Heart Rhythm Conditions – Welcome to the group

Hi,

I'm Ronnie. I am 63 years old. I am a wife of 43 years. I am a mother of a son (39 years old), and a daughter (42 years old). I am a grandmother of 3 who stole my heart (pardon the pun). A 7 year old granddaughter (my daughter's daughter), a 6 1/2 year old granddaughter and 4 year old grandson (both my son's children). A mother-in-law to the best kids. I am also a retired educator.

About 4-5 years ago I was having a rapid heartbeat and I did not feel well. My husband and I were about to leave on a trip and he wouldn't go until I went to our doctor. Now, I've always had a rapid heartbeat when I went under for surgery, but not just like this. The doctor sent me right to the hospital. I didn't have any pain but she was concerned. When I left the hospital, it was suggested that I have a full cardio work up. I did. Nothing was wrong except for the beating of my heart which was rapid. The doctor said that it is just my natural heart rate.

Two years ago, I began the process for weight loss surgery. Part of the process was having a full cardio work up. I did and the results were the same. My heart is fine. My heart rate was up during surgery. Again, it is a natural part of me. I let all new docs know and when I have a procedure where I will be put under, I let them know as well.

Today, my heart rate fluctuates depending on my anxiety and pain level. I suffer from anxiety and chronic pain. Even when I feel good and have no pain, my heart is tachy. It is something I have to live with.

So I am happy to get to know others like me.
ronnie

@elizabeth1941, I was 65 when I had an ablation for a pesky PVC. I had to spend one night in hospital for observation. I still get the PVCs, more rarely these days, but the procedure is very short. You go in and get prepped and you are sedated, and are in the recovery room waking up. It was much easier than my previous stay for a quad bypass.

I'm not your age but I've had two ablations. It's not a bad procedure, it's worth it and you'll get better

Hi my name is Beth. I was diagnosed with afib September 2018. I am 78 years old. Recently my doctor said I need to have ablation. Would like to hear from anyone my age who has had an ablation

Hi my name is Beth. I was diagnosed with afib September 2018. I am 78 years old. Recently my doctor said I need to have ablation. Would like to hear from anyone my age who has had an ablation

I have a son who was badly injured at age 11 in an auto-bike accident. He is hemiplegic (like a stroke victim). While he was in the hospital I was called into a staff-v-family meeting and asked what I expected from his rehab. When I told them I expected them to help him get stronger and to be able to walk a bit using a leg brace and a forearm crutch. The rehab team leader, an idiot doctor, looked directly at me and asked me in reply "Are you prepared for failure?" My reply to him was "Are YOU prepared for success?" This caught all at the table by surprise and as they were looking for the signal from each other to debate me, the same idiot doctor then agreed they would help him regain as much mobility as possible keeping in mind that it would be a long haul and he would never be exactly the same.

He learned to drive at age 26,(could not figure out how he was going to shift gears in my car and I told him he'd have to drive an automatic as you only change gears while stopped) has been extremely mobile ever since. Now drives (with the assist of a left foot gas pedal) for a ride share service, tutors, holds a credential in Special Education and in History, has his own life though still living with me. His only real complaint, and I agree with him it is unfair, he can't get a girlfriend. He's smart, a great person and is solvent.

Did any of you hear the story of the man who just walked across the antarctic? As a young person he was in a fire and his legs and feet were badly burned. Doctors said he'd never walk again. While hospitalized for months, his mother sat with him everyday telling him he would recover, walk again, and do whatever he wanted to do. His life philosophy is don't let what ails you victimize you.

@eileena, could you give us a link to the Mayo statement that Afib is not so hazardous? Many people need to see that in all of its glory! Martin

If you are really concerned look into a Kardia device and check your heart frequently. Then maybe learn the 5-6-7 style of meditation. Inhale to the count of 5, hold that breath to the count of 6, then exhale to the count of 7. I'm not sure it will help in your particular case, but I also don't think it will do any further damage.

BTW...Mayo clinic has finally stated that Afib is not so dangerous to your heart as once thought, but PVCs are seriously wrecking the hearts of those who suffer with them. They cause heart failures due to the need to pump out large amounts of blood after the quick beats that fail to pump enough blood. The heart has then to send out a double amount in the follow up from the PVC. AND it makes the sufferer do a similar thing as if they had a heart attack...profuse sweating, shortness of breath, severe fatigue...all signs of a heart attack, but no heart attack.