Mended Hearts Open Forum

Anybody out there with AFIB? I’d be interested in reading your experiences. Thanks.

I am experiencing AFibs since last October. They are 2% at the present time and don't affect my lifestyle. Multaq puts a cap on the Pulse rate, altho I recently saw a 138 while checking my BP. But none of the 160s and 180's.
I am taking Eliquis as the blood thinner, which I understand pretty much precludes the event of a stroke.
There are a number of ablation procedures which are available to reduce or eliminate the aFibs, but these are only used when the lifestyle is impeded. A Cardiologist usually performs the ablation thru the Femoral artery the first time it is done. If when AFibs return and maybe is more severe, the Cardiac surgeon does a Minimally Invasive procedure (A person should make sure the surgeon knows and does the M I procedure), and can use RadioFrequency - heat, cryogenic - cold, or a maze procedure - more complex.
Hope this helps
Joe J Ft Myers
I volunteer in the Cardiac OR area of our Health Park Hospital.

------------------------------
Joe Jansen
Fort Myers FL
(239) 461-0980
------------------------------

I was diagnosed with chronic afib about two years ago.  I was already on atenolol and warfarin due to hi blood pressure and a mechanical aortic heart valve so no new meds were prescribed.  It is not severe and only bothers me a little when I lay down to sleep......but I have gotten used to it.  

------------------------------
Richard Feusner
Louisville KY
(502) 239-6811
------------------------------

I've been struggling with afib since 2005, although since the last RF ablation in 2014 it's been very good, and very quiet...no antiarythmics or heart rate control meds any more--though still take the blood thinners.  But before then--multiple cardioversions, multiple ablations (including one surgical ablation during an open heart bypass surgery), all kinds of med combinations--and bad, side effects to them (really bad side effect from amioderone--and different bouts of anemia because of the blood thinners).

I think I've learned over the years I would rather be in afib all the time, or have it quiet like now. Going in and out is really problematic--both in how you feel, and how the medications your taking affect you (nothing like taking heart rate control drugs, going into sinus rhythm, and having the heart rate drop to 40 or 50!)

But through all of that, I learned to live with it. Still went to cardiac rehab every day and worked out, still carried on a normal life, albeit one where my heart rate would be clipping along at 120 or 130+ at times!  Lots of people say they can't tell when they are in afib or have no symptoms, but I sure could--and didn't let it bother me once I knew what was going on with my body.

Just really respect the probabilities of stroke--and take the blood thinners--even if you're not in afib right then.  They don't guarantee you won't have a stroke, but lower the risk so dramatically.  My pacemaker data says I've had no afib for the past six months, and even had the atrial appendage removed during the surgical ablation (the appendage where most blood clots start to form)--but I still wouldn't think of not taking the blood thinners--even though it means I can't take any NSAIDS for my arthritic knees that hurt like hell!

------------------------------
Larry Haffner
Larryhaffner@gmail.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-02-2017 09:42
From: Richard Feusner
Subject: AFIB patients

I was diagnosed with chronic afib about two years ago.  I was already on atenolol and warfarin due to hi blood pressure and a mechanical aortic heart valve so no new meds were prescribed.  It is not severe and only bothers me a little when I lay down to sleep......but I have gotten used to it.  

------------------------------
Richard Feusner
Louisville KY
(502) 239-6811
------------------------------

My Afib started five years ago; controlled it with Fleckainide for a while, but when the episodes increased, I had a cryoablation last summer (Salem, Oregon); no episodes since, but still feel my heart racing at times. Cardio doc says it's a-flutter now.. I still notice my heart working "over time" after I eat too much (especially chocolate) and still take atenolol. (half a 12 mg tab). Keeping my fingers crossed that it worked... but doctor says it could reverse itself, even in a few years! I'm 65 and was very physically active

------------------------------
Shannon Priem
Salem OR
(503) 365-8416
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-02-2017 10:57
From: Lawrence Haffner
Subject: AFIB patients

I've been struggling with afib since 2005, although since the last RF ablation in 2014 it's been very good, and very quiet...no antiarythmics or heart rate control meds any more--though still take the blood thinners.  But before then--multiple cardioversions, multiple ablations (including one surgical ablation during an open heart bypass surgery), all kinds of med combinations--and bad, side effects to them (really bad side effect from amioderone--and different bouts of anemia because of the blood thinners).

I think I've learned over the years I would rather be in afib all the time, or have it quiet like now. Going in and out is really problematic--both in how you feel, and how the medications your taking affect you (nothing like taking heart rate control drugs, going into sinus rhythm, and having the heart rate drop to 40 or 50!)

But through all of that, I learned to live with it. Still went to cardiac rehab every day and worked out, still carried on a normal life, albeit one where my heart rate would be clipping along at 120 or 130+ at times!  Lots of people say they can't tell when they are in afib or have no symptoms, but I sure could--and didn't let it bother me once I knew what was going on with my body.

Just really respect the probabilities of stroke--and take the blood thinners--even if you're not in afib right then.  They don't guarantee you won't have a stroke, but lower the risk so dramatically.  My pacemaker data says I've had no afib for the past six months, and even had the atrial appendage removed during the surgical ablation (the appendage where most blood clots start to form)--but I still wouldn't think of not taking the blood thinners--even though it means I can't take any NSAIDS for my arthritic knees that hurt like hell!

------------------------------
Larry Haffner
Larryhaffner@gmail.com
------------------------------

did you have the appendage removed or had the watchman device in planted? I'm thinking about having the watchman device put in my heart but its so new i'm a little concerned. 

------------------------------
louis tew
retired
N/A
wilson NC
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-02-2017 10:57
From: Lawrence Haffner
Subject: AFIB patients

I've been struggling with afib since 2005, although since the last RF ablation in 2014 it's been very good, and very quiet...no antiarythmics or heart rate control meds any more--though still take the blood thinners.  But before then--multiple cardioversions, multiple ablations (including one surgical ablation during an open heart bypass surgery), all kinds of med combinations--and bad, side effects to them (really bad side effect from amioderone--and different bouts of anemia because of the blood thinners).

I think I've learned over the years I would rather be in afib all the time, or have it quiet like now. Going in and out is really problematic--both in how you feel, and how the medications your taking affect you (nothing like taking heart rate control drugs, going into sinus rhythm, and having the heart rate drop to 40 or 50!)

But through all of that, I learned to live with it. Still went to cardiac rehab every day and worked out, still carried on a normal life, albeit one where my heart rate would be clipping along at 120 or 130+ at times!  Lots of people say they can't tell when they are in afib or have no symptoms, but I sure could--and didn't let it bother me once I knew what was going on with my body.

Just really respect the probabilities of stroke--and take the blood thinners--even if you're not in afib right then.  They don't guarantee you won't have a stroke, but lower the risk so dramatically.  My pacemaker data says I've had no afib for the past six months, and even had the atrial appendage removed during the surgical ablation (the appendage where most blood clots start to form)--but I still wouldn't think of not taking the blood thinners--even though it means I can't take any NSAIDS for my arthritic knees that hurt like hell!

------------------------------
Larry Haffner
Larryhaffner@gmail.com
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 04-02-2017 09:42
From: Richard Feusner
Subject: AFIB patients

I was diagnosed with chronic afib about two years ago.  I was already on atenolol and warfarin due to hi blood pressure and a mechanical aortic heart valve so no new meds were prescribed.  It is not severe and only bothers me a little when I lay down to sleep......but I have gotten used to it.  

------------------------------
Richard Feusner
Louisville KY
(502) 239-6811
------------------------------

I had a 3X CABG IN 2007. Contracted afibs about two years ago. I was in the 2% of the time - category but last Oct, was in a fib for 10 to12 hours constant at about 125 to 145. We decided it was time to act and the Cardiologist did a cryogenic ablation on December 20. it is almost an. out patient procedure as i was back home at 10 the nextmorning. There are three types of ablations cryogenic - freezing the surface, RF heat - burning the surface and the maze procedure which is the “gold standard” and is usually done in conjunction of. a valve job, or A CABG.
THE idea is to create scar. tissue inside the heart which the extra electrical pulses cannot pass through. afibs always start in the upper left atrial chamber and around the four pulmonary arteries that dump into that chamber. With. the cryogenic, the cardiologist goes up through the femoral artery and places. a balloon in the opening of each of the four pulmonary arteries and injects cold liquid into the balloon to freeze a ring of tissue so electrical pulses cannot pass through. The RF procedure accomplishes the same result, but the cardiologist cauterizes a ring around each of the four arteries.
The maze - which is now sometimes done minimally by the surgeon, uses a knife and stitches to break the path of pulses.
It is best to treat afibs earlier rather thatn later, because as time goes on, the elect pulses start firing all over the interior of the heart and it is like “chasing your tail” to knock off all the charges.
I have heard a half dozen presentations, here in Fort Myers by the several “masters” of these procedures.
Some folks can be in afib frequently and continue to play golf tennis etc. But when it affects your lifestyle, it is time to act.
Joe J #312 Fort Myers
AND, we just had Dr Paul DiGiorgi cardio thoracic surgeon speak at our monthly meeting last evening. He is nationally known and teaches and talks on all cardiac issues as well as providing the surgeries to those of us in need. He is also the Director of our new Shipley Heart Center within our Lee Health system. Within the Shipley, they are doing wonders in research, both clinical as well as data studies to improve the outcomes of procedures and better our lives.

------Original Message------

did you have the appendage removed or had the watchman device in planted? I'm thinking about having the watchman device put in my heart but its so new i'm a little concerned. 

------------------------------
louis tew
retired
N/A
wilson NC
------------------------------

Hey Jay, thanks for posing your question.  Do you have AFib questions concerning a particular part of your life - exercise, nutrition, health care, insurance, etc... or just in general, how people are dealing?


------------------------------
Mandy Sandkuhler
Alpharetta GA
(469) 888-3400
------------------------------

------Original Message------

Anybody out there with AFIB? I’d be interested in reading your experiences. Thanks.

Yes, I have Afib. I am a 67 year old man and always throughout my life been able to do anything i wanted to do. i always pushed myself to the limit with no problems. My story started in December right before I turned 66. I woke up at 2AM with a heart rate of 250 BPM and could not breath. I checked it with a finger tester my wife had here for her mother. By the time i get to the ER my heart rate was back to normal so I went back home. A few day later it came back and that time I went into the ER. and found out I had Afid. Before that I had no clue what Afib was. The way it was broke to me was the nurse said, congratulation, you have Afib. That's some way to break it to a person that thinks he might be having a hard attack.

this is when all my problems started. for the next few months I was in and out the ER/Hospital. They put me on every type of heart medication and blood thinners they make and my body rejected them all. I fell into depression and had anxiety you would not believe. The doctor cared less. All they want to do is give you the required 5 or 10 minutes and they are out of there. there is no patient care anymore.

After months of living in bed from the meds I was on I decided to have an Ablation to get off the heart medication and hopefully the blood thinners. The blood thinners I was on my co-payment was 377.00 a month. With that being said I was going to die broke. I did change to warfarin and that brought it from 377.00 to 1.00 a month but my heard and stomach hurt all the time. I told the doctors and like always they said it was not coming from the medication. Like I said, they don't want to get in depth  with it because it would run over the 5 minutes they give you. I had one heart doctor tell me it was all in my head.

As of now I'm about 8 months post Ablation and still on blood thinners plus heart meds as needed. I'm still full of depression and anxiety and no one seems to care. I did take it on my own to talk with a doctor about depression but after trying me on 3 different medication I didn't go back. The last meds he had me on put me back into Afib. 

There is a new device that was approved by the FDA in 2015 called the watchman device. I you have it in planted in you heart you suppose to be able to come off the blood thinners. i talked with another heart doctor and he is ready to do the operation but I'm a little concerned by it being so new. there is no long term studies on the side effects.

To sum it up I'm still going in and out of Afib and full of depression and anxiety and there is no doctor willing to sit down with me and talk about it. after five minutes they are ready to push me out of the door. I think if I could get the anxiety and depression off me I would feel like a new man again. 

If there is anyone out there that has been through depression that can help me out, I'm all ears..... I'm looking for a natural way to cure it. I'm not good on medication.

Thanks

------------------------------
louis tew
retired
N/A
wilson NC
------------------------------

I recommend you see a physician that will prescribe antidepressants, commonly a psychiatrist. There are great medications to treat depression and you don't need to suffer.

------------------------------
Ralph Fortson
Tampa FL
(813) 968-1170
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 02-21-2018 15:54
From: louis tew
Subject: AFIB patients

Yes, I have Afib. I am a 67 year old man and always throughout my life been able to do anything i wanted to do. i always pushed myself to the limit with no problems. My story started in December right before I turned 66. I woke up at 2AM with a heart rate of 250 BPM and could not breath. I checked it with a finger tester my wife had here for her mother. By the time i get to the ER my heart rate was back to normal so I went back home. A few day later it came back and that time I went into the ER. and found out I had Afid. Before that I had no clue what Afib was. The way it was broke to me was the nurse said, congratulation, you have Afib. That's some way to break it to a person that thinks he might be having a hard attack.

this is when all my problems started. for the next few months I was in and out the ER/Hospital. They put me on every type of heart medication and blood thinners they make and my body rejected them all. I fell into depression and had anxiety you would not believe. The doctor cared less. All they want to do is give you the required 5 or 10 minutes and they are out of there. there is no patient care anymore.

After months of living in bed from the meds I was on I decided to have an Ablation to get off the heart medication and hopefully the blood thinners. The blood thinners I was on my co-payment was 377.00 a month. With that being said I was going to die broke. I did change to warfarin and that brought it from 377.00 to 1.00 a month but my heard and stomach hurt all the time. I told the doctors and like always they said it was not coming from the medication. Like I said, they don't want to get in depth  with it because it would run over the 5 minutes they give you. I had one heart doctor tell me it was all in my head.

As of now I'm about 8 months post Ablation and still on blood thinners plus heart meds as needed. I'm still full of depression and anxiety and no one seems to care. I did take it on my own to talk with a doctor about depression but after trying me on 3 different medication I didn't go back. The last meds he had me on put me back into Afib.

There is a new device that was approved by the FDA in 2015 called the watchman device. I you have it in planted in you heart you suppose to be able to come off the blood thinners. i talked with another heart doctor and he is ready to do the operation but I'm a little concerned by it being so new. there is no long term studies on the side effects.

To sum it up I'm still going in and out of Afib and full of depression and anxiety and there is no doctor willing to sit down with me and talk about it. after five minutes they are ready to push me out of the door. I think if I could get the anxiety and depression off me I would feel like a new man again.

If there is anyone out there that has been through depression that can help me out, I'm all ears..... I'm looking for a natural way to cure it. I'm not good on medication.

Thanks

------------------------------
louis tew
retired
N/A
wilson NC
------------------------------

------Original Message------

I recommend you see a physician that will prescribe antidepressants, commonly a psychiatrist. There are great medications to treat depression and you don't need to suffer.

------------------------------
Ralph Fortson
Tampa FL
(813) 968-1170
------------------------------