regaining my composure with the aid of this

support group.

I have had undiagnosed iron overload, which was entirely overlooked

by all physicians for probably most of my life....I did suspect it

somehow and did research on the net and when I went to compare my

bloodwork with the previous 5 years, I saw the seriousness of my

situation.So, I came up with the idea that what would help me was

simply blood donations. My hemoglobin and hematocrit were too high

for a woman my age or for that matter any age.

Unfortunately, both physicians and the general public do not make

themselves available to the information and protocol for

hemochromatosis or iod. So I gave blood until my tibc and uibc

which had been low, were in the normal range ( most physicians

prescribe iron for this but this is the worst remedy since the

disorder requires blood letting and iron could make the condition

much worse, because all major organs would store iron and the

circulating blood would have very little).....

I continued until my hematocrit was below 42, and that turned me

into a different person. I had energy and felt generally much

better. NO bloat around the waist area. Last February a doc advised

me to stop the therapeutic phlebotomies for 4 months so I did.... .

Then about 4 months ago I was diagnosed with afib....that too was

undiagnosed for 4 to 5 years. I had let myself slide for about 8

months and had not give blood, so I had a hematocrit of 48. This

might have brought on my afib (the literature indicates that heart

disease and or arrhythmia may occur as a result of iron overload

which is a disorder of iron metabolism.....people absorb iron from

their diet more efficiently than non HH people to their detriment.

snip.... Why is it important to keep the hematocrit at 42 for

females and 45 for males is because it thins the blood where one is

less likely to form clots. Platelets should also be

checked.....when the platelets are in the normal range they are less

sticky and really in the safer zone for us.

snip........ If I try to cook a real dinner, I'm

> so tired an pooped out I can't even eat it--spending most of my

time

> in lounge chair!Feel dizzy and lightheaded at times,

> forgetful, can't concentrate, etc.- I have been in constant afib

ever since. snip.......................

The symptoms you describe are so similar to what I had and most of

us have, who have iod, this coupled with your heart syndrome....can

sure tire a person out.

The afib made me very anxious but the people on this board in their

infinite wisdom and kindness brought me out of my distress and I

must tell you that I have not felt this good for a long long time.

I cannot remember when I could clean or organize and complete

tasks....nor be as assertive as I am since ll days ago.I even went

cold turkey on my tranquilizer.

I have vigor again after so many years of lassitude, and hope that

in no way that you will misinterpret this, and know that I hear you

and that I am not dismissing your feelings nor ignoring what you are

telling me.. I do hope it makes you a little hopefull and the

future is not as bleak with knowledge and support from people who

care. This is all that I can do for you to night and I hope you

will let us know how you are doing, even a short post will be

appreciated. Regards, Isabelle

[Guest guest]

> I'd like to introduce myself as a new member, and would appreciate

> any feedback from anyone in the same situation................

Hello Marcelle: Welcome...I recognize that you might speak French,

I was born in Belgium but I have been in the US about 51 years. I

will only address those things that I feel will help you.

First, note that I am a member since August and that I went from

being really nervous to regaining my composure with the aid of this

support group.

I have had undiagnosed iron overload, which was entirely overlooked

by all physicians for probably most of my life....I did suspect it

somehow and did research on the net and when I went to compare my

bloodwork with the previous 5 years, I saw the seriousness of my

situation.So, I came up with the idea that what would help me was

simply blood donations. My hemoglobin and hematocrit were too high

for a woman my age or for that matter any age.

Unfortunately, both physicians and the general public do not make

themselves available to the information and protocol for

hemochromatosis or iod. So I gave blood until my tibc and uibc

which had been low, were in the normal range ( most physicians

prescribe iron for this but this is the worst remedy since the

disorder requires blood letting and iron could make the condition

much worse, because all major organs would store iron and the

circulating blood would have very little).....

I continued until my hematocrit was below 42, and that turned me

into a different person. I had energy and felt generally much

better. NO bloat around the waist area. Last February a doc advised

me to stop the therapeutic phlebotomies for 4 months so I did.... .

Then about 4 months ago I was diagnosed with afib....that too was

undiagnosed for 4 to 5 years. I had let myself slide for about 8

months and had not give blood, so I had a hematocrit of 48. This

might have brought on my afib (the literature indicates that heart

disease and or arrhythmia may occur as a result of iron overload

which is a disorder of iron metabolism.....people absorb iron from

their diet more efficiently than non HH people to their detriment.

snip.... Why is it important to keep the hematocrit at 42 for

females and 45 for males is because it thins the blood where one is

less likely to form clots. Platelets should also be

checked.....when the platelets are in the normal range they are less

sticky and really in the safer zone for us.

snip........ If I try to cook a real dinner, I'm

> so tired an pooped out I can't even eat it--spending most of my

time

> in lounge chair!Feel dizzy and lightheaded at times,

> forgetful, can't concentrate, etc.- I have been in constant afib

ever since. snip.......................

The symptoms you describe are so similar to what I had and most of

us have, who have iod, this coupled with your heart syndrome....can

sure tire a person out.

The afib made me very anxious but the people on this board in their

infinite wisdom and kindness brought me out of my distress and I

must tell you that I have not felt this good for a long long time.

I cannot remember when I could clean or organize and complete

tasks....nor be as assertive as I am since ll days ago.I even went

cold turkey on my tranquilizer.

I have vigor again after so many years of lassitude, and hope that

in no way that you will misinterpret this, and know that I hear you

and that I am not dismissing your feelings nor ignoring what you are

telling me.. I do hope it makes you a little hopefull and the

future is not as bleak with knowledge and support from people who

care. This is all that I can do for you to night and I hope you

will let us know how you are doing, even a short post will be

appreciated. Regards, Isabelle

[Guest guest]

Isabelle, thank you for your reply and input. I have checked all my

lab work, and always have, and have never had too hight a HB and HCT--

-so I don't think I suffer or ever have ---iod---It seems I went into

afib becaus eof my heart valve problems which caused an enlarged left

atrium which triggered the afib. On hindsight, now that I know my

symptoms, I probably have been going in and out of afib without

knowing it, for a couple of years. But since May 1st since i really

got sick and went to ER , and wasdiagnosed,I have been in AFIB full

time, and have felt really bad most of this time---have not had

a " normal " day. I didn't understand from your note---are you in afib

full time? Have you done anything to get out of it? Are you the type

that if you eliminate the triggers, then you stay out of it? I wish I

could be that way. I would gladly give up things to remain free of

this awful thing! I spoke to my cardiologist yesterday, and althouygh

he doesn't know too much about the PVA I had, it did make sense to

him that if I would have another cardioversion that would convert me

the NSR, that indeed if the PVA worked that it would then block the

signals and I would remain in NSR. I just wish i knew of someone else

who had this and needed the cardioversion for it to work! thanks for

your response--I'll continue to monitor this and read all your notes.

I think we can all learn from each other more than the doctors can

help us! Marcelle (BTW---yes, my name is french---father is, and I

lived there as a young child)---

[Guest guest]

Isabelle, thank you for your reply and input. I have checked all my

lab work, and always have, and have never had too hight a HB and HCT--

-so I don't think I suffer or ever have ---iod---It seems I went into

afib becaus eof my heart valve problems which caused an enlarged left

atrium which triggered the afib. On hindsight, now that I know my

symptoms, I probably have been going in and out of afib without

knowing it, for a couple of years. But since May 1st since i really

got sick and went to ER , and wasdiagnosed,I have been in AFIB full

time, and have felt really bad most of this time---have not had

a " normal " day. I didn't understand from your note---are you in afib

full time? Have you done anything to get out of it? Are you the type

that if you eliminate the triggers, then you stay out of it? I wish I

could be that way. I would gladly give up things to remain free of

this awful thing! I spoke to my cardiologist yesterday, and althouygh

he doesn't know too much about the PVA I had, it did make sense to

him that if I would have another cardioversion that would convert me

the NSR, that indeed if the PVA worked that it would then block the

signals and I would remain in NSR. I just wish i knew of someone else

who had this and needed the cardioversion for it to work! thanks for

your response--I'll continue to monitor this and read all your notes.

I think we can all learn from each other more than the doctors can

help us! Marcelle (BTW---yes, my name is french---father is, and I

lived there as a young child)---

[Guest guest]

Isabelle, thank you for your reply and input. I have checked all my

lab work, and always have, and have never had too hight a HB and HCT--

-so I don't think I suffer or ever have ---iod---It seems I went into

afib becaus eof my heart valve problems which caused an enlarged left

atrium which triggered the afib. On hindsight, now that I know my

symptoms, I probably have been going in and out of afib without

knowing it, for a couple of years. But since May 1st since i really

got sick and went to ER , and wasdiagnosed,I have been in AFIB full

time, and have felt really bad most of this time---have not had

a " normal " day. I didn't understand from your note---are you in afib

full time? Have you done anything to get out of it? Are you the type

that if you eliminate the triggers, then you stay out of it? I wish I

could be that way. I would gladly give up things to remain free of

this awful thing! I spoke to my cardiologist yesterday, and althouygh

he doesn't know too much about the PVA I had, it did make sense to

him that if I would have another cardioversion that would convert me

the NSR, that indeed if the PVA worked that it would then block the

signals and I would remain in NSR. I just wish i knew of someone else

who had this and needed the cardioversion for it to work! thanks for

your response--I'll continue to monitor this and read all your notes.

I think we can all learn from each other more than the doctors can

help us! Marcelle (BTW---yes, my name is french---father is, and I

lived there as a young child)---

[Guest guest]

Hi sharon--thaks for your response. Why did you have an ablation only

for the a flutter & NOT the afib if you had both problems at the

time? you are lucky that you now have the afib only occassionally,

and that must be the reason why you feel better---that is when you

DON'T have it. I guess that's why during tha last couple of years

I've felt really weak & axhausted from time to time---if only I had

known then, maybe I could have prevented this " chronic " episode that

refuses to go away! if only I had known! i may have been able to

avoid triggers, or take maeds that would have helped at that stage---

BUT I did not know. So here I am in chronic afib that refuses to go

away. thanks again, and I'm glad that you are feeling better! keep

it up! Marcelle in FL

[Guest guest]

Hi sharon--thaks for your response. Why did you have an ablation only

for the a flutter & NOT the afib if you had both problems at the

time? you are lucky that you now have the afib only occassionally,

and that must be the reason why you feel better---that is when you

DON'T have it. I guess that's why during tha last couple of years

I've felt really weak & axhausted from time to time---if only I had

known then, maybe I could have prevented this " chronic " episode that

refuses to go away! if only I had known! i may have been able to

avoid triggers, or take maeds that would have helped at that stage---

BUT I did not know. So here I am in chronic afib that refuses to go

away. thanks again, and I'm glad that you are feeling better! keep

it up! Marcelle in FL

[Guest guest]

Hi sharon--thaks for your response. Why did you have an ablation only

for the a flutter & NOT the afib if you had both problems at the

time? you are lucky that you now have the afib only occassionally,

and that must be the reason why you feel better---that is when you

DON'T have it. I guess that's why during tha last couple of years

I've felt really weak & axhausted from time to time---if only I had

known then, maybe I could have prevented this " chronic " episode that

refuses to go away! if only I had known! i may have been able to

avoid triggers, or take maeds that would have helped at that stage---

BUT I did not know. So here I am in chronic afib that refuses to go

away. thanks again, and I'm glad that you are feeling better! keep

it up! Marcelle in FL

[Guest guest]

Hi Marcelle,

My Afib is also chronic. I was diagnosed about a year ago with Afib

and a list of other weaknesses. A follow-up test about 6 months

later still showed Afib but with a normal heart.

My meds, Cardizem, Lanoxin, Altace, and Coumadin basically control

the heartrate and are supposed to strengthen the heart. I found they

did a rather poor job by themselves, but with lifestyle changes,

weight loss and currently lower dosages, I am doing ok. It was a

slow and steady process to get where I am today, and I feel much of

it was accomplished by the work I had to do myself with the support

of this group.

/

whole body feels really weak

> and heavy, and just to pick up a glass of water is a real chore!

get

> SOB doing the slightest exertion. If I try to cook a real dinner,

I'm

> so tired an pooped out I can't even eat it--spending most of my

time

> in lounge chair!Feel dizzy and lightheaded at times,

> forgetful, can't concentrate, etc.- I have been in constant afib

ever

> since. so back on cardizem, digoxin as needed, and diazide.and

> of course coumadin.> marcelle

[Guest guest]

Hi Marcelle,

My Afib is also chronic. I was diagnosed about a year ago with Afib

and a list of other weaknesses. A follow-up test about 6 months

later still showed Afib but with a normal heart.

My meds, Cardizem, Lanoxin, Altace, and Coumadin basically control

the heartrate and are supposed to strengthen the heart. I found they

did a rather poor job by themselves, but with lifestyle changes,

weight loss and currently lower dosages, I am doing ok. It was a

slow and steady process to get where I am today, and I feel much of

it was accomplished by the work I had to do myself with the support

of this group.

/

whole body feels really weak

> and heavy, and just to pick up a glass of water is a real chore!

get

> SOB doing the slightest exertion. If I try to cook a real dinner,

I'm

> so tired an pooped out I can't even eat it--spending most of my

time

> in lounge chair!Feel dizzy and lightheaded at times,

> forgetful, can't concentrate, etc.- I have been in constant afib

ever

> since. so back on cardizem, digoxin as needed, and diazide.and

> of course coumadin.> marcelle

[Guest guest]

Hi Marcelle,

My Afib is also chronic. I was diagnosed about a year ago with Afib

and a list of other weaknesses. A follow-up test about 6 months

later still showed Afib but with a normal heart.

My meds, Cardizem, Lanoxin, Altace, and Coumadin basically control

the heartrate and are supposed to strengthen the heart. I found they

did a rather poor job by themselves, but with lifestyle changes,

weight loss and currently lower dosages, I am doing ok. It was a

slow and steady process to get where I am today, and I feel much of

it was accomplished by the work I had to do myself with the support

of this group.

/

whole body feels really weak

> and heavy, and just to pick up a glass of water is a real chore!

get

> SOB doing the slightest exertion. If I try to cook a real dinner,

I'm

> so tired an pooped out I can't even eat it--spending most of my

time

> in lounge chair!Feel dizzy and lightheaded at times,

> forgetful, can't concentrate, etc.- I have been in constant afib

ever

> since. so back on cardizem, digoxin as needed, and diazide.and

> of course coumadin.> marcelle

[Guest guest]

> Hi sharon--thaks for your response. Why did you have an ablation

only

> for the a flutter & NOT the afib if you had both problems at the

> time?

Marcelle, ablations for flutter have been in a good state for some

time. Ablations for afib are only recently in the process of

becoming dependable.

[Guest guest]

> Isabelle, thank you for your reply and input.

snip........................ I didn't understand from your note---

are you in afib full time?

NO, I have had afib 6 times in total since diagnosis in July.

Regards, Isabelle snip..................

Have you done anything to get out of it? Are you the type

> that if you eliminate the triggers, then you stay out of it?

Probably......the most important trigger is stress, injustice to me

or others and anger, then comes salty food in restaurants, BBQ

chicken (again too much salt) coffee and large meals amongst some

others.

Since I have given up drinking milk I may go into afib but I am

able to convert sometimes in 3-4 hours and at other times after l2

hours. Cheese doesn't seem to affect me so much....but I have cut

down on that too.

I bring myself out of afib with exercise, go up and down twice one

flight of steps....at a slow pace, but forge ahead. Then I

exercise the upper arms and make like a cranking machine

motion...and go forwards and backwards with my arms. Then I take a

Coral Calcium pill, 500mg of magnesium......a very low fat meal (no

wheat) usually the white of an egg and a banana for potassium.

I then drink lots of just boiled water to rehydrate since I have the

big " P " (urinate excessively usually while in afib) It has done the

trick 2 out 4 times. The other times I had a cardioversion. I hope

that helps. Isabelle--

snip.............................................I'll continue to

monitor this and read all your notes. Thanks for watching your

hemoglobin and hematocrit and your platelets(a CBC with Differential

is required for the platelet count)

>

I think we can all learn from each other more than the doctors can

> help us! Marcelle (BTW---yes, my name is french---father is, and I

> lived there as a young child)---snip...................

Where do you live in the US and do you know any French? Isabelle

65 MD....USA

[Guest guest]

> In a message dated 11/29/2002 10:08:28 AM Pacific Standard Time,

> forestbedell@h... writes:

>

Since I substituted peanut butter for cheese, I have found that all

sorts of

> benefits have been attributed to peanut butter, from weight

control to

> diabetes avoidance. You probably saw the recent results of the

Nurse's Study

> which concluded that just one tablespoon of peanut butter per day

will cut

> diabetes risk by 20 percent because the healthful oil stabilizes

blood sugar.snip.................. : Thanks for the information

regarding the Study......and how the peanut butter is helping you to

avoid diabetes which runs in your family. Sorry, this post has to be

short. Regards, Isabelle

> in sinus in Seattle (Day 191)

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/29/2002 5:06:44 PM Pacific Standard Time,

victortt@... writes:

<< , I presume you are eating " real " peanut butter, and not the mix of

various ingredients that is commercially processed? >>

Hi, Victor,

Yes, I am eating pure, real peanut butter which contains nothing except

peanuts. It's the kind which must be stirred first because the natural

peanut oil rises to the top. Since I don't eat salt or sugar, I buy the

purely natural kind with no added ingredients. I eat no processed foods

except bread, which you might call processed because it's commercially baked.

It contains no milk solids and few chemicals, however. I haven't gone so

far as to bake my own bread yet, but that may be next if time permits.

in sinus in Seattle (Day 192)

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/30/02 3:45:55 AM Eastern Standard Time,

Starfi6314@... writes:

> I eat no processed foods

> except bread, which you might call processed because it's commercially

> baked.

>

If the bread is whole wheat and you are ok with the ingredients, it is really

no healthier to bake your own. One reason to do so is that you get a little

bit of cogeneration effect from the heat -- desirable in the winter but not

the summer!

Victor

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 11/30/02 3:45:55 AM Eastern Standard Time,

Starfi6314@... writes:

> I eat no processed foods

> except bread, which you might call processed because it's commercially

> baked.

>

If the bread is whole wheat and you are ok with the ingredients, it is really

no healthier to bake your own. One reason to do so is that you get a little

bit of cogeneration effect from the heat -- desirable in the winter but not

the summer!

Victor

[Guest guest]

Hi , thanks for your note. it's very encouraging to know that

it's possible to feel better even if you stay in afib! I have made

the cahnges, and did lose some weight, but since the Dr discontinues

my digoxin last wk I find my heart rate is increasing, and sounding &

feeling more irreg, and after a bike ride I was 126 HR and it took a

long time to slow down. Was taken off the digoxin because HR went

down to 42. I'm glad your drugs are working for you, and hope you

continue to feel well! Thanks. Marcelle in FL

> Hi Marcelle,

>

> My Afib is also chronic. I was diagnosed about a year ago with

Afib

> and a list of other weaknesses. A follow-up test about 6 months

> later still showed Afib but with a normal heart.

>

> My meds, Cardizem, Lanoxin, Altace, and Coumadin basically control

> the heartrate and are supposed to strengthen the heart. I found

they

> did a rather poor job by themselves, but with lifestyle changes,

> weight loss and currently lower dosages, I am doing ok. It was a

> slow and steady process to get where I am today, and I feel much of

> it was accomplished by the work I had to do myself with the support

> of this group.

>

> /

>

>

[Guest guest]

>

> Where do you live in the US and do you know any French? Isabelle

> 65 MD....USA

Hi Isabelle---thanks for your reply---I live in FL, visit family in

France every few yrs, but not too fluent---I manage, and since they

all speak eng I don't have to try too hard, except when I venture

away from them! Do you speak fluently? Marcelle

[Guest guest]

>

> > Marcelle: So happy to get a post from you addressed to me. You

see that's how I keep tabs on you and know how you are doing......I

can tell you are feeling a little better and supported by this

marvelous group which of course includes me!

To answer your question from a previous post, yes, I have been back

to Belgium....it was in l995 after not having seen some cities for

50 years and my native Antwerp for 52 years. I had the most

glorious 3 weeks....sometimes kind of emotional....I found myself

crying out of joy...that I was alive to see again the beauty of

Belgium, my native land....No, I don't work for the tourist

bureau....!

Only 2,000 Jews survived out of 40,000 before the second world war

and I am one of them. My sister and I saw the nuns in Leuven that

hidden us for 21 months...and they were very friendly and served

the most delicious sour pies...(never knew why I liked sour

things...until I ate those desserts.....Belgians it appears do not

use much sugar in their fruit pies, although their chocolate by law

has to have a certain percentage of butter fat, and their chocolate

is definately sweet.....

No, I am not fluent in French...but I do manage to tutor once in a

while and remove the hindrances for others to learning a language.

As part of their homework I make them listen to the sound of a

language for fifteen minutes, as much as twice a day.....but at

least a minimum of once a day....

before actually starting the lessons and afterwards.

It is a technique that I have used on myself and found it works....I

told my recent student to be that if she can put up with some of my

senior moments.....I think she will be very successfull in reaching

her goal...She had 2 years of College French and I hope to assist

her in recalling it....I like the way she giggled in response.....so

I think we both will have a good time learning ..... " by your

students you'll be taught " .

I hope you had a good thanksgiving and it sounds as though you

enjoy your periodic trips to France. Thanks again for posting,

Isabelle

> >Are you fluent in French...snip.......................Marcelle

[Guest guest]

Hi Marcelle,

When I was released from the hospital with a list of meds and the

advise, you can go ahead and do what you normally do, I took my docs

by their word and within a couple of days went back to my aerobics.

I found out the doctors of mine were wrong, my heart ended up at a HR

of 140/160 and I was on the phone at 2 am - again gasping for air -

inspite of my meds.

I decided then to listen more to my heart and less to my docs. I

started over, taking it slow and easy, reintroducing exercise very

carefully, paying attention to my heart, when I felt a fast pounding

I stopped, gradually increasing my activities, and eventually adding

Yoga and Meditation. I am still on digoxin/lanoxin, but a very low

dose, originally 125mcg, halving that and now take only 1/4 of the

pill. (I do keep my doc informed though, when I make changes).

Maybe in your case reducing the amount would have helped more than

taking you off completely, and maybe your heart is not quite ready

yet for bike riding. As many other members here, I do keep a log and

enter activities and reactions to better understand my heart.

Hope, you are feeling better.

/

> Hi , thanks for your note. it's very encouraging to know that

> it's possible to feel better even if you stay in afib! I have made

> the cahnges, and did lose some weight, but since the Dr

discontinues

> my digoxin last wk I find my heart rate is increasing, and sounding

&

> feeling more irreg, and after a bike ride I was 126 HR and it took

a

> long time to slow down. Was taken off the digoxin because HR went

> down to 42. I'm glad your drugs are working for you, and hope you

> continue to feel well! Thanks. Marcelle in FL--- In