I Dont want to leave the house
Posted , 8 users are following.
I'm in my third A-fib attack right now when it first hit does anyone have panic? it's absolutely terrifying to me and here are some of my symptoms my heart starts to race for a little while it feels a lot of fluttering in my chest and my throat and after I calm down and take some medicine my heart just keeps fluttering like an irregular heartbeat I had to get zapped to put it in Rhythm last time I think I could feel it coming on what do you do before an attack if you know what's its coming on if you could please put what you feel when it start and if you feel panic and do I just lay around the house or do I do activities thanks for your input
1 like, 23 replies
popeye62 derrick09467
Posted
Af is the worst thing I have ever had trust me I have had it four years its evil take a puff on the gym spray panic anxiety is so normal try and control your breathing i listen to relaxation cds when it kicks in.Just lay flat on bed or sofa wait for it to subside.if you have a Samsung android phone get the Samsung health app.it does co2 levels heart rate also stress.dont know what your cardiologists has said to you about your af but if in doubt persue a verdict also get your meds sorted .I know af is a basta÷d good luck
derrick09467 popeye62
Posted
Thanks for your reply it sure is something to get used to I don't think I ever can get used to it I hope you're feeling better this thread really helps a lot
jimjames derrick09467
Posted
I take fast acting Dilitiazem (Cardizem) when the attack starts and so far it brings my HR down close to 100. You might speak to your doctor about that. Others, use a different pill in pocket approach and take Flecanide to try and convert right away. Again talk to your doctor. Don't know if either would help before the attack.
derrick09467 jimjames
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Thanks for you are advice I will talk to my doctor and see if there's something I can take when it first hits I see him Thursday morning and it can't come soon enough thanks again
jimjames derrick09467
Posted
Having Dilitiazem at home or with me gives me the confidence that I don't have to the emergency room just because I have an attack. The Dilitizem works primarily on rate and the Flecanide works to normalize the rhythm. Different approaches. Depending on your age and health, they may want you to take a stress test before taking Flecanide, at least that's what they told me.
The other thing you might want to think about is getting the Kardia Mobile or Kardia Band device. It allows you to take a quick EKG at home in a minute or so. You can then either let Kardia analyze the results or email them to your doctor. Last year I was sent home from the hospital still in afib after a failed cardioversion. Two days later the Kardia Mobile told me I was back in normal sinus rhythm. What a relief! I probably wouldn't have known it until the next time I saw my doctor. You think you know when you're in afib or not, but sometimes very hard to tell especially if you have benign ectopic beats.
Jim
LuckyPenny1 derrick09467
Posted
Hi Derrick, I hope you're feeling much better now? I agree AFib is terrifying. I've had AF since 2011 and it took some getting used to as I was always calling the ambulances out every time I had an attack. But, it was a paramedic that put my mind at ease and gave me the confidence to manage it. I can only speak for myself because every one is different in how they deal with an AF episode. The paramedic told me that I didn't always have to go to hospital and that I should just sit down and try and relax or watch the telly while the AF settles down. For me, it worked. However, if it doesn't settle then I call for an ambulance. I think because the paramedic gave me reassurance and confidence which in turn made me less afraid, I was and still am able to deal with the AF. Learning relaxation techniques and breathing from the diaphragm is also helpful in reducing anxiety. Best Wishes, Penny
derrick09467 LuckyPenny1
Posted
Thanks it's settled down but it's still there I'm still in AFib it is very terrifying I will try to relax next time it happens I hope it doesn't happen but if it does thanks again
jx41870 derrick09467
Posted
I don't have actual panic attacks but I certainly get very concerned and often stay home instead of go anywhere.
I guess I'm almost past the panic stage, panic doesn't help, does it.
derrick09467 jx41870
Posted
derek76 derrick09467
Posted
jimjames derek76
Posted
I agree in principle that afib by itself will not kill you, but if a very high rate accompanies the afib, you could end up in a lot of trouble if you don't bring down the rate in a reasonable period of time. In this case you either have to bring down the rate yourself if you have something like Dilitizem at home, convert yourself with a PIP like Flecanide, or head to the Emergency room.
Jim
Jim
popeye62 jimjames
Posted
Morning jimjames I agree in principal with af won't kill you.for me it gave me a ha and 4 cardiac arrests all in the same day.a day before I was due my cardio version. On my last bmp it was 304 I now have a icd fitted which monitors my af 24-7
derek76 popeye62
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Are you the same popeye who was a painter and used to post here previously ?
If you watch the Sanjay Gupta video's on you tube he always says it is not AF that causes strokes and heart attacks but the company it keeps.
popeye62 derek76
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A up Derek tell Sanjay I think he talks out of the back of his head.when I was diagnosed in 2014 with af they told me stroke was a massive risk.i am the very same Popeye and yes still painting because the powers that be don't recognise heart failure as a disability go figure .
derek76 popeye62
Posted
Hi Popeye, I'm glad that like me you are a survivor. All cardiologist and EPs predict a stroke if you don't take warfarin or NOAC's. When I said that I had stopped Warfarin I was loudly asked if I wanted to die as with AF a clot can form in seconds. I had no stroke in the next five years but last year had an Amplatzer amulet fitted in my left atrial appendage to filter out any clots that may form as Warfarin gave me joint pains and NOAC's are contra indicated with even tissue heart valves.