Re: Thankful for this List

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/30/2004 8:41:58 PM Pacific Daylight Time,

indiaink99@... writes:

> I've been in a really bad a-fib attack since 10:30 this morning ... about

> 10

> hours so far ... after a month and two days with no long-lasting attacks.

> My

> rate is going up really high, then coming back to around 120 then back up

> high. I've done all I know to do ... and after the first few hours I just

> got

> scared again. I know a trip to the ER is a waste of time. Mostly I hate

> feeling

>

Hi, Toni,

I can certainly sympathize with you because I have experienced what you are

experiencing so many times. I would be especially disappointed when having an

attack after two or three afib-free months that had raised my hopes that maybe

I was through with afib. If your rate is going higher than 120 and then back

to 120, you must not be taking meds to control your rate. You should talk to

your doctor about a beta blocker or calcium channel blocker at least because

afib is much easier to tolerate when your rate is under control. Rates higher

than 120 can be difficult to live with and dangerous during some activities

such as driving. I found that taking Atenolol and Verapamil brought the rates

down and evened out the rhythm a bit, making all the difference between terror

and calm during an afib attack.

Most of all, though, don't be scared. I have gone through what you are going

through for more than 20 years, and I am still here! Afib won't kill you,

but it certainly can make you miserable. I just had to write you when I read

your post because I feel so sorry for you. When I was scared and feeling alone

during afib episodes, I would call my brother and talk to him. Often I would

convert while talking to him probably, I think, because contact with another

caring human would help me relax. I would recommend that you talk to or call a

friend or family member because that might also help you to relax. I found

that anything that promoted relaxation helped me to convert to sinus. That's

why I never have gone to the emergency room in more than 20 years of afib. I

figured I would convert more readily in the peacefulness of my home than in the

frenetic and upsetting emergency room. However, if I thought I were having

symptoms of heart problems other than afib, I would go to an emergency room.

Try to relax and stop worrying. I know how hard that is to do, but it will

help. But maybe you're back in sinus now, I hope!

in sinus in Seattle

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/30/2004 8:41:58 PM Pacific Daylight Time,

indiaink99@... writes:

> I've been in a really bad a-fib attack since 10:30 this morning ... about

> 10

> hours so far ... after a month and two days with no long-lasting attacks.

> My

> rate is going up really high, then coming back to around 120 then back up

> high. I've done all I know to do ... and after the first few hours I just

> got

> scared again. I know a trip to the ER is a waste of time. Mostly I hate

> feeling

>

Hi, Toni,

I can certainly sympathize with you because I have experienced what you are

experiencing so many times. I would be especially disappointed when having an

attack after two or three afib-free months that had raised my hopes that maybe

I was through with afib. If your rate is going higher than 120 and then back

to 120, you must not be taking meds to control your rate. You should talk to

your doctor about a beta blocker or calcium channel blocker at least because

afib is much easier to tolerate when your rate is under control. Rates higher

than 120 can be difficult to live with and dangerous during some activities

such as driving. I found that taking Atenolol and Verapamil brought the rates

down and evened out the rhythm a bit, making all the difference between terror

and calm during an afib attack.

Most of all, though, don't be scared. I have gone through what you are going

through for more than 20 years, and I am still here! Afib won't kill you,

but it certainly can make you miserable. I just had to write you when I read

your post because I feel so sorry for you. When I was scared and feeling alone

during afib episodes, I would call my brother and talk to him. Often I would

convert while talking to him probably, I think, because contact with another

caring human would help me relax. I would recommend that you talk to or call a

friend or family member because that might also help you to relax. I found

that anything that promoted relaxation helped me to convert to sinus. That's

why I never have gone to the emergency room in more than 20 years of afib. I

figured I would convert more readily in the peacefulness of my home than in the

frenetic and upsetting emergency room. However, if I thought I were having

symptoms of heart problems other than afib, I would go to an emergency room.

Try to relax and stop worrying. I know how hard that is to do, but it will

help. But maybe you're back in sinus now, I hope!

in sinus in Seattle

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/30/2004 8:41:58 PM Pacific Daylight Time,

indiaink99@... writes:

> I've been in a really bad a-fib attack since 10:30 this morning ... about

> 10

> hours so far ... after a month and two days with no long-lasting attacks.

> My

> rate is going up really high, then coming back to around 120 then back up

> high. I've done all I know to do ... and after the first few hours I just

> got

> scared again. I know a trip to the ER is a waste of time. Mostly I hate

> feeling

>

Hi, Toni,

I can certainly sympathize with you because I have experienced what you are

experiencing so many times. I would be especially disappointed when having an

attack after two or three afib-free months that had raised my hopes that maybe

I was through with afib. If your rate is going higher than 120 and then back

to 120, you must not be taking meds to control your rate. You should talk to

your doctor about a beta blocker or calcium channel blocker at least because

afib is much easier to tolerate when your rate is under control. Rates higher

than 120 can be difficult to live with and dangerous during some activities

such as driving. I found that taking Atenolol and Verapamil brought the rates

down and evened out the rhythm a bit, making all the difference between terror

and calm during an afib attack.

Most of all, though, don't be scared. I have gone through what you are going

through for more than 20 years, and I am still here! Afib won't kill you,

but it certainly can make you miserable. I just had to write you when I read

your post because I feel so sorry for you. When I was scared and feeling alone

during afib episodes, I would call my brother and talk to him. Often I would

convert while talking to him probably, I think, because contact with another

caring human would help me relax. I would recommend that you talk to or call a

friend or family member because that might also help you to relax. I found

that anything that promoted relaxation helped me to convert to sinus. That's

why I never have gone to the emergency room in more than 20 years of afib. I

figured I would convert more readily in the peacefulness of my home than in the

frenetic and upsetting emergency room. However, if I thought I were having

symptoms of heart problems other than afib, I would go to an emergency room.

Try to relax and stop worrying. I know how hard that is to do, but it will

help. But maybe you're back in sinus now, I hope!

in sinus in Seattle

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/30/04 10:23:08 PM Pacific Daylight Time,

Starfi6314@... writes:

> If your rate is going higher than 120 and then back

> to 120, you must not be taking meds to control your rate. You should talk

> to

> your doctor about a beta blocker or calcium channel blocker at least because

>

> afib is much easier to tolerate when your rate is under control. Rates

> higher

> than 120 can be difficult to live with and dangerous during some activities

> such as driving. I found that taking Atenolol and Verapamil brought the

> rates

> down and evened out the rhythm a bit, making all the difference between

> terror

> and calm during an afib attack.

>

... I can't take any meds at all due to the damage caused by the

unsuccessful SVT ablation in December 02. That's what scares me. I wish I

could.

Mostly thanks for your kind words ... it's almost 8:30 Monday morning and it's

still going on. All my friends I would call are out of town for the holiday

weekend, so I'm more alone than usual. I have done all the relaxation things I

know and nothing is helping. I hate this so much. But what you said helped a

lot and I am so grateful to be able to turn on my computer and at least

" talk " to you all and know I am heard and understood. I hope it stops soon ...

my

dog has surgery in the morning and she is my heart and I am scared for her

about that. It's minor, but they have to put her under and that's what scares

me. I just want to be OK myself so I can take good care of her. I have a

couple days vacation after this long weekend, and I didn't want to spend them

scared, in a-fib, and basically not moving cuz my rate is going up so high if I

do.

This really sucks. But thank you all for being there and for your

support. It means a lot.

Toni

CA

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/30/04 10:23:08 PM Pacific Daylight Time,

Starfi6314@... writes:

> If your rate is going higher than 120 and then back

> to 120, you must not be taking meds to control your rate. You should talk

> to

> your doctor about a beta blocker or calcium channel blocker at least because

>

> afib is much easier to tolerate when your rate is under control. Rates

> higher

> than 120 can be difficult to live with and dangerous during some activities

> such as driving. I found that taking Atenolol and Verapamil brought the

> rates

> down and evened out the rhythm a bit, making all the difference between

> terror

> and calm during an afib attack.

>

... I can't take any meds at all due to the damage caused by the

unsuccessful SVT ablation in December 02. That's what scares me. I wish I

could.

Mostly thanks for your kind words ... it's almost 8:30 Monday morning and it's

still going on. All my friends I would call are out of town for the holiday

weekend, so I'm more alone than usual. I have done all the relaxation things I

know and nothing is helping. I hate this so much. But what you said helped a

lot and I am so grateful to be able to turn on my computer and at least

" talk " to you all and know I am heard and understood. I hope it stops soon ...

my

dog has surgery in the morning and she is my heart and I am scared for her

about that. It's minor, but they have to put her under and that's what scares

me. I just want to be OK myself so I can take good care of her. I have a

couple days vacation after this long weekend, and I didn't want to spend them

scared, in a-fib, and basically not moving cuz my rate is going up so high if I

do.

This really sucks. But thank you all for being there and for your

support. It means a lot.

Toni

CA

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Kat.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/31/04 4:42:46 AM Pacific Daylight Time, failteg@...

writes:

> But as suggested, find the right meds.

I CAN'T take the meds ... see previous posts. But, Ellen, thanks for the

support. Not being able to take the meds is what makes me feel so impotent and

powerless when this hits like this. I just hadn't had an attack for over 24

hours since before I started the magnesium stuff. Oh well. I just hate this so

much.

Toni

CA

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/31/04 4:42:46 AM Pacific Daylight Time, failteg@...

writes:

> But as suggested, find the right meds.

I CAN'T take the meds ... see previous posts. But, Ellen, thanks for the

support. Not being able to take the meds is what makes me feel so impotent and

powerless when this hits like this. I just hadn't had an attack for over 24

hours since before I started the magnesium stuff. Oh well. I just hate this so

much.

Toni

CA

[Guest guest]

Toni: Oh.....I am so very sorry you are going through this. How well I

remember being in permanent Afib and that awful awful feeling. But as

suggested, find the right meds. I am walking testimony that you don't have to

live your life this way! Dofetilide was my miracle! Its been almost four years

now, and I'm in NSR and feeling great, despite my recent 71st birthday! There

have been times when I just can't help but wonder how long Dofetilide will hold

up. But then I think of Bobby - who has been on his meds now for six or seven

years with maybe one episode a year. Dofetilide and relaxation tapes are my

constant companion. Get the right meds, try the tapes ~~~~~

Hopefully, this morning your back in NSR. You are in my prayers!

Ellen

(NSR on Dofetilide in NC)

*************************

-- indiaink99@... wrote:

I've been in a really bad a-fib attack since 10:30 this morning ... about 10

hours so far (snip) Mostly I hate feeling

so alone in this when it goes on for so long ... but I realized that one thing

gave me a modicum of comfort ... and that's this list. (snip) I just wanted to

say thanks to you all and to this list.(snip) Toni

[Guest guest]

Hi, Toni,

I know you've mentioned a problem with meds due to the failed

ablation, but I think I don't remember exactly what the problem is.

Could you post a bit about what the doctor told you about that, what

the exact problem is? Maybe someone here can thing of something

useful.

And what is the state of a future ablation to correct things?

Please forgive me for not remembering.

[Guest guest]

Hi, Toni,

I know you've mentioned a problem with meds due to the failed

ablation, but I think I don't remember exactly what the problem is.

Could you post a bit about what the doctor told you about that, what

the exact problem is? Maybe someone here can thing of something

useful.

And what is the state of a future ablation to correct things?

Please forgive me for not remembering.

[Guest guest]

> In a message dated 5/31/2004 12:46:45 PM Pacific Daylight Time,

> indiaink99@a... writes:

>

>

> > Since my current cardiologist is such a bitch and I did NOT like

her at

> > all,

Here's my own little bad doctor story (actually a multiple bad doctor

story, with a happy ending).

Moral: find a doctor you like, it is very, very important:

Diagnosed with afib. Internist I had been with for about 25 years

ultimately insisted I stop taking the beta blocker and ignore the

afib (exercise thru it etc.) because it " wasn't an important

condition " . I got to the point of pleading with him in several

appointments that this was making things worse, and was almost

literally thrown out of his office for bothering him. After I went

into a real major event, I went to another internist (hard to break a

25 year habit), who turned out to be wonderful, and who worked with

me and found me a good cardiologist, who helped me reduce the afib.

Some time later I moved across country and went to a new

cardiologist, who told me she thought I'd had a heart attack, even

though I had had no symptoms whatsoever. I tried to ask questions,

but pretty much got nowhere. Since I have an anxiety problem, I was

in a terrible state, thinking bad stuff had happened and I didn't

have a cardiologist I could depend on. Of course, this intense

anxiety was great for the afib, as you can imagine.

I tried another cardiologist, and when the afib flared up worse than

it had been ever, she verbally berated me over the phone

for " bothering her partner " (I had called in after the third afib

attack in a week and a half, when previously I had been having one

attack every few months) and she refused to even discuss adjusting my

medication until my regularly schedule appointment six weeks away,

because " it doesn't matter if you go into permanent afib. "

Got a third caridologist, who I am liking more and more as time goes

on.

Writing this, I am amazed at how many bad doctors there are out

there. I am convinced that the odds of dealing with afib well depend

a lot on having a good doctor, if for nothing more than emptional

support, and we all know how important that is.

[Guest guest]

> In a message dated 5/31/2004 12:46:45 PM Pacific Daylight Time,

> indiaink99@a... writes:

>

>

> > Since my current cardiologist is such a bitch and I did NOT like

her at

> > all,

Here's my own little bad doctor story (actually a multiple bad doctor

story, with a happy ending).

Moral: find a doctor you like, it is very, very important:

Diagnosed with afib. Internist I had been with for about 25 years

ultimately insisted I stop taking the beta blocker and ignore the

afib (exercise thru it etc.) because it " wasn't an important

condition " . I got to the point of pleading with him in several

appointments that this was making things worse, and was almost

literally thrown out of his office for bothering him. After I went

into a real major event, I went to another internist (hard to break a

25 year habit), who turned out to be wonderful, and who worked with

me and found me a good cardiologist, who helped me reduce the afib.

Some time later I moved across country and went to a new

cardiologist, who told me she thought I'd had a heart attack, even

though I had had no symptoms whatsoever. I tried to ask questions,

but pretty much got nowhere. Since I have an anxiety problem, I was

in a terrible state, thinking bad stuff had happened and I didn't

have a cardiologist I could depend on. Of course, this intense

anxiety was great for the afib, as you can imagine.

I tried another cardiologist, and when the afib flared up worse than

it had been ever, she verbally berated me over the phone

for " bothering her partner " (I had called in after the third afib

attack in a week and a half, when previously I had been having one

attack every few months) and she refused to even discuss adjusting my

medication until my regularly schedule appointment six weeks away,

because " it doesn't matter if you go into permanent afib. "

Got a third caridologist, who I am liking more and more as time goes

on.

Writing this, I am amazed at how many bad doctors there are out

there. I am convinced that the odds of dealing with afib well depend

a lot on having a good doctor, if for nothing more than emptional

support, and we all know how important that is.

[Guest guest]

Toni,

I am wondering about mechanical cardioversion for you?

[Guest guest]

Toni,

I am wondering about mechanical cardioversion for you?

[Guest guest]

Toni,

I am wondering about mechanical cardioversion for you?