afib at rehab

• by lubro
• 2013-03-15 02:03:05
• Exercise & Sports
• 1305 views
• 4 comments

Hi... Lou here again...

I posted a few days ago about exercising and concern about what certain limits I should set...also about the fear of dislodging the pm leads...got some wonderful feedback...
Decided I was going to get in gear and not worry about these things...Just do the exercises and get on with it...
Went to rehab this morning and had a major afib episode...

First off...Thanks to everyone for the feedback. I know I need to stop worrying and get myself in gear. Need to work this left shoulder especially... been babying it too much I suppose. This club is a wonderful place not only for information, but those who post here are among the most caring and concerned people. I am proud to be among such prestigious posters. I hope as time goes by I'll be able to post helpful things as well. Still too early for me to be giving any advice...and Don, I will always eat bananas, but I promise, no swinging from the chandeliers...oh, and after reading your story, I'll never look at Jeep Cherokees again without thinking of how lucky we are to have you around. I know I'm a newbie here, but I've read other posts by you, and know that you are well respected here. Your posts are always so informative, educational, and your caring & concern, as well as your candor are greatly appreciated. I know I speak for many here when I say this.

ok this being said, I went to cardio rehab this morning and had a major a-fib episode. Don't know the cause (who does really?) the nurse calld my cardiologist, sent him several "paddle" readings, as well as a 12 pt EKG...Gonna see him real soon...This episode lasted for almost 15 or 20 minutes... I usually can't tell when I go into afib...but this time I surely felt something going on...Been in rehab 1 1/2 weeks...only other episode happened a few days ago.. when they hooked me up to the heart monitors, I was in afib...lasted 3 or 4 mins, then stopped...I did try to push myself this morning on the bicycle, but nothing drastic...just a little harder than the last time... problem is, I just don't know what does trigger the afib...I think I went into afib lsat night while watching a movie...pulse felt like it was racing ..
I guess that's why I have been worried about what to do or not do exercise wise...I want to get back to "normal" activities, but when things like this happen, I sorta lose that confidence level. The nurse at rehab called my cardio...he suggested taking me off digoxin and back to flecainide...called his nurse when I got home... waiting to hear back... I'm scheduled to see him in 1 week & 1/2...got some questions ready for that visit. This is all such new territory for me. I might just be one of those who just has to live with afib...hopefully, they can tweak the meds... maybe set levels on the pacemaker to help,
Too much too soon ... The first week of rehab went fine...no afib incidents. Today was a different story...
Guess that's why my confidence level has yoyo'd so much.. I never expected any easy answers, but I'm supposed to go back to work in 2 weeks, and I'm just not sure of what to expect. I work in an airline control tower...Gotta climb 90 steps to get up there. Concerned about the effects of this... Just a worrier by nature I suppose...but hey...I'm gonna try to be optimistic and hope we can tweak the meds and the pm and I'll get on with trying to be "normal" again.. at least physically that is lol...Thanks again for the comments and suggestions you've given me... Sorry if I sound needy, but I've always been very healthy and never had to deal with anything like ever before. I appreciate all the wonderful feedback. thanks to all...

Lou