63 with A-Fib

[Aprilbday]

Hello

I had some allergies and doctor gave me Predisone-sent me into the worse A-Fib ever causing a 36 hour urgent Care visit with Kaiser. This was probably good to happen since I had not ever sought consistent treatment for A-Fib which I would occasionally notice the fluttering and skips. This episode made me feel like I would not make it back. Intravenous Medication put the heart back into normal rhythm.

Now on Dilacor and Pradaxa. I also take smalll dosage of Lisinopril to help keep my blood pressure down (Dilacor was not enough) I also take An acid reducer omaprazole. I am having some reflections and feel life is fragile. I tell my self that I am at Peace, but sometimes I am not sure. I use the elliptical throughout the day for 30-40 minutes total. Increased my water intake once I stopped buying bottle water and use tapI drink more water. Hang in there everyone. Anyone else on here retired?

[pottypete1]

I am 71 in two weeks and should be retired but am still working freelance.

Many members of this forum, but by no means all, are retired and are of mature years.

You sound very low about having AF as if it is the end of your time on this earthly coil.

Fear not, the Grim Reaper is not renowned for taking folk for just having AF.

We on this forum all know how low the condition can make you feel, hopefully your doctors can find ways to help manage it and improve your quality of life.

Pete

[Aprilbday in reply to pottypete1]

Happy Birthday coming up Pete. Thank you!!

[Aprilbday in reply to pottypete1]

Pottypete,

I just want to say “thank you” for being so kind when I first posted on here over 4 months ago. You helped me more than you know. How are you? I’ve calmed down and am handling it better. Thank you again. 🌸

[pottypete1 in reply to Aprilbday]

Glad my reply helped AF can really drag you down, I know only too well how badly it an affect you.

For me, I am fine my QOL has improved immensely since last year. See my post of last Friday.

Pete

[CDreamer]

May I ask why the Predisone? I take immune suppressants but have to be really, really careful and avoid all heart meds. I also have to be very careful with the meds I take for an autoimmune disease and can’t take any steroids as they are known to increase Arrythmia. The contraindications of these drugs need to be carefully considered and I have found I have to do my own research and have come to the conclusion that unless it is an immediately life saving drug or a drug which reduces risk of a life threatening event - such as anticoagulant - or is the only thing which enables me to function - which is the case with one of my drugs - then the more you take - the more complications and side effects or the potential for them. And PPI’s are not advisable to take long term - question your need for them.

Yes I am retired, unfortunately had to take early retirement due to ill health, I think you will find that talthough the age range of forum members varies from 18-90 (possibly more?) - there will be many Babyboomers.

Best wishes CD

[Aprilbday in reply to CDreamer]

Hi CDreamer

I had stomach surgery in 2002. Dumb me wanted weight loss the surgical way—no lectures please. Left me with uncontrollable acid reflux. Tried everything but only PPI helps. Aware of the polyps they’ve caused in my stomach but I get them checked every 3 years.

I had pollen related allergy -asthma attack and when I went in to get treated, doctor gave me Prednisone after the nebulizer treatment. Heart thought it was the 70’s and went disco dancing...without me. Ended up in ER. Only had 1 day dose of Predisone!!! It is not what I take daily.

Had moderate A-Fib that got worse over time and I retired early at 62. Then this incident happened that was a severe episode.

Thank you for sharing so much with me on this. I’m glad to read that you are careful with the immune drugs.

[CDreamer in reply to Aprilbday]

So sorry you had all of this. I hope I wouldn’t ever lecture people about their choices - I am sure you thought it was the best choice at the time and hindsight is a wonderful thing.

I think my big regret healthwise is not listening to Grandma’s advice - everything in moderation - I seem to be an all or nothing person! 😂

[hock217 in reply to CDreamer]

I agree with you, worked in Psychiatric Research and am a baby boomer. It was a holistic doctor that helped me get strength back n told me about diatomaceous earth. He uses ozone therapy, acupuncture etc. Studied with many cultures that build up immune system vs attack disease. Thankful for access to both.

[Aprilbday in reply to hock217]

I live in a big city in a large apartment. They use the diatomaceous earth to kill bugs. Bugs can not digest it so it acts like little knives in their system. 😳

[hock217 in reply to Aprilbday]

Yes. People need to buy 100 percent food grade not the type farmers use.

[Aprilbday in reply to hock217]

They use only the food grade to prevent children and pets from being hurt by it. It kills pests like roaches and bed bugs because they can not digest it.

[Aprilbday in reply to hock217]

D earth kills small insects. Bugs do not kill them as far as I know

[hock217 in reply to Aprilbday]

Do Bugs include parasites?

[Aprilbday in reply to hock217]

Yes. Their digestive systems can’t handle it and kills them. They use food grade only because it’s an apartment building with pets and children.

[hock217 in reply to Aprilbday]

I live in Queens and will be staying at a cabin on Fire Island for a week where ticks are increasing in number. Perhaps Dearth could be sprinkled on grass, sand etc around the cabin (not sure about our organic garden or butterfly way station).

[Aprilbday in reply to hock217]

Fire Island??? Curious?? Where is that? Two things would make me go the other way: 1. Fire. 2. Island! 🤣

So what on earth are you going to be doing on Fire Island?

Those ticks are going to love your free flowing blood!!! Ewwwww!! 🤪

[hock217 in reply to Aprilbday]

OK. LOL. I thought possibly you lived in NYC. Fire Island is well known to NYC habitants. The cabin is volunteer run and the only barrier island managed as such. We are part of AMC (Appalachian Mountain Club). Google it. I joined 23 yrs ago. The bookings I made the past 2 summers I never made. Trying again this summer but so deconditioned I don't know if I can handle a backpack walking in sand to get to our cabin. You would never know how close you are to NYC. We sit right on the Great South Bay and have a fleet of sailboats, kayaks, and canoes. Heaven!

[Aprilbday in reply to hock217]

Oh my!!! I just looked up Fire Island!!! Heaven!!! I actually watched their webcams and thought I was in the Vineyards. Absolutely a field trip worth taking. Thank you.

I think you will be so happy to be there that you will move along in the sand just fine!! (Says the girl who almost passed out this AM at the Post Office returning a Sous Vide machine). Everything takes so much longer to do! But it’s ok. I’m retired. Can’t hurry even if I wanted to. Have fun on Fire Island. That place looks so serene and I long to visit. Love that lighthouse!!!

[hock217 in reply to Aprilbday]

What state r u in? I went out yesterday and after a few blocks I was exhausted plus brain fog. Not sure if SVT, Rx, and or diverticulitis with 3 heavy hitting Rx IV meds caused this but it changed my life. Also was hit by a bike speeding through light as I crossed on green but first one crossing not to get stuck behind tourists taking selfless. Don't remember impact but was on ground n hit chin hard chipping teeth. Hard to know which is causing what. Just feel 15 yrs older in one year. The fatigue n brain fog and unsteady. It is really beautiful n peaceful there.

[Aprilbday in reply to hock217]

I am so sorry about your experience yesterday. Sort of made me sad to read that you went through that. And the bike!!!! One of those speedy bikes ran over my dog on the sidewalk. City living is a challenge but close to the best of everything, superb medical care, competing costs keeps prices low and living in the city is extremely convenient. Since A-Fib medications, I’ve slowed down (not voluntarily!)to be cautious in my movements, I even started using Instacart when I want groceries delivered when I don’t want to face the crowds or move my car. Not all the time but sometimes and it’s wonderful to get groceries in an hour. Walking on crutches (bone issue on right knee)while trying to walk my dogs makes me fall. I have a motorized mobility scooter I use now to walk my dogs. I live near American University, the Russian Embassy and Georgetown in our Nation’s Capital.

[Aprilbday in reply to hock217]

When I had active diverticulitis, those were the most powerful drugs I had ever experienced and could barely lift myself out of bed. My heart goes out to you!! That alone can completely rob you of your strength. Be cautious until that heals and you are off of those intestinal drugs. The sand may be a challenge . Don’t put too much strain on your heart . Might be too much for you right now. Diverticulitis is something that requires complete rest.

[hock217 in reply to Aprilbday]

Thank you so much. I kept blaming SVT/Sotalol. I had diverticulitis in 2010 and relapsed two weeks after returning to work. I was exhausted but eventually bounced back. So I didn't blame it this time. Sure, all I did was sleep while ill but not ongoing. It's 10 mths since my last episode and I am so weak and tire easily. Was thinking of outpatient cardiac rehab to be monitored while pushing myself further.

[Aprilbday in reply to hock217]

Hock

Just wondering how you are. Have you managed to get to Fire Island? You still have the Fall! I bet is beautiful there in the Fall which a campfire!