Celebrating FIL 96th BD today

Just dropping a note about my father in law with AF. He is still very sharp but in physical decline. Lots of lessons learned through the years. He wasn't suppose to live this long given his prostate cancer diagnosis and surgery 30 years ago. He is a tough old bird. Many lessons learned.

1. Technology wasn't so good when he was diagnosed with AF. Can't think of a reason not to ablate and go for a cure given current technology and spread of skills. Having AF as a co-morbidity as one gets old and get other ailments narrow treatment options and lowers quality of life. He had MI that made co-management of AF difficult.

2. Avoid ER departments at teaching hospitals at all costs. Even a place like Stanford.

Last of all, thank you to Shannon and all the people that provide support on forums like this.

Researcher - That's an impressive story. Wish him a very Happy 96th Birthday.
Thanks for sharing and thanks for all your research contributions.
Jackie

What do you attribute your fathers longevity to, his genes, his diet, supplements, exercise?

Liz

Well said Ray and many thanks for all of your research and advocacy on behalf of not only your father-in-law, but that has also benefited so many other afibbers on this forum!!

Your father-in-law is very fortune, indeed, to have had you for a son-in-law who dedicated so many years here, as well as to your own investigations, and all to better understand and support his AFIB and what he was going through. You’ve been a very valuable member of this wonderful group of folks who have come together over the years for this common purpose.

Best wishes Ray to your FIL on his 96th BDay!

Be well,
Shannon

Thanks for the kind words. Liz, that's a tough question and I haven't thought about it much. I think it is probably a mixture of genetics, life style and environment. Perhaps a third each like other things such as cancer. His father passed around 90. His younger brother made it to 82 and died from kidney failure - he also died with shrapnel from the Battle of the Bulge. He led a healthy life with no bad habits and plenty of hobbies, mainly gardening and carpentry. He enjoyed working on stuff and had a mental to do list daily. Nothing seem to stress him out other than his TV remote settings being messed with (LOL). He is mentally tough (some may view it as stubbornness). As an example, he survived with a small team of others behind enemy lines for 2 months with very little food - WWII. So that gives you a measure of how he has lived and his tenacity. He doesn't follow the news anymore and has no idea who our president is. I think that is for the good.