Yes--loving life in NSR. Yes, my pericarditis was following my procedure with Dr. Natale. It was pretty severe, but pericarditis is not that unusual from what I understand.by GaryS - AFIBBERS FORUM
H All, It's been a long time since I posted here. Two years ago today I received my ablation by Dr. Natale. I had a rough recovery, with pericarditis, and later on a cardioversion. But once things settled down, my life returned to normal. Thanks to Shannon, I got in touch with God's gift to afib (Natale) and am so blessed that he did my procedure. I just want to encourage anyone whoby GaryS - AFIBBERS FORUM
Interesting. That would seem to be true at the moment. Other insights, anyone?by GaryS - AFIBBERS FORUM
I have a similar issue. I had an ablation by Dr. Natale on Feb 22. Went off sotalol around June 22. Since then I have had ectopics almost daily, but what bothers me is some prolonged arrhythmia episodes. THey are basically afib episodes that don't last the 30 seconds to qualify as afib. Each time they went 15 to 20 seconds, long enough for me to think I slipped back into afib--really disconcby GaryS - AFIBBERS FORUM
Just a quick update. Had the cardiovesrion last week. One zap and they put me back in rhythm. I am in day five of NSR. Sill having some pressure and slightly winded on the stairs, but I suppose that is normal.by GaryS - AFIBBERS FORUM
Jason, It turns out I have been in a-flutter and a-fib according to my EKGs. Going in tomorrow to cardiovert. Garyby GaryS - AFIBBERS FORUM
Thanks, Carey and JKAF. It's interesting that you ask whether I am having actual a-fib. On one hand, I am totally convinced I have experienced significant a-Fib over the last several hours. On the other hand, there has been another, more subtle arrhythmia that I could not identify. It is not as chaotic as a-fib, but neither is it a regular, set rhythm. I actually had an EKG done todayby GaryS - AFIBBERS FORUM
Oh--it appears I spoke to soon. After 12 days of feeling smooth and steady I went into a-fib last evening. Worst part--this is by far the longest episode I have ever had. It's going on 24 hours now, and the longest before the ablation was about 10 hours. Really discouraged about what this could mean. Still waiting to hear from the folks at St. Davids about what to do.by GaryS - AFIBBERS FORUM
I didn't cut back on fish oil when starting eliquis? Is that standard procedure?by GaryS - AFIBBERS FORUM
Ultimately I think they want to know what you think you are feeling. Maybe check some definitions online to see if the terms match what you are feeling??by GaryS - AFIBBERS FORUM
First, a shout out to Shannon! Thanks to him, I was able to have Dr. Natale do my procedure. Shannon really put his time in with me to make sure I got this done right, Thanks from the bottom of my sinus-rhythm heart! And yes, it is beating in NSR--11 days and counting without a-fib. I've had a few PVCs, but nothing more. Thank you, Shannon. The only thing I wasn't prepared for--andby GaryS - AFIBBERS FORUM
I had ASD repair when I was 34. That was almost 20 years ago. My hole was large and had to be closed with a bovine patch. At the time they used a heart port approach. Went in between the ribs. I'm not sure if that is what they mean by open heart, but it was not a rib spreader situation. I don't think you should have worry about that these days. I haven't had any problems except a-fby GaryS - AFIBBERS FORUM
Shannon, Thank you very much for the message, and the call. I'll look for those studies. Your explanation makes good sense, and I am glad to hear we have this data to counter the naysayers. It just didn't make logical sense that removing a risk factor would not reduce risk. Best, Garyby GaryS - AFIBBERS FORUM
Thanks everyone for your input. AntiFib, I think I see your point, but treating vs. not treating is not the comparison I have in mind. I'm asking if eliminating vs not eliminating a-fib reduces risks of stroke and mortality. So eliminating a-fib should give you a better CHADS2 score--yes. But are we able to answer the question -- Does eliminating a-fib lower your risk of mortality and strby GaryS - AFIBBERS FORUM
Hi All, It seems to be common wisdom that having fib increases the risk of stroke and mortality. Yet I have seen studies and medical articles on the subject that say having an ablation or otherwise eliminating afib does not reduce the risk of stroke. Likewise life expectancy is not necessarily improved if you eliminate the afib. I heard one doctor say that getting off of anticoagulant medicatiby GaryS - AFIBBERS FORUM
I also have several attacks a day, but my medication seems to shorten and dampen the severity. I am on Sotalol.by GaryS - AFIBBERS FORUM
Thanks for your reply. Some better, but will be getting checked out tomorrow.by GaryS - AFIBBERS FORUM
Happy New Year. I am in the minority of folks who tolerate sotalol, as I have been on it six months--that is, until I got a cold. This has really knocked me out--much worse than anyone else in my family. Thought I was getting over it last night, then it took another turn. I feel completely wiped out. (I'm 53) I am really wondering if the sotalol is the culprit here. Anyone hear of similarby GaryS - AFIBBERS FORUM
Jackie, Thanks for that article. On the surface it makes sense, yet it seems pretty technical. I wish I had more time to delve into these things like I used to. There are so many points to understand and nutrients to balance, and then maintain for a long enough period to really see if the supplements make any difference. So many factors to juggle--makes me want to throw my arms up and forget iby GaryS - AFIBBERS FORUM
AntiFib, I am only taking sotalol for rhythm/rate. During an afib episode it might be in to the eighties. Sotalol seems to slow my rate down by about 15 bpm. Garyby GaryS - AFIBBERS FORUM
Carey, We are a study of two. Now you can tell your doctor. I do think there's something to it. Since I never have any big bouts anymore, I am constantly annoyed with the little bouts. This is part of why I would like to go off sotalol and just control the rate with cardizem.by GaryS - AFIBBERS FORUM
Jackie, Thanks for the info. Yes, I do take magnesium and potassium, along with CoQ10, Omega 3, and some others. Sotalol blocks potassium channels--correct? I have always been confused on whether potassium supplements help or hinder. I had not heard about sodium. So reduce salt? I will take a look at the article you linked. Thanks.by GaryS - AFIBBERS FORUM
Hi. I haven't posted for a while because I have been in limbo since hearing that my health coverage won't apply to the Austin facility. I am hoping to get another appointment with Dr. Natale in January. In the mean time I am getting worried that the afib is going to get worse and interfere with my ability to work and live.I am 52 with paroxysmal afib that went from a few days a weekby GaryS - AFIBBERS FORUM
Anyone know why afib and premature beats bring pressure and discomfort (sometimes pain)? Hard not to be alarmed when this happens. Went to the ER in January b/c of it.by GaryS - AFIBBERS FORUM
Thanks, everyone for the insight, context and resources!by GaryS - AFIBBERS FORUM
I am scheduled for ablation w/ Dr. Natale on Aug 2. After a conversation with his nurse she recommended I get on Eloquis now, due to my daily episodes of afib. My local EP said that with a CHADS2 score of 1, it isn't necessary. Is the confidence in CHADS2 well founded? I have had doctors tell me I should be on a blood thinner, and others who tell me I do not need to be on one. I don'tby GaryS - AFIBBERS FORUM
Hello DAB, Any updates on your situation? Did you go to Natale? How are you doing now?by GaryS - AFIBBERS FORUM
Hello. I have had paroxysmal afib for 3-4 years and I am 52. Get it almost daily now. I just started sotalol a month ago and it doesn't seem like it is that effective. I am seriously considering ablation. Can someone tell me how you were able to find a good EP and have it covered on you plan? I really don't know where to start with this. Can't afford to pay for such a procedby GaryS - AFIBBERS FORUM
I found out that my EP does 90 per year. Do you know where the 300 standard comes from?by GaryS - AFIBBERS FORUM