Guest guest Posted August 30, 2005 Report Share Posted August 30, 2005 > I use a smaller dinner plate so I don't waste food. I use a smaller plate too. I was referring to eating at a restaurant and being served food I can't eat. Or going to someone's house and having them put mashed potatoes on the plate and servings of LC veggies much larger than I usually eat, even after I asked them not to. Or the bagel place where I asked for the free turkey sandwich without the bagel and was told they couldn't do that because they spread the sauce on the bagel. So I got it, threw the bagel away, and ate the rest. In the old days I wouldn't have been able to do that. Gretchen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 30, 2005 Report Share Posted August 30, 2005 > I use a smaller dinner plate so I don't waste food. I use a smaller plate too. I was referring to eating at a restaurant and being served food I can't eat. Or going to someone's house and having them put mashed potatoes on the plate and servings of LC veggies much larger than I usually eat, even after I asked them not to. Or the bagel place where I asked for the free turkey sandwich without the bagel and was told they couldn't do that because they spread the sauce on the bagel. So I got it, threw the bagel away, and ate the rest. In the old days I wouldn't have been able to do that. Gretchen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2006 Report Share Posted January 4, 2006 I am a 42 year old male, cometitive cyclist and in excellent shape. On Dec. 4th while competing in a bike race I had my first experience with AF. It was very scary to say the least. My heart rate jumped to 235 bpm and I felt like my leags were made of lead. I went to the hospital and after going through a bunch of tests met with a cardiologist who told me that my heart was in AF. She prescribed Atenalol and Coumdin and has me scheduled for Cardioversion on Jan 13th. I feel like a slug and can't do the things I love. It's all very depressing. Has anyone had good luck with cardioversion? Everything I have read make it sound like a short term fix. I'm not sure what started the AF but I'll do anything to get out of it. Should I start pushing for a Pulmonary Vein Ablation or is it too soon for that? Thanks. Russ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2006 Report Share Posted January 4, 2006 when I had it done they did it right in the hospital about 5 hs. after i got there, it was my 2nd time there in 2 months. It worked and I was sent home about 2 hrs after they did it. My queations all relate to follow up after, i feel better but not my old self, hope you have better luck gobikegobike wrote: I am a 42 year old male, cometitive cyclist and in excellent shape. On Dec. 4th while competing in a bike race I had my first experience with AF. It was very scary to say the least. My heart rate jumped to 235 bpm and I felt like my leags were made of lead. I went to the hospital and after going through a bunch of tests met with a cardiologist who told me that my heart was in AF. She prescribed Atenalol and Coumdin and has me scheduled for Cardioversion on Jan 13th. I feel like a slug and can't do the things I love. It's all very depressing. Has anyone had good luck with cardioversion? Everything I have read make it sound like a short term fix. I'm not sure what started the AF but I'll do anything to get out of it. Should I start pushing for a Pulmonary Vein Ablation or is it too soon for that? Thanks. Russ 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 January 4, 2006 Report Share Posted January 4, 2006 when I had it done they did it right in the hospital about 5 hs. after i got there, it was my 2nd time there in 2 months. It worked and I was sent home about 2 hrs after they did it. My queations all relate to follow up after, i feel better but not my old self, hope you have better luck gobikegobike wrote: I am a 42 year old male, cometitive cyclist and in excellent shape. On Dec. 4th while competing in a bike race I had my first experience with AF. It was very scary to say the least. My heart rate jumped to 235 bpm and I felt like my leags were made of lead. I went to the hospital and after going through a bunch of tests met with a cardiologist who told me that my heart was in AF. She prescribed Atenalol and Coumdin and has me scheduled for Cardioversion on Jan 13th. I feel like a slug and can't do the things I love. It's all very depressing. Has anyone had good luck with cardioversion? Everything I have read make it sound like a short term fix. I'm not sure what started the AF but I'll do anything to get out of it. Should I start pushing for a Pulmonary Vein Ablation or is it too soon for that? Thanks. Russ 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 January 4, 2006 Report Share Posted January 4, 2006 when I had it done they did it right in the hospital about 5 hs. after i got there, it was my 2nd time there in 2 months. It worked and I was sent home about 2 hrs after they did it. My queations all relate to follow up after, i feel better but not my old self, hope you have better luck gobikegobike wrote: I am a 42 year old male, cometitive cyclist and in excellent shape. On Dec. 4th while competing in a bike race I had my first experience with AF. It was very scary to say the least. My heart rate jumped to 235 bpm and I felt like my leags were made of lead. I went to the hospital and after going through a bunch of tests met with a cardiologist who told me that my heart was in AF. She prescribed Atenalol and Coumdin and has me scheduled for Cardioversion on Jan 13th. I feel like a slug and can't do the things I love. It's all very depressing. Has anyone had good luck with cardioversion? Everything I have read make it sound like a short term fix. I'm not sure what started the AF but I'll do anything to get out of it. Should I start pushing for a Pulmonary Vein Ablation or is it too soon for that? Thanks. Russ 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 January 4, 2006 Report Share Posted January 4, 2006 Russ - where are you located? Atenelol is a good drug to slow things down, but it is generally not the drug of choice to convert one back to normal rhythm? Every time I've gone to the ER in afib (and it's alot now), they want to pump me full of all kinds of converting drugs.. cardizem, sotolol.. etc.. I have actually never been offered atenelol IN the ER (although I'm on it now) as a choice for conversion. I'm refractory to all the convert drugs (they don't do anything) so I always go for an electro-version, but it took me several years to convince the doctors to skip all the initial drugs. I'm also 42 and have suffered now for maybe 6 years. To me, and this is just my personal NON medical opinion, it sounds like this cardio is a bit behind the times with the atenelol perscription, and letting you stay in afib for more than a month.. we all pretty much know how you are feeling, so we can definitely sympathize. Perhaps you don't say what else they did in the ER, or how long you waited after it started to go, but again, my non-medical opinion is that someone should have been a bit more aggressive to get you out of it sooner. As for the cardioversion... they do have risks (heart attack, death), although I have never heard of a single person experiencing either. I've had 4 cardioversions now, and they are really a non-event... the best thing about them, is that if successful, you wake up in normal rhythm.. the worst thing about them is that you might develop a slight ring burn, which will itch like a sunburn for a couple days... worth the price in my book. As for an ablation... the common opinion is still to wait as long as you can before having one. Maybe in 10 years the procedure will be so nicely refined that a first episode will warrant one, but at this time they definitely still have the potential for some pretty significant complications. Since you have only had one event, have the cardioversion, listen to your cardio (or perhaps pick another), and go from there.. (sorry so long), Stef gobikegobike wrote: I am a 42 year old male, cometitive cyclist and in excellent shape. On Dec. 4th while competing in a bike race I had my first experience with AF. It was very scary to say the least. My heart rate jumped to 235 bpm and I felt like my leags were made of lead. I went to the hospital and after going through a bunch of tests met with a cardiologist who told me that my heart was in AF. She prescribed Atenalol and Coumdin and has me scheduled for Cardioversion on Jan 13th. I feel like a slug and can't do the things I love. It's all very depressing. Has anyone had good luck with cardioversion? Everything I have read make it sound like a short term fix. I'm not sure what started the AF but I'll do anything to get out of it. Should I start pushing for a Pulmonary Vein Ablation or is it too soon for that? Thanks. Russ 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 January 4, 2006 Report Share Posted January 4, 2006 Russ - where are you located? Atenelol is a good drug to slow things down, but it is generally not the drug of choice to convert one back to normal rhythm? Every time I've gone to the ER in afib (and it's alot now), they want to pump me full of all kinds of converting drugs.. cardizem, sotolol.. etc.. I have actually never been offered atenelol IN the ER (although I'm on it now) as a choice for conversion. I'm refractory to all the convert drugs (they don't do anything) so I always go for an electro-version, but it took me several years to convince the doctors to skip all the initial drugs. I'm also 42 and have suffered now for maybe 6 years. To me, and this is just my personal NON medical opinion, it sounds like this cardio is a bit behind the times with the atenelol perscription, and letting you stay in afib for more than a month.. we all pretty much know how you are feeling, so we can definitely sympathize. Perhaps you don't say what else they did in the ER, or how long you waited after it started to go, but again, my non-medical opinion is that someone should have been a bit more aggressive to get you out of it sooner. As for the cardioversion... they do have risks (heart attack, death), although I have never heard of a single person experiencing either. I've had 4 cardioversions now, and they are really a non-event... the best thing about them, is that if successful, you wake up in normal rhythm.. the worst thing about them is that you might develop a slight ring burn, which will itch like a sunburn for a couple days... worth the price in my book. As for an ablation... the common opinion is still to wait as long as you can before having one. Maybe in 10 years the procedure will be so nicely refined that a first episode will warrant one, but at this time they definitely still have the potential for some pretty significant complications. Since you have only had one event, have the cardioversion, listen to your cardio (or perhaps pick another), and go from there.. (sorry so long), Stef gobikegobike wrote: I am a 42 year old male, cometitive cyclist and in excellent shape. On Dec. 4th while competing in a bike race I had my first experience with AF. It was very scary to say the least. My heart rate jumped to 235 bpm and I felt like my leags were made of lead. I went to the hospital and after going through a bunch of tests met with a cardiologist who told me that my heart was in AF. She prescribed Atenalol and Coumdin and has me scheduled for Cardioversion on Jan 13th. I feel like a slug and can't do the things I love. It's all very depressing. Has anyone had good luck with cardioversion? Everything I have read make it sound like a short term fix. I'm not sure what started the AF but I'll do anything to get out of it. Should I start pushing for a Pulmonary Vein Ablation or is it too soon for that? Thanks. Russ 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 January 4, 2006 Report Share Posted January 4, 2006 Russ - where are you located? Atenelol is a good drug to slow things down, but it is generally not the drug of choice to convert one back to normal rhythm? Every time I've gone to the ER in afib (and it's alot now), they want to pump me full of all kinds of converting drugs.. cardizem, sotolol.. etc.. I have actually never been offered atenelol IN the ER (although I'm on it now) as a choice for conversion. I'm refractory to all the convert drugs (they don't do anything) so I always go for an electro-version, but it took me several years to convince the doctors to skip all the initial drugs. I'm also 42 and have suffered now for maybe 6 years. To me, and this is just my personal NON medical opinion, it sounds like this cardio is a bit behind the times with the atenelol perscription, and letting you stay in afib for more than a month.. we all pretty much know how you are feeling, so we can definitely sympathize. Perhaps you don't say what else they did in the ER, or how long you waited after it started to go, but again, my non-medical opinion is that someone should have been a bit more aggressive to get you out of it sooner. As for the cardioversion... they do have risks (heart attack, death), although I have never heard of a single person experiencing either. I've had 4 cardioversions now, and they are really a non-event... the best thing about them, is that if successful, you wake up in normal rhythm.. the worst thing about them is that you might develop a slight ring burn, which will itch like a sunburn for a couple days... worth the price in my book. As for an ablation... the common opinion is still to wait as long as you can before having one. Maybe in 10 years the procedure will be so nicely refined that a first episode will warrant one, but at this time they definitely still have the potential for some pretty significant complications. Since you have only had one event, have the cardioversion, listen to your cardio (or perhaps pick another), and go from there.. (sorry so long), Stef gobikegobike wrote: I am a 42 year old male, cometitive cyclist and in excellent shape. On Dec. 4th while competing in a bike race I had my first experience with AF. It was very scary to say the least. My heart rate jumped to 235 bpm and I felt like my leags were made of lead. I went to the hospital and after going through a bunch of tests met with a cardiologist who told me that my heart was in AF. She prescribed Atenalol and Coumdin and has me scheduled for Cardioversion on Jan 13th. I feel like a slug and can't do the things I love. It's all very depressing. Has anyone had good luck with cardioversion? Everything I have read make it sound like a short term fix. I'm not sure what started the AF but I'll do anything to get out of it. Should I start pushing for a Pulmonary Vein Ablation or is it too soon for that? Thanks. Russ 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 January 4, 2006 Report Share Posted January 4, 2006 Russ, I had the same type of thing happen to me in 2002. I was put on coumdin to wait for cardioversion but I converted on my own after a couple of weeks. A number of months later I had to be cardioverted. Cardioversion only puts you back in rhythm. I have had it 5 times. It's not bad at all. I had my ablation in November in Baltimore, so far so good. Hope this helps. Earl in polis MD > > I am a 42 year old male, cometitive cyclist and in excellent shape. On > Dec. 4th while competing in a bike race I had my first experience with > AF. It was very scary to say the least. My heart rate jumped to 235 > bpm and I felt like my leags were made of lead. I went to the hospital > and after going through a bunch of tests met with a cardiologist who > told me that my heart was in AF. She prescribed Atenalol and Coumdin > and has me scheduled for Cardioversion on Jan 13th. I feel like a slug > and can't do the things I love. It's all very depressing. Has anyone > had good luck with cardioversion? Everything I have read make it sound > like a short term fix. I'm not sure what started the AF but I'll do > anything to get out of it. Should I start pushing for a Pulmonary Vein > Ablation or is it too soon for that? Thanks. > > Russ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2006 Report Share Posted January 4, 2006 Hi Russ, I am 45 and have gone into to AF about 7 times. My first three episodes lasted about 20 hours. I converted into NSR in the hospital with the help of meds. The forth episode my cardiologist prescribed 200 mg of Flecainide, and I converted in 2 hours. The 6th & 7th time I went into AF, and by the way my 7th time was last night, I stayed home took 200 mg of Flecainide and converted in less than 2 hours. By no means am I prescribing Flecainide, just wanted to let you no that it works for me. The first time I was given Flecainide I was monitored in the ER for two hours after converting. My cardiologist said he wanted to see how I would react to the drug. I would suggest getting a second opinion and try different medications to help you convert on your own. Good luck, Andy > > I am a 42 year old male, cometitive cyclist and in excellent shape. On > Dec. 4th while competing in a bike race I had my first experience with > AF. It was very scary to say the least. My heart rate jumped to 235 > bpm and I felt like my leags were made of lead. I went to the hospital > and after going through a bunch of tests met with a cardiologist who > told me that my heart was in AF. She prescribed Atenalol and Coumdin > and has me scheduled for Cardioversion on Jan 13th. I feel like a slug > and can't do the things I love. It's all very depressing. Has anyone > had good luck with cardioversion? Everything I have read make it sound > like a short term fix. I'm not sure what started the AF but I'll do > anything to get out of it. Should I start pushing for a Pulmonary Vein > Ablation or is it too soon for that? Thanks. > > Russ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2006 Report Share Posted January 4, 2006 Hi Russ, I am 45 and have gone into to AF about 7 times. My first three episodes lasted about 20 hours. I converted into NSR in the hospital with the help of meds. The forth episode my cardiologist prescribed 200 mg of Flecainide, and I converted in 2 hours. The 6th & 7th time I went into AF, and by the way my 7th time was last night, I stayed home took 200 mg of Flecainide and converted in less than 2 hours. By no means am I prescribing Flecainide, just wanted to let you no that it works for me. The first time I was given Flecainide I was monitored in the ER for two hours after converting. My cardiologist said he wanted to see how I would react to the drug. I would suggest getting a second opinion and try different medications to help you convert on your own. Good luck, Andy > > I am a 42 year old male, cometitive cyclist and in excellent shape. On > Dec. 4th while competing in a bike race I had my first experience with > AF. It was very scary to say the least. My heart rate jumped to 235 > bpm and I felt like my leags were made of lead. I went to the hospital > and after going through a bunch of tests met with a cardiologist who > told me that my heart was in AF. She prescribed Atenalol and Coumdin > and has me scheduled for Cardioversion on Jan 13th. I feel like a slug > and can't do the things I love. It's all very depressing. Has anyone > had good luck with cardioversion? Everything I have read make it sound > like a short term fix. I'm not sure what started the AF but I'll do > anything to get out of it. Should I start pushing for a Pulmonary Vein > Ablation or is it too soon for that? Thanks. > > Russ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2006 Report Share Posted January 4, 2006 > > I am a 42 year old male, cometitive cyclist and in excellent shape. SNIP > > Russ > Hi Russ My first episode was a lot of years ago. It was a cross county skiing event. I self converted in about 10 minutes. Yes it is too early to go to ablation. My main recommendations: I assume you are on coumadin so please be aware that the Docs will be looking for you to test above 2.0 INR (target about 2.5 so that if you dip you will still qualify.) or they may send you home to wait longer. Note my recommendations below are very likely to require more coumadin to keep your INR up so test often. Do so even if you decide to not vary your diet. Cardiversion is very useful for healthy hearts the main concerns is to not damage the heart during the wait. No alcohol no caffeine , stay very low fat. Reduce animal protein (especially dairy) ; take major amounts of alkalizing vegetables. Pick up the book " Stop Inflammation Now " Try wheat grass (juice). Lie quietly on your right side and eat very little (for serveral hours )and stay cool (it slow heart beat ). Some athletic individuals have found that if you have not been converting... exercise can trigger a self-conversion, go easy but it may be worth a try. You may have to face some changes in your athletic expectations. I personally think your cardio is close to the protocol for young healthy hearts. There are a lot of athletes who have this concern. Read Hans Larsens ( afibbers.com) site for a quick education on the many issues. Also check out the links on this site for a good background. NSR for nearly three years- whole food lifestyle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2006 Report Share Posted January 4, 2006 > > I am a 42 year old male, cometitive cyclist and in excellent shape. SNIP > > Russ > Hi Russ My first episode was a lot of years ago. It was a cross county skiing event. I self converted in about 10 minutes. Yes it is too early to go to ablation. My main recommendations: I assume you are on coumadin so please be aware that the Docs will be looking for you to test above 2.0 INR (target about 2.5 so that if you dip you will still qualify.) or they may send you home to wait longer. Note my recommendations below are very likely to require more coumadin to keep your INR up so test often. Do so even if you decide to not vary your diet. Cardiversion is very useful for healthy hearts the main concerns is to not damage the heart during the wait. No alcohol no caffeine , stay very low fat. Reduce animal protein (especially dairy) ; take major amounts of alkalizing vegetables. Pick up the book " Stop Inflammation Now " Try wheat grass (juice). Lie quietly on your right side and eat very little (for serveral hours )and stay cool (it slow heart beat ). Some athletic individuals have found that if you have not been converting... exercise can trigger a self-conversion, go easy but it may be worth a try. You may have to face some changes in your athletic expectations. I personally think your cardio is close to the protocol for young healthy hearts. There are a lot of athletes who have this concern. Read Hans Larsens ( afibbers.com) site for a quick education on the many issues. Also check out the links on this site for a good background. NSR for nearly three years- whole food lifestyle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 4, 2006 Report Share Posted January 4, 2006 > > I am a 42 year old male, cometitive cyclist and in excellent shape. SNIP > > Russ > Hi Russ My first episode was a lot of years ago. It was a cross county skiing event. I self converted in about 10 minutes. Yes it is too early to go to ablation. My main recommendations: I assume you are on coumadin so please be aware that the Docs will be looking for you to test above 2.0 INR (target about 2.5 so that if you dip you will still qualify.) or they may send you home to wait longer. Note my recommendations below are very likely to require more coumadin to keep your INR up so test often. Do so even if you decide to not vary your diet. Cardiversion is very useful for healthy hearts the main concerns is to not damage the heart during the wait. No alcohol no caffeine , stay very low fat. Reduce animal protein (especially dairy) ; take major amounts of alkalizing vegetables. Pick up the book " Stop Inflammation Now " Try wheat grass (juice). Lie quietly on your right side and eat very little (for serveral hours )and stay cool (it slow heart beat ). Some athletic individuals have found that if you have not been converting... exercise can trigger a self-conversion, go easy but it may be worth a try. You may have to face some changes in your athletic expectations. I personally think your cardio is close to the protocol for young healthy hearts. There are a lot of athletes who have this concern. Read Hans Larsens ( afibbers.com) site for a quick education on the many issues. Also check out the links on this site for a good background. NSR for nearly three years- whole food lifestyle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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