Guest guest Posted October 30, 2003 Report Share Posted October 30, 2003 Thank you for a very sane, and very helpful analysis. Numbers 1 through 8 see, right on target. Like...I know that but it's real good to have reminders. I do enjoy the " calling a friend. " suggestion. Spend a few pennies on a long distance call. just shooting the breeze. I did that three times today, and it was just terrific. Lew At 11:55 PM 10/30/2003 +0000, you wrote: >Stress and fatigue are definitely my Afib triggers! I worked with >Jon Seskovich of Duke Medical Center with Stress Management. He told >me we can't avoid stress, but we can change how we react to it. Jon >says, " Learning healthy ways to handle the pressures of life is >vitally important, especially if you are ill. Not only can illness >create a great deal of stress, chronic stress can actually make >existing health problems worse. " Wow........how true is this when >it comes to Afib? Stress occurs whenever we adjust to change, >whether that change is pleasant or unpleasant. > >Some strategies Jon suggests to cope with stressful situations: >(1) Take breaks - Go for a walk; Change your scenery; Call a friend; >(2) Think positive, calming thoughts instead of worrying; >(3) Set Priorities - Don't sweat the small stuff; >(4) Pace activity - schedule both activities & rest, and rest means >feet off the floor; >(5) Learn a Relaxation technique; >(6) Talk it out - Share feelings and thoughts with a friend, family >member or professional counselor; >(7) Use assertive communication skills - Be open, honest, direct, >and respectful; >(8) Delegate responsibilities - it is OK to ask for help > >Jon was great - he got me through many an Afib attack (or were they >panic attacks?) and I will be always grateful. > >You might want to check out his website - his relaxation techniques >work wonders. > ><http://managestressnow.com/>http://managestressnow.com/ > >Ellen >*************************** > > > l have noticed that the major trigger for a fib is stress and lack >of sleep. >********************** > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 31, 2003 Report Share Posted October 31, 2003 To my fellow AFIBers: I was first diagnosed with AFIB two years ago. Like many of you, it contines to scare me to death and makes me feel very vulnerable. Over the last year and a half I've lost 40 lbs. (diet and exercise) and have been writing down what I think my triggers are. Lately my frequency of AFIB has been about 30 days apart, usually going back into sinus on my own within 12-16 hours. I was hospitalized just once but went back in rhythm before they could do the conversion. I have had tests that show a slightly enlarged upper left ventricle, but have no other underlying heart problems. Yesterday I met with my EP again to ask his advice as he had said at an earlier appointment that when I was ready, he would start me on Rhythmol. So I asked him if it was time for me to start medication (Rhythmol) and he said it was entirely up to me when I had had enough and want to start antiarrythmic meds. He said some AFIBers say one episode a year is too much, let's start meds, some say one every month is too much and some say one every weeks is too much. My question to the group is when is enough, enough? When I'm in sinus I hate the thought of starting down the road of all these exotic or danderous meds but when I'm in AFIB I think I should have started. I'm so confused, at what point did you all say enough was enough and start meds? Is once every 30 days something I should live with or start medication? Thanks for your input. Sleepless in South Bend, Indiana. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 22, 2003 Report Share Posted December 22, 2003 I'm so confused, at what point did you all say enough was enough and start meds? Is once every 30 days something I should live with or start medication? Dear Sleepless, This is a tough call that only you and your doctor can make. In my opinion A-Fib episodes that last as long as your do are affecting and possibly remodeling your heart. Antiarrhythmic drugs do often have bad side effects. That is why they are often administered in a hospital where the doctors can monitor how they affect you. But they might get rid of all your A-Fib episodes. Allowing for a reasonable time for your body to adjust to the antiarrhythmic drug, you and your doctor should carefully monitor how you react to the drug. If it's affecting you badly, stop taking it. It's probably worth a try. Some people have had good luck with the antiarrhythmic drug dofetilide (brand name Tikosyn). A-FibFriendSteve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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