A-FIB

[Ma63]

Well it's been 31 days now. I was in hospital for 6 days...sent home with medicine...still in A-fib The doctor wants to do a electro-cardoconversion but my blood was too thick then a week later too thin. I go back tomorrow for a blood test.. Sure hope its right.. I fell like I can't take this any more. My hearts races ...I get dizzy when I get up.. I haven't been able to go anywhere or so any thing .Headache is a pressure like feeling. When I lay down on right side I get these feelings like zaps..where it takes my breath for a few seconds. The doctor said he might do an ablation later.  I am so tired
PLease help with any advice you may have for me
I am 63 and the A-Fib has been going on for a few years but just got worse. I have been in the hospital 3 times in last 6 months. This last time my heartt did not convert

[Ma63]

Yes My hate rate right before the conversion was "200" It sure looked good to see "70"

The doctor told me to continue my meds....Cardizem, Rythmol,Digoxin, and Warfarin
He wants to talk to me next month about the Ablation

I had the weirdest thing happen..my potassium was too low so they started giving me Potassium through IV ...after about 5 minutes, My body started tingling and they said I stiffened up all over. and I just felt like I was leaving here  BP spiked and Heart rate too..They stoped the IV , but it took 15 minutes to get me back to normal.Then they gave potassium  to drink..Had to wait 2 hours and check it again.. It was good so they did the conversion  Boy do I have a terrible burn on my chest and back!! Jerry did you experience this??

Thanks for the replies
Ma 63

[FJOHNONE]

I had cardioversion on Feb 1st, 2007 and have no heart abnormalities for 25 months. I do have symptoms that are related to the side effects of medications that I am living with. Took me a month prior to cardioversion to get my blood numbers in the therapeutic range. I am a big believer in cardioversion. After waking up, I remember looking at the graph and seeing my heart in sinus rhythm. Sheer joy.

[Jerry_NJ]

Great news, and if you are on medications to help hold you in NSR, keep the schedule as best you can.  This will help keep you from slipping back into AFib.

[Ma63]

UPDATE AGAIN

I had the conversion...My heart is beating regular..PRAISE GOD!
Ma63

[Ma63]

   UPDATE....I went to the Dr today and my blood work was 3.5. The nurse called when I got home and said the Doctor could do the cardioconversion but not until next Monday
I said no way I can't wait another week so I have a appointment tomorrow to see the doctor. I am going to tell him PLEASE do it today...if I wait another week my blood would be too thick or thin again.So say a prayer for me tomorrow
Ma63

[bama jane]

I feel so bad for you.  I have heart palpitations in the 100's almost every day for 10 years and also episodes of svt.  Even on atenenol.  Have not slept through the night in 10 years and an ready to just give up the ghost. If you have any ideas on coping strategies I would appreciate it.  My dad had afib and it looks like I am heading that way too. Don't think I can take much more without losing my mind. God bless you, I hope there is relief out there for all of us.

[Jerry_NJ]

You say your doctor "wants to do an electrocardioversion"? These, done in the hospital with an anesthetic (completely out) where the de-fibrillating shock is delivered have worked for me in the past.  I got about 18 months each out of two of them.  I had a leaky mitral valve, so the continued back-pressure on my left atrial chamber always kicked me back into AFib.

You didn't mention medications, I assume you are on something to reduce your heart rate, and an anticoagulant (Coumadin)?  

Wish you good results on getting converted to NSR.

[acjviolin]

I read your post with deepest sympathy, Ma63!  I wish there were something that I could do right now to alleviate your problem.  I live in Boiling Springs, NC (45 minutes west of Charlotte).  Where do you live?  I tried several times to send you a message, I will try again! (I'm an A-Fibber, too!  Rapid Afib!)