Atrial Fibrillation Forum - AFIBBERS FORUM A forum for sharing experiences regarding atrial fibrillation and other atrial tachy-arrhythmias. https://www.afibbers.org/forum/list.php?9 Fri, 14 Aug 2026 18:32:19 +0000 Phorum 5.2.23 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201757,201757#msg-201757 The (Imaginary) Evils of Coffee (3 replies) https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201757,201757#msg-201757
Quote

Drinking up to five cups of caffeinated coffee a day, its authors wrote, has been linked to a lower risk of heart attack, diabetes, stroke and irregular heartbeat.

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/has-science-finally-made-up-its-mind-about-coffees-health-benefits/]]> Carey AFIBBERS FORUM Fri, 14 Aug 2026 12:40:14 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201753,201753#msg-201753 My TEE checkup of my Watchman (3 replies) https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201753,201753#msg-201753
Went back in June for the Watchman placement, and touch up, if needed. I guess touch up was needed, as he gave me almost a hundred new pulses, or however I should say it.

About a week ago, I returned to Austin for my TEE to see if I could get off Eliquis. Somehow I had the idea that Natale would do the TEE, but he did not. The Dr. who did it seemed on point, though.

Today I had the follow up tele-health visit with one of the staff doctors to review the result. She said the Watchman placement is good, healing is good, and no leaks. But since my atria are still enlarged, I have to stay on Eliquis, but reduce the dose to 2.5 mg twice daily.

In three months they want me to have another TEE in Austin, or a CT scan locally to see if the atria have returned to normal size so I can get off Eliquis. Not sure I want the radiation from the CT scan since I've already had fluoroscopy twice this year.

Bottom line is my result seems to be good. Oh, and Boston Scientific has an excellent animation teaching about the Watchman procedure on their website. Shows how it is placed, and how heart tissue is supposed to heal over it to seal it off. I am not sure how to provide a link as it is in the middle of a page with other videos as well.]]> nonthumper AFIBBERS FORUM Thu, 13 Aug 2026 13:15:11 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201749,201749#msg-201749 Watchman clot still there (7 replies) https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201749,201749#msg-201749
It was the shortest visit yet. He asked if I was ok, and he typed up a page in a foreign language, handed it to me and said see you in 6 months. I just translated the page he gave with his and two other specialists joint opinion stating I still have a clot.

I had increased my Eliquis to 5mg BID for the past two years after getting DVT while on 2.5 BID Eliquis after the second DVT. I speculate Eliquis is not going to dissolve the clot. If it was effective, it would had done so by now. I’m getting too many bruises so I asked if I could reduce the strength and he just said no.

What’s the advantage of a check in visit to say I’m ok and stroke free every 6 months? That’s not preventative medicine. I do know from multiple TEEs I had in January and February that I was leaking by my watchman. That fact wasn’t on my report today. I don’t know if they came to their joint decision based on my TEEs or if the cardiac MRI I had in March showed it.]]> susan.d AFIBBERS FORUM Fri, 14 Aug 2026 15:08:39 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201736,201736#msg-201736 Allina Health? (3 replies) https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201736,201736#msg-201736
It doesn't look to me like they are on the list of high reputation facilities posted on this website. But the article states they still implant a lot of Watchmans, and trained two new doctors for their staff. Of course I would not be eager to sign up with one of the new doctors, but has anyone heard of the facility and its reputation before?]]> nonthumper AFIBBERS FORUM Wed, 05 Aug 2026 13:00:32 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201726,201726#msg-201726 Slowdown in Watchman sales? (9 replies) https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201726,201726#msg-201726 www.startribune.com]

Article is behind a paywall, but indicates recent patient result studies comparing the Watchman to blood thinners have slightly less favorable results on stroke risk. Article is written from an economic/investment standpoint rather than a medical one.

It is not a definitive article. It does not delve into why a person may want a Watchman due to the downsides of life long blood thinners. But it says "patients" are choosing to remain on blood thinners, whereas I believe doctors are steering the decisions. Although if it weren't for this website, I wouldn't have known what a Watchman was about. Dr. Natale's office just indicated he would be inserting one in me without much discussion. However, they could probably tell I was familiar with the device by the way I reacted to their news.

Article mentions that the newest model of Watchman appears to be slightly less successful than a previous version. Now I wonder which version I have, and what the difference is.

The article appears in a Minneapolis paper because Boston Scientific manufactures them in Minnesota.]]> nonthumper AFIBBERS FORUM Wed, 05 Aug 2026 12:33:58 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201724,201724#msg-201724 3 yrs post-ablation - update - and the next step (no replies) https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201724,201724#msg-201724
The ablation was a success, although being a complex case, Natale acknowledged at the time that he was unable to totally address one spot on my atria. That spot now (after a couple years of living without arrhythmia concerns - yeah!) has emerged as expected.

I have been in flutter (HR 100) for a week now, about to have an electro cardioversion, and plan to consult with Natale on a second ablation.

Despite this step back, I feel the ablation in '23 was the right thing and only wish I had made the decision to do it sooner.
Done sooner, my atria would not have deteriorated with time and more likely I would not be where I am at now. Live and learn.

Sven]]> swhanson AFIBBERS FORUM Mon, 03 Aug 2026 13:13:06 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201716,201716#msg-201716 clots (6 replies) https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201716,201716#msg-201716 stahoo AFIBBERS FORUM Sun, 02 Aug 2026 16:30:25 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201708,201708#msg-201708 Texas, the law, and potential impacts to out of state patients (12 replies) https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201708,201708#msg-201708
At the end of the call I mentioned I am scheduled to see an EP in August at the Cleveland Clinic, only because it doesn't require me to get on a couple flights to get there, just a 7 hour drive, and the EP is a Dr. Natale protege, and at a level akin to Dr. Natale. This has been a very difficult decision to make, because I consider Dr. Natale and TCAI and St. David's to be the best, most professional, capable and every other positive adjective you want to add. I consider Dr. Natale and Shannon personal heroes, and still thank Clay S. for encouraging me to contact Shannon initially, way back in '17, after a failed ablation by a well-known EP that added complications (11hrs 40some minutes under general).

At this point in the Telemed, I was explaining I want to do this without losing the ability to still see Dr. Natale as a patient, and they confirmed I will always have that ability, not to worry, and they will see that my records are sent to Cleveland in advance of my establishing as a patient.

I was then told that the "legal" team, I *think* advising TCAI/St. David's, is telling them to no longer do Telemed visits - phone or video. In other words, in-person only, however, depending on the circumstances, things might be different. This only applies to out of state patients, and maybe depending on the state you are residing in. So, this was apparently my last Telemed with the wonderful folks in Texas. This will undoubtedly create a hardship for some, and possibly the need for other arrangements to be considered. I was told my timing with seeing a Cleveland Clinic EP was really good. Had the CC EP been out of network, I would still fly to Texas for a yearly, or whatever schedule is needed. I did not ask about communication via email or MyChart specifically regarding a situation that involves anything other than administrative needs, like scheduling etc.

So if you reside outside of Texas and are a patient at TCAI/St David's, you might want to confirm your status in regard to the ability to participate in a Telemed there. I have my suspicions as to why the legal team is advising these changes, but that is a discussion not related directly to cardiovascular/electrophysiologist care, and I'm certain not appropriate for this forum.

Regardless, I think this change is consequential for many and maybe all out of state patients that are seeking care will have to consider, be it a one-trip ablation, Watchman or just a yearly follow-up.]]> AB Page AFIBBERS FORUM Mon, 10 Aug 2026 03:25:21 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201694,201694#msg-201694 Low dose Aspirin (4 replies) https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201694,201694#msg-201694
My question is: Might it be possible/ feasible to NOT take the smalll amt of 40.5 mg aspirin if I take a sizable amount of blood thinning supplements? C; E, (which I ony get in small quantities in a mult vi-min); Co-Q10; Ginko Biloba; fish oils; alpha lipoic acid; etc., etc.). Could labs be done to monitor my clotting factors in an experiment such as this?

I have a phone visit soon with my local EP, and can ask him this, but appreciate any thougths from this forum.]]> californiagal AFIBBERS FORUM Mon, 03 Aug 2026 23:34:53 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201683,201683#msg-201683 colonscopy timing (12 replies) https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201683,201683#msg-201683
I am seriously (seriously ) overanalyzing this. I have an ablation up coming (depending on this Zio I have) and it will be either mid Sept or Mid October. I can get the colonoscopy at the end of Auguist before then- or wait at least 3 months after. (per cardiology). I am nervous about going off the blood thinner .. believe I am in and out and spend a lot of time sinus unless stressed (which the colonoscopy would be) and since I am doing this at the hospital there is a chance, that after a day of prep, they will say too bad so sad we aren't doing the coloncopy. But nervous about being in afib and not on a blood thinner.. if that were to be the case.

And if I wait then will I "ruin" the ablation? (Carey is already at the keyboard telling me that isn't what an ablation does... I can see you. LOL! But I'm still nervous I would do the ablation.. three months later the colonscopy and get back into afib.

Im what-ifing this every which way to Sunday.

One more interesting things. I have had a number if ECGs, and they all "say" afib. But the EP is looking at it telling me it is my regular rhythm with a lot of PACs. (The NP EP). But in the hospital they will just look at what the document says.

Any Insights?]]> bettylou4488 AFIBBERS FORUM Fri, 31 Jul 2026 02:10:44 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201656,201656#msg-201656 Newly approved pill cuts LDL cholesterol levels by more than half (16 replies) https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201656,201656#msg-201656 www.health.harvard.edu]

“]]> susan.d AFIBBERS FORUM Sat, 01 Aug 2026 02:11:31 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201649,201649#msg-201649 Watchman Update (3 replies) https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201649,201649#msg-201649
Assume if all is normal, will not require a subsequent TEE for the Watchman.

Steve]]> JAYHAWK AFIBBERS FORUM Sun, 26 Jul 2026 10:34:11 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201647,201647#msg-201647 Headed to Austin for Watchman implant (8 replies) https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201647,201647#msg-201647 rocketritch AFIBBERS FORUM Sat, 25 Jul 2026 19:01:33 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201639,201639#msg-201639 Cyclosporiasis (3 replies) https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201639,201639#msg-201639 Pixie AFIBBERS FORUM Wed, 15 Jul 2026 21:09:44 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201638,201638#msg-201638 The CAMERA-MRI Score to Predict LVEF Normalization Post Ablation for Primary Atrial Fibrillation Mediated Cardiomyopathy: a Pooled Analysis of Two Randomized Clinical Trials (no replies) https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201638,201638#msg-201638 www.heartrhythmjournal.com]]]> susan.d AFIBBERS FORUM Wed, 15 Jul 2026 07:36:24 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201631,201631#msg-201631 Kardia interference (8 replies) https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201631,201631#msg-201631
When I asked the nurse navigator for advice, she gave me a hand out to help eliminate the problem. Did not help.

Do the six lead Kardia devices do any better on this front?

Also, I asked when I should be taking these readings and sending them in, but did not register a clear answer. I gather I am supposed to send one once a week. Not sure if I should be sending in samples when I am in NSR, or when I have an arrhythmia. Or just once a week at the same time regardless. Don't know why the nurse navigator wouldn't be more clear on these fairly simple questions. She did give me the sheet with detailed instructions on how to get them the data.

I go back to Austin in 3 weeks for my TEE followup on my Watchman device.]]> nonthumper AFIBBERS FORUM Sun, 19 Jul 2026 22:42:45 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201628,201628#msg-201628 Discovery of age and blood group associated variability in nattokinase mediated thrombolysis and its relevance to cardiovascular management. (1 reply) https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201628,201628#msg-201628
[pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

This YouTube video by Thomas Brewer MD MPH explains it extremely well. He also incedentally has paroxysmal afib so he is “one of us”. Also read the comments section. Not all are in agreeance with nattokinase and natto food so we are all different. The jury is still out on nattokinase.

[www.youtube.com]

As a side note, over the years I have found that credentialled medical practitioners who have afib become more alternate medicine in their thinking. Are they really saying that mainstream medicine’s treatment of afib has limitations? Hmmm…

Personally I have been eating natto, the food, for 22yrs now religiously every second day. No afib for 21yrs and cured my GERD. Maybe I’m just lucky, who knows.

Carey’s the expert here on blood thinners. Do blood types also apply to Eliquis and other blood thinners?

Dean]]> Dean AFIBBERS FORUM Sun, 12 Jul 2026 03:02:02 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201623,201623#msg-201623 taurine and eliquis? (6 replies) https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201623,201623#msg-201623 anneh AFIBBERS FORUM Sun, 19 Jul 2026 02:06:39 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201620,201620#msg-201620 Finerenone (no replies) https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201620,201620#msg-201620
[www.jacc.org]]]> bettylou4488 AFIBBERS FORUM Fri, 10 Jul 2026 02:03:07 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201619,201619#msg-201619 Afib and the vagus nerve? New info on Ezoxx One (4 replies) https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201619,201619#msg-201619
I’ve been on Prilosec since it became available decades ago. It just lost its effectiveness. My GI recommended this barrier one drinks. I asked AI if it could trigger arrhythmias and got the above reply

My Rx box states it’s manufactured at Biogarma in Italy. Amazon sells it under the name Ezoxx one for $67 for 20 packets. It doesn’t require a rx in the states. Shop on Amazon
[a.co]

AI:
Ezox (often sold as Esoxx One) is a non-invasive medical gel designed to provide rapid relief from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms. It physically coats and protects the esophageal lining, easing heartburn, stomach pain, and acid-related coughs without suppressing your stomach's natural acid production.How It WorksMucoadhesive Barrier: Unlike standard antacids or H2 blockers, Ezox uses a bioadhesive gel containing hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate.Rapid Healing: This combination adheres to the walls of the esophagus. It neutralizes irritation and creates a physical buffer against stomach acid and bile, accelerating the healing of esophageal inflammation (esophagitis).Usage & DosageFormat: Comes in ready-to-use liquid stick packs or sachets with a pleasant red grape flavor.Standard Intake: Typically, you consume one 10ml sachet after main meals and one at bedtime, or as directed by a healthcare provider.Timing: It is best to take it at a distance from other oral medications so it does not interfere with their absorption.AvailabilityEzox is classified as a medical device in many regions and can often be purchased over the counter in pharmacies or through international retailers like Amazon. It is known to be non-systemic (not absorbed by the GI tract), meaning it generally does not interact with food or other drugs.You can find more information about its active ingredients and clinical uses on the PubMed Central or browse international formulations on Pilula.co.il.]]> susan.d AFIBBERS FORUM Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:24:50 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201616,201616#msg-201616 First cardioversion today (5 replies) https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201616,201616#msg-201616
Here's a follow-up to my initial thread here.

Brief summary: 49-year old male, persistent AF discovered accidentally, Amiodarone for a few months with no effects.

I had my first cardioversion done today (hopefully I won't need a lot more).

Apparently, my heart reacted very well since my heartbeat has returned to normal. Only one shock was needed.

I'm staying on Eliquis and Amiodarone until I see the cardiologist again, which should be in a few weeks.

According to him, with Amiodarone, the rhythm should stay normal; however, he doesn't want to maintain Amiodarone too long because of the health risks. He's considering switching to Flecaine and a light beta blocker. He was honest and added that the switch could result in the AF resurfacing, but he hasn't made a final decision so far.

I don't want to get too optimistic of course, but considering how awful my life has been, getting a piece of good news is a welcome change.

I'll see what the future brings but hopefully my heart will keep a normal rhythm for a while. I'll try and see if it makes any difference (maybe the arrhythmia wasn't as asymptomatic as I thought). For now, I'm just happy with the good news.

I hope everyone with AF is doing as good as possible.]]> Torvic AFIBBERS FORUM Tue, 21 Jul 2026 08:29:25 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201611,201611#msg-201611 Do you think this treatment can trigger arrhythmias? (3 replies) https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201611,201611#msg-201611
Two specialists said because I have edema and it’s my lower leg where blood pools, I’m stuck with no scar removal treatments.

I saw this specialist today who thinks he can help with 8 laser treatments (once a month) and monthly micro injections see below with linocaine without epi.

What’s your opinion of the risk of triggering my once pVCs that so far I’m in NSR after a successful PVC ablation by getting injected by the following:?

While standard glaucoma drops (such as prostaglandin analogs) primarily work to lower eye pressure, dermatologists use related antimetabolite and anti-fibrotic medications (like 5-Fluorouracil or Mitomycin C). In dermatology, these powerful medications are micro-injected directly into tough scar tissue (such as hypertrophic scars or keloids) to break down excess collagen and stop the scar from regenerating.

Footnote: I no longer have keloids after a year of pressured use of silicone sheets. It’s a dark ugly 5” x 1” long scar.

I may have had answered my own question:
[ibb.co]

What a shame about the second micro drug:
The Cardiac Risks of Mitomycin C (MMC)
Though less prevalent than with 5-FU, Mitomycin C is a known cardiotoxic agent.
Mechanisms: MMC can cause free-radical formation and damage heart cells, which can trigger acute arrhythmias and even cardiac arrest in susceptible cases.
Synergistic Effects: Historically, MMC is notorious for compounding the cardiotoxic effects of other chemotherapy agents (like doxorubicin), but it can independently cause pericardial inflammation, angina, and heart rhythm disturbances.
Micro-Dosing & Safety
While a "micro-dosing" approach limits the initial localized dose, the medications still enter the bloodstream and can trigger toxic effects—especially if a patient has underlying cardiovascular disease or risk factors. Symptoms of chemotherapy-associated cardiotoxicity often include chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, or sudden fainting.
For comprehensive information regarding chemotherapy-related heart complications and how they manifest, consult reliable cardio-oncology guidelines such as those published by the ⁠American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)5-FU is well-documented for its cardiotoxicity. While its most common side effects are angina and coronary vasospasm, it can also disrupt electrical stability in the heart, leading to both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias.The Mechanism: 5-FU causes endothelial dysfunction, which can lead to sudden coronary artery spasms, localized ischemia, and direct toxic effects on the heart's electrical system.Incidence: When given in systemic cancer doses, cardiotoxicity occurs in roughly 1% to 19% of patients. With micro-doses (e.g., used topically in ophthalmology, dermatology, or scar treatment), this risk is drastically lower, though rare cases of cardiac sensitivity can still occur.

Use with laser:
“Avoid certain supporting equipment: While the laser itself is safe, some aesthetic treatments use supplementary electrical devices (e.g., grounding pads or certain radiofrequency (RF) skin-tightening attachments) that can interfere with pacemakers.”]]> susan.d AFIBBERS FORUM Tue, 30 Jun 2026 16:32:52 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201602,201602#msg-201602 question re diet and Eliquis (6 replies) https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201602,201602#msg-201602 anneh AFIBBERS FORUM Sun, 28 Jun 2026 15:17:35 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201593,201593#msg-201593 Whether to treat persistent afib with few symptoms (8 replies) https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201593,201593#msg-201593
Carey's comments on that thread have me wondering whether I should have proceeded with my ablation. For now, I am glad I did. I do not feel euphoric, as someone else mentioned, but I feel generally better. And I am not so tired at the end of a day of physical activity.

Backing up a bit; I was diagnosed with Afib one year ago when I presented myself at the emergency room with a feeling I called light headed. That is not exactly correct. It was as if my balance was off a tad when I turned my head.

So other than that, I was asymptomatic, but was found to have Afib 100% of the time. My heart rate was around 70, so no big deal. But I understood the internet advice to tell me it was going to continue to deteriorate. Not sure what I would have done if I had read Carey's advice back when.

Other notes are that the EP said my atrium was moderately scarred and slightly enlarged. He says it may go back to normal size now that I am in sinus rhythm. And if my Watchman lets me get off Eliquis, that will be a definite win.

Some people may get an ablation just to get off Eliquis. But apparently it his hard to get someone out of 100% Afib unless they go to one of the top EPs.]]> nonthumper AFIBBERS FORUM Thu, 25 Jun 2026 22:01:00 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201581,201581#msg-201581 New to AF. Advice welcome. (9 replies) https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201581,201581#msg-201581
I'm brand new on this forum and I'm glad to have found it.

Here's my story: I'm a 49-year-old Frenchman who was diagnosed with persistent AF in February.

I'm asymptomatic and the AF was discovered accidentally during a completely unrelated procedure. I was immediately put on Eliquis and told to see a cardiologist as soon as possible.

The cardiologist checked my heart to confirm the diagnosis. My heart is structurally normal, no anomaly whatsoever. The blood work was normal.
He put me on Amiodarone and I saw him again two weeks later. The AF was still there, so he said we should give the medication time.

I saw the him again yesterday, no change. He seemed to hesitate a bit (I thought maybe he was pondering giving the med even more time), but he said a cardioversion should be attempted quite quickly. It's scheduled on July 3.

I've been pathologically anxious and depressed for years due to a combination of factors: OCD, PTSD following an abusive relation, solo fatherhood resulting from coercive reproduction... My abusive wife died in 2011 from cancer, one year after my mother (cancer as well). In 2024, my father died (of...yes, cancer!) and I was let go of a company after 25 years).

I'm not exactly surprised by the diagnosis. What's surprising is that I had no major health issue before.

The faliure of Amiodarone has dealt me a serious blow. I've seen so many people follow the correct pathway only to die in the end. It's hard not to think I'm next in line.

I've done a bit of reseach and I don't believe in the cardioversion all that much. It will probably work but only for a short time. It doesn't seem to solve the problem. I guess the cardiologist is following the standard pathway from least invasive to most invasive (ablation).

I guess that my question is 'How much hope is warranted here, if any?" After decades of an unforgiving life, AF is pretty much the last straw. I walk a lot, I lost 20kg in 5 years, autonomy is crucial to me. I really can't picture myself with a decaying heart.

For now, I can only wait for the cardioversion. The cardiologist doesn't seem to find my particular situation serious but maybe I'm not reading him well.

Anyway, that's pretty much it. If anyone has tips or advice, I'll be happy to take it.

I wish everyone well on their journey.]]> Torvic AFIBBERS FORUM Thu, 30 Jul 2026 16:27:22 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201579,201579#msg-201579 Can a blood clot feel like a sprained ankle? (2 replies) https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201579,201579#msg-201579
But I thought this would have healed up by now. Called nurse navigator, and she said since I didn't miss any Eliquis doses, it probably isn't a clot. Said go to a doctor if it gets worse. It has not gotten worse, nor better.

No redness, and doesn't feel warm. Just a little bulge below the ankle bone on the outside. About the size of a fried egg yolk.

Been icing it occasionally, and taking Tylenol. Just wondering if it's time to go to a doctor. I suppose they would have to do an ultrasound. What do they do if it is a clot? Give a pill to dissolve it?]]> nonthumper AFIBBERS FORUM Wed, 24 Jun 2026 00:37:08 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201562,201562#msg-201562 100% afib, but normal heart rate. (6 replies) https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201562,201562#msg-201562 gbaileytx AFIBBERS FORUM Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:36:24 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201557,201557#msg-201557 slight imbalance and ligthheadness (4 replies) https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201557,201557#msg-201557 I've been fine on these meds but have noticed the past few weeks feeling a little imbalanced as I walk. It comes and goes, but is present daily. There's also some small light-headedness from time to time, but very, very minor. I never feel in danger of fainting. However, these symptoms are a new experience for me, so I'm curious and a little concerned.

'Google' tells me Flecainide and Metroprolol can have such side effects. / I've just left a message for the local EP. But I wondered if anyone on this board has had similar experiences.]]> californiagal AFIBBERS FORUM Tue, 16 Jun 2026 05:29:50 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201545,201545#msg-201545 Echocardio result (5 replies) https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201545,201545#msg-201545
My ejection fraction went up approximately 5 percent from have a 3 lead pacemaker replacing my 2 lead over 4 months.

I was hoping for a better result, but I'm sure any improvement is beneficial.

In the test reslult the doctor sent via this thing called mychart, he listed:

Right Atrium: The interatrial septum is aneurysmal"

Does anyone know how serious this is? The clinic I go to is booked out for weeks to months. SO, it will be at least 2 weeks before I can get in an hear what it all means.

Thanks]]> acantha AFIBBERS FORUM Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:24:41 +0000 https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201542,201542#msg-201542 Chest massage changes IR HR (8 replies) https://www.afibbers.org/forum/read.php?9,201542,201542#msg-201542
The thing is I was able to reliably manipulate an irregular HR, by massaging the chest area that is on the other side of the Sternum. Someone posted a YT video several years ago sowing Breathing exercises along with chest massage to try to convert out of AFIB. More experimentation on future episodes are obviously needed to clarify what is happening.

Any others ever tried chest massage?]]> The Anti-Fib AFIBBERS FORUM Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:12:57 +0000