Guest guest Posted April 16, 2006 Report Share Posted April 16, 2006 I am sure you will get a lot of information from people on this board. I wanted to respond quickly because I know how scary this can be and feel. You are going to be all right. Are you seeing a cardiologist/EP? Has anyone suggested an electrocardioversion? Are you on blood thinners (coumadin)? With afib lasting that long it seems you should be. And there are a lot of other drugs more effective than a beta blocker and digoxin for this condition. It sounds as if you should see an EP (electrophysiologist) as soon as possible . Don't count on a family doctor or even cardiologist to know everything he should know for this condition. Insist on the right doctor and keep asking for the best treatment. And I hope you will stay in touch with this group. You are going to be okay! Lil In a message dated 4/16/2006 7:03:51 PM Pacific Standard Time, stevep7171@... writes: Last Thursday I woke up with it again. The problem is now I am STILL in it!!. They tried to convert me with meds but it didn't work. He prescribed Atenolol to me so now I am on that and Digoxin. Right this second, I have been in it for about 84 hours straight! I don't know a lot about this but is this normal? If it is, I don't know how I am going to live the rest of my life. There is NO WAY i can work like this. I am in construction and right now, if I do just about anything, I am out of breath or at least I have to rest for a few minutes. That will not fly at work. Does anyone know if this means I will be in it forever? This is no way to live! I am absolutely petrified and I know this doesn't help matters. If anyone that has more experience with this could help me, I would appreciate and stories, experiences, advice! Thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 16, 2006 Report Share Posted April 16, 2006 Well you are young and probably have few risk factors; still, I am a little surprised that your cardiologist has not put you on coumadin so you will get into therapeutic INR range and you will have a head start on that cardiovert if necessary when you return. Lil In a message dated 4/16/2006 7:40:10 PM Pacific Standard Time, stevep7171@... writes: I see a cardiologist. No, I am not on a blood thinner. He told me that when I get back from Vacation (I am leaving Tuesday for Florida for 7 days)if I am still in A-Fib, he will try a cardiovert. He said to go on vacation and not to worry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 16, 2006 Report Share Posted April 16, 2006 Hello Everyone, I am brand new to this board. My name is . I am 35 years old and I am on Digoxin for A-Fib. 15 years ago, I had an A- Fib " attack " . It scared the heck out of me. I thought I was having a heart attack or something. To make a long story short, this was my first run in with A-Fib. I was in the hospital for 2 days. I popped back into a sinus rythym, and I was released. I followed up with a Cardiologist and he put me on Digoxin. 6 years later, I woke up with another attack. I went to the Emergency room and they released me still in A-Fib after giving me some meds. About 12 hours later, I popped out of it. 2 months ago, same thing. I woke up to another attack, went to the ER and 16 hours later, I popped out of it and they released me. Last Thursday I woke up with it again. The problem is now I am STILL in it!!. They tried to convert me with meds but it didn't work. He prescribed Atenolol to me so now I am on that and Digoxin. Right this second, I have been in it for about 84 hours straight! I don't know a lot about this but is this normal? If it is, I don't know how I am going to live the rest of my life. There is NO WAY i can work like this. I am in construction and right now, if I do just about anything, I am out of breath or at least I have to rest for a few minutes. That will not fly at work. Does anyone know if this means I will be in it forever? This is no way to live! I am absolutely petrified and I know this doesn't help matters. If anyone that has more experience with this could help me, I would appreciate and stories, experiences, advice! Thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 16, 2006 Report Share Posted April 16, 2006 >I see a cardiologist. No, I am not on a blood thinner. He told me that when I get back from Vacation (I am leaving Tuesday for Florida for 7 days)if I am still in A-Fib, he will try a cardiovert. He said to go on vacation and not to worry. I am worried BIG TIME though. I am hoping I pop out of it in the next day! Thanks soi much for the reply! > > > I am sure you will get a lot of information from people on this > board. I wanted to respond quickly because I know how scary this can be and feel. > You are going to be all right. Are you seeing a cardiologist/EP? Has anyone > suggested an electrocardioversion? Are you on blood thinners (coumadin)? With > afib lasting that long it seems you should be. And there are a lot of other > drugs more effective than a beta blocker and digoxin for this condition. It > sounds as if you should see an EP (electrophysiologist) as soon as possible . > Don't count on a family doctor or even cardiologist to know everything he > should know for this condition. Insist on the right doctor and keep asking for > the best treatment. And I hope you will stay in touch with this group. You are > going to be okay! > Lil > > In a message dated 4/16/2006 7:03:51 PM Pacific Standard Time, > stevep7171@... writes: > > Last Thursday I woke up with it again. The problem is now I am > STILL in it!!. They tried to convert me with meds but it didn't > work. He prescribed Atenolol to me so now I am on that and Digoxin. > Right this second, I have been in it for about 84 hours straight! I > don't know a lot about this but is this normal? If it is, I don't > know how I am going to live the rest of my life. There is NO WAY i > can work like this. I am in construction and right now, if I do just > about anything, I am out of breath or at least I have to rest for a > few minutes. That will not fly at work. Does anyone know if this > means I will be in it forever? This is no way to live! I am > absolutely petrified and I know this doesn't help matters. If anyone > that has more experience with this could help me, I would appreciate > and stories, experiences, advice! Thanks in advance. > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 16, 2006 Report Share Posted April 16, 2006 >I hope he knows what he is talking about because I dont know anything. Have I been in it too long to come out on my own? > > > Well you are young and probably have few risk factors; still, I am a little > surprised that your cardiologist has not put you on coumadin so you will get > into therapeutic INR range and you will have a head start on that cardiovert > if necessary when you return. > Lil > > In a message dated 4/16/2006 7:40:10 PM Pacific Standard Time, > stevep7171@... writes: > > I see a cardiologist. No, I am not on a blood thinner. He told me > that when I get back from Vacation (I am leaving Tuesday for Florida > for 7 days)if I am still in A-Fib, he will try a cardiovert. He said > to go on vacation and not to worry > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 16, 2006 Report Share Posted April 16, 2006 , I am 36 years old and was diagnosed with AF last year. Like you, I had episodes from the time I was about 20, but they always went away. Last year when I had a long episode like you are describing it scared the HELL out of me! I assure you that there are a LOT of treatments out there and the right electro physiologist (EP) WILL find a treatment that is best for you. It sounds like they have not found that treatment for you yet, but they will. For now, please talk to your doctor about putting you on blood thinners (Lovenox until you become therapeutic on Coumadin). It is important! Also, if they do a cardioversion, have them do a T.E.E. (trans esophageal echo?) first to make sure that there are no blood clots. If your doctor is not willing to do this then I would get a second opinion. This website is the most helpful tool I have found in dealing with AF. I will keep an eye out for your posts and try to respond. I know how scary it is to be where you are now. We are all here to help you get through this. Again, there are a LOT of treatments available for AF. It is the #1 most common cardiac arrhythmia. There is a lot of money and research going into various treatments and cures. Here is a link with some preliminary information. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atrial_fibrillation Take care. Lori Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 16, 2006 Report Share Posted April 16, 2006 " Have I been in it too long to come out on my own? " - Last year I came out of AF on my own after being in it for two weeks. This may or may not happen with you. If you don't come out of it on your own, then there are many other options. Regardless, it is important that you seriously consider getting on blood thinners. Your doctor may be hesitating because you live a very active life, but the risk of a blood clot seems like more of a concern right now. Take care. Lori Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2006 Report Share Posted April 17, 2006 , I live on the So. Shore. Mass. General, Brigham & Women's and Beth israel are your best spots to get hooked up with an EP (electrophysiologist). An EP is a heart arrythmia specialist. A heart electrician. Most cardiologists aren't in the loop in dealing with AF. They have a working knowledge, but are not specialists. Mass. General- Dr. Manour Brigham&Women's-Dr. Epstein Beth Israel- Dr. phson All are excellent EP's Of the three, Dr. Epstein seems to be the favorite. Call me if you like Rich O Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2006 Report Share Posted April 17, 2006 , I can appreciate the stress of what you are going through. I myself had my first episode 16 years ago, and you may be encouraged to know that in spite of this condition I have had and continue to have a very active life involved with sports such as wrestling and presently boxing. This condition is very treatable and you have come to a site which will provide you with much needed info and also a lot of solid support. You mentioned that you have been having this for 84 hours, and you mentioned that you are on digoxin and attenolol and these will keep your pulse rate from getting to rapid. You didn't mention if you are on a blood thinner. At this point it is really important to get placed on some kind of blood thinner, because with the afib you can develop clots in the atria which increase the possibility of stroke. If you doc didn't put you on a blood thinner by now he need to, so you should give him a call about that now so he can start you on that. There are two ways to go with meds. One is to take meds that are designed keep the heart in normal sinus rhythm. In addition to this is the need to take a prescribed blood such as aspirin, coumadin etc. as I explained above. This is the way I am being treated. The other way to go is to remain in afib, but to take meds to keep your pulse rate controled at a normal rate. Digoxin and a beta blocker, like the one you're on are often used to do this. My wife is treated this way. In her case she had " silent " afib which she did not feel or know she had until she had a routine physical. The doc didn't convert her to a normal sinus rhythm (NSR) , because she had probably been in afib for months and it was very unlikely she would not have stayed in NSR. With either rhytm control or rate control the prognosis with afib is excellent for a long happy life. The one risk that requires precautions is the risk of stoke and thats where the blood thinners come in. For all of us with essentially healthy hearts the rappidly beating heart is not an immediate danger, even though it may be very scary to experience. Naturally, if one gets a rapid pulse that doesn't slow down, one would contact the doc and the problem would be corrected with meds. , back to your situation. You get out of breath easily and this is not tolerable. You should tell you doc about this. This experience is not uncommon, but it sur can be treated and resolved. Right now your heart is not working as effeciently as it normally does. The irregular rate is not as effecient, and this is especially true if the rate is too fast. You will be talking to the doc about the need for a blood thinner, tell the doc also about the shorness of breath, and let him know you want that checked out. It may simply be that your rate is to fast, and this can be changed by adjusting your dosages or meds. Afib is not as efficent at pumping blood as Normal Sinus Rhythm (NSR) Right now, from the meds you're on, it seems that your doc is ror rate control and not trying to get you back into NSR. You might ask him if he can convert you to to NSR and give you meds to keep you in NSR. However the accepted practice, for somone who has been in afib for 48 or more hours, is to put them on coumadin or other blood thinner for 3 to 4 weeks and to check for clots with a Trans Esophogeal Echo (TEE) before cardioverting. These precautions are to reduce any chances of stroke. , you did ask for any recommendations and this is what I would do if I found myself in your situation. Of course what I would do may not be what you would do, but since you reached out for suggestion here goes.: 1. Call your doc and insist an appointment today. 2. Ask him to be placed on an appropriate blood thinner, inquire about when you will need blood work, and make sure that you have all blood work on time. 3. Tell the doc about your shortness of breath on mild exertion, and ask if there is something that can be done to improve this, such as slowing the rate.. 4. If you would like to be converted back into a normal rhythm and maintained in a normal rhythm, which may make you feel much better , ask doc if it would be appropriate to be cardioverted in 3 or 4 weeks, when your blood thinner has kicked in. Tell your doc you would like to be checked for clots in the atrium with a Trans Esophageal Echo (TEE) before the cardioversion. (Cardioversion may be done electrically, or in many cases with IV antiarrhythmic med.) 5.If you choose to be converted to normal sinus rhythm ask him what antiarrhythmic meds might be effective with you. 6. You migh condider asking for a short term precription for a tranquilizer such as Xanax to help reduce anxiety if if is still a problem. , I hope this rambling note makes sense. I've been up all night, but didn't want to delay responding, because I know your are in need to hear from someone at this point. This is a great group and you will hear from others who will be helpful. Keep in mind that afib is very treatable and there is no reason for you not to feel back to your old self very soon. Keep us posted with any questions and let us know how things are going. Best wishes, Hello Everyone, I am brand new to this board. My name is . I am 35 years old and I am on Digoxin for A-Fib. 15 years ago, I had an A- Fib " attack " . It scared the heck out of me. I thought I was having a heart attack or something. To make a long story short, this was my first run in with A-Fib. I was in the hospital for 2 days. I popped back into a sinus rythym, and I was released. I followed up with a Cardiologist and he put me on Digoxin. 6 years later, I woke up with another attack. I went to the Emergency room and they released me still in A-Fib after giving me some meds. About 12 hours later, I popped out of it. 2 months ago, same thing. I woke up to another attack, went to the ER and 16 hours later, I popped out of it and they released me. Last Thursday I woke up with it again. The problem is now I am STILL in it!!. They tried to convert me with meds but it didn't work. He prescribed Atenolol to me so now I am on that and Digoxin. Right this second, I have been in it for about 84 hours straight! I don't know a lot about this but is this normal? If it is, I don't know how I am going to live the rest of my life. There is NO WAY i can work like this. I am in construction and right now, if I do just about anything, I am out of breath or at least I have to rest for a few minutes. That will not fly at work. Does anyone know if this means I will be in it forever? This is no way to live! I am absolutely petrified and I know this doesn't help matters. If anyone that has more experience with this could help me, I would appreciate and stories, experiences, advice! Thanks in advance. 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 April 17, 2006 Report Share Posted April 17, 2006 Thank you so much for all of the responses. I am kind of in a jam now because I am supposed to be leaving for Florida tomorrow afternoon. Today being a holiday, I hope I can get an appt. I was hoping I would wake up this morning and it would be back to normal but no such luck. All of your replies are very appreciated and I am glad I found this board. I never even knew there was something called a electro physiologist. I thought a cardiologist was as good as it gets. How do I go about finding one? I will ask my cardiologist I suppose. I live in the Boston area. If anyone could recommend one around here that would be great, otherwise I will locate one. thanks again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2006 Report Share Posted April 17, 2006 I actually just sent you an Email. Thank you for your response. You can probably disregard the Email now. I will be in touch. I appreciate it more than you know. - -- In AFIBsupport , celtic8586@... wrote: > > , > I live on the So. Shore. Mass. General, Brigham & Women's and Beth israel > are your best spots to get hooked up with an EP (electrophysiologist). An EP is > a heart arrythmia specialist. A heart electrician. Most cardiologists aren't > in the loop in dealing with AF. They have a working knowledge, but are not > specialists. > Mass. General- Dr. Manour > Brigham&Women's-Dr. Epstein > Beth Israel- Dr. phson > > All are excellent EP's > Of the three, Dr. Epstein seems to be the favorite. > > Call me if you like > > Rich O > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2006 Report Share Posted April 17, 2006 Hi I was 42 when I was diagnoses with afib, unfortunately I did not know until I suffered a TIA, when prevented me from speaking and general weakness in my left side. I now consider myself very lucky that I did not have a major stroke, I went to the ER and was given a brain scan and started on warfarin straight away, I probably had episodes of afib previously and ignored them, as Lori said you really should be on some kind of anticoagulant or aspirin at the very least. ine Re: New To The Board , I am 36 years old and was diagnosed with AF last year. Like you, I had episodes from the time I was about 20, but they always went away. Last year when I had a long episode like you are describing it scared the HELL out of me! I assure you that there are a LOT of treatments out there and the right electro physiologist (EP) WILL find a treatment that is best for you. It sounds like they have not found that treatment for you yet, but they will. For now, please talk to your doctor about putting you on blood thinners (Lovenox until you become therapeutic on Coumadin). It is important! Also, if they do a cardioversion, have them do a T.E.E. (trans esophageal echo?) first to make sure that there are no blood clots. If your doctor is not willing to do this then I would get a second opinion. This website is the most helpful tool I have found in dealing with AF. I will keep an eye out for your posts and try to respond. I know how scary it is to be where you are now. We are all here to help you get through this. Again, there are a LOT of treatments available for AF. It is the #1 most common cardiac arrhythmia. There is a lot of money and research going into various treatments and cures. Here is a link with some preliminary information. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atrial_fibrillation Take care. Lori 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 April 17, 2006 Report Share Posted April 17, 2006 These are *excellent* suggestions, and I might add that I would not be going off to Florida on a vacation in afib without blood thinners, I would be knocking on the doctor's door or getting new doctor. You can always go to Florida, and frankly being out of breath and uncomfortable and worried about your afib will not make for a great vacation. Lil In a message dated 4/17/2006 3:51:21 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, ceasargracie@... writes: 1. Call your doc and insist an appointment today. 2. Ask him to be placed on an appropriate blood thinner, inquire about when you will need blood work, and make sure that you have all blood work on time. 3. Tell the doc about your shortness of breath on mild exertion, and ask if there is something that can be done to improve this, such as slowing the rate.. 4. If you would like to be converted back into a normal rhythm and maintained in a normal rhythm, which may make you feel much better , ask doc if it would be appropriate to be cardioverted in 3 or 4 weeks, when your blood thinner has kicked in. Tell your doc you would like to be checked for clots in the atrium with a Trans Esophageal Echo (TEE) before the cardioversion. (Cardioversion may be done electrically, or in many cases with IV antiarrhythmic med.) 5.If you choose to be converted to normal sinus rhythm ask him what antiarrhythmic meds might be effective with you. 6. You migh condider asking for a short term precription for a tranquilizer such as Xanax to help reduce anxiety if if is still a problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2006 Report Share Posted April 17, 2006 , I would suggest going to the drug store and buy off-the-shelf (no prescription needed) Enteric aspirin (ASA) 325mg. Take one a day until you are able to get on a blood thinner and then very often a doctor will move you to 81mg along with coumadin. Gerald Re: New To The Board Thank you so much for all of the responses. I am kind of in a jam now because I am supposed to be leaving for Florida tomorrow afternoon. Today being a holiday, I hope I can get an appt. I was hoping I would wake up this morning and it would be back to normal but no such luck. All of your replies are very appreciated and I am glad I found this board. I never even knew there was something called a electro physiologist. I thought a cardiologist was as good as it gets. How do I go about finding one? I will ask my cardiologist I suppose. I live in the Boston area. If anyone could recommend one around here that would be great, otherwise I will locate one. thanks again. 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 April 17, 2006 Report Share Posted April 17, 2006 thank you very much. I did that tonight. I got Bayer 325's. Thank you all so much for your help. It is nice to know you arent alone in this! > > , > I would suggest going to the drug store and buy off-the-shelf (no prescription needed) Enteric aspirin (ASA) 325mg. Take one a day until you are able to get on a blood thinner and then very often a doctor will move you to 81mg along with coumadin. > Gerald > Re: New To The Board > > > Thank you so much for all of the responses. > I am kind of in a jam now because I am supposed to be leaving for > Florida tomorrow afternoon. Today being a holiday, I hope I can get an > appt. I was hoping I would wake up this morning and it would be back > to normal but no such luck. All of your replies are very > appreciated and I am glad I found this board. > I never even knew there was something called a electro > physiologist. I thought a cardiologist was as good as it gets. How do > I go about finding one? I will ask my cardiologist I suppose. I live > in the Boston area. If anyone could recommend one around here that > would be great, otherwise I will locate one. thanks again. > > > > > > > > > > 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 April 17, 2006 Report Share Posted April 17, 2006 , I absolutly agree with Lil! Seeing your doc and getting started on an appropriate blood thinner right away needs to be priority #1. If you convert naturally back into a normal sinus rhythm (NSR), which is likely, and if clots have developed in your atrium, then there is a chance that your heart could eject those clots when you return to NSR, and there is a chance that you could have a stroke. Do you want to take that chance? This is no time to delay getting placed on a prescribed blood thinner. Someone else posted a great suggestion that you start on Aspirin 325 mg. until you see your doc. If you have no allergies to aspirin and you have no bleeding disorders or internal bleeds, this is a great idea and can help prevent you from developing clots. You could buy the aspirine at a pharmacy and ask a Registered Pharmacist for his or her opinion. Some new research recommends taking 325 mg. of non enteric coated asa, so do avoid enteric coated asa. But the main thing is to see your doc today and get started on the appropriate blood thinner. Good luck and please keep us posted. cnetwork@... wrote: These are *excellent* suggestions, and I might add that I would not be going off to Florida on a vacation in afib without blood thinners, I would be knocking on the doctor's door or getting new doctor. You can always go to Florida, and frankly being out of breath and uncomfortable and worried about your afib will not make for a great vacation. Lil In a message dated 4/17/2006 3:51:21 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, ceasargracie@... writes: 1. Call your doc and insist an appointment today. 2. Ask him to be placed on an appropriate blood thinner, inquire about when you will need blood work, and make sure that you have all blood work on time. 3. Tell the doc about your shortness of breath on mild exertion, and ask if there is something that can be done to improve this, such as slowing the rate.. 4. If you would like to be converted back into a normal rhythm and maintained in a normal rhythm, which may make you feel much better , ask doc if it would be appropriate to be cardioverted in 3 or 4 weeks, when your blood thinner has kicked in. Tell your doc you would like to be checked for clots in the atrium with a Trans Esophageal Echo (TEE) before the cardioversion. (Cardioversion may be done electrically, or in many cases with IV antiarrhythmic med.) 5.If you choose to be converted to normal sinus rhythm ask him what antiarrhythmic meds might be effective with you. 6. You migh condider asking for a short term precription for a tranquilizer such as Xanax to help reduce anxiety if if is still a problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2006 Report Share Posted April 17, 2006 I actually spoke to my Dr today and he recommended the same thing (325 Bayer). I started that tongight. If I already have clots will the asperin help disolve them>? or does it only help against FORMING clots? Thanks Steve > > > These are *excellent* suggestions, and I might add that I would not be going > off to Florida on a vacation in afib without blood thinners, I would be > knocking on the doctor's door or getting new doctor. You can always go to > Florida, and frankly being out of breath and uncomfortable and worried about your > afib will not make for a great vacation. > Lil > > In a message dated 4/17/2006 3:51:21 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, > ceasargracie@... writes: > > 1. Call your doc and insist an appointment today. > 2. Ask him to be placed on an appropriate blood thinner, inquire about when > you will need blood work, and make sure that you have all blood work on time. > 3. Tell the doc about your shortness of breath on mild exertion, and ask if > there is something that can be done to improve this, such as slowing the > rate.. > 4. If you would like to be converted back into a normal rhythm and > maintained in a normal rhythm, which may make you feel much better , ask doc if it > would be appropriate to be cardioverted in 3 or 4 weeks, when your blood > thinner has kicked in. Tell your doc you would like to be checked for clots in the > atrium with a Trans Esophageal Echo (TEE) before the cardioversion. > (Cardioversion may be done electrically, or in many cases with IV antiarrhythmic med.) > 5.If you choose to be converted to normal sinus rhythm ask him what > antiarrhythmic meds might be effective with you. > 6. You migh condider asking for a short term precription for a tranquilizer > such as Xanax to help reduce anxiety if if is still a problem. > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 18, 2006 Report Share Posted April 18, 2006 Steve, I am glad to hear that you spoke with your cardio. I don't know for certain if aspirine has any effect on existing clots. Hopefully someone else from this board cangive you a difinitive answer. Your doc could provide you with info on this. Good luck, . PS are you still in AF? Stefano stevep7171@...> wrote: I actually spoke to my Dr today and he recommended the same thing (325 Bayer). I started that tongight. If I already have clots will the asperin help disolve them>? or does it only help against FORMING clots? Thanks Steve > > > These are *excellent* suggestions, and I might add that I would not be going > off to Florida on a vacation in afib without blood thinners, I would be > knocking on the doctor's door or getting new doctor. You can always go to > Florida, and frankly being out of breath and uncomfortable and worried about your > afib will not make for a great vacation. > Lil > > In a message dated 4/17/2006 3:51:21 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, > ceasargracie@... writes: > > 1. Call your doc and insist an appointment today. > 2. Ask him to be placed on an appropriate blood thinner, inquire about when > you will need blood work, and make sure that you have all blood work on time. > 3. Tell the doc about your shortness of breath on mild exertion, and ask if > there is something that can be done to improve this, such as slowing the > rate.. > 4. If you would like to be converted back into a normal rhythm and > maintained in a normal rhythm, which may make you feel much better , ask doc if it > would be appropriate to be cardioverted in 3 or 4 weeks, when your blood > thinner has kicked in. Tell your doc you would like to be checked for clots in the > atrium with a Trans Esophageal Echo (TEE) before the cardioversion. > (Cardioversion may be done electrically, or in many cases with IV antiarrhythmic med.) > 5.If you choose to be converted to normal sinus rhythm ask him what > antiarrhythmic meds might be effective with you. > 6. You migh condider asking for a short term precription for a tranquilizer > such as Xanax to help reduce anxiety if if is still a problem. > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 18, 2006 Report Share Posted April 18, 2006 When I first went to the Cardiologist, I had been in AFib for at least 32 hours. Not only did he immediately start me on Coumadin, but he also started me on Lovenol (similar to heprin?). He said (and I believe I read the same thing)that the Coumadin would NOT dissolve pre-existing clots but that the Lovenol would. If Coumadin doesn't address clots that had already formed, I can't imagine that asprin would either. Just a guess. The Lovenol kind of freaked me out because he told me that I would have to inject it into my belly fat once per day for three days. Luckily it turned out to be no big deal. The needle is so small I could hardly feel it. The medication burns a little after you inject it. The alternative was to be admitted to the hospital and receive it via IV. If my guy is right, it sounds like you need to get that appointment. Good luck! > > > > > > These are *excellent* suggestions, and I might add that I would > not be going > > off to Florida on a vacation in afib without blood thinners, I > would be > > knocking on the doctor's door or getting new doctor. You can > always go to > > Florida, and frankly being out of breath and uncomfortable and > worried about your > > afib will not make for a great vacation. > > Lil > > > > In a message dated 4/17/2006 3:51:21 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, > > ceasargracie@ writes: > > > > 1. Call your doc and insist an appointment today. > > 2. Ask him to be placed on an appropriate blood thinner, inquire > about when > > you will need blood work, and make sure that you have all blood > work on time. > > 3. Tell the doc about your shortness of breath on mild exertion, > and ask if > > there is something that can be done to improve this, such as > slowing the > > rate.. > > 4. If you would like to be converted back into a normal rhythm > and > > maintained in a normal rhythm, which may make you feel much > better , ask doc if it > > would be appropriate to be cardioverted in 3 or 4 weeks, when > your blood > > thinner has kicked in. Tell your doc you would like to be checked > for clots in the > > atrium with a Trans Esophageal Echo (TEE) before the > cardioversion. > > (Cardioversion may be done electrically, or in many cases with IV > antiarrhythmic med.) > > 5.If you choose to be converted to normal sinus rhythm ask him > what > > antiarrhythmic meds might be effective with you. > > 6. You migh condider asking for a short term precription for a > tranquilizer > > such as Xanax to help reduce anxiety if if is still a problem. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 18, 2006 Report Share Posted April 18, 2006 Yes, I am in A-Fib but its a " mild " case if that makes sense??? I feel as good as I have while still in it. Its hard to explain. I will ask my Dr today before I leave about existing clots. Thanks again. Steve --- Van Deusen ceasargracie@...> ha scritto: --------------------------------- Steve, I am glad to hear that you spoke with your cardio. I don't know for certain if aspirine has any effect on existing clots. Hopefully someone else from this board cangive you a difinitive answer. Your doc could provide you with info on this. Good luck, . PS are you still in AF? Stefano stevep7171@...> wrote: I actually spoke to my Dr today and he recommended the same thing (325 Bayer). I started that tongight. If I already have clots will the asperin help disolve them>? or does it only help against FORMING clots? Thanks Steve > > > These are *excellent* suggestions, and I might add that I would not be going > off to Florida on a vacation in afib without blood thinners, I would be > knocking on the doctor's door or getting new doctor. You can always go to > Florida, and frankly being out of breath and uncomfortable and worried about your > afib will not make for a great vacation. > Lil > > In a message dated 4/17/2006 3:51:21 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, > ceasargracie@... writes: > > 1. Call your doc and insist an appointment today. > 2. Ask him to be placed on an appropriate blood thinner, inquire about when > you will need blood work, and make sure that you have all blood work on time. > 3. Tell the doc about your shortness of breath on mild exertion, and ask if > there is something that can be done to improve this, such as slowing the > rate.. > 4. If you would like to be converted back into a normal rhythm and > maintained in a normal rhythm, which may make you feel much better , ask doc if it > would be appropriate to be cardioverted in 3 or 4 weeks, when your blood > thinner has kicked in. Tell your doc you would like to be checked for clots in the > atrium with a Trans Esophageal Echo (TEE) before the cardioversion. > (Cardioversion may be done electrically, or in many cases with IV antiarrhythmic med.) > 5.If you choose to be converted to normal sinus rhythm ask him what > antiarrhythmic meds might be effective with you. > 6. You migh condider asking for a short term precription for a tranquilizer > such as Xanax to help reduce anxiety if if is still a problem. > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > 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 April 18, 2006 Report Share Posted April 18, 2006 Steve, Glad you are feeling a bit better. If you have a cardioversion when you get back you probably should ask your doctor to do a TEE before the cardioversion so that he can make sure that you don't have a blood clot. Have fun in Florida:-) Good luck. Lori > > > > > > These are *excellent* suggestions, and I might add > that I would > not be going > > off to Florida on a vacation in afib without blood > thinners, I > would be > > knocking on the doctor's door or getting new doctor. > You can > always go to > > Florida, and frankly being out of breath and > uncomfortable and > worried about your > > afib will not make for a great vacation. > > Lil > > > > In a message dated 4/17/2006 3:51:21 A.M. Pacific > Standard Time, > > ceasargracie@ writes: > > > > 1. Call your doc and insist an appointment today. > > 2. Ask him to be placed on an appropriate blood > thinner, inquire > about when > > you will need blood work, and make sure that you > have all blood > work on time. > > 3. Tell the doc about your shortness of breath on > mild exertion, > and ask if > > there is something that can be done to improve > this, such as > slowing the > > rate.. > > 4. If you would like to be converted back into a > normal rhythm > and > > maintained in a normal rhythm, which may make you > feel much > better , ask doc if it > > would be appropriate to be cardioverted in 3 or 4 > weeks, when > your blood > > thinner has kicked in. Tell your doc you would like > to be checked > for clots in the > > atrium with a Trans Esophageal Echo (TEE) before the > > cardioversion. > > (Cardioversion may be done electrically, or in many > cases with IV > antiarrhythmic med.) > > 5.If you choose to be converted to normal sinus > rhythm ask him > what > > antiarrhythmic meds might be effective with you. > > 6. You migh condider asking for a short term > precription for a > tranquilizer > > such as Xanax to help reduce anxiety if if is still > a problem. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > > > > > > > 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 April 18, 2006 Report Share Posted April 18, 2006 I agree with you . Lovanox is no big deal. It is a tiny needle. Once you get over the creepyness factor of giving yourself a shot, it really doesn't hurt. Just let the alcohol from the swab dry before giving yourself a shot so that the alcohol doesn't make the needle stick burn. Lori > > > > > > > > > These are *excellent* suggestions, and I might add that I would > > not be going > > > off to Florida on a vacation in afib without blood thinners, I > > would be > > > knocking on the doctor's door or getting new doctor. You can > > always go to > > > Florida, and frankly being out of breath and uncomfortable and > > worried about your > > > afib will not make for a great vacation. > > > Lil > > > > > > In a message dated 4/17/2006 3:51:21 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, > > > ceasargracie@ writes: > > > > > > 1. Call your doc and insist an appointment today. > > > 2. Ask him to be placed on an appropriate blood thinner, inquire > > about when > > > you will need blood work, and make sure that you have all blood > > work on time. > > > 3. Tell the doc about your shortness of breath on mild exertion, > > and ask if > > > there is something that can be done to improve this, such as > > slowing the > > > rate.. > > > 4. If you would like to be converted back into a normal rhythm > > and > > > maintained in a normal rhythm, which may make you feel much > > better , ask doc if it > > > would be appropriate to be cardioverted in 3 or 4 weeks, when > > your blood > > > thinner has kicked in. Tell your doc you would like to be > checked > > for clots in the > > > atrium with a Trans Esophageal Echo (TEE) before the > > cardioversion. > > > (Cardioversion may be done electrically, or in many cases with > IV > > antiarrhythmic med.) > > > 5.If you choose to be converted to normal sinus rhythm ask him > > what > > > antiarrhythmic meds might be effective with you. > > > 6. You migh condider asking for a short term precription for a > > tranquilizer > > > such as Xanax to help reduce anxiety if if is still a problem. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 18, 2006 Report Share Posted April 18, 2006 I found it much easier to either not look at all, or to look in the mirror when I had to give myself these shots... somehow the person in the mirror was not really me, so the creepiness wasn't there... God Bless diabetics.. I have much more admiration for them now! Lori youngfibber36@...> wrote: I agree with you . Lovanox is no big deal. It is a tiny needle. Once you get over the creepyness factor of giving yourself a shot, it really doesn't hurt. Just let the alcohol from the swab dry before giving yourself a shot so that the alcohol doesn't make the needle stick burn. Lori Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 18, 2006 Report Share Posted April 18, 2006 Steve, thanks for keeping us posted. I am glad you have a mild case. Your digoxin and beta blocker must be doing a good job of keeeping your ventricles pumping at comfortable rate. Of course when you are in mild AF your atria continue to quiver and so precautions against developing clots in the atria are key. , I suggest that you also ask the doc what the plans are for converting you back to normal sinus rhythm and what meds he might give you to keep you in it,. The ones which you mentioned are really good for rate control, but not for rhythm. This is important because if you stay in afib too long, it becomes difficult to get you back in sinus rhythm and to keep you there. Usually docs who have patients in AF for 48 or more hours give coumadin for 3 to 4 weeks and then cardiovert. Before cardioverting they should take a look to make sure there are no clots with a devise called a Trans Esophogeal Echo (TEE). Steve, It is very unusual that a doc would use Aspirine as a blood thinner for someone in constant AF for over 48 hrs. I would suggest that you question him about that. I am also surprised that he didn't call you talk to advise about a blood a blood thinner, and that instead you had to call him. If you hadn't called him, would he have let you continue with no form of blood thinner. Also I'm surprised he hasn't talked with you about plans for possible cardioversion and about the down the road. You mentioned an enterest in getting an electrophysiologist (EP). That sounds like a good idea. You are fortunate because you are in an area rich with cardiologists. Hang in there and keep us posted all the way. Cheers, Stefano Previte stevep7171@...> wrote: Yes, I am in A-Fib but its a " mild " case if that makes sense??? I feel as good as I have while still in it. Its hard to explain. I will ask my Dr today before I leave about existing clots. Thanks again. Steve --- Van Deusen ceasargracie@...> ha scritto: --------------------------------- Steve, I am glad to hear that you spoke with your cardio. I don't know for certain if aspirine has any effect on existing clots. Hopefully someone else from this board cangive you a difinitive answer. Your doc could provide you with info on this. Good luck, . PS are you still in AF? Stefano stevep7171@...> wrote: I actually spoke to my Dr today and he recommended the same thing (325 Bayer). I started that tongight. If I already have clots will the asperin help disolve them>? or does it only help against FORMING clots? Thanks Steve > > > These are *excellent* suggestions, and I might add that I would not be going > off to Florida on a vacation in afib without blood thinners, I would be > knocking on the doctor's door or getting new doctor. You can always go to > Florida, and frankly being out of breath and uncomfortable and worried about your > afib will not make for a great vacation. > Lil > > In a message dated 4/17/2006 3:51:21 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, > ceasargracie@... writes: > > 1. Call your doc and insist an appointment today. > 2. Ask him to be placed on an appropriate blood thinner, inquire about when > you will need blood work, and make sure that you have all blood work on time. > 3. Tell the doc about your shortness of breath on mild exertion, and ask if > there is something that can be done to improve this, such as slowing the > rate.. > 4. If you would like to be converted back into a normal rhythm and > maintained in a normal rhythm, which may make you feel much better , ask doc if it > would be appropriate to be cardioverted in 3 or 4 weeks, when your blood > thinner has kicked in. Tell your doc you would like to be checked for clots in the > atrium with a Trans Esophageal Echo (TEE) before the cardioversion. > (Cardioversion may be done electrically, or in many cases with IV antiarrhythmic med.) > 5.If you choose to be converted to normal sinus rhythm ask him what > antiarrhythmic meds might be effective with you. > 6. You migh condider asking for a short term precription for a tranquilizer > such as Xanax to help reduce anxiety if if is still a problem. > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > > 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 April 18, 2006 Report Share Posted April 18, 2006 It is very unusual that a doc would use Aspirine as a blood thinner for someone in constant AF for over 48 hrs. ------------------ I'm not sure who posted this, so I don't know who to address this to. But I'm not sure how true this statement is .. .at least across the board. My doctor (and the ER doctor) said that aspirin is fine for me (your mileage may vary) and that if you're in chronic a-fib, the stroke risk is actually less because there is no conversion to NSR that might throw a clot. They have yet to want me on coumadin, which I don't mind at all. And I've been in permanent a-fib since last August 27th. I know doctors disagree on this. My doctor (and the ER doctor) did say that coumadin is usually the " gold standard " for anyone in a-fib and it's almost automatic to give it. BUT, they said it is being reconsidered these days as the risks associated with bleeds from coumadin (including bleeds that cause strokes) sometimes does not balance with the benefit of the coumadin itself. Pays to investigate and realize that everyone is different, and opinions of doctors vary widely on almost all a-fib topics. Toni CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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