lone AFib

Posted By Jackie on February 03, 1999 at 13:45:52:







I am a 62 year old female who was diagnosed with lone AFib about two years ago.  I experience bouts of AFib about every two months.  When I am not in AFib, I feel great.  I am a distance runner and engage in aerobic activities about four hours each day.  When I am in AFib, I have never experienced discomfort, but I am exhausted.  Sometimes my episodes last for a few minutes, sometimes a few hours, and sometimes they go on for days.  I have always been able to convert on my own by walking and getting my heart into a faster pace.  (If I just sat around, I don't think it would convert on it's own.)  My episodes come on in the evening when I'm lying down or in the afternoons when I suddenly jerk or twist.  I have never had an episode when I'm exercising.  Last year, after wearing a Holter Monitor, my doctor said I needed to consider have a pacemaker implanted because my pulse goes down to the low 40's even the 30's at night.  During the daytime, it runs in the 40's.  I'm hesitant to get a pacemaker because I get along so well with my slow heart and attribute it to being so physically fit.  Should I consider an ablation prior to having a pacemaker implanted?  What about maze surgery?  I'm sure I will need to do something because I can't tolerate the heart medications.  I've tried lanoxin, toprol, and cardizem.  I feel rotten when I'm taking them.  Presently, I'm taking .125 Mgs of lanoxin a day plus coumadin and am having no ill effects.  (I felt awful when I was taking .25 mgs. of lanoxin.)  I would certainly appreciate a response from you.  Your postings are so helpful.