vicious circle

[puckinthehead]

I have read the posts on this site, and I thought I would air my concerns.
I am 38, and ten years ago I had a 16 hour bout of atrial fib.
It reverted into a regular sinus rhythm after a long long night of observation in the ER.
Since then I have had periodic reoccurances of atril fib, and once I had a bout of SVT, (after eating a big chinese food lunch).  That was the scariest of all of them.
Since then I have noticed that I have these attacks after unknowingly consuming MSG, red wine, or choclates.
It's been a long time since this first started, and quite honestly it's scaring the **** out of me.
It's causing me a tremendous amount of anxiety, to the point where the anxiety is beginning to keep me from enjoying life.  I am always asking myself if today is the day I have to go to the ER again?
It was to the point where I fell into a depression and was prescribed Welbutrin.
This *****, I used to be an athlete and a very outgoing person.
Travelled everywhere alone without the least bit of concern.
I feel like if I can get a handle on the heart issue, the frustration, anxiety and depression will fade as well.
I am reading about alblation suregery (scary), and medication as well.
I am stuck, I worry about it and I get anxious and I feel my heart skipping *(which I am told is from an adrenaline response) but it's still terrifying.
Anyone else go through this? If so, how did you get through it?

[RNRita]

I have been told my problems come from: caffeine, chocolate, wine, eating too much, stress, anxiety, and every other thing under the sun.  I have cut all these things out and STILL have gotten my share of PVCs, and other arrythmias.  I, too, was an independent person.  Last year, before I was off to a trip to Disney, I had an especially scary bout and went to my cardio.  They said I was fine and nothing would happen.  I kept thinking of driving and being on roads where there was no hospital.  I dreaded going, and it almost totally ruined my trip.  Nothing happened while I was there, but on the way back, I had a problem.  Believe me, I feel for you.  My life is NOTHING like it should be.  Even though I'm told over and over, and being a nurse, I KNOW that most of this stuff is benign, I always think that maybe THIS time I am dying.  It is no way to live and I am not a candidate for ablation.  I am on atenelol for 21 years.  I also take Xanax when I need something.  It just doesn't matter.  They come and go and I'm still here.

[puckinthehead]

I took some nasal decongestant earlier this morning.
I have been using it due to a cold, perhaps this is it?
anyway took an ativan to slow things down a bit (I never take them, but my wife is a nurse and suggested it's not bad idea).  Seems to be working a little bit.  Let's hope this bout is over.

[puckinthehead]

my blood pressure is normal,
as for the cardioversion
it has never needed meds to convert.
However, it's a pretty scary every time it happens.
Last few days I have been consuming a lot of berries (strawberries, grapes, and cranberries). I wonder if that's it?

[Hopeful39]

I had a single a-fib episode in March.  I have read that all of the things you mentioned are sometimes listed as triggers for a-fib.

When you go into a-fib, do you always cardiovert on your own or do you need intervention?  I required IV meds.  Do you notice an elevated BP?  My cardio said my BP was high and put me on Diovan.  My BP immediately dropped and palpatations have been reduced significantly (not gone though).

I am able to exercise and drive the HR to 140 to 150 with no problems.

[puckinthehead]

Thanks,
I have a lot to be thankful for in life, I just want to be able to have this behind me and not hover over my head like a "Charlie Brown-like" Cloud.

[jkfrench]

Hi there
I had my one and only ER visit after a big chinese meal.  My heart was racing at 220 and I was diagnosed with PAT  (which I think is part of the SVT family).  Anyway, it converted on its own and I get an SVT attack about once or twice a year.  I know what you mean about the anxiety controlling your life.  I started on tenormin (antenol) after that ER visit and it has been a life saver.  Really..for me anyway.  Don't be afraid to try something.  It slows my heart down a little and keeps the pvc's from getting out of control  (most of the time:) ).  For the times, they do get out of control I thank god for this forum.  If your doctor says you are fine and you still can't believe him (which I know is hard to do during a bad spell) then maybe you should try some type of beta blocker or anxiety drug.  I don't say this lightly because I am NOT a big medication user.  I'm afraid of everything because of what it might do to trigger my heart.  
Good luck, you are to young to worry for the next 50 years.
Frenchie