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<p>Need help overcoming emotions dealing with recent AFib diagnosis 10/15/19 & placement on blood thinner & rate regulator and recent pacemaker with 2 leads implanted resulting in baseline of aching from it (12/23/19). On 4 meds for handling heart issues. Grieving over discomfort and fear of not being able to recognize signs of going into AFib. I know this sounds way out, but are there service dogs who can sniff out impending AFib like they sniff out diabetic crisis/low blood sugar, seizures, and breast cancer? Are there free emotional support groups for patients to work through their feelings about their declining health regarding heart issues?</p>
Replies to "Need help overcoming emotions dealing with recent AFib diagnosis 10/15/19 & placement on blood thinner &..."
Hello! Are your meds not controlling your Afib adequately...so you don't have to worry? I steered clear of the following to stop any Afib...even little blips. Coffee, tea, alcohol, cigarette smoke, chocolate, medications that could stimulate the heart like decongestants, dental drugs and even the drops that widen the eye pupils! I had it last week and my heart beat fast and heavily for hours...thankfully not flipping into Afib.
@lov, it is absolutely natural that you are worried––pacemakers can detect asymptomatic AF but are not routinely monitored for this purpose.
However, since you are taking a blood thinner, you you seem to be on the right track to prevent the risk of stroke.
Here’s a recently published study that investigated whether pacemaker checks could be used to identify patients with asymptomatic AF, who could then be given anticoagulation for stroke prevention. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/10/151017152236.htm
I’d like to connect you with others who are living with a pacemaker like @dragonass @lmclaugh @lynjolo @exboater @danab @rog @elwood @maryrohrer1 @texas14. You can also read their stories in these discussions:
– Pacemaker recipients https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pacemaker-recipients
– KardiaMobile https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/kardiamobile/
There are service animals–Cardiac Alert/Response dogs–that are able to detect various heart-related symptoms. You could ask your local ASPCA or Humane Society chapter for more information.
Recovery after pacemaker surgery takes time, @lov and everyone is different. Are you noticing any improvements at all?
What makes you anti blood thinners.?? They are very useful to guard against stroke
You should not have pain with a pace maker. There may be a problem with how it is anchored. Check with the surgeon who put it in. You may need a revision. I have no pain during about 8 years of a demand 60 and 1 visit a year to the cardiologist for an equipment check and review of battery life. I am good for another 10 years with the battery. I don't know I have one. Love your heart. keep the arteries open with diet and strong with exercise. It will love you for it. If it needs something, give it to it. The heart needs to be happy.
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Sorry to hear! How bad was your afib when diagnosed? Was it all day, everyday? Heart rate? Sounds like they put u on a lot of things quickly and all at the same time. They tried to put me on a blood thinner and I refused! Put me on Metropolol for high blood pressure and afib meds. Stopped taking everything slowly. Blood thinner took 3 days with 2 many side effects. Dont get yourself all anxious since it will make your afib much h worse. Try breathing exercises, meditation. Yoga and walls in the fresh air help a lot