Living with Atrial Fibrillation: What are Your Experiences?

Small note: believe it is a Watchman device. I have been told it is can ultimately (not immediately) mean no more blood thinners, but does not affect afib itself, only the clots. It is for non-valvular afib. https://www.watchman.com/en-us/home.html

Thanks for the clarification. I’m going to schedule an ablation and hope for the best.

I hope that this is not true. I will find out tomorrow.

The walkman does not cure Afib. It only prevents clots from moving out of the heart and to other places like and the lungs and brain where it will cause major problems. Meantime Afib is still wearing out your heart and contributing to dementia.

I see. I have an appointment tomorrow to see if I am a candidate for the new walkman. I, too have had Afib for a while. Thank you for sharing.

Thanks so much! I am reading the Afib Cure. Unfortunately, I am in Afib 100% of the time so I am also seeing an electrophysiologist. Apparently Afib increases the likelihood of dementia—so I will probably have an ablation.

@yeb
I high recommend reading the book "AFib Cure" written by two expert Cardiac Electrophysiologists, Dr. John Day and Dr. Jared Bunch. The book is available on Amazon, and it includes a thorough explanation of AFib, meds, treatments, and lifestyle changes. Dr. Day's website has a list of resources, newsletter, blog, etc. on his website at drjohnday.com.

Lifestyle changes can make a huge difference in heart health. I have embraced these changes and I have not had an AFib episode in over a year, however, I only have an occasional AFib episodes.

You may also consider a second opinion for your AFib treatment with a Cardiac Electrophysiologist.

Hi,
I was diagnosed with a fib approximately four years ago. It all started with an EKG at my regular doctor when my heart rate showed 34 BPM.
I had been practicing yoga for the previous five years and was able to lower my heart rate by relaxing which I did during the EKG. This obviously got everybody excited so I was recommended to a cardiologist who prescribed Eliquis 5 mg twice a day.
My actual normal resting heart rate is in the upper 40s to mid 50s.
I have never felt any effects of a fib and I have been going to the gym daily for the past 18 years. Previous to that. I was an active runner and competed in 4 marathons.
So bottom line, they say I have it, but I have never felt any irregularity in my heart rate.
I am 83 years old and I do wish I could get off the Eliquis.
PS. I also take blood pressure medicine.

I have had A-Fib for about 10 years. My heart beat is usually between 104/64 and 160/80. My resperation 60-126. I had a amputation and my heart went crazy. Was up to 166. My cardiologist is sending me to a specialist to see if I can qualify for the walkman. Does anyone know anything about it?

I was diagnosed with Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome (LGL) when I was 31 years of age and was given Inderal until Corgard (nadalol) came on the market and have been taking the later for at least 35 years which is a beta blocker. I am now 81 years of age and last spring the Ep wanted to do a cardioversion but after reading several accounts of patients having had that done, I declined. So far so good and most of the time I feel great although there may come a time when I have to do something. Husband recently had a heart attack and has always been very healthy and I drive him 60 mile round trip to cardio-therapy 3 times weekly. I am not trying to dissuade anyone from following doctors advice but just saying do some "homework", research before agreeing to treatments that you don't understand. There are times in an emergency that one must bite the bullet and do something. Best of health to all.