Pacemaker/Defibrillator

AFib

by AgentX86 - 2018-06-30 13:06:50

Theroe are millions of us with AF and variations on the theme.  AF, itself, isn't dangerous, though it may or may not be quite debilitating.  Since it was found during an office visit, I'll assume that you're asymptomatic, so that's good.

AF is dangerous because it can cause blood to clot in the heart, then these clots can travel to the brain (instant stroke).  For this reason, your doctor likely prescribed an anticoagulant (AKA "blood thinner").  Thake this medication religiously.  Though unlikely, a single missed dose can cause a stroke.

I know what you're talking about.  I was diagnosed in '07 and have gone through a lot since.  I'm very symptomatic and have had every procedure, many multiple times.  Every bump was an "ah sh*t here we go again" moment.  Since everything else failed, I decided to go the last, irreversable step to an AV ablation and pacemaker dependency.   It's no fun but since you appear to be asymptomatic, at least for now, it's not that big of a deal.  Just follow your doctor's instructions to the letter.  AF is well known and the treatment is pretty straight forward.  Treating symptoms (which you apparently don't have) is the tough part.

Afib isn't fun but you can live with it.

by Theknotguy - 2018-06-30 19:16:27

Afib isn't fun, but as you've indicated you're asymptomatic which will make it easier to deal with.  As AgentX86 said there are millions of us with many variations on the same theme.  I've had my afib since before 1999 and can't really remember living without it.  As Robin1 said, there can be food or life events that can trigger afib for some of us.  Unfortunately that isn't the case for me.  I'm one of those rare individuals who can feel when they are in afib.  I'll sometimes get into arguments with doctors because they'll tell me one thing is happening and I'll tell them it isn't.  I can feel the difference.  

My pacemaker has two programs running on it to deal with my afib.  One is APP (Atrial Preference Pacing).  The other is Minerva.  APP works about 10% of the time and Minerva works about 80% of the time.  The other 10% I'm on my own.  I can tell when APP kicks in because I'll get a hot flash.  Minerva causes a "stutter step" feeling.  You'll sometimes hear me as I'm walking down the hall and my pacemaker is switching between the two programs - "Would you just make up  your MIND!!!"  Ah well.  

Fortunately medical research is working for us.  Back in, and prior to 1999 when I'd go into afib then, I'd sometimes be stuck in a recliner for a couple of days until my afib sessions would settle down.  Between my pacemaker and medications I'm taking I'll usually pop an additional pill and just keep on going.  Now, because of some recent changes, I usually don't even have to do that.  I'll just think, "Oh, I'm in afib." and keep on going.  

What can be done?  Sometimes nothing.  Afib can be genetic in its cause.  Which means your grandparents swam in the wrong gene pool and there isn't too much you can do about that.  There are medications which your heart doctor can prescribe.  Sometimes it takes a while until the doctor hits on the best drug for you.  That can take as long as a year.  Main point being you're under treatment.  Ablation will sometimes stop it but my heart doctor has indicated ablation may not work for me so he's held off.  As Robin1 indicated you'll be put on blood thinners to decrease the chance of having a stroke or heart attack.  My heart doctor recommended I go on a magnesium supplement.  I've added a calcium supplement.  They both seem to help but, in your case, I'd suggest having a discussion with your heart doctor before you go that direction.  

Some people have their afib triggered by alcohol.  Others have to avoid some foods including dark chocolate.  Unfortunately my wife knows the right things to say to get me angry enough to go into afib.  So, for some people, afib can be triggered by foods and life events.  For the majority most don't know what triggers the events.  

Best thing to do - get into treatment for afib, add it as another facet of your heart situation, then get on with your life.  It doesn't do you any good to worry about it and you can lead a normal life even though you have it.  

Hope everything else goes well for you.  
 

Pacemaker/Defibrillator

by Mill the Pill - 2018-06-30 22:09:15

I just want to thank all of your for your responses to me.  They all helped me tremendously!  Bless all of you!  Maybe as I travel this road I will be in a position to help someone else! <3