Back in Afib -- VERY discouraged

[DeltaDawn23]

Hi All -- just a report.  I went back into Afib today.  I am awaiting a call from my local cardio as to when I might go in for a cardioversion.  I may have to go back on the Norpace CR, which was giving me a lot of symtoms.  I did get a referral from Dr. Nanayan (sp) in california regarding the FIRM availability and he referred me to Ohio State Univeristy which, incidentally is where Dr. Sirak does the 5 box maze procedure.  I knew this was a possibility ( going back into afib because I am only on the Atenolol, but still caught me off guard and I am disappointed to say the least, also very tired of this. Ablation is looking better and better.  I will post when I know more.  Keep me in your thoughts, can use any good vibes, prayers, etc.  Whatever you got, send it:)

[gothic_beauty]

Oh, Delta, I'm so sorry to hear that you are continuing to have such trouble with your rhythm!! My most sincere and heartfelt hugs and prayers. Feel my waves of sympathy and serenity radiating from my keyboard to yours, relaxing your mind and slowing your heart ... If that doesn't work, it's great that you were able to get an appointment for a cardioversion today after all. If only you hadn't had to go through the nurse first ... somehow, I don't think that she had ever suffered through something as terrifying as afib herself if she could be so unemotional. I know from firsthand experience how hard it can be when medical professionals just don't get it. That being said, I don't know from firsthand experience what it is like to be in afib, so my capacity to give specific advice is unfortunately very limited. At the same time, I know exactly what it is to have the impression that your heart isn't working the way it should, and how it can mess with your mind and your life as a whole. I myself have had a TERRIBLE week of arrhythmia, with my heart skipping and jumping all over the place, and I've had to struggle to go on. I'm debating whether or not to go back to my cardiologist and ask him to run some more tests, because he has already assured me that my skips are benign and I should just learn to live with them, but they've never been this bad before. Anyway, I know that the more I think about them, the worse they are, so I always try to distract myself as soon as they start up. I get into the most comfortable position I can imagine (lying down, sitting back) in the most comfortable place (my bed, my favourite spot on the couch, or my favourite cafe if I'm out), I pick up a book, turn on the TV, get out a crossword puzzle, and I just let my mind wander. Difficult as this may be at first, it usually works after a time, so that I am able to ignore or even to stop my PACs/PVCs. I don't know if relaxation techniques would be quite so effective at dealing with a condition like afib, especially in the long run, so I will also say that I have read many, many stories on these boards and other websites about people who have had successful ablations for afib and had a real happily-ever-after. Just as the above posters have said, I think that this might truly be the best option for you. In the meantime, I wish you a successful cardioversion and a long night of normal sinus rhythm! Take care and definitely keep us all posted. We are thinking of you :)

[ka1218]

Dear Delta,
My father in law had two ablations for Afib. The first was not successful but the second was. He has been Afib free for almost a year! Before the ablations, I can't tell you how many times he was cardioverted (sp?) even on medication. Best of luck to you. Sending good thoughts your way.

[DeltaDawn23]

Thanks for your comments.  Sometimes I think this nurse perceives her job is to keep people away from the doctor!  She does seem to think that I should be happy to stay in afib and I think she is overstepping her position to even go there.  That is something the doctor and I should decide.  She did call this a.m. after talking with him and her tone was completely opposite from yesterday. After making sure I'd not had anything to eat or drink, she said she would call me right back and set up the appt.  So I go in at 2 p.m. this afternoon and am resigned to spending several hours there if last time is any indication.  However, I am very happy to get the appt. and am looking forward to normal sinus rhythm tonight.  I also will be going back on my Norpace CR, which had some side effects, but is way preferable to afib!  Thank you both again for your kind words and thoughtfulness. DD

[helyanna]

I am very sorry to hear about your situation.  I can imagine how frustrated and tired you are. I have also got mistreatment and slow treatment of AF.

You should have some medication in addition to Atenolol. Maybe the rhythm slows somewhat down with time. When I have AF, the rhythm is at first high but then slows gradually down. I have been with AF for six months and then two months and then two. It is not good to be with AF and high heart rate for a long time.

I am very happy to be still in normal sinus rhytm (for 2.5 months). I am seeking for relief of possible causes for AF (fluid and electrolyte disturbances, eg. DI and hypercalcemia). No, doctors want to concider elimination of them. I am 65, and doctors have said that an ablation can be difficult. There are four pulmonary veins!  However, I am interested in ablation, if I still get AF. I get often SVTs, and have ST segment depression during SVT.

I am on atenolol 25 + 25 mcg. Sometimes previously I have been on 100 mcg.

I hope you for the best.

[MichelleP_3811]

My goodness, that was kind of cold of the nurse if you ask me.  I hope you don't take that kind of thing personal but if the doctor is just as blase with you like the nurse you may want to find a new cardiologist office.  A little compassion can go a long way.  I am sorry she was so cavalier with you.  You deserve better than that.  Sending more good thoughts your way.  The only advice I have is to take it really slow.  Give your heart as much rest as you can and hopefully Jerry pops on with some good advice since he seems to be in permanent afib.  You might want to message him as well.  

[DeltaDawn23]

Thanks.  I heard from the nurse and she said, "Well you're only on rate control, what did you expect -- you knew this could happen."  I said that the doctor said I could have a cardioversion and my heart rate is anywhere from 130 to 180 -- I can't STAY like this.  She said there was nothing in his notes about this and she would talk to him and call me tomorrow.  I said "I have to have a plan." Needless to say, I am not happy.  The hospitals here have not offered me much possibility of success for an ablation.  I am waiting to hear from the nurse at OSU as to where to send my records.  I just hope I don't have to stay like this (in afib) for too long.  Cleveland Clinic is also a possibility, but I know at either one I have to be evaluated and get on the schedule and I don't know how long that will take.  I am mostly just exhausted right now with the high heart rate.  If anyone has any ideas, comments, advice, I'm all ears:)    

[MichelleP_3811]

I am sorry to hear that.  You have my thoughts and prayers.  (((HUGS)))