AFIB IS STRESSING ME OUT!!!

[kocoach]

I have been a healthy athelete (boxer) until I was 56 years old, thats when I started having afib episodes to the point of mentally blacking out not passing out and then the journey began. Was put in the hospital for three weeks and put on at the time an experimental drug (dofetelide) which worked extremely goof for about 14 years but then I started back in afib again. I was then put on amiodarone, and eliquis, and lisonipril, which doesn't seem to work that well, I go into afib every two to three days but it always converts on it's own, Thank GOD. Lately though my blood pressure on occassion drops to 77/55 for a short time then goes back up to 111-120/70-80. My dr. tells me not to stress too much about it as long as I don't feel like passing out, fall down, feeling light headed or chest pain but it still freaks me out that it goes so low. Is there any one else having these issue as well and what should I do when this happens. I really get concerned when this happens. My heart is normally anywhere 49-55 bpm. I have been to the emergency many many times and am told not to be to concerned even when my heart rate is 190/103, the last time I went two weeks ago the Dr. told me he's seen people come in with 220/120, he said that was high. Am I stressing out about this too much? Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated. By the way I am obese now and notice what triggers my afib episodes is overeating and lack of sleep. Thank You and GOD Bless.

[meadfoot]

Sorry to hear you are having issues. It is concerning for you and many of us get stressed and concerned when our heart health plays up. Have you seen a cardiologist recently and had tests. Perhaps now is the time for a further medical check up with a cardiologist to overhaul your heart and BP issues.

You mention being overweight, overeating and sleep issues are triggers. I wouldn't dare eat after seven pm or my afib can kick in. Can you try eating smaller meals and nit late in the evening. Life style factors are a big problem for many with afib so a lean diet, smaller meals, better sleep, keeping away from alcohol, keeping well hydrated (water), and any form or relaxation and gentle exercise may help. Its good you know your triggers so you can adjust your life style. Perhaps your cardiology medics can improve things for you, ask for their help. Best wishes,

[kocoach in reply to meadfoot]

Thank you very much for your input but I'm widowed, living alone, no friends or relatives and am 100% rated by the VA for PTSD so it's hard to think and carry out what I'm supposed to do. It seems as thoughI live at the VA hospital and they tell me from cti's and a lot of the tests they do that I'm healthy, go figure. Thanks again for responding. Have a Blessed Day

[meadfoot in reply to kocoach]

Bless you. Stay strong, life can get better. Far from easy I know. Seek assistance from anywhere and everywhere on your journey it will strengthen you. People do care, especially here on this site.

[Paulbounce]

Hi Coach.

"By the way I am obese now and notice what triggers my afib episodes is overeating and lack of sleep"

There are your triggers - overeating is solved easly enough and will help your afib. I guess you need to lose some weight.

Your HR sounds perfect - that's good news. Your doctor is quite right saying 220 bpm is to high - I would be in A&E right away at rate. Are you stressing to much ? Maybe not but watch your diet !

Good luck.

Paul

[kocoach in reply to Paulbounce]

Thank you for your encouragement, I try to do all of these things you suggest but I'mm 100% rated by the VA for PTSD so sleep is almost impossible and now that I can't do the things I used to do I find eating takes some og the time away. Again thatk you and I pray you're doing good in GOD's Hands. Have a Blessed Day

[bayonnejoe1]

kocosch, I am very sorry to hear you're suffering on a bunch of levels. I'm even more disturbed to hear VA might not be adequately addressing your Quality of Life issues. Are you receiving social and mental health counseling from them? Are they addressing your social isolation? I am a retired clinical counselor, and PTSD often is accompanied by depression. In addition to meds, these conditions usually benefit from therapeutic, peer group counseling. I'd urge you to speak with your VA social worker and/or psychiatric medical professional about connecting you with appropriate group services. You might find opening to others in such a setting helps with some of the medical issues you mention. Please keep reaching out in this group. It is a very supportive community. Take care.

[kocoach in reply to bayonnejoe1]

Hello, Thank You. I've been through years of counseling and psychiatric health care but all it seems to do is make things worse, hearing other people's concern's and worrie's just seem to make mine worse than before. Psychiatric help has ended as the Dr.s tell me they have gone as far as their training has allowed them to and i am bounced around to another psychiarist until they all basically give up on me. Thank You for your response, may GOD Bless You.

[Paulbounce]

Kocosch - I agree with Bay. I think you need some extra help with this. Sorry to hear you are having such a rough time. Maybe others on the forum will offer further suggestions.

Take care and try to have a relaxing Christmas.

Paul

[Lymi]

Hello, just wanted to let you know that you are not alone when it comes to a low bp. Mine is often 70 something over 40 something. If it gets to 90/60 I consider that reasonable for me. Like you, my doctor says don’t worry, but I do. I exercise a lot and used to attend the gym regularly before covid. Suddenly went into AF for 8 days (recently) and now on a bunch of pills and waiting to see a cardiologist. Easy to get stressed but trying very hard to keep calm.

Thinking of you and hoping your situation gets better.

[kocoach in reply to Lymi]

Thank You for sharing that with me, it makes me feel a little more at ease. The ONLY thing that keeps me going is my Faith and Trust in GOD. Have a Blessed Day

[Tomred]

hi kocoach ive tried keeping fit loads of walking ,trekking in mountains weightlifting etc etc most of my life , im 61 now and to get an afib diagnosis was like been hit with a sledgehammer, this past year or so my blood pressure also drops and to be honest it , it is more debilitating than the afib, i literally feel like im dying , i am presently trying to increase my salt intake to see if it helps, good luck with this awful heart condition.

[kocoach in reply to Tomred]

Thank You and you put it very descriptively correct as to how it feels. I'll Pray for you that GOD delivers you and me and anyone else who is going thru this as well.

[Snowgirl65]

Stress can certainly rear its ugly head when you have a-fib! Reading your post, perhaps a change in lifestyle could help dramatically. Are there any support groups near you, or maybe a group that engages in mild exercise to slowly get yourself in shape again? Maybe some sort of group routine like that, to look forward to, could help. I wish you well.

[kocoach in reply to Snowgirl65]

Hello snowgirl and Thank You, but yes I have been through all that you have suggested and the psychiarists either give up or tell me they can go no further based on their training. I try and do what I can physically but I am partially dis-abled and that's a big part of my problem. It's hard not being able to work out or run or do a lot of ordinary things active people do any more hence my weight problem. Thanhk you for your support and suggestions. GOD be with you.

[Ablation7]

Maybe a walking group could help if there’s one local to you. Getting fresh air, moving about and interacting with others can be very helpful both mentally and physically. God bless you.

[kocoach in reply to Ablation7]

Thank You, II would love to get out and walk or run but as stated I am partially dis-abled and lucky if I can take ten steps and Ii have no one, no friends, no relatives, just my cats. GOD Bless you for your suggestions. Have a great day.

[etheral]

The blood pressure readings you described are certainly abnormal, but not dangerous . If you are asymptomatic I would not worry about them. I am presently taking dofetilide and it has kept me in NSR for 4 yrs. Curious if it just stopped working for you, or you had other difficulties that contributed to your return to afib. Thanks in advance, etheral

[kocoach in reply to etheral]

Hello, yes it all of a sudden stopped being effective and I started back into afib, but when it worked it was very good . I was actually put on it by one of the leading authorities in the world regarding afib, Dr Philip Sager. I was running seven miles a day, doing heavy workouts while on it and no problems. I'll pray it works longer for you than it did for me although ten years wasn't bad. Have a Blessed day.

[Paulbounce]

Do you know Kocoach. Cat's can be your best friends - better than people sometimes ! You also have faith (that really comes through) and together you have all you need. You'll beat this but please try and watch your diet - very important.

A7 wrote

"Maybe a walking group could help if there’s one local to you"

What a great idea. Local to me are 3 groups for walking. One is fast / 2nd medium and the 3rd you go at your own rate. No one minds how slow you are. Just start off slowly and drop out - even if you just walk 10 steps. It doen't matter.

I think it would be a great idea for you. You'll meet some new people and they will understand your condition - no one will judge you.

Go for it Kocoach. Do it.

There are other social groups you could join to meet new people. Get stuck in as your New Years resolution.

Good luck my friend.

Best,

Paul

[kocoach in reply to Paulbounce]

Thank You for the words of Encouragement anhd have a Blessed Holiday Season!