Have a good time on the cruz.  How are you going to handle the food?
Jim

Jim:

I read the postings daily and I try to learn from them what it is I should or
should not be doing.  I do not reply often because I do not feel as
knowledgable as most of you are on the subject.  Even though I have had Afib
since 1996
I still know little about the different types of meds and the programs out
there.  I follow this board to learn what is knew and what is going on. I also
read the links from here.  It has been very helpful and it has brought me
comfort in those times I panic.

I have been lucky in that I do not have regular bouts of Afib.  I had them
bad in 1996 when I first got them.  Then I quit my high stress Job and moved to
Seattle.  I did not get another episode until after Seattle had the big
Earthquake.  Then it seemed like I did not want to stay in sinus.  After
everything
calmed down I again stayed in Sinus for a long period of time.

The last one prior to this one was in Decemeber, the one before was last June
almost to the date of this one.  I keep a journal.

This espisode seemed more a really fast heart beat and some skipping around.
Once I got my heart rate down to under 100, it broke and I felt great
yesterday and am doing well this morning.

I am leaving to go back to Seattle on Monday morning.  I have not seen a
doctor since last November so perhaps it is time.

Will be around.

Risley


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Jim,

Things in SF are fine. I leave today for Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for 2 weeks.
No need for ablation yet as my meds work great and I am symptom free. I have
not heard of what you mentionned at UCSF. Thanks for the into.

Adios, Phyllis


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

How are things going in San Francisco.  I hear they have a new doctor
in charge of the heart electrical thing at UCSF. Have you even
thought about abulation?
Jim in California

Risley,
We have been wondering what happened to you. Thanks for venting with
us here. We want to know more about what is going on. Keep us
informed.
Jim in California

In a message dated 6/10/2003 6:16:38 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
joe_mar@... writes:

<< What are some of your experiences with meds, what treatments have you had.
Has anyone had ablation and a pacemaker? >>
Marcia,
Here I am again, as promised.  I have taken beta and calcium channel
blockers, Atenolol and Verapamil, for fourteen and four years respectively, and
they
have controlled my afib well. About four years ago, my cardiologist wanted to
put me on Sotalol.  I resisted because I felt that I would rather take a rhythm
control rather than a rate control drug such as Sotalol.  I never did take
the Sotalol.  Now my current, new  E.P. tells me that statistically women do not
do as well on Sotalol as do men.  He says that women do better on Flecainide,
and that's what he will choose for me if my current drugs stop working.  If
the Sotalol is not stopping or controlling your afib, you might want to seek a
second opinion, I would think, because there are other meds available that
might work better for you than does Sotalol.

Also, if your cardiologist is recommending an ablation which involves
ablating or destroying the sinus node and installing a pacemaker, I think you
definitely should get a second opinion because other types of ablations are
available
today.  The problem with destroying the natural pacemaker and installing an
artificial one is that one's heart still registers afib on an EKG, according to
my cardiologist.  That type of ablation stops only the symptoms of afib, I
think.  The PVA, or pulmonary vein ablation, is the newer, more effective
ablation, I think.  Again, you might want to check with another doctor on the
different possibilities for ablation.

Good luck and let us know how you are doing.
Mary in sinus in Seattle

--- In p_atrial_fib@yahoogroups.com, "the fowlers" <joe_mar@c...>
wrote:
> Clear DayDear Group,
> I was diagnosed with afib in Feb., well actually they couldn't make
up their mind between afib and a flutter. I was sent to an
electrophysiologist just last week. He increased my sotalol and took
me off cardizem. Needless to say I have little energy I have some
dizziness and it's hard to concentrate sometimes and my short terms
memory is not good. What are some of your experiences with meds, what
treatments have you had. Has anyone had ablation and a pacemaker?
What is this I read about different foods causing an episode? Mine
always seem to come after a big meal. I haven't had one in about
10-12 days, but I feel a thumping once in a while like it may start.
Is there a natural treatment for this problem? This is all new and
scary to me so any help would be greatly appreciated. Marcia in TN
>
>
>
> Hi Marcia,

I too, have just recently had some afib attacks. It is scary. I am
lucky to
live in a small town, and can go to the EMS office and they will
check me out to make sure that I am in afib. I then call my
cardiologist,
and he tells me what to do. He has told me to take an extra
one of my betablockers and something to calm me down, and go
to bed. It has worked for me the two times that I have had it. The
first time
I had an attack, he had me come to his office. By the time I got
there, it had
gone into sinus.  I have only had 3 attacks.
I have cut out chocolate, and I don't do anything with caffine.
Nor do I eat anything with MSG in it if I can help it.
I take many supplements. COQ10 and vitamin E are  good for the
heart. I take magnesium also because it is very good for the heart.
I know how you feel, and it is good to know we are not alone in this.
Donna B in Texas

I started Travelling in Decemeber and drove across the country to
settle some issues with my family estate.  I did not get to finish
up that business,but have no choice but to be on my way back to
Seattle.

On Monday or Tuesday my stomache started to give me some grief,
burning and uncomfortableness in general.  I spent four days in Maine
with a cousin and we did some fishing and I ate things I have not
eaten in a long time.  Lobster, steaks, salads. Just had a over all
good time.

Driving back on Monday to Mass. I have been here with a friend for a
few days and the funny thing the last time I had an attack was in
Decemember while at this same friends house.

I need to start back to Seattle soon. I go through a very stressful
winter and not so much as a problem. NOW, that I have to leave I am
in Afib.  OK doctors say that stress is not really a trigger on
this.  What is happening? I know no one can answer this.

I have a trp to take all alone for 3000 miles. I think I just wanted
to vent to people that understand.  I may or may not be done with
this process of venting yet. I will see you all on the road and tell
you where I am.

Risley

Don't think we know too much we just share our experiences. Always go
with your Cardiologist/

In regard to your questions:
Experiences.  I have been on several medications probably the longest
time with Rythmol, then the doctor added varapamil to that and I
stayed on that combination for a long time. Now I am on Tykosyn.
Treatments. Mostly drugs. I tried an abulation in San Francisco twice
where they tried to burn the places that caused the afib inside my
heart. It wasn't successful,but things keep changing all the time,
and they are getting much better now than when I went in.
Abulation. I think the one you are talking about is probably the most
extreme, where they burn the places that make your heart beat and put
in a pacemaker. This doesn't get rid of the afib.
What sets off afib. Like you food especially late in the day or lots
of food tend to be triggers for me. Stress it the big one.
Caffeen,Coke Coffee, Chocolate, Tea,MSG, and there are some others.
Natural Remedies.  Some people take fish oil and CoQ10.

Phyllis might write to you about this.

Jim in California

In a message dated 6/10/2003 6:16:38 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
joe_mar@... writes:

<< This is all new and scary to me so any help would be greatly appreciated.
Marcia in TN >>
Hi, Marcia,
I don't have much time right now to respond, but I am so sympathetic with
your fear I just had to write a line or two.  Try to relax because afib will not
kill you.  I really feel sorry for you because I remember all too clearly how
scared I was twenty years ago when my afib began.  I think everyone is scared,
but you learn to live with it and find solutions to the fear as well as the
afib episodes themselves.  If afib were fatal, both my older brother and I
should be dead by now.  He has been in permanent afib for at least twenty to
thirty years, and I have had paroxysmal afib for twenty years.  We both live
normal, active lives, and my brother almost never thinks about afib.  The trick
is
to find the right treatment/meds for you and the lifestyle changes you need to
make.  We are all different, and what bothers one person is another person's
cure.  What, how, and when you eat are very important.  I have almost
eliminated my afib by taking the right meds, eliminating dairy and other problem
foods
from my diet, eating with upright posture, eating small amounts at a time
rather than large meals, and not eating after 4 or  5 in the afternoon.  These
are
strategies that work for me but may not work for you.  I throw them out to
you to give something to think about and a place to begin in figuring out what
works for you.  The main thing is to try to relax and not worry.  I want to
offer you the comfort of knowing that one can live with and control afib with
the
right treatment and lifestyle.  I will write more later, but just wanted to
try to help you overcome that fear that I am all to familiar with.
Best wishes,
Mary in sinus in Seattle

Clear DayDear Group,
I was diagnosed with afib in Feb., well actually they couldn't make up their
mind between afib and a flutter. I was sent to an electrophysiologist just last
week. He increased my sotalol and took me off cardizem. Needless to say I have
little energy I have some dizziness and it's hard to concentrate sometimes and
my short terms memory is not good. What are some of your experiences with meds,
what treatments have you had. Has anyone had ablation and a pacemaker? What is
this I read about different foods causing an episode? Mine always seem to come
after a big meal. I haven't had one in about 10-12 days, but I feel a thumping
once in a while like it may start. Is there a natural treatment for this
problem? This is all new and scary to me so any help would be greatly
appreciated. Marcia in TN



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

--- In p_atrial_fib@yahoogroups.com, "jimbo2083" <jcook@2...> wrote:
> Have you tried meat tenderizer. Sprinkle some on the cabinet wet your
> finger and rub it on.
> Jim in California

Thanks for the hint, Jim

Donna B

Have you tried meat tenderizer. Sprinkle some on the cabinet wet your
finger and rub it on.
Jim in California

Boy, I got stung by a red wasp about 2 hours ago. I had never been
stung
by one of them. It really scared me, and the first thing I thought
about was to
check my pulse. It didn't go up. I feel okay now.

I ran and took my apis, and rubbed the "sting stop" on it. It was on
my cheek
I held ice on it, and now I feel better. What I took is a homeopathic
remedy.
They really work great for so many things.

Hope everyone is having a good day on this Sunday.
Donna B

--- In p_atrial_fib@yahoogroups.com, "jimbo2083" <jcook@2...> wrote:
> My friend Lupe works in our garlic factory. He keep the knives
> sharpened  that cuts up the garlic. He and I go to a Promise
Keepers
> group together. He came down with afib.  He went to the doctor and
> they were going to cardiovert him, but his blood was too thick; so
> they postponed doing the procedure.
>
> Lupe waited and waited two weeks passed by and no calls. Lupe was
in
> afib all this time. He was miserable. I called Lupe and ask if they
> had called and he said no. I told him I was going over to Fresno
> about and hour away to see my wife's eye doctor and I would go over
> to check what was going on with his cardiologist.
>
> I talked to the nurse and she said when they got Lupe in to
> cardiovert him he converted to sinus before we could do the
> procedure.  I told her I don't think so. His blood was too thick,
and
> he has been in full blown afib for almost 2 weeks.  All this took 3
> or 4 phone calls and two visits to the office.
>
> Jim in California

Jim


I do eat carob. It really is a good chocolate subsitute. We sell
some carob macaroons at our store, that are great!!

About your friend that works in the garlic factory. Some people
are really allergic to garlic. I, being one of those people,  get
really anxious
feeling when I am around it. My heart speeds up and I get really
irritable.
My husband works in a salsa factory, and the garlic smell is so
strong. He
has to take his clothes off outside before he comes in the house
around me.
He has to shower immediately. I know that sounds crazy, but that is
just how
bad it is for me. I hope this is not the problem with your friend
since this
is his job.  Hope he is better now.

Donna B

In a message dated 6/6/2003 8:08:27 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
donnab@... writes:

<< Mary, It sounds like we are trying to do what we can about this
  afib.
  I have also had to quit eating chocolate. That has not been too
  difficult, but sometimes I would like to have a piece of chocolate.
  I have just about cut out all sugar now, also. I know you have cut out
  dairy, and I have almost.  >>
Hi, Donna,
Yes, I am trying to keep my afib under control, and it seems to be working.
Fortunately I have been allergic to chocolate for some time, so didn't have to
cut that for afib.  I did have to give up coffee, which I absolutely love.  I
also have cut sugar and salt, mainly because of swelling caused by the
Verapamil that I take.  I eat a very simple diet, and I think it's all worth it.
I
feel better than I have for years.
Mary

My friend Lupe works in our garlic factory. He keep the knives
sharpened  that cuts up the garlic. He and I go to a Promise Keepers
group together. He came down with afib.  He went to the doctor and
they were going to cardiovert him, but his blood was too thick; so
they postponed doing the procedure.

Lupe waited and waited two weeks passed by and no calls. Lupe was in
afib all this time. He was miserable. I called Lupe and ask if they
had called and he said no. I told him I was going over to Fresno
about and hour away to see my wife's eye doctor and I would go over
to check what was going on with his cardiologist.

I talked to the nurse and she said when they got Lupe in to
cardiovert him he converted to sinus before we could do the
procedure.  I told her I don't think so. His blood was too thick, and
he has been in full blown afib for almost 2 weeks.  All this took 3
or 4 phone calls and two visits to the office.

Jim in California

You might try carrib it's not chocolate but it is close.
Jim in California

Thanks everyone for the pre-packaged food hints.

--- In p_atrial_fib@yahoogroups.com, Starfi6314@a... wrote:
> In a message dated 6/6/2003 5:52:46 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
> donnab@w... writes:
>
> << My doctor told me that MSG could bring on an attack.
>  I try not to ever eat any pre packaged food. >>
> Me, too.  I never eat pre-packaged food now because of the
possibility of MSG
> and other noxious additives.
> Mary



Mary, It sounds like we are trying to do what we can about this
afib.
I have also had to quit eating chocolate. That has not been too
difficult, but sometimes I would like to have a piece of chocolate.
I have just about cut out all sugar now, also. I know you have cut out
dairy, and I have almost. I do still eat some cheese once in a while.
Donna B

In a message dated 6/6/2003 5:52:46 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
donnab@... writes:

<< My doctor told me that MSG could bring on an attack.
  I try not to ever eat any pre packaged food. >>
Me, too.  I never eat pre-packaged food now because of the possibility of MSG
and other noxious additives.
Mary

In a message dated 6/5/2003 9:09:16 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
jcook@... writes:

<<  had a combinations vegetable,potatoes,onion,asparagus, and
  zuccini, thing that I mixed up and cooked in the microwave. My wife
  made a pumpkin loaf with walnut sauce for desert. >>

I discovered a long time ago that eating vegetables cooked in the microwave
causes severe stomach problems for mw.  If the vegetables are precooked on the
stove or in the oven and just warmed in the microwave, they don't bother me.
But cooked frozen or fresh vegetables from the microwave give my stomach fits,
possibly because they may not be cooked as evenly throughout.
Mary in sinus in Seattle

Donna and Jim,

I eat like Donna B and find it make all the difference.
Phyllis in  SF

--- In p_atrial_fib@yahoogroups.com, "jimbo2083" <jcook@2...> wrote:
> I had the battered fish that comes packaged.  I baked it in the oven
> and had a combinations vegetable,potatoes,onion,asparagus, and
> zuccini, thing that I mixed up and cooked in the microwave. My wife
> made a pumpkin loaf with walnut sauce for desert.That was about 5 PM/
>
> The afib lasted for about an hour and half.
>
> Jim in California


Check for MSG in the packaged fish you ate. The batter may have that in it.
My doctor told me that MSG could bring on an attack.
I try not to ever eat any pre packaged food. I shop at the health food
store and only eat packaged food from there, and only organic food.
Just a thought for you.

Donna B

I had the battered fish that comes packaged.  I baked it in the oven
and had a combinations vegetable,potatoes,onion,asparagus, and
zuccini, thing that I mixed up and cooked in the microwave. My wife
made a pumpkin loaf with walnut sauce for desert.That was about 5 PM/

The afib lasted for about an hour and half.

Jim in California

I eat small amounts at a time and don't eat after 4 or 5 in the afternoon.  I
also watch what I eat carefully.  Too much of the wrong kind of food can be
an afib trigger, especially if eaten just before lying down, at least for me.
My vigilance on these issues may be part of the reason I am in sinus most of
the time.

I have never had more trouble in lying on the right side, but I have read
reports from a number of people who do have that problem.  At times I have
problems with lying down in any position and must sit up to sleep, at least
until my
stomach settles.  That problem is infrequent, however, since I quit dairy
products.
Mary in sinus in Seattle

what did you eat and what time? Phyllis in SF


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Jim,

I have noticed that I have skipping when I lay on the left side some... The
right side I don't usually have any problems...  Also I notice sometimes
laying on my stomach I feel skipping some...

Tim
   -----Original Message-----
   From: jimbo2083 [mailto:jcook@...]
   Sent: Thursday, June 05, 2003 5:36 PM
   To: p_atrial_fib@yahoogroups.com
   Subject: [p_atrial_fib] Sleeping on the left side


   Does your afib start when you lie on your left side?
   Jim in California


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Does your afib start when you lie on your left side?
Jim in California

Last night I had dinner and went into afib. Do any of you have this
trouble?
Jim in California

yes
but I read somewhere that if it goes crackers or into af at night it is more
likly to spontaneously convert.
Usually after a period of drama or stress when i relax(ie asleep) I can end up
in AF or with a rapid rate which is either a fast sinus or SVT
-supra ventricular tachcardia. It is apparently the wee bit in the middle of
your heart between the atrium and ventricals.
my resting rate is around 60-66. when I spoke to my cardio he said not too worry
has top class athletes have extreemly low resting rate. Now I am an honest soul
at heart and too be frank I think he needs corrective eye wear as i am a bit by
my sell by date and not easily mistaken for any type of sports person!
Still its good to know!
texasdonnab <donnab@...> wrote:
--- In p_atrial_fib@yahoogroups.com, "jimbo2083" <jcook@2...> wrote:
> My resting pulse rate is down in the 50 to 48 range.Do any of you
> have any trouble like this?

Jim,
My pulse rate was 61 this morning. It is always pretty low when it
is not acting crazy.
Does anyone have a problem with waking in the night with your
heart rate going really fast???? Not exacty in afib, but really fast
and going thump thump thump thump-----thump thump. over and
over again. Mine did that last night., but this morning down to 61.

Have a good one,
Donna B



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