Guest guest Posted May 29, 2004 Report Share Posted May 29, 2004 > I am a 36 year old male who used to be a college athlete. I had my > first episode in 1994. I was sitting at the dinner table eating ice > cream when I noticed this unbelievable sensation in my chest. It > felt like my heart jumped straight out of my chest. My initial knee- > jerk reactions was, " I'm having a heart attack! " Then, " Oh shit, > I'm a dead man " . Ok, after those two thoughts left my > consciousness, I immediately reached for the phone and dialed 911. > ..................................... Welcome to the " club " . There are a lot of people here who understand exactly how you're feeling ad what you're going through. You'll get a lot of information here, some on different medications that might help you, some on certain supplements said to prevent or delay AFIB, some of interventional procedures that have a good chance at curing AFIB. Some people on this board have 4 or 5 episodes every week, some are in permanent AFIB, some have to get shocked to come out of it.........so there a lot of different situations when it comes to AFIB ad you are ot alone. If you have specific questions just ask and you'll get loads of information from various sources. You can then sort through them and decide along with your doctor which course is best for you. One very important thing you'll learn is that the EP field is expanding so rapidly with some many new studies and new technology and new drug information coming out on almost a weekly basis that it's hard to keep up with it. The future for AFIB looks very promising. P <Michigan> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 2004 Report Share Posted May 29, 2004 > I am a 36 year old male who used to be a college athlete. I had my > first episode in 1994. I was sitting at the dinner table eating ice > cream when I noticed this unbelievable sensation in my chest. It > felt like my heart jumped straight out of my chest. My initial knee- > jerk reactions was, " I'm having a heart attack! " Then, " Oh shit, > I'm a dead man " . Ok, after those two thoughts left my > consciousness, I immediately reached for the phone and dialed 911. > ..................................... Welcome to the " club " . There are a lot of people here who understand exactly how you're feeling ad what you're going through. You'll get a lot of information here, some on different medications that might help you, some on certain supplements said to prevent or delay AFIB, some of interventional procedures that have a good chance at curing AFIB. Some people on this board have 4 or 5 episodes every week, some are in permanent AFIB, some have to get shocked to come out of it.........so there a lot of different situations when it comes to AFIB ad you are ot alone. If you have specific questions just ask and you'll get loads of information from various sources. You can then sort through them and decide along with your doctor which course is best for you. One very important thing you'll learn is that the EP field is expanding so rapidly with some many new studies and new technology and new drug information coming out on almost a weekly basis that it's hard to keep up with it. The future for AFIB looks very promising. P <Michigan> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 2004 Report Share Posted May 29, 2004 In a message dated 5/29/2004 6:00:11 AM Pacific Daylight Time, markzanderus@... writes: << So im home now getting depressed. I'm imaging my early departure from the earth due to this unexplained defect in my body. I feel so defective and cheated. I worry about stroke and my heart enlarging and never being normal. >> Mark, My brother has had permanent afib for at least 20-30 years, and I have had paroxysmal afib for more than 20 years. Neither of us has an enlarged heart or any other defect in our hearts after all that afib. Our hearts are normal in every respect except for the afib. We also live normal, active lives. I used to think that death was imminent 20 years ago every time I had an afib episode, but here I still am, better than ever with very few afib episodes. Afib does not have to worsen over the years, it does not have to cause other heart problems, and it definitely does not cause death. Try to stop worrying because the worry just makes the situation worse. You won't die, and you can learn to live with afib if you continue to have episodes. With the right medication, symptoms can be minimal, and life can be normal. Also, ablation is a possibility to discuss with your doctor, but I wouldn't go for that unless your afib becomes more frequent. If it does become more frequent, you should discuss stroke prevention with your doctor because stroke is the only real danger from afib. Now don't start worrying about that! My brother and I both survived many years of afib with no Coumadin to thin our blood, and neither of us has had a stroke. Again, I know it's hard to do, but stop worrying! in sinus in Seattle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 2004 Report Share Posted May 29, 2004 In a message dated 5/29/2004 6:00:11 AM Pacific Daylight Time, markzanderus@... writes: << So im home now getting depressed. I'm imaging my early departure from the earth due to this unexplained defect in my body. I feel so defective and cheated. I worry about stroke and my heart enlarging and never being normal. >> Mark, My brother has had permanent afib for at least 20-30 years, and I have had paroxysmal afib for more than 20 years. Neither of us has an enlarged heart or any other defect in our hearts after all that afib. Our hearts are normal in every respect except for the afib. We also live normal, active lives. I used to think that death was imminent 20 years ago every time I had an afib episode, but here I still am, better than ever with very few afib episodes. Afib does not have to worsen over the years, it does not have to cause other heart problems, and it definitely does not cause death. Try to stop worrying because the worry just makes the situation worse. You won't die, and you can learn to live with afib if you continue to have episodes. With the right medication, symptoms can be minimal, and life can be normal. Also, ablation is a possibility to discuss with your doctor, but I wouldn't go for that unless your afib becomes more frequent. If it does become more frequent, you should discuss stroke prevention with your doctor because stroke is the only real danger from afib. Now don't start worrying about that! My brother and I both survived many years of afib with no Coumadin to thin our blood, and neither of us has had a stroke. Again, I know it's hard to do, but stop worrying! in sinus in Seattle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 2004 Report Share Posted May 29, 2004 > So im home now getting depressed. I'm imaging my early departure > from the earth due to this unexplained defect in my body. I feel so > defective and cheated. I worry about stroke and my heart enlarging > and never being normal. Mark (Is that how you wish to be addressed?) We can all understand you being depressed, but rest assured that as you learn more and get accustomed to being an afibber you'll worry less about it. To start with, the risk of stroke increases the longer you're in afib. If you're converting within a few hours your risk is probably not greatly increased. That's not a guarantee of course -- people without afib get strokes too. Similarly with the heart enlargement -- I think. A few hours in afib every now and then, it seems to me, should not be enough to cause much if any atrium enlargement. (I'm still looking for what actually causes the enlargement, because mine is.) That said, you're wise to start seeking out answers and learning more. One downside of paroxsymal afib, I'm told, is that it often starts occuring more frequently over time. I don't know from personal experience because when I was diagnosed it was with permanent afib -- i.e. 24/7. One thing I've learned from this group and other reading is that if you have to have a heart problem, afib is probably your best choice. The others all seem to carry much greater risk. Ed in VA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 2004 Report Share Posted May 29, 2004 > So im home now getting depressed. I'm imaging my early departure > from the earth due to this unexplained defect in my body. I feel so > defective and cheated. I worry about stroke and my heart enlarging > and never being normal. Mark (Is that how you wish to be addressed?) We can all understand you being depressed, but rest assured that as you learn more and get accustomed to being an afibber you'll worry less about it. To start with, the risk of stroke increases the longer you're in afib. If you're converting within a few hours your risk is probably not greatly increased. That's not a guarantee of course -- people without afib get strokes too. Similarly with the heart enlargement -- I think. A few hours in afib every now and then, it seems to me, should not be enough to cause much if any atrium enlargement. (I'm still looking for what actually causes the enlargement, because mine is.) That said, you're wise to start seeking out answers and learning more. One downside of paroxsymal afib, I'm told, is that it often starts occuring more frequently over time. I don't know from personal experience because when I was diagnosed it was with permanent afib -- i.e. 24/7. One thing I've learned from this group and other reading is that if you have to have a heart problem, afib is probably your best choice. The others all seem to carry much greater risk. Ed in VA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 2004 Report Share Posted May 29, 2004 Hello Mark: It is always good to express your feelings to us and thus you will get a lot of responses that will help you through this. Almost two years ago, when I was first diagnosed, I came home feeling isolated and depressed...I couldn't tell anyone but the board members how I felt....I let it all out and the most amazing support and information came my way. Needless to say I started to feel better about having afib, all the dietary restrictions and the meds I had to take. The future was no longer bleak because I was not near my demise. So, have faith that support and useful information will come your way and you will be able to handle this..If you have the time, read some of Driscoll's, 's edu, Trudy's and in Seattle and other posts to me in July-August? of 2002....that may be useful to you also. Regards, and please let us know how you are doing? Isabelle > <markzanderus@y...> wrote: > > So im home now getting depressed.................................................... I'm imaging my early departure > > from the earth due to this unexplained defect in my body. I feel so > > defective and cheated. I worry about stroke and my heart enlarging > > and never being normal..........................................snip > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 2004 Report Share Posted May 29, 2004 Hello Mark: It is always good to express your feelings to us and thus you will get a lot of responses that will help you through this. Almost two years ago, when I was first diagnosed, I came home feeling isolated and depressed...I couldn't tell anyone but the board members how I felt....I let it all out and the most amazing support and information came my way. Needless to say I started to feel better about having afib, all the dietary restrictions and the meds I had to take. The future was no longer bleak because I was not near my demise. So, have faith that support and useful information will come your way and you will be able to handle this..If you have the time, read some of Driscoll's, 's edu, Trudy's and in Seattle and other posts to me in July-August? of 2002....that may be useful to you also. Regards, and please let us know how you are doing? Isabelle > <markzanderus@y...> wrote: > > So im home now getting depressed.................................................... I'm imaging my early departure > > from the earth due to this unexplained defect in my body. I feel so > > defective and cheated. I worry about stroke and my heart enlarging > > and never being normal..........................................snip > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 9, 2004 Report Share Posted July 9, 2004 Thank you for your reply. I will try to find out specifically which medications he takes - or at least find out that it is not the one you mention. It's hard to get this info out of him - right now we just know he has a daily pill organizer with various things in it. My tendency to take command of my own health (and that of my family members) through research and asking questions is a somewhat new idea to Andy and his family. Hospital wise, I think the doctor he will be seeing should be good. He is going to the University of Michigan - from everything I have read thus far about ablation, UofM is a good place to be. Thanks again, Kacey > > Hello, > > > > My boyfriend's father has Atrial Fibrillation. He has been on > > medication for this for some time now, but recently they determined > > that it is no longer effective enough. They are sending him to > > consult with a new doctor at a bigger hospital a couple of hours > away > > from his home, where they will be looking into the possibility a > > Radiofrequency Ablation procedure. > > > > Hi, Kacey, > > What med has he been on? There are a number of different ones, and > one a lot of people here would counsel(sp?) avoiding (amiodarone) > because of its potentially very bad side effects. > > If an ablation is his best route, he should be sure he has a good doc > who is up to date on the latest technique. That is a procedure that > has evolved rapidly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 9, 2004 Report Share Posted July 9, 2004 Thank you for your reply. I will try to find out specifically which medications he takes - or at least find out that it is not the one you mention. It's hard to get this info out of him - right now we just know he has a daily pill organizer with various things in it. My tendency to take command of my own health (and that of my family members) through research and asking questions is a somewhat new idea to Andy and his family. Hospital wise, I think the doctor he will be seeing should be good. He is going to the University of Michigan - from everything I have read thus far about ablation, UofM is a good place to be. Thanks again, Kacey > > Hello, > > > > My boyfriend's father has Atrial Fibrillation. He has been on > > medication for this for some time now, but recently they determined > > that it is no longer effective enough. They are sending him to > > consult with a new doctor at a bigger hospital a couple of hours > away > > from his home, where they will be looking into the possibility a > > Radiofrequency Ablation procedure. > > > > Hi, Kacey, > > What med has he been on? There are a number of different ones, and > one a lot of people here would counsel(sp?) avoiding (amiodarone) > because of its potentially very bad side effects. > > If an ablation is his best route, he should be sure he has a good doc > who is up to date on the latest technique. That is a procedure that > has evolved rapidly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 10, 2004 Report Share Posted July 10, 2004 I have had AFIB for about four years. Two years ago my cardiologist sent me to an EP who emphatically recommended coumadin. Since my AFIB bouts were sporadic and short lasting, my cardiologist and I decided to chance things by continuing on aspirin. The cardiologist said, " I am not a fan of coumadin, " About a month ago I had a stroke. Fortunately it was not severe and I am left with no outward symptoms. I was immediately put on coumadin and am going through the frequent blood testing to determine proper dosage. Now when I fibrillate, I feel a little more secure with coumadin as my security blanket. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 10, 2004 Report Share Posted July 10, 2004 I have had AFIB for about four years. Two years ago my cardiologist sent me to an EP who emphatically recommended coumadin. Since my AFIB bouts were sporadic and short lasting, my cardiologist and I decided to chance things by continuing on aspirin. The cardiologist said, " I am not a fan of coumadin, " About a month ago I had a stroke. Fortunately it was not severe and I am left with no outward symptoms. I was immediately put on coumadin and am going through the frequent blood testing to determine proper dosage. Now when I fibrillate, I feel a little more secure with coumadin as my security blanket. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 10, 2004 Report Share Posted July 10, 2004 I am on coumedin for 10 years now (I am 43), & dealing with afib for 15 years, i feel safe as well with Coumedin. Just watch for internal bleeding like ulser. Good luck Alfred. alhamp@... wrote: I have had AFIB for about four years. Two years ago my cardiologist sent me to an EP who emphatically recommended coumadin. Since my AFIB bouts were sporadic and short lasting, my cardiologist and I decided to chance things by continuing on aspirin. The cardiologist said, " I am not a fan of coumadin, " About a month ago I had a stroke. Fortunately it was not severe and I am left with no outward symptoms. I was immediately put on coumadin and am going through the frequent blood testing to determine proper dosage. Now when I fibrillate, I feel a little more secure with coumadin as my security blanket. Web Page - http://www.afibsupport.com 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 13, 2004 Report Share Posted August 13, 2004 > From: alhamp@... > Date: 7/10/04, 2:22 PM -0400 > > I have had AFIB for about four years. Two years ago my cardiologist sent me > to an EP who emphatically recommended coumadin. Since my AFIB bouts were > sporadic and short lasting, my cardiologist and I decided to chance things by > continuing on aspirin. The cardiologist said, " I am not a fan of coumadin, " > About a month ago I had a stroke. What is the history of your A-fib episodes prior to the stroke? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 13, 2004 Report Share Posted August 13, 2004 > From: alhamp@... > Date: 7/10/04, 2:22 PM -0400 > > I have had AFIB for about four years. Two years ago my cardiologist sent me > to an EP who emphatically recommended coumadin. Since my AFIB bouts were > sporadic and short lasting, my cardiologist and I decided to chance things by > continuing on aspirin. The cardiologist said, " I am not a fan of coumadin, " > About a month ago I had a stroke. What is the history of your A-fib episodes prior to the stroke? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 13, 2004 Report Share Posted August 13, 2004 My episodes, as I said were infrequent, one lasted about 10 hours, none longer, most 6-8 hours. Did not have an episode in the time immediately before the CVA. My only symptom was confusion and getting lost while driving on roads I knew like the back of my hand, and not remembering where to turn or where I was. And I had a pretty severe headache at the time. Thank God I have no symptoms after my stroke. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 13, 2004 Report Share Posted August 13, 2004 My episodes, as I said were infrequent, one lasted about 10 hours, none longer, most 6-8 hours. Did not have an episode in the time immediately before the CVA. My only symptom was confusion and getting lost while driving on roads I knew like the back of my hand, and not remembering where to turn or where I was. And I had a pretty severe headache at the time. Thank God I have no symptoms after my stroke. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 13, 2004 Report Share Posted August 13, 2004 My episodes, as I said were infrequent, one lasted about 10 hours, none longer, most 6-8 hours. Did not have an episode in the time immediately before the CVA. My only symptom was confusion and getting lost while driving on roads I knew like the back of my hand, and not remembering where to turn or where I was. And I had a pretty severe headache at the time. Thank God I have no symptoms after my stroke. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 17, 2005 Report Share Posted May 17, 2005 Welcome Donna. this is a wonderful group and you will have a blast here Grammy Pat The only way to find the limits of the possible is by going beyond them to the impossible. -Arthur C. e Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 17, 2005 Report Share Posted May 17, 2005 Welcome Donna. this is a wonderful group and you will have a blast here Grammy Pat The only way to find the limits of the possible is by going beyond them to the impossible. -Arthur C. e Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 17, 2005 Report Share Posted May 17, 2005 Welcome Donna. this is a wonderful group and you will have a blast here Grammy Pat The only way to find the limits of the possible is by going beyond them to the impossible. -Arthur C. e Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 17, 2005 Report Share Posted May 17, 2005 Thanks Grammy Pat. I have been having a good time so far. I weigh in tonight. I'll let ya'll know tomorrow. You guys keep up to AWSOME work. WOW! Donna -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.11.11 - Release Date: 5/16/2005 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 17, 2005 Report Share Posted May 17, 2005 Thanks Grammy Pat. I have been having a good time so far. I weigh in tonight. I'll let ya'll know tomorrow. You guys keep up to AWSOME work. WOW! Donna -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.11.11 - Release Date: 5/16/2005 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 17, 2005 Report Share Posted May 17, 2005 Thanks Grammy Pat. I have been having a good time so far. I weigh in tonight. I'll let ya'll know tomorrow. You guys keep up to AWSOME work. WOW! Donna -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.11.11 - Release Date: 5/16/2005 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 7, 2005 Report Share Posted July 7, 2005 No, there are only a few things there (like at many restaurants) that are ok to eat. I don't have the list handy (I think it was posted here earlier) but I know they also have a GF list on their website. Bridget From: SillyYaks [mailto:SillyYaks ] On Behalf Of FohySent: Thursday, July 07, 2005 5:11 PMTo: SillyYaks Subject: re: new member "There are many times we are looking for a quick dinner that ends up at Taco Bell (again) because that is one of the few places we can eat vegetarian and GF out," Hi I just joined this club to help out my granddaughter(17 year old) that was just diagnosed with Celiac. She loves Taco Bell, would she be able to eat everything there? I realize we have a lot of reading to do, but thats a start. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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