Sleeping after cardioversion for my atrial fibrillation
AFIB STRIKES AGAIN!
Cardioversion for my Atrial Fibrillation, not a great way to start the year. OK I was very happy that the cardioversion put my heartbeat back in place, but realising that I’m in AFIB on Thursday night was BAD!
To say the least, I’m disappointed in my heart’s behavior. I did my part. No stimulants, no cough medicine, no alcohol, no dehydration, no excessive use of caffeine, no smoking(I, never in any case)
Every time my heart goes into AFIB I go on a sort of “fact-finding mission” What did I eat, drink or do? What should I not have done? Could I have prevented it?
I found nothing! I only went for a short cycle of 27 km (16 miles), my average heart rate was 119 bpm. I came back ate had something to drink and then sat in front of the TV. This was a short ride and I did not push myself that hard. Then I felt it.
WHY IS IT GOING OUT?
So I’m disappointed in my hearts behavior. How could he just get out of line like that? But I actually did have the answer. My cardiologist “warned” me about this possibility.
“It’s your right atrium, it’s too big, it’s huge!” This is the answer I get from my cardiologist when I go on my “fact-finding missions” about reasons for going into AFIB.
Because I was born with Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) my right atrium was forced to stretch, expand, and now it’s big. That creates my atrial fibrillation and it sucks!
CARDIOVERSION, ABLATION ANY OTHER OPTION?
In my non-doctor mind, I thought. Could they not just cut off a part of my right atrium and stitch it back again so that it’s smaller? My cardiologist laughed, smiled and said, no they(we) cannot do that.
Cardioversion for my atrial fibrillation is only a quick temporary, short term solution for me because of my enlarged right atrium. It has worked for me for the past 15 years.
The only other option is another ablation. My previous one was 70% successful. I have read a lot about ablation and there are many opinions. If I have to go again I will accept it with arms wide open. Risk? yes, there is, but being AFIB free( sort off) will be a great prize.
Way forward?
For now, we are going to see how it goes. Try and live as normal as possible. Still, watch what I eat and drink. Exercise and stay healthy. Pray for total healing. To be honest, my heart being in normal sinus rhythm is a bit of a miracle.
Before he shocked (cardioverted) me this last time, my cardiologist said that he is surprised every time my heart goes back into rhythm. He also cautioned me that there will be …that… DAY, the day that my heart does not go back into rhythm.
Cape Town Cycle Tour
I have already entered, and it is notoriously difficult to get an entry. This cycle race takes place at the beginning of March. I must train for it. My head is telling me to be careful, my physical heart is saying don’t push me too hard and my emotional heart is telling me it’s going to be easy.
This cardioversion for my atrial fibrillation has “shocked” me a bit and I did not cycle for a week, but next week I’m going to climb the steel steed again and train for the most beautiful race in the world, which is also the biggest timed bicycle race in the world.
Any suggestions on what to do or how to fight this thing?
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I think you should be looking at ionic magnesium . Pleade read Dr C Dean and atrial fib!! It has changed my life!
You may contact her
Let me know
Hi Gail
I will look into ionic magnesium.
When my levels were tested my magnesium and potassium levels were normal, and at a good level, potassium should be between 3,5 – 5,0 and mine was at 4,2. I also know that there are different ways to test magnesium, but we(South Africa) only use the standard blood test one. I have read about it but cannot remember all the other tests.
I have read some of Dr Dea’s stuff but will look into it again, thx.
My only comment sounds rather motherlike. I think you should reconsider this race. Maybe your body is sending you it’s opinion. I know it is hard to find a new passion, but if the engine on my car leaves me sitting on the roadside, and its not fixable… I would not trust it on a long trip
Yes, Lou, I hear what you say. For now, I’m going to take it slow and see if I can build up gradually. My cardiologist did not say I must stop cycling, and I don’t like “idling” around.
I will take it day to day and keep on praying for a miracle.
Thx for the comment.
personally I think you are pushing your heart too much.
you need to slow down and find another passion.
why worry your wife and mother so much. you have your children to think of and being there for them.
yes…you are pushing yourself to disaster…..the lady who used the metaphor of a wonky car letting her down was spot on.
listen and learn. you are lucky to even be alive after all you have been through.
julesbaron3@gmail.com
Hi Julianne
Thank you for your concerns.
I have checked with my cardiologist and he said I’m fine to ride the Cape Town Cycle race. I know that there is a fine balance between good exercise and “bad exercise”. It is good for my heart to stay fit and for cardiac conditioning.
Found your blog on google, just wanted to let you know that your very inspirational and I will continue reading your blog.
Hi Ray
Thank you and I hope to add value to the AFIB, Ectopic, Anxiety and “self-mastery” debate.
Hi. My husband found your blog and I’ve just started reading some of your stories. I have cried through most of them because I too was born with tetralogy of fallot also. I had my first surgery at 9 months old. I moved a typical life until I got afib at 19 years old. Managed it with medication until I had an ablation at 23 in order to have my first son. After my second son I had my second open heart surgery at 33 years old. I needed a new pulmonic valve. I did well after until l got afib again at 38. At 40 I had another ablation which lasted 9 hours long. I’m doing better but still struggle with palpitations. Reading your story is so comforting to me because I dont know anyone with what I have. Thank you for sharing your life with us
Joni
You are a survivor and an inspiration.
I’m so blessed to have had a near perfect first-time surgery.
One thing I know is that there are no guarantees, so we have to grab every day(carpe diem).
I would love to read your whole story, if you want to, you can send it to me at: jpdv@webmail.co.za
In my mother tongue, we have one word that encourages and also shows empathy and solidarity “sterkte”, translated directly is says strength(strongs)
Janco