You are not alone...

[Guest guest]

I am a new member and want to share a little of my story. I am 51 and

was diagnosed with afib 18 months ago while doing a treadmill stress

test. My heart rate jumped to 220. I really didn't feel anything at

the time but the staff freaked out. I was put immediately in hospital

for 3 days to start sotilol, 80 mg. twice a day. I did ok for about 6

months and had a episode which sent me to emergency room. They just

said call your heart doctor tommorow. I have been on several meds

since then but in July of this year they tried the ablation where

they scar your pulmonary veins trying to avoid the circuit in your

heart that causes afib. It didn't work. It seems I have periods in

between all of this that I feel okay and then BOOM!! Racing heart,

light headedness, far away feeling...really not good!! I have been

in hospital 4 times just this year trying new meds..Rhythmoral,

Tekesein. I just got out about 2 weeks ago and they have me on

Cardizem and toprol. I have my good days and bad. I haven't felt as

bad as I did when I was put in last time. They are talking about

sending me to Cleveland Clinic in the Spring for another ablation.

This is all very scary because you have some control over this but

when you only have one heart it makes it seem so much more serious!!

My husband travels most weeks and I am still raising a 13 yr old

girl. How much of this heart problem do you think is caused by

stress? Do you think you inherit this? My sister is 62 and had the

maize procedure done this past March because her mitral valve was

leaking and causing problems. That is what is really frustrating is

that they say my heart is functionally good. I am really wondering

about the stress factor because I have a VERY STRESSFUL LIFE and some

regret over the past that still bugs me although I thought I had

dealt with it. What are your thoughts?? I would appreciate your

input. I think this site is really cool because our society today is

so disconnected from other people. We go about our daily lives and

when something hits our health we feel so alone and singled out. I

look forward to some of your thoughts on Stress and Heredity and how

they play out in this Afib we fight.

Thanks

Sherry

Indianapolis