Atrial Fibrillation

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Aug 12, 2008 8:05 am

Just a week ago I went to the ER with the most erratic heartbeat I could imagine. I had had a previous episode of a fast heart rate but nothing can top the memory of this recent out of rhythm episode. I was appalled that my cardiologist couldn't see me for 8 days..that's tomorrow. Each day I've been fearful and reading about AF on WebMD. Unless you have a successful ablation, it sounds like the luck of the draw to me. Regardless of what my heart does I do have to get hold of my anxiety and anticipatory fear of a repeat of this episode. I'm hoping the program will help me manage my fears with a real condition, on top of my life long agraphobia.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Aug 12, 2008 9:33 am

I have SVT, a rpaid heart beat condition. I have had it for over 5 years, maybe longer. I have taken beta blockers, etc. some with success, some without. There are various types of arythmias, some life threatnening, some just an annoyance. I have elected to have an radio frequency ablation done at the end of this month after many years of ER trips, ambulance rides, etc. just to get in the ER and it go away. I am terrified of the Edinison (sp?) the medicine they give in the ER to restore your rythym. It make you feel even worse like you are going to die because it actually stops your heart in order to reset it. Unfortunately, that is the only cure for arythmias, other than that there are treatments, medication, avoiding stimulants, etc. But even on medication, a spell can break through which has happened to me. I have had these last 6-8 hours, some self convert, some take injections, others go away on their own. You just have to learn to deal with it and know it will not kill you. Or, have the surgery. It is an annoyance for sure. Best of luck.