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xAudrax profile image
26 Replies

I have been in afib 20 hours. has anyone come out on their own? The hospital doesnt make it sound so promising.

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xAudrax profile image
xAudrax
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26 Replies
jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50

In the past I could be in debilitating AF for months at 120-130 and still often came out of it on my own, so don't give up hope of that.

Are you in hospital now? If so perhaps they'll offer you a cardioversion?

Wishing you well again.

Jean

xAudrax profile image
xAudrax in reply to jeanjeannie50

I'm in the hospital now...they started me on blood thinners. I will be scheduled for an esophagul echocardiogram...if they dont see pooling of blood when they go in then they will give me the cardioversion early next week.

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply to xAudrax

How are you this morning?

Don't worry if you need a cardioversion I've had lots and they're nothing to worry about. You're given a dose of GA, then the shock and you're awake again soon after, completely unaware of anything that's happened. For me I've always reverted to normal rhythm and it's so wonderful to wake up that way. Imagine you fall asleep and a fairy waves her magic wand to make you better.

I came out of a fib with IV medications when I was diagnosed. Since then flecainide tablets have worked. Are you staying calm? Relaxing, getting your mind off a fib, believe you can come out of it may help.

xAudrax profile image
xAudrax in reply to

having an awful time relaxing. :(

in reply to xAudrax

I understand. Whenever I have episodes I get this feeling of impending doom and my heart is doing cart wheels. Kind of like being in labor!!! Can you ask for something to relax yourself? If they can help you chill out, maybe go to sleep, your ticker may decide to knock the nonsense off. Seems like the more anxiety, the worse it gets. I will pray that things settle down soon. So sorry you are suffering thru this. When it finally quits, it will b like the end of a storm, peaceful and calm. Hang in there! Let us know how it goes.

Kellyjelly profile image
Kellyjelly

Yes I have come out if AFib on my own after episodes as long as that. Have you had paroxysmal AFib for a long time previous to this episode. Do you take any medication for it? Have they offered you flecainide? I was given flecainide IV too and it stopped a 24 hour episode in minutes. I’m so sorry you are feeling so awful I am sally hope it stops soon.

Let us know how you are doing x

xAudrax profile image
xAudrax in reply to Kellyjelly

this is my first episode of afib. :(

in reply to xAudrax

Still going on?

Kellyjelly profile image
Kellyjelly in reply to xAudrax

You poor thing, has it stopped yet?

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer

Hi and welcome. It must feel all very overwhelming for you right now but you have found people who do understand how you are feeling. I’m not sure that I would have survived emotionally without the support from this forum.

Everyone’s AF is different - the longest episode I have had was 75 hours and came out of it spontaneously without intervention. Some people go in and out of AF (we call that PAF - paroxysmal AF) and some stay in AF permanently. Many say the permanent AF is much preferable to PAF simply because going in and out seems to cause more symptoms for many people. The staff at the hospital may be trying to manage your expectations as they are considering a cardioversion

The good news - AF is a chronic condition for most people and is not immediately life threatening. The first line treatment is anti-coagulants and to lessen the risk of stroke so that is really good that you are taking them, the majority of AFer’s will be.

I have lived with AF for 12 years now and although it has changed my life, some for the better, it isn’t immediately life threatening although as many of us can testify - it sure feels like it sometimes!

The anxiety goes along with the AF - it’s almost impossible to not be anxious when your heart feels as though it is trying to jump out of your chest. However, over time you can come to manage it and you have found a place with people who have once been where you are now and are here to help and support.

May I suggest that you visit the AF website and read as information is power, it helps you to question the doctors - lots of info heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

Keep posting and ask any questions as there is nearly always someone who can help you understand.

Very best wishes CD

xAudrax profile image
xAudrax in reply to CDreamer

thank you so much I will definitely be reading that website again and again. I so appreciate your reply.

Maril1 profile image
Maril1

A high dose of flecanide worked for me tried out in hospital on a drip within an hour but felt groggy afterwards subsequently the tablets took up to 2hrs but still spaced out afterwards . What works best for me is going for a walk at a high pace HR through the roof for 15 Min to an hour but it's a brilliant feeling when your heart goes back to normal ,instead of sitting around which can take up to 8hrs .It use to take up to 72hrs for normal rate to return before I had an ablation in 2010.

It is certainly possible to come out of AF after 20 hours- perhaps the best guide would be how long precious episodes have lasted. That said, the hospital may wish to intervene with a cardioversion if they feel the heart is going too fast for too long.

dmack4646 profile image
dmack4646

Been in it for 72 hours and come out of it in totally unexplained manner - just stopped.

Gertsen profile image
Gertsen

My last episode was 25 hours and then it stopped. The longest I have had is 31 hours before it went back into sinus rhythm. I just have bisoprolol and Apixaban. Normally they are between 12 and17 hours. Hope it reverts soon.

Highbur8 profile image
Highbur8

Hi ...I went through the same as you last Saturday from 1am until i was cardioversed at 2pm on Tuesday...settle down you will be fine...

checkmypulse profile image
checkmypulse

I too was regularly in AF for 48-72 hours and reverted 'just like that' back to sinus. It could happen just sitting and even during exercise. It has a mind of it's own at times, most of the time in fact! The one time I was in A & E with a particular aggressive event of several days duration, H/R up to 170, there was no real suggestion of a cardio, just a wait for reversion, with Biso, which it did overnight. Hope you are sorted by now.

Let us know how you are doing when you are able.

bikergurl profile image
bikergurl

I converted after 32hours with the help of Flecanide and Metprolol. Hang in there! Prayers for you🙏🏻

xAudrax profile image
xAudrax

thank you everyone you are so wonderful! I am still in a-fib. It started at 6pm Thursday evening. i have idea why I havent had some sort of intervention like flecanide. They have been working on rate control only. I'm having some strange tingling this morning in my face arm and leg. right side. Waiting for doctor to come in. It's ever so light like a hair touching me. Very unnerving. ugh! My mind goes to instant stroke fear. I have the worst anxiety ever. Thank you so much for making this easier for me. It truly helps knowing so many are willing to share and let me know I'm not alone and we come out of the other end with this.

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer in reply to xAudrax

Keep posting - it really helps & we are here for support & you are in the safest place right now & being monitored.

Best wishes CD

Amcech profile image
Amcech

Yes! I usually revert on my own. I have had two cardioversions which only worked for a short time. Flecanaide has kept me in normal rhythm for the most part.

djmnet profile image
djmnet

I've been in afib for longer than 20 hours and reverted to NSR on my own. Try not to worry.

Woundbird profile image
Woundbird

Me too I had around 4 episodes which turned into nsr after a night sleep so around 24 hours

Now I don't take meds anymore and focused on diet green veggies and nuts

Tumeric ginger tea as well

twice I converted to NSR in hospital , just as they were wheeling the DCV trolly to my bedside

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