Picking up the pieces emotionally

[Lewyn]

I posted here a year ago and received some wonderful advice from fellow Atrial Fibrillation sufferers.  It's been about nine months and I just had another episode, and I guess I should consider myself lucky to have that time between episodes.  I am a very active person and an athlete (albeight much less intense during the last six months) and am having a tough time moving on and through this episode.  Quick History:  I have had a stress test, echocardiogram, EKG, and seen a Cardiologist.  BP- 119/65 with a pulse of 54 this morning. All tests were normal and I was given a "no restrictions" diagnoses from the doctor and told I have "Lone"  A-Fib.  This was my fourth episode in my life, with the first one 6 years ago and three in the past two years.  My question:  Does anyone have a hard time moving on "emotionally" after these episodes?  I try to talk to a close friend or two, but we all know the reallity is, if they don't have it, they don't really understand.  I try to live by the old addage of "get busy living, or get busy dying, " but I have had a tough time getting back on board this time.  Not a person to complain. Just looking to see if there are others in the same situation and how and what they are doing or referencing to get through.  Thanks in advance for any advice you may have.

[cindy707]

I am unsure of what consitutes religious to you...do i believe? Then the answer is yes...how could i not after flat lining 5 times during my ablation?  Was i different before the ablation and my little trip North?  Yep......The thing is with life is that once you think that you have some things figured out they change all of the questions and then we start all over again.....life is an amazing game and i consider this earth to be my personal playground and that was about the only thing that a fib gave me a new lease on life and a whole different perspective...i think that everyone in this community thinks a little different than the average bear and personally believe that each and every one of us is chosen to have what we all have....i like to think that all of us are the teachers here...the teachers to those with healthy hearts that may have forgotten how to live...and i was fine w. your question......

[Lewyn]

Thanks a ton Cindy.  I have tried to put it all into perspective but sometimes fail.  I am coming to grips with the fact that we aren't in control of this ride at all.  I mean if it is "your day" then it is what it is.  Don't want to get to cowboy about the whole thing, but I guess you just get tired of trying to "figure it out" when in fact...we won't.  I think we are on the same page?  Are you a very religious person?  Not prying and please don't answer if that is a bad question.  Lewyn

[cindy707]

I don't know Lewyn if it is so much moving on emotionally after our episodes or maybe just prioritizing our lives and simplifying things.  Used to be that in the beginning when the issues started i would get scared with the thoughts of why is this happening to me? I eat right , go to the gym. basically live a good clean life but it took a couple of severe episodes for me to realize that the more i made plans and decisions that the harder God laughed at me....if you get my drift.  Kind of like the reasoning about people who hate to fly...its not that they are scaredy kats its just they don't want someone else in control of their lives and destiny.You adage of get busy living or get busy dying used to be like my mantra too and then i think i may have figured out a couple of little things ...... my new mantra is now: "Life Begins At The End Of Your Comfort Zone" I am sure you know what i am talking about....you sound like a very intelligent person and no our family and friends can no way relate to what we are going thru...it is truly one of those been there done that situations.  How do i personally get thru.......i've wised up and now can';t hear God laughing at me anymore...in other words it isn't up to us ultimately....it is whatever your beliefs and higher power plans are for you....we just have to live life the best that we can and realize if its not gonna be one thing its gonna be another.....those are just my thoughts Lewyn.....i still have control of my life but not my destiny my friend.....