1. < Heart Rhythm Conditions
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Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): How can I manage it?

Posted by fred66 @fred66, Jun 13, 2018

I have a fib.. all the time. No blocked arteries. Can't see a dr for 3 months..

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raybornh | @raybornh | Jul 4, 2018
In reply to @raybornh "I am an 84 year old male with better than average Health, I have high blood..." + (show)
Profile picture for raybornh @raybornh

I am an 84 year old male with better than average Health, I have high blood pressure and have been treated with medication for probably 20 years, recently having a huge loss of energy and just not feeling well I was diagnosed with A FIB, after a nuclear stress test, and a sonagram(MS), both were normal, I was given a cardio version, and was told I obtained normal Heart Rhythm on the first attempt, however two weeks later I was back in A FIB, after discussion with Cardiologist, I was given two options, do nothing stay on XARLTO, or take a rhythm drug AMIODAROBE for three weeks, then try Cardio Version again Dr was fairly optimistic that I could retain a normal Heart Rhythm, I am at this time short of energy, sleep more than usual but able to function somewhat normal albeit at a reduced level, no more 18 holes of golf but only 9 etc, I wold certainly like to hear from folks with similar symtons and any advice that will help me make a decision on witch path to try all comments are welcome. Harold Rayborn

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Thank U for the additional info, hopefully I will get some feed back from others. Harold

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Profile picture for Martin Jensen, Volunteer Mentor
Martin Jensen, Volunteer Mentor | @predictable | Jul 4, 2018
In reply to @raybornh "I am an 84 year old male with better than average Health, I have high blood..." + (show)
Profile picture for raybornh @raybornh

I am an 84 year old male with better than average Health, I have high blood pressure and have been treated with medication for probably 20 years, recently having a huge loss of energy and just not feeling well I was diagnosed with A FIB, after a nuclear stress test, and a sonagram(MS), both were normal, I was given a cardio version, and was told I obtained normal Heart Rhythm on the first attempt, however two weeks later I was back in A FIB, after discussion with Cardiologist, I was given two options, do nothing stay on XARLTO, or take a rhythm drug AMIODAROBE for three weeks, then try Cardio Version again Dr was fairly optimistic that I could retain a normal Heart Rhythm, I am at this time short of energy, sleep more than usual but able to function somewhat normal albeit at a reduced level, no more 18 holes of golf but only 9 etc, I wold certainly like to hear from folks with similar symtons and any advice that will help me make a decision on witch path to try all comments are welcome. Harold Rayborn

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Hi, @raybornh. Glad to make your acquaintance. You and I are similar in basic respects -- I'm almost 83, better than average health, high blood pressure treated with medications more than 20 years, and A-fib the last four years. But I haven't lost a lot of energy, and I've not undergone a cardioversion. Treatment of my A-fib is limited to Carvedilol to stabilize my heart rate and Coumadin (Warfarin) to keep blood from clotting in my heart. My cardiologist has not urged cardioversion, probably because my A-fib symptoms are unremarkable. I'm a cancer survivor for 10 years after removal of a tumor from the lining of my bladder, with no recurrence as documented in annual cystoscopies.

As I turn the corner into my 84th year, I realize that I have cut back on energy-consuming activities and started to recognize initial symptoms in a number of systems -- kidney, liver, thyroid, parathyroid, maybe adrenal gland, and motor nerves -- more than enough to make we want a clear, complete picture of my overall condition and prospects for living another 10 years. So I'm gearing up for a total examination and the full range of tests at the Mayo Clinic. It seems to me that similar comprehensive diagnoses are just good planning for people like you and me in our 80s. Could you see yourself going through such a total workup? Martin

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sistertwo | @sistertwo | Jul 4, 2018
In reply to @sistertwo "On June 15th my (almost 69) husband went to the doctor because of chest congestion, swollen..." + (show)
Profile picture for sistertwo @sistertwo

On June 15th my (almost 69) husband went to the doctor because of chest congestion, swollen legs/feet, and a lot of weakness. He wouldn't let me go along with him and I later learned his heart rate was 191 when he first arrived. They got him stabilized and sent him home several hours later with some meds and a recheck on the 18th. On the 19th he had a really low PB and 145 heart rate so I took him to the ER. He was in the hospital until the 22nd. Since then he has been stable and is waiting to hear when he can meet a cardiologists. After this happened I signed him up to view his doctor records online (my health evet) and I see that on June 15th his NT-proBNP was 3690. June 18th is was 2010 and last Friday it was 245. I don't know what the numbers were when he was in the hospital since that was not through the VA. What does a 3690 BNP mean? Is it only a better read now due to all the meds he's on?
He has had a lot of foot pain since last Friday, thinking it's his achilles tendon. Today it was real painful, but I see his legs and feet are also very swollen again. Has this happened to any of you?

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Good question. Thanks.

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sistertwo | @sistertwo | Jul 4, 2018
In reply to @sistertwo "On June 15th my (almost 69) husband went to the doctor because of chest congestion, swollen..." + (show)
Profile picture for sistertwo @sistertwo

On June 15th my (almost 69) husband went to the doctor because of chest congestion, swollen legs/feet, and a lot of weakness. He wouldn't let me go along with him and I later learned his heart rate was 191 when he first arrived. They got him stabilized and sent him home several hours later with some meds and a recheck on the 18th. On the 19th he had a really low PB and 145 heart rate so I took him to the ER. He was in the hospital until the 22nd. Since then he has been stable and is waiting to hear when he can meet a cardiologists. After this happened I signed him up to view his doctor records online (my health evet) and I see that on June 15th his NT-proBNP was 3690. June 18th is was 2010 and last Friday it was 245. I don't know what the numbers were when he was in the hospital since that was not through the VA. What does a 3690 BNP mean? Is it only a better read now due to all the meds he's on?
He has had a lot of foot pain since last Friday, thinking it's his achilles tendon. Today it was real painful, but I see his legs and feet are also very swollen again. Has this happened to any of you?

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Hello, @racerjon
We live in a smaller community without a cardiologist connected with the hospital. It is taking a (frustrating) while to get an appointment, but an initial one has been set via video in 3 weeks with someone from the cardio department. It would be nice to be able to get some answers sooner rather than later to see a real doctor. Yesterday I took him to urgent care due to severe foot/leg pain, but the ultrasound discovered he didn't have any clots. so for now, we keep doing steps to get the fluid out of his leg and wait.

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lioness | @lioness | Jul 4, 2018
In reply to @sistertwo "On June 15th my (almost 69) husband went to the doctor because of chest congestion, swollen..." + (show)
Profile picture for sistertwo @sistertwo

On June 15th my (almost 69) husband went to the doctor because of chest congestion, swollen legs/feet, and a lot of weakness. He wouldn't let me go along with him and I later learned his heart rate was 191 when he first arrived. They got him stabilized and sent him home several hours later with some meds and a recheck on the 18th. On the 19th he had a really low PB and 145 heart rate so I took him to the ER. He was in the hospital until the 22nd. Since then he has been stable and is waiting to hear when he can meet a cardiologists. After this happened I signed him up to view his doctor records online (my health evet) and I see that on June 15th his NT-proBNP was 3690. June 18th is was 2010 and last Friday it was 245. I don't know what the numbers were when he was in the hospital since that was not through the VA. What does a 3690 BNP mean? Is it only a better read now due to all the meds he's on?
He has had a lot of foot pain since last Friday, thinking it's his achilles tendon. Today it was real painful, but I see his legs and feet are also very swollen again. Has this happened to any of you?

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@sistertwo I also found a website http://www.heartfailuresolutions.com in it it tells you what foods help eliminate fluid There is quit alot.

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Profile picture for raybornh
raybornh | @raybornh | Jul 4, 2018
In reply to @sistertwo "On June 15th my (almost 69) husband went to the doctor because of chest congestion, swollen..." + (show)
Profile picture for sistertwo @sistertwo

On June 15th my (almost 69) husband went to the doctor because of chest congestion, swollen legs/feet, and a lot of weakness. He wouldn't let me go along with him and I later learned his heart rate was 191 when he first arrived. They got him stabilized and sent him home several hours later with some meds and a recheck on the 18th. On the 19th he had a really low PB and 145 heart rate so I took him to the ER. He was in the hospital until the 22nd. Since then he has been stable and is waiting to hear when he can meet a cardiologists. After this happened I signed him up to view his doctor records online (my health evet) and I see that on June 15th his NT-proBNP was 3690. June 18th is was 2010 and last Friday it was 245. I don't know what the numbers were when he was in the hospital since that was not through the VA. What does a 3690 BNP mean? Is it only a better read now due to all the meds he's on?
He has had a lot of foot pain since last Friday, thinking it's his achilles tendon. Today it was real painful, but I see his legs and feet are also very swollen again. Has this happened to any of you?

Jump to this post

Thank U for your reply, will pray forU

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Profile picture for raybornh
raybornh | @raybornh | Jul 4, 2018
In reply to @raybornh "I am an 84 year old male with better than average Health, I have high blood..." + (show)
Profile picture for raybornh @raybornh

I am an 84 year old male with better than average Health, I have high blood pressure and have been treated with medication for probably 20 years, recently having a huge loss of energy and just not feeling well I was diagnosed with A FIB, after a nuclear stress test, and a sonagram(MS), both were normal, I was given a cardio version, and was told I obtained normal Heart Rhythm on the first attempt, however two weeks later I was back in A FIB, after discussion with Cardiologist, I was given two options, do nothing stay on XARLTO, or take a rhythm drug AMIODAROBE for three weeks, then try Cardio Version again Dr was fairly optimistic that I could retain a normal Heart Rhythm, I am at this time short of energy, sleep more than usual but able to function somewhat normal albeit at a reduced level, no more 18 holes of golf but only 9 etc, I wold certainly like to hear from folks with similar symtons and any advice that will help me make a decision on witch path to try all comments are welcome. Harold Rayborn

Jump to this post

Martin, thank U for your reply, I also had a cyst removed from my Bladder a few years back & my urologist saw me quarterly, then twice a year and now yearly. Yes I could see my self doing a full work up, and now plan to try and see a cardiologist at Mayo for a second opinion.

REPLY
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flowers | @knowing | Jul 11, 2018

I have been having episodes since 2011. When it happens I relax and drink enough water. Also I have cut out caffeine totally. Now I get it when stressed but stay home. Also I take blood thinner because clots could happen while having an episode. Cannot take meds for it either. I'm in my 80's and take no medications except for the blood thinner.
In the beginning went to emergency. Had cardio version 3 times. Now just wait it out. Sneezing has corrected it at times and also via the vagus nerve.

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3 replies
Profile picture for Martin Jensen, Volunteer Mentor
Martin Jensen, Volunteer Mentor | @predictable | Jul 11, 2018
In reply to @knowing "I have been having episodes since 2011. When it happens I relax and drink enough water...." + (show)
Profile picture for flowers @knowing

I have been having episodes since 2011. When it happens I relax and drink enough water. Also I have cut out caffeine totally. Now I get it when stressed but stay home. Also I take blood thinner because clots could happen while having an episode. Cannot take meds for it either. I'm in my 80's and take no medications except for the blood thinner.
In the beginning went to emergency. Had cardio version 3 times. Now just wait it out. Sneezing has corrected it at times and also via the vagus nerve.

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Hi, @knowing. I liked hearing how you're handling your a-fib episodes. I don't have to handle them, because I don't feel my symptoms; but they show up on my EKGs every time. I'm on Coumadin for clot prevention and had the misfortune of having one thrown out of my heart, causing "a small stroke" 3 weeks ago.

That experience prompts me to warn you about "going to emergency" or bypassing the emergency room altogether. I didn't, and that was dumb. My posture now is a rigid commitment to "call 911" if I experience any symptoms related to my heart or my brain or my motor nerves. Moreover, my family and friends all know that I will not drive to the emergency room or ask them to. I'll only ask their help in getting a 911 call made without delay, because that can mean that I'll come under medical care a lot sooner -- maybe 15 minutes before the EMT ambulance gets to where I am rather than a longer time for making the trip to the ER without EMT care, plus complications from trying to check in. I won't take the risk again. Hope you won't either. Martin

REPLY
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carnes | @carnes | Jul 12, 2018
In reply to @knowing "I have been having episodes since 2011. When it happens I relax and drink enough water...." + (show)
Profile picture for flowers @knowing

I have been having episodes since 2011. When it happens I relax and drink enough water. Also I have cut out caffeine totally. Now I get it when stressed but stay home. Also I take blood thinner because clots could happen while having an episode. Cannot take meds for it either. I'm in my 80's and take no medications except for the blood thinner.
In the beginning went to emergency. Had cardio version 3 times. Now just wait it out. Sneezing has corrected it at times and also via the vagus nerve.

Jump to this post

I’ve had about 5 episodes of Afib tachycardia fast heart beats. So far they last about 5 minutes. How do u stop it with vagus nerve? What does that mean, how do u do it? I’m 72 years old still have decafinated coffee. It’s scary when it happens. About the length of duration or time. I love the way you deal with your episodes and will try doing the same. Thanks for the info. I’m on Eliquis for thinning blood. I am afraid to take it as prescribed because it causes my nose to bleed etc. I’m also on cardivilol for hypertension and Norvasc or Amlodopine , also 40 mg pravastatin for cholesterol. I’m not a strong believer in taking strong medications because of side effects and messing up other organs. But I know it’s taking a chance. I just don’t know what to do.

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