Happy New Year!

[GivEmkeL]

Hi there, all my fellow A-Fibbers! Haven't posted in a while, but thought I would check in.

Many of you know that I have been struggling with getting my AF under control while balancing life as a full-time student, part-time job, internship, and taking care of my family. Since switching to Disopyramide I have only had one ugly episode of SVT. Weird, because I didn't go into AF. Just an extremely fast and regular rhythm that started out at about 200bpm (Alivecor), which eventually ranged between 160-200bpm. Carried on for 5 1/2 hours, and just as suddenly as it started it self-corrected. Since then, I have been doing fantastic! Many of you know that I became very frustrated with unexplained weight gain (I have always been on the slim side or close to underweight). All labs have been normal (no thyroid issues). Anywhooo, I have dropped 25 pounds since September with absolutely NO dietary changes. The thing I think I can contribute the weight loss to is MORE activity. I feel like I've got my life back for the first time in years! Yayyyy!

I finally met a lifelong goal a couple of weeks ago at 53 years young (lol), and graduated with my degree in Social Work (BSW)! Definitely a milestone on my life's journey! I will be continuing on for my Masters degree in Social Work (MSW) beginning in May.

I can't begin to express my deep gratitude for all of you here! Your support through the up's and down's, reading your experiences, and just having somewhere to turn where others will "get it" has meant so much to me. I wish you all the best in the New Year, and hope I am able to help others as you have all helped me!

KeL

[Bernie13]

Well done Kel ! Social work is such a difficult but rewarding career to do.

[GivEmkeL in reply to Bernie13]

Thank you so much! Very happy to finally graduate. Lol!

[souljacs4]

So pleased your getting your life back on track and getting your AF under control and well done on your graduation and to do it all with a family to look after as well. good for you wishing you a very happy and healthy new year.

[GivEmkeL in reply to souljacs4]

Thank you so much! It has been a struggle, but I'm very happy that I was able to stick with it! Now, on to the next adventure, lol!

[souljacs4 in reply to GivEmkeL]

Enjoy every minute x

[GivEmkeL in reply to souljacs4]

Thank you!

[rosyG]

excellent news!!

[GivEmkeL in reply to rosyG]

So happy!

[Japaholic]

Well done to you....

[GivEmkeL in reply to Japaholic]

Thanks so much for all of your support and encouragement!

[BobD Volunteer]

Well done Kel and my warmest wishes for a great 2015.

[GivEmkeL in reply to BobD]

Thank you, Bob! I am looking forward to a wonderful 2015!

[teach2learn]

Good for you! Glad things are going well for you. I hate to be bearer of bad news but your episode sounds exactly like my brother's experience and it was a-fib. You are relatively young, and it may take awhile but a-fib does eventually get worse. The good news however is ablation when it's needed someday. Worked for him and worked for me. Meanwhile stay fit and enjoy your new life!

[GivEmkeL in reply to teach2learn]

Thanks so much for the reply and thoughts! Yes! I definitely know that AF will continue to rear it's ugly head with age as often the condition progressively becomes more of a problem. Up until this past October the road to getting it stabilized was bumpy. At the moment I'm just very happy to have my "normal" life back, even if it's just temporary. Lol! Fingers crossed I will be good for some time to come!

[cat55]

Well done! and what a lovely upbeat note for the end of the year. Wishing you much success in your next venture. Best wishes for the coming year. Kath

[GivEmkeL in reply to cat55]

Aww! Thank you so much, Kath! 2014 was a bumpy AF year, and I'm just very thankful to start the new year off in rhythm. Lol!

[iris1205]

Congratulations on all counts!

[GivEmkeL in reply to iris1205]

Thank you so much!