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Sadness over diagnosis

Posted by catmom777 @catmom777, Mar 30, 2019

I feel so sad about being diagnosed with afib. I also have some breathing issues (which might be causing my afib) and think I might have chronic bronchitis. I was also diagnosed with osteoporosis. None of these are a death sentence per se, but after a lifetime of being extremely healthy, I feel defeated. I did not see any of this coming except the breathing issues as I've had repeated bouts of bronchitis since I was a child. I'm having trouble coping. I first thought I might not live much longer (didn't know anything about afib) and started going through my stuff so my family wouldn't have to deal with a lot of junk if I died, then got a handle on that when I learned that afib sufferers can live a long time, but I still feel devastated.
Is anyone else out there dealing with this?

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lioness | @lioness | Apr 30, 2019
In reply to @contentandwell "@baz10 I agree wholeheartedly, attitude is everything. If you get mired in your diagnosis you just..." + (show)
@contentandwell

@baz10 I agree wholeheartedly, attitude is everything. If you get mired in your diagnosis you just make yourself more miserable. You need to compartmentalize it and live as full a life as possible without letting that being a constant cloud hanging over you. I know people who let some medical problems really ruin their lives. You just can't let yourself do that.
JK

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@catmom I also agree with a good positive attitude you can feel so much better and go on to live your life Happy Birthday 🎂

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sayaboleh | @sayaboleh | May 1, 2019
In reply to @catmom777 "Thanks Sayaboleh. It's stories like yours and others that have given me so much hope that..." + (show)
@catmom777

Thanks Sayaboleh. It's stories like yours and others that have given me so much hope that I can eventually have a normal and active life and live several more years in decent health (as in not an invalid or feeling so rotten I don't enjoy life at all). As I said earlier, I felt rotten for a month, maybe six weeks, and thought that this is no way to live--miserable all the time just because I don't feel well enough to do anything. But in the past couple weeks I've been feeling gradually better and my afib has subsided to where I only feel palpitations (and the resulting tiredness) sometimes only once a day. Sometimes I feel them on and off all day, with the weird feelings and tiredness that go along with them, but at least it's not as often as it was. It was a rough ride at first with the tachycardia, sleeplessness, feeling rotten. It's so much better now. Additionally, this is the first time I've ever really felt my mortality. I always took my good health for granted. As the docs said when I had my echocardiagram and stress test--my heart is perfect. My lungs are good. So now I'm waiting to hear if I have sleep apnea after taking that overnight test. I have struggled with bronchial issues from as far back as I remember (my dad was a smoker), so that may have brought this on too as I am somewhat asthmatic. But, as my cardiologist said, I may never know what started it. And no, there are only two EPs in my city. I haven't seen one yet. Still waiting on test results. I'm not ready for an ablation, and as long as my palpitations are few and far between, I am not sure I need one. I'm hoping to put off any more aggressive measures until they are necessary, especially if I'm going to live many more years. I know this is a progressive condition, so will explore that later as it will probably get worse.
You have been through so much. It is wonderful that you find so many things to make you happy and make your life worthwhile. I worked as a caregiver until last Christmas when I got bronchitis again bad. And then the afib happened. I will find my path as I feel more healthy and stronger.
Thanks again for the words of encouragement. You are a role model for me for sure.

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@catmom777 Good to hear that your afib symptoms are becoming more manageable or maybe you are slowly getting used to them! Yes, ablation was always considered to be a last resort -- if and only if your symptoms become intolerable. Having said that, it is minimally invasive requiring an overnight stay at most - sometimes same day and beats open heart surgery any day. Just nice to know that it is there should one need it and for the most part it works. Stay well! Mary

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1 reply
Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | May 6, 2019
In reply to @becsbuddy "It was great to read these “pep talks” today! I think you’re talking directly to me..." + (show)
@becsbuddy

It was great to read these “pep talks” today! I think you’re talking directly to me and I sure need it!
Becky

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Hi, Becky @becsbuddy, I sent you a private message regarding spotlights and was not sure if you saw it. I was wondering if you know how to check your private messages?

John

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1 reply
Mentor
Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | May 6, 2019
In reply to @johnbishop "Hi, Becky @becsbuddy, I sent you a private message regarding spotlights and was not sure if..." + (show)
@johnbishop

Hi, Becky @becsbuddy, I sent you a private message regarding spotlights and was not sure if you saw it. I was wondering if you know how to check your private messages?

John

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No I don’t know how to get private messages!

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2 replies
Mentor
Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | May 6, 2019
In reply to @catmom777 "Thanks for that. I did better yesterday. I got six windows washed, vacuumed, and got some..." + (show)
@catmom777

Thanks for that. I did better yesterday. I got six windows washed, vacuumed, and got some weeds pulled, and felt like I had a successful day. I also had more energy than usual. For the first six weeks after my big afib attack and diagnosis I just felt sick. I also thought then that having afib meant I wouldn't live very much longer. Maybe five or so years. But I've gradually been feeling better and have learned people can live fifteen more years with medication and a careful lifestyle. So, it's easier to actually live now. I don't feel miserable every day and have the energy to get things done. I do miss my girls and my grandchildren though, a lot, but will work on visiting them more and also look into volunteer work when I get back from my big trip this summer.

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I’m so glad you’re back to being active and you sound like a happy person! Gardening and window washing and vacuuming oh, my! All in 1 day! When I feel down, I try to follow the suggestions of the gratitude discussion group: before I go to sleep, I think of what I’m grateful for in my day, and when I wake up, I do the same. It has helped me to turn my attitude around. Best of luck and we hope to keep hearing from you. Becky

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Mentor
Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | May 6, 2019
In reply to @becsbuddy "No I don’t know how to get private messages!" + (show)
@becsbuddy

No I don’t know how to get private messages!

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But I figured it out and responded to you!

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | May 6, 2019
In reply to @becsbuddy "No I don’t know how to get private messages!" + (show)
@becsbuddy

No I don’t know how to get private messages!

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Hi @becsbuddy
To see if you have any private messages, check the envelope icon at the top of the page. If you have a message, it will have a red number on it. If you are viewing Connect on a phone or mobile device, you can check "Messages" in the main menu. See the image below.

When someone sends you a private message, you should receive an email notification with the subject line:
@username sent you a private message "title of the private message"
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1 reply
Mentor
Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | May 6, 2019
In reply to @colleenyoung "Hi @becsbuddy To see if you have any private messages, check the envelope icon at the..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

Hi @becsbuddy
To see if you have any private messages, check the envelope icon at the top of the page. If you have a message, it will have a red number on it. If you are viewing Connect on a phone or mobile device, you can check "Messages" in the main menu. See the image below.

When someone sends you a private message, you should receive an email notification with the subject line:
@username sent you a private message "title of the private message"

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I figured it out!

REPLY
catmom777 | @catmom777 | May 7, 2019
In reply to @sayaboleh "@catmom777 Good to hear that your afib symptoms are becoming more manageable or maybe you are..." + (show)
@sayaboleh

@catmom777 Good to hear that your afib symptoms are becoming more manageable or maybe you are slowly getting used to them! Yes, ablation was always considered to be a last resort -- if and only if your symptoms become intolerable. Having said that, it is minimally invasive requiring an overnight stay at most - sometimes same day and beats open heart surgery any day. Just nice to know that it is there should one need it and for the most part it works. Stay well! Mary

Jump to this post

Some days I don't have any palpitations or heart flip-flops at all, like yesterday. Other days I will have one or two short ones and other days I'll have one that goes on for an hour or maybe even two. My triggers seem to be getting dehydrated or stressed, or too tired. I've learned to pace myself.

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1 reply
sayaboleh | @sayaboleh | May 8, 2019
In reply to @catmom777 "Some days I don't have any palpitations or heart flip-flops at all, like yesterday. Other days..." + (show)
@catmom777

Some days I don't have any palpitations or heart flip-flops at all, like yesterday. Other days I will have one or two short ones and other days I'll have one that goes on for an hour or maybe even two. My triggers seem to be getting dehydrated or stressed, or too tired. I've learned to pace myself.

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@catmom777 that sounds familiar but episodes can just come and go sometimes for no rhyme or reason. It is a great idea to watch for dehydration, stress and to pace yourself. I find sometimes that heartburn can also bring on an episode. Other folks avoid caffeine, which doesn't bother me. But alcohol sure does so I limit that to more than a few sips. I have a suspicion that the way I sit on my couch (leaning back too far?) can also bring it on. I have to test that theory sometime! I say that because I've had issues when sleeping on my right side -- seemed to create uncomfortable sensations in my heart.

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