New member

[Guest guest]

> 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>

[Guest guest]

> 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>

[Guest guest]

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

[Guest guest]

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

[Guest guest]

> 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

[Guest guest]

> 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

[Guest guest]

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

>

>

[Guest guest]

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

>

>

[Guest guest]

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.

[Guest guest]

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.

[Guest guest]

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.

[Guest guest]

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.

[Guest guest]

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.

[Guest guest]

> 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?

[Guest guest]

> 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?

[Guest guest]

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.

[Guest guest]

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.

[Guest guest]

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.

[Guest guest]

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

[Guest guest]

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

[Guest guest]

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

[Guest guest]

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

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[Guest guest]

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

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[Guest guest]

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

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[Guest guest]

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.