Sometime ago, someone on this forum wanted to know more about how AF, the virus and shots interact. That's an important question. I want to share my own story, not to open up a debate but to try to address that question from my own experience. I apologize for the length.
I was diagnosed with fast AF in December of 2018 My version of it would leave me so short of breath I had only minutes to take my PIP and find a bed or recliner to be still for the 2-3 hours it took for me to convert. I was afraid to go anywhere. My kind cardiologist sent me to an electrophysiologist in Vancouver who did an A-one ablation. His notes say it was tricky but I was thrilled with the result and the next day I was AF free.. After episodes nearly every week, it seemed miraculous.
Family circumstances required that we cross from Canada into the US to help our son and his young children who had just lost their mother. That meant getting the covid shots which we did several months after my ablation. We had been following these issues closely and were well aware of the risks as we took two Pfizers. I didn't have any unusual soreness, redness or feeling of being sick afterwards although I normally do with other vaccines.
What I did notice was pronounced shortness of breath for the next month. Then a few months later I had a massive AF attack while in the U.S. Unfortunately, I hadn't thought to bring my PIP because I had been fine since my ablation. I collapsed on the way to urgent care and was sent to emergency at a large hospital. I have had one brief AF episode since.
But this was devastating for me and I knew my ablation had been compromised. The shortness of breath continues periodically and my cardiologist tells me it's myocarditis. He has given me a deferral for any boosters (not an exemption). I thank God for him. But my heart muscle is inflamed. Myocarditis is incurable and it is permanent.
Not only is my heart inflamed, my body is as well. My autoimmune condition has ramped up and my chronic back condition has been triggered after being stable for 25 years. I am now walking with a cane and cannot exercise. I love to walk, and my EP had given me a walking goal which I enjoyed for a few months. But my muscles tightened up and new issues started, triggering old ones as well and I've had to stop. Pain now plagues me day and night. I have been able to lose the five pounds he requested but by dieting only. My physical therapist of many years says she can no longer help me. I am too old for surgery. I am in a catch-22, not able to exercise but needing to do it for heart health and to help carry as little weight as possible to reduce the burden on my back and legs. I did get Omicron early last year but have gotten my smell and taste back and am not aware of other symptoms from it although I struggle with increased fatigue..
So far, my two cancers are still stable but they are both known to return. My point is this: For me, the reaction to the jabs was not immediate, it was gradual. It is serious and not temporary. My life and my lifestyle are dramatically affected. I feel like I've aged 10 years. I continue to monitor my health closely. It's my body, I have the most skin in the game and I am going to defend it.
To end on a more positive note, there are doctors who have offered protocols for those suffering vaccine and/or Covid injury. I am currently following one called intermittent fasting. There are various methods, one being eating only during an 8-hour window; e.g., 10 am-6 pm. It may be partly to give the body more time overnight to detoxify but it's also a method of reducing inflammation. It's doable and I've even lost a little weight.
Again, I ask for respect and that this not be spun into a debate. It is my story and I hope it helps shed light on the question of AFib, Covid and the injections.
marcyh
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marcyh
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thank you for sharing your difficult journey Marcy. From what I understand, you had afib before you took the two initial vaccines ? And then the subsequent reaction was a return of your afib heart condition. I realized six months after my two Pfizer vaccines in 2021 that it had affected my heart. You're lucky you had doctors who believed you. Mine didn't and wanted me to do procedures which I refused to do and hadn't needed before the vaccines. I also have never had a booster. I've spoken to people all around the country who know people who had heart attacks, afib etc after the vaccines. Unless you have suffered from it you do not believe it happens. I believe you. I share some of it with you And I'm sorry how drastically life has changed for you as it has for me. Peace, and a lessening of pain, and easier breathing I wish for you as you continue on. Good luck to you 😊🌼
Thank you for your support and good wishes. Yes, my AF diagnosis was in late 2018. My two Pfizers were in the summer of 2021. I'm so fortunate to have a cardiologist who believed me.
Thank you for sharing. We've all of us been in uncharted territory with the pandemic situation and we know that our committed health professionals have gone over and above, over and over during especially the first 2 waves. Now it seems that experiences like your own are coming to light with a vaccine created in super fast time for a new and frightening virus. Many have benefitted but experiences like yours must also not be denied. Clearly, there is more to be learned. Re your physical therapy. Have you explored Feldenkrais? It's a wonderful approach to muscular and skeletal release. You might find it beneficial where other therapies are no longer working. Seek out a good practitioner from the Feldenkrais organisation.
Such a lot to cope with, you had a lot thrown at you in a very short space of time. I also wonder if the stress of dealing with the move and helping your family will have exacerbated your weakness and vulnerability?
I would be very interested in learning if the IF protocol works for you and do hope it will. I did it for about 3 months about 3-4 years ago and certainly things improved for me and I have high hopes for the trials currently running and certainly both my Lifestyle Doctor friends believe it is the way to go and it makes perfect sense when you join up all the dots.
I do think anyone with autoimmune conditions is especially vulnerable to vaccines, I’m in flare this week after Shingles vaccine, not the live one of course but I’ve been told to let the GPs know if I have any reaction and although it’s low grade, I’ve been ‘off’ all week, thankfully my heart is the one thing that’s seems to be steady - better not speak too soon though.
Thank you for your replies. Thankfully it was not us who moved, but the situation with our son has been very stressful for him and the children for quite a few years, losing their mother to a slow-growing brain tumour. Yes, it has impacted all of us.
I find myself affected not only physically but emotionally as well. I have to spend more time indoors, greatly curtailing walks with my friends and being out in nature. We have a lovely lake to walk around right in our neighborhood and it was therapeutic for me, especially during Covid. I have a wonderful husband but my moods and motivation have been affected.
I tend to think intermittent fasting would be good for a lot of folks to try. One of my friends is a health coach and she recommends it as well. I know it has already benefited me with losing that little bit of weight.
I'm sorry about your autoimmune flare. I know what those are like. Sincere best wishes to you.
Lucky you that it only took 3 weeks and that you have recovered from it! Isn’t it odd that some sail through these jabs and others have real problems with them. I wonder if it is more to do our genes or more our microbiome? Probably a combination.
Thank you march for telling your story. I have read many similar stories like yours and there will be more as time goes by. I too am having problems since getting the shots over a year ago. The pain is the worst. All the while I was standing in line to get the shots something told me that maybe I shouldn't. I wish now I had listened to my instinct. I pray that you will get better. And I pray for all who have been hurt by these vaccines will find help that they need too. Take care.
I'm sorry to hear of your issues. I applaud you for stepping in to help your family through a terrible time.
I haven't had any of the jabs but I'm suffering similar problems to you. Muscle aches are debilitating.
I watched the excerise video and gave up straight away because there's no way I'd be able to lie flat on a mat - and even if I did I'd never be able to get back up.
Earthing/grounding has been shown to reduce inflamation. I've read the info on Long Covid and will be looking into getting some of the natural stuff that's recommended. Turmeric looks promising but from what I've read you have to be careful not to get caught as there is a lot of 'fake' stuff around.
Can you get out in the (semi) fresh air and sunshine (vit D) in a wheelchair? Just being outside can make a big difference to mood.
I'm the same, no flat mat for me. I'm not overweight but I can't do leg strengthening exercises and this has forced therapists to think outside their box. I fell this weekend on a dark parking lot that had a rise in the pavement and went completely down. I couldn't get up. I could see car lights coming but I could ease myself out of the way and a young gal and very strong young guy helped me up. People are kind!
Yes, we have a lovely balcony and grounds where I can breathe in the inspiration. My temptation is when I get outside I can't help myself, I just keep walking and then I pay afterwards. Isn't it amazing how encouraging it can be to just to be out of doors!
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