1. < Heart Rhythm Conditions

AFib questions

Posted by peggyd @peggyd, Mar 23, 2016

Good morning! I'm almost 66 years old, with infrequent AFib and on Eliquis. Sunday evening I had a spectacular nosebleed and went to the ER, where the attending physician inserted an epistaxis nasal pack (the kind with the inflatable balloon). I'm getting it removed tomorrow. What can I expect when it comes out--besides my own reaction of dancing gleefully around the office? Blood? Clots? Scabs? A genie? Thanks for your help!

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martishka | @martishka | Aug 12, 2016
In reply to @martishka "Hello @2880, I am not familiar with your symptoms- just that the cardioconversion didn't work. I..." + (show)
@martishka

Hello @2880, <br>I am not familiar with your symptoms- just that the cardioconversion didn't work. I had aFIb for many years and found a permanent fix with a PVA (pulmonary vein ablation) I never had a cardio conversion even though I was offered it in emergency. I felt more comfortable with an IV of meds and I always went into sinus rhythm. <br>What I do know about aFib is that it can progress into a permanent rhythm, so it is wise to try and take care of it while you can. Every situation is different and it would be determined by your electrophysiologist whether or not you are a candidate for the procedure. If you want more info about PVA let me know. <br>Good luck, I hope that you find a solution. <br>martishka

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<br>Hi 2880, <br>I am not sure if you are asking me a question or someone else. It would help if you addressed your question specifically to the person you are responding to..... If it was me- I have been in emergency sometimes 5 times in a year or more.. I had SVT ( Supraventricular tachycardia) my whole life ( I was born with an extra accessory pathway in my heart) and sometimes, for no reason, my heart would start racing at 220 or more BPM. In my 50's I developed Atrial Fib, at that time my heart would beat very quickly, but irregularly. When I found it too difficult to tolerate I would go to emergency and they would give me an IV> I think it was a verapamil is drip and I would always respond well to it. My heart rate slowed down and I would eventually go into sinus rhythm. Hope this helps you, <br>Martiska <br>

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jhoffmanj | @jhoffmanj | Aug 12, 2016

Hello 2880, interesting to see varied responses to what I call cardio vert etc. I have had about four cadio versions. All of them work for short time. However as I have previously noted I have had two catheter ablations. The last one over two years ago. i have other issues, including an enlarged heart. I am in rhythm and feeling pretty good. I turned 80 in June. I think we all are a bit different and I am convinced good heart health care, i.e. exercise, weight control, no smoking, limited alcohol consumption is very important. Good luck.

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8 replies
2880 | @2880 | Aug 12, 2016

All you AFIBBERS IN MY CLUB - I discovered a phone app AFIB DETECT - that looks quite interesting . Please tell me what you think - ??

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1 reply
Patricia | @patinhou | Aug 12, 2016
In reply to @2880 "All you AFIBBERS IN MY CLUB - I discovered a phone app AFIB DETECT - that..." + (show)
@2880

All you AFIBBERS IN MY CLUB - I discovered a phone app AFIB DETECT - that looks quite interesting . Please tell me what you think - ??

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The rating dtate no good. Wish there was a good cheap monitor.

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Buc7777 | @texas7777 | Aug 12, 2016
In reply to @texas7777 "I'm 42 years old in great shape (not running shape, but overall); 2 young boys, active,..." + (show)
@texas7777

I'm 42 years old in great shape (not running shape, but overall); 2 young boys, active, etc.. Recently diagnosed with Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVC), thus still learning about it. Had 7,500 PVC's in 24 hours. Now trying to decide between meds or catheter ablation (burn or freeze). I've probably had it for awhile, but symptoms (light headed, shortness of breath, tired, short-term memory loss at times, etc.) have gotten worse over the past 6 months. I stopped alcohol, caffeine, and trying to reduce stress. Seems to help, but something will have to be done.

I have an appointment with an electrophysiologist in a couple of weeks, but may fly out to MN or FL to Mayo.
Any advice/suggestions appreciated. I've read through many comments on Afib (couldn't find much on ventrical issues) meds, the ablation procedure, etc., but that just made things more confusing.

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Update in case it helps anyone.
Did nuclear stress test, ultrasound of heart and recent ultrasound of carotid arteries. Awaiting carotid ultrasound, but all else was good; plumbing was good, etc. Awaiting appt. with electophys., but in the meantime, send my reports to my cousin who's a top-notch cardiologist at Duke. She said to "relax" and stop "googling" 🙂 so I have. Sometimes googling and reading other stories can scare the heck out of you because you don't know what all that person has, in addition to a condition that you may have.

I absolutely hate taking medicine, but she suggested that I take my cardiologist up on prescribing Toporol (25 mg/d). Thus, I'll start it next week and see if my dizziness/light headedness stops.

Anyway: dizzy spells while driving and now while sitting during the day seem to be getting worse, although not terribly bad. Bad enough to where I have to pull over while driving and have stopped driving any distance over 20 min. just to be safe. Ears still ringing 2 times more than normal. Thus, I'm also going to see an ear/nose/throat specialist because I've done the "Eply" procedure a few times and each time worked for about 15 min. (ringing in my ears went way down). Maybe a Valium will do the trick! (treats vertigo). Maybe Menere's? Who knows. I just know that the dizzy spells are really causing havoc; I feel like Daisy (Driving Mrs. Daisy)...

Hope everyone is having a great day and know that the best help is when you are down on your knees (praying).
We press on.

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ujeeniack | @ujeeniack | Aug 12, 2016

I DO NOT KNOW WHY I GOT YOUR MAIL. WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM? I HAVE BEEN TAKING TOPROL, 25 MG, EVER SINCE MY STENT OF 2004.;

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1 reply
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Aug 12, 2016
In reply to @texas7777 "I'm 42 years old in great shape (not running shape, but overall); 2 young boys, active,..." + (show)
@texas7777

I'm 42 years old in great shape (not running shape, but overall); 2 young boys, active, etc.. Recently diagnosed with Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVC), thus still learning about it. Had 7,500 PVC's in 24 hours. Now trying to decide between meds or catheter ablation (burn or freeze). I've probably had it for awhile, but symptoms (light headed, shortness of breath, tired, short-term memory loss at times, etc.) have gotten worse over the past 6 months. I stopped alcohol, caffeine, and trying to reduce stress. Seems to help, but something will have to be done.

I have an appointment with an electrophysiologist in a couple of weeks, but may fly out to MN or FL to Mayo.
Any advice/suggestions appreciated. I've read through many comments on Afib (couldn't find much on ventrical issues) meds, the ablation procedure, etc., but that just made things more confusing.

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Thanks for the update Texas777! Much appreciated. I agree the Dr. Google has a Jekyll and Hyde like personality. It can be so helpful when searching for answers, but can also be overwhelming and without context. Knowing how to evaluate information is important, but sometimes there is wisdom in knowing when to stop 🙂

In preparation for your appointment with the ENT doc, you may wish to join this discussion https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/buzzing-in-ears/

PS: Nice to "see" you with the new profile pic!

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Aug 12, 2016
In reply to @ujeeniack "I DO NOT KNOW WHY I GOT YOUR MAIL. WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM? I HAVE BEEN..." + (show)
@ujeeniack

I DO NOT KNOW WHY I GOT YOUR MAIL. WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM? I HAVE BEEN TAKING TOPROL, 25 MG, EVER SINCE MY STENT OF 2004.;

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Hi @ujeeniack, you are receiving email notifications because you posted to and are following the discussion on Mayo Clinic Connect called AFib questions. You receive an email notice each time a new message is posted to the group discussion. It may not be directed to you specifically.

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REPLY
2880 | @2880 | Aug 12, 2016
In reply to @jhoffmanj "Hello 2880, interesting to see varied responses to what I call cardio vert etc. I have..." + (show)
@jhoffmanj

Hello 2880, interesting to see varied responses to what I call cardio vert etc. I have had about four cadio versions. All of them work for short time. However as I have previously noted I have had two catheter ablations. The last one over two years ago. i have other issues, including an enlarged heart. I am in rhythm and feeling pretty good. I turned 80 in June. I think we all are a bit different and I am convinced good heart health care, i.e. exercise, weight control, no smoking, limited alcohol consumption is very important. Good luck.

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Great reply - Thanks!
I think I am going to make an appointment at Mayo Clinic for second opinion etc as I am not happy with treatment in Portland .
It's a long way to travel but I like the reputation .

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