Afib

Hey Folks, I'm new at this. So bear with me. I had a pacemaker inplanted on November 9th, I have Atrial fibrulation, Which is literally debilitating when it starts in. I have episodes every week or so.

The are talking Ablation soon, but my question is: In the meantime, anybody have any tricks to get my heart back in regular rhythm. The episodes last from 8 to 40 hours at at time, and I feel like I'm going to pass out and hen it gets better for a few minutes then bad again. They have me on blood prssure meds and flecanaide for ryhthym. Doesn't seem to do sny good. I don;t want to go to emergency room unless absolutely necessary. They really don;t do anything there anyway. I forgot what they did for me last time. Thats another thing that goes on: I can't concentrate and I have short term memory loss (if you can call it that). Dp I just wait it out like the last few times?? It evenyuallu goes but I never know when, and I feel really awful. ANY SUGGESTIONS. I'm in it now and wanted some help. THANKS!!

4 Comments

Valsalva maneuver

by atiras - 2018-12-18 05:41:27

Google the Valsalva maneuver -- it doesn't help everybody, but is worth trying.

You don't mention blood thinners -- that's extremely important -- doesn't help the atrial fibrillation but works to prevent it causing a stroke.

How to control an atrial fibrillation attack

by Selwyn - 2018-12-20 08:17:05

Firstly prevention is better than cure.

Avoid alcohol? Avoid caffeine? Avoid excessive exercise? Avoid stress?

There is the 'pill in the pocket' regime ( extra Flecainide/beta blcoker)

The Valsalva thing 

Optimise your meds ( Flecainide maximum dose is 200mg three times a day)- this should be done under medical supervision.

Add another drug to your regime eg. a rate control drug such as a calcium antagonist . Talk to your doctor. If you do get AF then this will control the rate.

I have had 2 ablations for AF ( and one for flutter). I do not now take any heart rhythm control drugs. I do get occasional AF.

I would not try carotid massage if I had hypertension or arterial disease ( atherosclerosis) though for some this may be an alternative to trying the Valsalva.

Afib

by pogerm1 - 2018-12-20 23:43:05

I have had episodes of AF occassionaly every few months, sometimes I go longer or less.  I have always stopped on my own, I do take Propafenone (1 tab. at night).  I also highly believe in taking Magnesium, I take 1 t. of Mag. powder in a glass of water at night, that has gotten rid of any palps that I used to have.  Taking the proper electrolytes is very important, Mag., Potassium.  Eat lots of fruits and veggies, cook your own food from scratch.

When I get an episode of AF, I will take 1 tab. of my propafenone, chew it and drink warm water, it gets into the blood stream quicker, and take my magnesium, it helps shorten my episode.  If you finally go for an ablation, look up Dr. Natalie in Texas, he is the best, also there is a site that talks about Afib, many helpful advice, it is AFFIBERS.ORG.

 

 

Afib

by Babs - 2019-01-07 23:18:26

I had 3 ablutions by Dr Natale who was at the Cleveland Clinic at that time. The third one worked and I no longer have it.  It is worth a try as with me, no medications helped at all. Good luck.  I do still take Magnesium Glycinate also.  

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