Last Friday (10 November 2017), I entered continuous AFib (Atrial Fibrillation). This is a condition where your heart has a kind of loose electrical connection, and the top part of your heart (the atria) fails to pump smoothly – essentially it flutters (fibrillates). If left unattended, the flutter can cause your blood to pool in your heart and eventually the pool coagulates and forms a clot. Then, since your heart is still beating, your heart can push the clot to other parts of your body and you can end up with a heart attack (if the clot lodges in your heart) or stroke (if it lodges in your brain). The clot can cause various other issues depending on where it finally settles. (Obviously, the is a VERY simplified explanation). | |
Anyway, I hoped it (my heart) would revert to a normal rhythm on its own. It did not, so Tuesday (14 Nov 2017) I went to see my cardiologist, who in turn, admitted me to the hospital for electrical cardioversion. Basically, they hit your heart with an electric charge which “in effect” re-boots the electrical system of the heart. Yes, it stops your heart, but only for a fraction of a second (everyone hopes). | |
The procedure (yesterday – 15 Nov 2017) was successful (big shout-out to all the staff, nurses and doctors at John Muir Hospital in Concord, CA) and I was sent home with my heart in normal rhythm. I’ll be chilling out for the next few days / week to make sure I don’t slip back into AFib and then I have to concentrate on dieting and exercise to lose weight and strengthen my heart. | |
Knock on wood… That’s the plan, anyway. In the meantime, it’s no added salt, adjusting to lots of new pills and it’s back to being a “blood-thinned” hemophiliac. Still, it is much better than the alternative… Please keep me in your prayers (if you are that way inclined). | |
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November 16, 2017 by kmabarrett
Glad to hear the cardio conversion worked for you! I just had my first Afib event this last Wednesday, so very scary. My heart finally reverted to sinus rhythm after 7 hours. I am working on changing my diet and slowly getting into exercise. Thank you for sharing your experience!
Hi Khloe,
I visited your site and posted a comment there…
Thanks for the visit and the comment.
Kevin
I did the same thing in September. I’m currently wearing a 30 day monitor to watch what’s happening. Hope your meds take care of it all.
Hi Lisa,
Thank you for the visit and for leaving a comment…
As far as the AFib, so far so good. I still get occasional palpitations, but only limited irregular heartbeat. I’ve worn the one week and the one day monitor, but never a 30 day one. The one week was several years ago now. Next month, I’m supposed to see a nurse and get into a 90 heart rehabilitation program. Good luck to you, too! And, happy holidays!
I wish you well. Thanks.
take it easy
Hi ksbeth,
I’ll try. 🙂