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move to sea level?

We live at about 5,000 feet in WY.  My mom (85) has developed atrial fibrillation.  She is on various meds for this.,,coumadin, digitek, metoprolol....  She still has trouble breathing.  Does not want to go on oxygen.  Would moving to sea level help her?  If we did a trial test, how long would it take to tell if it is helping?
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187666 tn?1331173345
That's quite a trip for her and a big change. Assuming she can handle a long plane trip with a-fib, perhaps an all adult home would be nicer for her. Before she travels get a clearance from her doctor. A-fib can cause clots and sitting in a plane (or train or car) could be risky as well.

The other option that no one likes to think about is assisted living. I have plenty of older friends that live in assisted living and they enjoy it. They have their own mini-apartment but can visit with other neighbors their age. Meals are served in a dining area, there are outings planned, classes and activities at the center, rides available for doctor visits and staff will help monitor medications if necessary. We're only in our 50's but we've found a place we'd like to live when owning a home becomes too much for us.

It depends on what's available in your area. We almost moved to Wyoming (a town called Manville) but it was too small even for us (only 100 people at the time). I realize your choices may be limited. Hope you can work out something.
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She would move to FL to live with my brother.  We have a very stressful household with three small children...too much noise and spontaneity.  My brother has grown kids.  Mom actually has atrial fib...the top of her heart no longer pumps, but quivers.  She has only been at this altitude since September of 2007.
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187666 tn?1331173345
How far would she have to move? At her age moving can be quite stressful in itself. Years ago we lived in Denver and my heart was a real brat, going tachy several times a day with the slightest bit of excitement. We moved to Oregon because of a job and I noticed my heart settled way down. Coincidence or altitude? I may never know.

How long has your Mom been at that altitude? If it's been years, then her body has adapted to the leaner air. Perhaps she's just reached an age and health status where she needs the extra boost of oxygen at any level. My Dad rebelled against the oxygen too. It just added to his sense of age and frailty.
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