One More Time

[TheStand]

Got up at about 6:15 this morning, sat down on the couch, turned on the news and BAM... Here we go again. No reason for it. Hadn't even had my first drink of coffee. Heart rate isn't quite as bad this time, only about 135 - 145 but blood pressure is pretty low.

Only 8 days left until the ablation. I can't wait for this to be over. It seems like my meds just aren't working anymore, I haven't had 2 attacks this close together since I started taking Rythmol a year ago.

OK.... Hard to believe but it stopped while I was writing this. It only lasted a little over an hour. I don't think I've ever had this short of an attack.

Now it's time to get on with life. I've got a busy week coming up. I have to do an INR check on monday and they told me that it needs to be between 2.2 and 2.4, then tuesday blood tests and a CT scan (they called it a roadmap of my heart so they know where to turn). Then wednesday another INR and again on friday and sunday. Stop eating by 6PM sunday and nothing to drink after midnight. Then head for the Hosp monday morning to be there at 7AM and operation at 8AM. Wake back up 6 to 8 hours later (that part is kinda important) and enjoy an AFib FREE life from then on.

[Afib2012]

Congrats!! I pray it all goes well. Please keep us informed. I'm excited for ya. Especially since I see my EP on the 25th to discuss the procedure.

[rupert12]

So pleased you are back in NSR. I think the big problem with AF is that it comes on for no apparent reason, I know there are triggers, but like you I settled down with the newspaper and a cup of decaf tea the other week and bang in I went into AF for the next 10 hours.

I was so interested in hearing about your countdown and treatment plan for ablation. For some reason I always thought that this had to be done whilst you are awake? My cardiologist said that I would need to go to London to have it done, but did not seem too keen as I am still in the early stages of getting my medication sorted although sometimes he said you never do!! Not sure if you are in the UK or if it is different in other parts of the world?

Please keep your blog going when you can after next week, I will be thinking of you and send my best wishes for all yours tests to go well and that ablation cures your AF. .

[SRMGrandma Volunteer]

Oh wow, your heart is giving you such drama as you continue your countdown! YAY for such a short episode! That had to be a huge relief! I hope this was your last one...EVER! Please keep us updated on how you are feeling as the big day approaches. We are all here for you and just praying it is the best possible result!!

[nannygoat]

mine comes on about 3 or 4 times per week now up to 135 beats a minute but only lasts maybe 30 mins or so , i notice it happening more when i am sitting down or resting so i think it could be happening some more and i am unaware, im so tired all the time it is so sad,

[Terjo]

Wish you luck and hope all goes well,are you in the UK? Please let us know how it goes.

[sann]

The stand Hiya,hope everything goes ok for you i will be thinking of you and look forward to haring you as you recoer.

[TheStand]

Thank You all for the comments...

Feeling much better today. Yesterday really surprised me. I haven't had attacks that close together since I started taking my meds over a year ago. I guess the Dr was right telling me that the body gets used to the meds and they don't work as well after time. Also I figured that since it only lasted about an hour, the recovery wouldn't be anything. I think I felt worse after it than I normally do having an 6 to 8 hour attack.

Just 7 more days to go and I pray this will be over. Getting ready to do an INR reading and call it in. Then 3 appts tomorrow for blood tests, CT scan of my heart and then the

anesthesiologist. Then just a few more INR checks and it will be time to do it. I am so looking forward to it and as the day gets closer the more anxious I get.

For all who asked... I am in the US.

rupert12, No... I wouldn't want to be awake for this. Just knock me out an go for it. I have had 3 EPs suggest the ablation but kept saying no until this last med stopped working. They had all told me the same thing, You will have to keep switching meds over the years until the meds no longer work and you more than likely go into permanent AF. He told me that if I was luck I might get 4 to 6 years of a certain med before it doesn't work any longer. He said normally that road will lead to amiodarone as the last resort med to hold off AF. That drug scares me more than the AF does. My daughter is the head nurse in a Dialysis center and knows that drug very well. She said it is one of primary causes for many of her patients to need dialysis.

Anyway Thank you all for the kind words and support!

Tim

[rupert12]

Thanks Tim for your information, I need to look into this but find it all a bit scary!! Good luck and look forward to hearing from you again after the op. Wendy.