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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@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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It's good to see you pressing for a complete set of answers @texas7777. Hopefully, your ENT specialist will cut through the fog. Others who are interested in your situation may also be interested in websites that discuss how "dizziness" could mean a half-dozen or more different conditions and diagnoses. Here are links to a couple of those web sites. Others may be found by googling "vertigo versus dizziness".
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/telling-the-difference-between-vertigo-and-dizziness
https://medlineplus.gov/dizzinessandvertigo.html

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@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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You won't be disappointed @2880, but I'm biased. You should hear from others who have been to cardiology at Mayo like @johnwburns, and @cynaburst to start.

To schedule a second opinion, please call the Mayo Clinic here http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63. They'll get you set up and can also work with your local team.

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@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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Thank you !

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@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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Hi, I was diagnosed with multiple mild heart issues by a prominent clinic in the Portland area and when I returned to AZ I followed up at Mayo. My symptoms are worsening abruptly and I saw my cardiologist at Mayo who I clearly should have seen sooner. Much better technical reading of my echo and a clear diagnostic and treatment plan.
What sets Mayo apart that I noticed most is that they are structured and are always optimizing their procedures, from admins through technicians through specialists. Process oriented and it works. That and of course their reputation attracts some of the best talent.
Its not perfect but let me just say that I'll stake my life on it.

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@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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Thanks for your prompt reply . Does the Mayo clinic in Az. deal with AFIB ? I know they do in Minn.It would be easier to go there as I live in Portland and Palm Springs .
Again - thank you !

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@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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I would assume so but you'd be wise to ask.
Here are the general numbers. They'll forward to cardiology.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/about-mayo-clinic/contact
Good Luck.

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@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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Thanks John Burns !

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@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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Thank you for your kind reply .

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@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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You're welcome.

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Getinrhythm.com if you live near Dallas

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