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Update Lone AFIB Cure
Posted by Ulla
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Ulla
Update Lone AFIB Cure July 27, 2009 06:46PM |
Hello Everyone:
As promised, I would let you know how I am doing in my attempt to cure myself of lone atrial fibrillation; the natural way. But before I give you an update, let me run through the symptoms and problems I had so that you can make the appropriate comparisons (I wrote a forum about 3 months ago).
My first AFIB episode was in April of 2008. After that, I didnt have an episode until August of 2008. Then I had additional episodes once per month until February of 2009 where I had six episodes. After that, I lived through Hell in March where I had almost nightly attacks. These attacks would last all night long and I was completely exhausted, devastated, and depressed.
Other symptoms included: getting irregular heartbeats walking, especially up a small hill or staircases, multiple digestive problems, such as, feeling like I had a rock in my stomach (upper gastric area), irregular bowel-movements, hypoglycemia, excessive unquenchable thirst and burning tongue (no diabetes, I was checked), excessive gas, voracious hunger episodes, headaches, abdominal pain (sometimes upper gastric area other times lower gastric area), but constantly digestive issues. I also developed being out of breath when I had AFIB, but I had no congenital heart disease.
Triggers for AFIB: walking, walking up hills and staircases (as mentioned), and lying on my left side, lying on my back, getting up in the morning to go to the bathroom. The sudden movement got my heart going and would usually turn into AFIB. Late evening/night-time were other triggers, eating, alcohol, coffee (cut those two out a long time ago), getting nervous, carrying groceries (something just a little heavy), bending over, being startled, being too full, eating meat, spicy hot foods, eating dinner too late in the evening, sex (getting aroused), and the list was almost endless.
Needless to say, I became very depressed. I remember one day when I was going to the doctor that I couldnt walk from my house to the car right outside. I couldnt, because I still had residual AFIB from the night and was completely out of breath when I tried to move around. My boyfriend carried me to the car.
Anyway, my condition had completely taken over my life and I felt like I was dying. But, I am a very lucky person because fate put me in touch with a person who suggested that I tried Green Smoothies and if I wanted to, to try the "Raw food diet. The Raw food diet is completely vegan and nothing is cooked. I was desperate and willing to try anything anything before I gave in to Flecannide and/or a heart ablation.
Folks, within days I had tremendous results, but with some relapses and frustrations along the way. There were times when I wasnt sure if it was going to work, but it did and I have come such a long way. I consider it a miracle and I am sharing this with you to offer hope to you and that there is a way out of this. Week by week, I have gotten progressively better. AFIB's are gone, I can walk up hills and stairs, lie on my left side and all of that.
During the last three months, the AFIB episodes gradually became less and less frequent and much, much shorter, and less noticable or "violent". The last episode I had was one months ago, but it was barely an actual episode. Because of the vegan diet and smoothies, my blood pressure is outstanding (at all times) and so is my pulse. When I had my episode, I was at work (in a hospital) and had access to getting my BP and pulse measured. My BP was 100/68 and my pulse stayed within the 90s and I could barely feel it.
Occasionally, I eat spicy food, such as Mexican. I love it, but my heart will usually rebel a little and flutter for me. But what the heck, its worth it I guess! Most of the time, I eat raw food only, but as I said, sometimes I eat a good cooked vegetarian meal as well. Getting healthy is a matter of priority and how sick you are, I suppose, and for me, changing my lifestyle completely, was definitely worth it. I got my life back and that is all that is important to me.
Now I eat for what is good for my body, not for what I (Ulla) the person desires (Except for very occasionally with the vegetarian Mexican food). One day I tried a few sips of red wine, but my heart didnt like it and fluttered. Maybe one day, my body will be strong enough to eat more cooked foods again, I dont know. But it really isnt important. What is important is to offer hope, live healthy and feeling good.
Side-bonuses to the special diet are: wrinkles become much less prominent, skin clears, energy, mental clarity, and more frequent bowel movements (3-4 daily), which is very healthy, weight-loss, happiness, and feeling more at peace (in a spiritual sort of way).
Also, the green smoothies became life-savers for me. Whenever I sometimes would get the pre-warning irregular heartbeats before an AFIB attack, I could frequently avoid them by drinking a green smoothie.
Our bodies need nutrients, not supplements. I tried all the supplements the rest of you have been on, but to no avail. The only one that gave slight relief was Taurine, but our bodies need more than that. Nature provides everything our bodies need, so if I were you, I would take advantage of that. Fruit, vegetables, nuts, leafy greens. All of the amino acids that you need to make protein are provided in the green diet. You do not need to eat meat protein to get protein. This, you can research yourselves.
Also, because we are all different we may all need different nutrients, but how do you figure out what those are in the "maze" of supplements? That's why just simply eating what nature provides for us naturally is the best option. I wholeheartely believe that nature has provided us with everything that we need to heal.
I also added weekly acupuncture to my regime. The hot tongue and unbearable thirst and my digestive issues (and at times voracious appetite) indicated, according to Chinese medicine, that I had too much heat in some of my digestive organs and that this heat rose and harassed the heart. It all makes sense folks. The Chinese have foods and drink classified according to whether they have cold or hot properties and alcohol, coffee, and spicy foods (and more) create heat, and I get heart flutters when I eat/drink those. So, in my acupuncture treatments we focused on clearing and releasing heat and with my diet, it has worked.
Now I am finally ready to exercise again. I feel that my body has recovered enough to do so and I am on my way to new and healthier horizons. I am going to write a book about this one day, because this kind of information and more needs to be shared with the world (see the China Study for more exciting research on reversing heart disease, diabetes, and yes, cancer!).
Peace, love, and Namaste to you all,
Ulla
As promised, I would let you know how I am doing in my attempt to cure myself of lone atrial fibrillation; the natural way. But before I give you an update, let me run through the symptoms and problems I had so that you can make the appropriate comparisons (I wrote a forum about 3 months ago).
My first AFIB episode was in April of 2008. After that, I didnt have an episode until August of 2008. Then I had additional episodes once per month until February of 2009 where I had six episodes. After that, I lived through Hell in March where I had almost nightly attacks. These attacks would last all night long and I was completely exhausted, devastated, and depressed.
Other symptoms included: getting irregular heartbeats walking, especially up a small hill or staircases, multiple digestive problems, such as, feeling like I had a rock in my stomach (upper gastric area), irregular bowel-movements, hypoglycemia, excessive unquenchable thirst and burning tongue (no diabetes, I was checked), excessive gas, voracious hunger episodes, headaches, abdominal pain (sometimes upper gastric area other times lower gastric area), but constantly digestive issues. I also developed being out of breath when I had AFIB, but I had no congenital heart disease.
Triggers for AFIB: walking, walking up hills and staircases (as mentioned), and lying on my left side, lying on my back, getting up in the morning to go to the bathroom. The sudden movement got my heart going and would usually turn into AFIB. Late evening/night-time were other triggers, eating, alcohol, coffee (cut those two out a long time ago), getting nervous, carrying groceries (something just a little heavy), bending over, being startled, being too full, eating meat, spicy hot foods, eating dinner too late in the evening, sex (getting aroused), and the list was almost endless.
Needless to say, I became very depressed. I remember one day when I was going to the doctor that I couldnt walk from my house to the car right outside. I couldnt, because I still had residual AFIB from the night and was completely out of breath when I tried to move around. My boyfriend carried me to the car.
Anyway, my condition had completely taken over my life and I felt like I was dying. But, I am a very lucky person because fate put me in touch with a person who suggested that I tried Green Smoothies and if I wanted to, to try the "Raw food diet. The Raw food diet is completely vegan and nothing is cooked. I was desperate and willing to try anything anything before I gave in to Flecannide and/or a heart ablation.
Folks, within days I had tremendous results, but with some relapses and frustrations along the way. There were times when I wasnt sure if it was going to work, but it did and I have come such a long way. I consider it a miracle and I am sharing this with you to offer hope to you and that there is a way out of this. Week by week, I have gotten progressively better. AFIB's are gone, I can walk up hills and stairs, lie on my left side and all of that.
During the last three months, the AFIB episodes gradually became less and less frequent and much, much shorter, and less noticable or "violent". The last episode I had was one months ago, but it was barely an actual episode. Because of the vegan diet and smoothies, my blood pressure is outstanding (at all times) and so is my pulse. When I had my episode, I was at work (in a hospital) and had access to getting my BP and pulse measured. My BP was 100/68 and my pulse stayed within the 90s and I could barely feel it.
Occasionally, I eat spicy food, such as Mexican. I love it, but my heart will usually rebel a little and flutter for me. But what the heck, its worth it I guess! Most of the time, I eat raw food only, but as I said, sometimes I eat a good cooked vegetarian meal as well. Getting healthy is a matter of priority and how sick you are, I suppose, and for me, changing my lifestyle completely, was definitely worth it. I got my life back and that is all that is important to me.
Now I eat for what is good for my body, not for what I (Ulla) the person desires (Except for very occasionally with the vegetarian Mexican food). One day I tried a few sips of red wine, but my heart didnt like it and fluttered. Maybe one day, my body will be strong enough to eat more cooked foods again, I dont know. But it really isnt important. What is important is to offer hope, live healthy and feeling good.
Side-bonuses to the special diet are: wrinkles become much less prominent, skin clears, energy, mental clarity, and more frequent bowel movements (3-4 daily), which is very healthy, weight-loss, happiness, and feeling more at peace (in a spiritual sort of way).
Also, the green smoothies became life-savers for me. Whenever I sometimes would get the pre-warning irregular heartbeats before an AFIB attack, I could frequently avoid them by drinking a green smoothie.
Our bodies need nutrients, not supplements. I tried all the supplements the rest of you have been on, but to no avail. The only one that gave slight relief was Taurine, but our bodies need more than that. Nature provides everything our bodies need, so if I were you, I would take advantage of that. Fruit, vegetables, nuts, leafy greens. All of the amino acids that you need to make protein are provided in the green diet. You do not need to eat meat protein to get protein. This, you can research yourselves.
Also, because we are all different we may all need different nutrients, but how do you figure out what those are in the "maze" of supplements? That's why just simply eating what nature provides for us naturally is the best option. I wholeheartely believe that nature has provided us with everything that we need to heal.
I also added weekly acupuncture to my regime. The hot tongue and unbearable thirst and my digestive issues (and at times voracious appetite) indicated, according to Chinese medicine, that I had too much heat in some of my digestive organs and that this heat rose and harassed the heart. It all makes sense folks. The Chinese have foods and drink classified according to whether they have cold or hot properties and alcohol, coffee, and spicy foods (and more) create heat, and I get heart flutters when I eat/drink those. So, in my acupuncture treatments we focused on clearing and releasing heat and with my diet, it has worked.
Now I am finally ready to exercise again. I feel that my body has recovered enough to do so and I am on my way to new and healthier horizons. I am going to write a book about this one day, because this kind of information and more needs to be shared with the world (see the China Study for more exciting research on reversing heart disease, diabetes, and yes, cancer!).
Peace, love, and Namaste to you all,
Ulla
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GeorgeN
Re: Update Lone AFIB Cure July 27, 2009 07:12PM |
For reference, here is Ulla's prior posts: [www.afibbers.org]
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louise emerson
Re: Update Lone AFIB Cure July 28, 2009 04:31AM |
Hi Ulla,
Congratulations on your current Afib status. What a huge, positive life change.
Could you outline a weekly menu for us? Other than your AM green smoothie (which George was kind enough to provide the link to), I'd be curious as to what the rest of your diet looks like.
Thanks, Louise
Congratulations on your current Afib status. What a huge, positive life change.
Could you outline a weekly menu for us? Other than your AM green smoothie (which George was kind enough to provide the link to), I'd be curious as to what the rest of your diet looks like.
Thanks, Louise
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Mike s.
Re: Update Lone AFIB Cure July 28, 2009 05:17AM |
Ulla,
Thanks for the update. I am so happy that this is working for you. When Mike and I started a modified version of this natural diet he did have 10 days with no a fib but unfortunately it returned. Now that he has had his ablation and I don't have to be so careful to be consistent on the greens (coumadin) I am going to buy some kale and make the green smoothie.
Debbie
Thanks for the update. I am so happy that this is working for you. When Mike and I started a modified version of this natural diet he did have 10 days with no a fib but unfortunately it returned. Now that he has had his ablation and I don't have to be so careful to be consistent on the greens (coumadin) I am going to buy some kale and make the green smoothie.
Debbie
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Julia
Re: Update Lone AFIB Cure July 28, 2009 05:40AM |
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Gay McWhinnie
Re: Update Lone AFIB Cure July 28, 2009 07:19AM |
Dear Ulla,
I read your post with great interest - it must have been absolutely awful and it is really wonderful that you have found so much improvement with diet.
The idea of the smoothie appeals to me but for one big problem - even the thought of something smooth and thick in texture makes me want to heave. I could maybe manage a few mouthfuls but - a mixer full -I would never get it down.
Have you any suggestions as to what I might do to make it palatable?
I have been taking low-dose flecainide - 100mgs per day - for about 12 years with no"apparent" side-effects, but am now trying to cut it out - taking one 100mg slow-acting tablet every other day, plus about 3gms of taurine - which, for me has made a huge difference, plus potassium and - small doses of magnesium - had several unfortunate accidents when taking larger doses - which worries me slightly regarding your remarks concerning the effects of the smoothies.
All the best
Gay
I read your post with great interest - it must have been absolutely awful and it is really wonderful that you have found so much improvement with diet.
The idea of the smoothie appeals to me but for one big problem - even the thought of something smooth and thick in texture makes me want to heave. I could maybe manage a few mouthfuls but - a mixer full -I would never get it down.
Have you any suggestions as to what I might do to make it palatable?
I have been taking low-dose flecainide - 100mgs per day - for about 12 years with no"apparent" side-effects, but am now trying to cut it out - taking one 100mg slow-acting tablet every other day, plus about 3gms of taurine - which, for me has made a huge difference, plus potassium and - small doses of magnesium - had several unfortunate accidents when taking larger doses - which worries me slightly regarding your remarks concerning the effects of the smoothies.
All the best
Gay
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GeorgeN
Re: Update Lone AFIB Cure July 28, 2009 07:29AM |
Ulla,
You mentioned that taurine helped you. Don't know if you've given it up completely (as a supplement), but may wish to consider that many vegans are low in taurine.
It is interesting to see what works for different people. William, who used to post frequently, was a vocal advocate for his raw meat paleo diet. Said it saved him and that any plant foods caused him problems. You've found success with the polar opposite approach.
George
You mentioned that taurine helped you. Don't know if you've given it up completely (as a supplement), but may wish to consider that many vegans are low in taurine.
It is interesting to see what works for different people. William, who used to post frequently, was a vocal advocate for his raw meat paleo diet. Said it saved him and that any plant foods caused him problems. You've found success with the polar opposite approach.
George
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Ritze
Re: Update Lone AFIB Cure July 28, 2009 09:26AM |
Hello everybody,
Green vegetables are rich in chlorophyl which contains magnesium.
Could it be that this explains (partly) the success of green smoothies? A concentrated green smoothie must also be rich in potassium.
I make smoothies with fruits (orange, kiwi, strawberries, etc), but will make some real green ones soon.
Ritze
(The Netherlands)
Green vegetables are rich in chlorophyl which contains magnesium.
Could it be that this explains (partly) the success of green smoothies? A concentrated green smoothie must also be rich in potassium.
I make smoothies with fruits (orange, kiwi, strawberries, etc), but will make some real green ones soon.
Ritze
(The Netherlands)
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Laura
Re: Update Lone AFIB Cure July 28, 2009 09:47AM |
Here's a link to a web site that has a number of recipes for green smoothies. According to Ms. Butenko (I think that's her name), she cured an arrythmia through a raw food diet that includes green smoothies. My cardiologist has taken me off my blood pressure medications since I have started replacing 1-2 meals a day with a green smoothie. Can't say yet how it has impacted my afib since I've not had an event in the past three months.
[www.rawfamily.com]
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Gay McWhinnie
Re: Update Lone AFIB Cure July 28, 2009 10:58AM |
Well. You lucky lot - enjoying smoothies - even the word makes me heave slightly. I have been like it since childhood - hate anything smooth and glutinous.
I shall have to experiment because I would certainly like to try the contents - apart from eating them in the normal way.
I was very pleased to find purslane in my garden so will nurture it and see if I can get a crop - it seems to have the most amazing properties.
I shall have to experiment because I would certainly like to try the contents - apart from eating them in the normal way.
I was very pleased to find purslane in my garden so will nurture it and see if I can get a crop - it seems to have the most amazing properties.
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GeorgeN
Re: Update Lone AFIB Cure July 28, 2009 12:30PM |
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Ulla
Re: Update Lone AFIB Cure July 28, 2009 03:29PM |
Hi Debbie:
I am so glad your Mike is better.
Let me tell you that it wasn't perfect for me either the first few months. I had recurrences and some weeks were better than others. One week I had AFIB x3, but eventually, it became less and less frequent and less intense etc. (as I descibed). For me, being persistent with my life-style changes were my priority, and I couldn't help thinking that targeting the heart with either medications and/or ablations was the wrong thing for me. I never believed I had heart disease. I belive I had many other things wrong with me that in the end, attacked my heart. Kind of like when an emperor (the heart) finally is attacked after the defense or soldiers (organs etc.) have fended off the attacking forces (wrong diet, stress and more) for years.
Anyway, good luck with the smoothies, they are sooo good and incredibky good for you!
Love always,
Ulla
I am so glad your Mike is better.
Let me tell you that it wasn't perfect for me either the first few months. I had recurrences and some weeks were better than others. One week I had AFIB x3, but eventually, it became less and less frequent and less intense etc. (as I descibed). For me, being persistent with my life-style changes were my priority, and I couldn't help thinking that targeting the heart with either medications and/or ablations was the wrong thing for me. I never believed I had heart disease. I belive I had many other things wrong with me that in the end, attacked my heart. Kind of like when an emperor (the heart) finally is attacked after the defense or soldiers (organs etc.) have fended off the attacking forces (wrong diet, stress and more) for years.
Anyway, good luck with the smoothies, they are sooo good and incredibky good for you!
Love always,
Ulla
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Ulla
Re: Update Lone AFIB Cure July 28, 2009 03:35PM |
Hi Julia:
I will outline the diet/foods and smoothies in a separate posting. However, I am not on any heart meds. In April of 09 I picked up a bottle of Flecannide from my pharmacy. I hid it in the back of a cabinet (I didn't want to be reminded of disease) and today, I flushed it out in the toilet. It was symbolic for me and felt so great!
I used to take Metoprolol, but I haven't in months. Even if I should get an attack there is no reason to, because my BP and heart rate remain very low and stable...so why slow it down more?
Anyway, keep your eyes open for a later posting. I will do so ASAP...but I am at work now and must go.
Love always,
Ulla
I will outline the diet/foods and smoothies in a separate posting. However, I am not on any heart meds. In April of 09 I picked up a bottle of Flecannide from my pharmacy. I hid it in the back of a cabinet (I didn't want to be reminded of disease) and today, I flushed it out in the toilet. It was symbolic for me and felt so great!
I used to take Metoprolol, but I haven't in months. Even if I should get an attack there is no reason to, because my BP and heart rate remain very low and stable...so why slow it down more?
Anyway, keep your eyes open for a later posting. I will do so ASAP...but I am at work now and must go.
Love always,
Ulla
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GeorgeN
Re: Update Lone AFIB Cure July 28, 2009 04:28PM |
Ulla,
Understand your wanting to get rid of your flec. However in the future, you may wish to consider that whatever you put down the drain ends up in someone else's drinking water. In our area there are deformed fish due to all the pharmaceuticals in the water. Of course some, but not all, of those are from urine.
George
Understand your wanting to get rid of your flec. However in the future, you may wish to consider that whatever you put down the drain ends up in someone else's drinking water. In our area there are deformed fish due to all the pharmaceuticals in the water. Of course some, but not all, of those are from urine.
George
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PeggyM
Re: Update Lone AFIB Cure July 28, 2009 04:44PM |
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Ulla
Re: Update Lone AFIB Cure July 28, 2009 05:08PM |
Hi Gay:
Thanks for responding to my forum, I really appreciate it. Hmmm, the only thing I can thinl of right now to help you with your trouble with smoothies is perhaps hypnotherapy? Or try and make one with spinach, water and a little bit of your favorite organic juice and add some fruit you really like, some ice and see how it goes?
Taurine, I tried that, but one time I had too many and threw up something that smelled like sulphur (and they do contain sulphur). Now I don't take them anymore....
Anyway, let me know how you fare and if you can tolerate the smoothie or if you tried hypnotherapy.
Best wishes,
Ulla
Thanks for responding to my forum, I really appreciate it. Hmmm, the only thing I can thinl of right now to help you with your trouble with smoothies is perhaps hypnotherapy? Or try and make one with spinach, water and a little bit of your favorite organic juice and add some fruit you really like, some ice and see how it goes?
Taurine, I tried that, but one time I had too many and threw up something that smelled like sulphur (and they do contain sulphur). Now I don't take them anymore....
Anyway, let me know how you fare and if you can tolerate the smoothie or if you tried hypnotherapy.
Best wishes,
Ulla
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Ulla
Re: Update Lone AFIB Cure July 28, 2009 05:16PM |
Hi:
And thanks for your reply. I am not taking taurine anymore, besides, it is a non-essentail amino acid. I suppose I was low in it at one time, but not any more.
What's so great about the food I am eating are that they are all natural and contain everything a body needs to function optimally. That is why I am saying that supplements themselves, are not optimal in the long run. Sure, we can take vitamin pills and more, but the best sources of everything the body needs come from nature. Therefore, I also belive that in time, every one of us have the potential to be cured from eating these natural foods, because they, as I mentioned, contain all the essential nutrients that we need. Going the supplement way is frustrating, because most of us who were diagnosed with vagal idiopathic AFIB may have arrived at this disease in different ways and have different biochemical imbalances. For example, one person may be helped by taurine and potassium, another by Motherwort and magnesium. All in all, nature provides it all!
Best wishes,
Ulla
And thanks for your reply. I am not taking taurine anymore, besides, it is a non-essentail amino acid. I suppose I was low in it at one time, but not any more.
What's so great about the food I am eating are that they are all natural and contain everything a body needs to function optimally. That is why I am saying that supplements themselves, are not optimal in the long run. Sure, we can take vitamin pills and more, but the best sources of everything the body needs come from nature. Therefore, I also belive that in time, every one of us have the potential to be cured from eating these natural foods, because they, as I mentioned, contain all the essential nutrients that we need. Going the supplement way is frustrating, because most of us who were diagnosed with vagal idiopathic AFIB may have arrived at this disease in different ways and have different biochemical imbalances. For example, one person may be helped by taurine and potassium, another by Motherwort and magnesium. All in all, nature provides it all!
Best wishes,
Ulla
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Ulla
Re: Update Lone AFIB Cure July 28, 2009 05:20PM |
Hi Ritze:
Thank you for your reply. I don't know if it is the magnesium, potassium, or what, and I have come to the conclusion I will never really know. I was on magnesium and potassium in the past, and everything else that was ever written about and/or suggested by fellow AFIBBER's. What I do know is that eating what nature provides for us is the best and most natural way of getting everything the body requires. Natural eating will always "beat" supplements, and attempting to figure out what the exact supplement(s) is/are that one need, is nearly impossible.
Let me know how you fare,
Best wishes,
Ulla
Thank you for your reply. I don't know if it is the magnesium, potassium, or what, and I have come to the conclusion I will never really know. I was on magnesium and potassium in the past, and everything else that was ever written about and/or suggested by fellow AFIBBER's. What I do know is that eating what nature provides for us is the best and most natural way of getting everything the body requires. Natural eating will always "beat" supplements, and attempting to figure out what the exact supplement(s) is/are that one need, is nearly impossible.
Let me know how you fare,
Best wishes,
Ulla
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Ulla
Re: Update Lone AFIB Cure July 28, 2009 05:23PM |
Hi Laura:
You are awesome! Thank you for posting the link to the Boutenko website. I read all of her books and watched her videos as well and they saved my life! At my worst, I was so depressed I didn't care if I ever woke up again...and I have never ever felt that way before in my life.
Keep in touch and let me know how you fare,
Love always,
Ulla
You are awesome! Thank you for posting the link to the Boutenko website. I read all of her books and watched her videos as well and they saved my life! At my worst, I was so depressed I didn't care if I ever woke up again...and I have never ever felt that way before in my life.
Keep in touch and let me know how you fare,
Love always,
Ulla
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Ulla
Re: Update Lone AFIB Cure July 28, 2009 05:25PM |
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Michael
Re: Update Lone AFIB Cure September 06, 2009 11:59AM |
It is fascinating reading each of your stories.I am 60 and have had idiopathic paroxysmal afibs since the mid eighties. I began running about this time,and was doing 15 miles/week.I was completely sedentary before beginning this exercise regimen. The afibs back then (which started not long after I began running) occurred about twice a month(lasting about 12 hours),and the cardiologist at the time just told me to pop an aspirin when an attack came on. I quit my running in 95 for unrelated reasons ( I was getting heavy accumulations of phlegm in my throat from what turned out to be acid reflux. The phlegm was so viscous that I couldn't manage to expectorate it while jogging,and I had to stop running or choke. At the time,two ENT specialists said nothing was wrong-I had to diagnose myself in the end!).
Over the past several years,I have had attacks that lasted 24-48 hours,but always returned to sinus rhythm without intervention. I then had (about 4 years ago) an episode that sent me to the ER as it lasted over 2 days,and showed no signs of quitting.My last cardiologist ( who has since given up his practice to teach) gave me the beta blocker Monocor and daily low dose ASA, and most recently flecainide to be taken at the onset of symptoms (pill in the pocket treatment).
My last physical revealed elevated liver enzymes.My GP said this could be due to the flecainide,even though I only took it about once or twice a month.
Anyway,to make a long story shorter,my last few afib attacks have lasted only about 12 hours,without me having to take the flecainide. This greatly pleases me,as for years I have had attacks lasting at least 24 hours,and often 48 hours.My cardiologist told me that any attack lasting more than 48 hours could lead to a blood clot forming,so it had to be stopped no longer than 48 hours after onset. The flecainide has accomplished this each time I have taken it.I have been in the habit of letting the attacks continue for 24 hours before taking the flecainide,in the hope it would stop on its own. I was wondering if taking the flecainide has reprogrammed my heart in some fashion,such that attacks are now self limiting to 12 hours or so. As well,I wonder if I would have developed this condition at all if I had not taken up running for 10 years.
Over the past several years,I have had attacks that lasted 24-48 hours,but always returned to sinus rhythm without intervention. I then had (about 4 years ago) an episode that sent me to the ER as it lasted over 2 days,and showed no signs of quitting.My last cardiologist ( who has since given up his practice to teach) gave me the beta blocker Monocor and daily low dose ASA, and most recently flecainide to be taken at the onset of symptoms (pill in the pocket treatment).
My last physical revealed elevated liver enzymes.My GP said this could be due to the flecainide,even though I only took it about once or twice a month.
Anyway,to make a long story shorter,my last few afib attacks have lasted only about 12 hours,without me having to take the flecainide. This greatly pleases me,as for years I have had attacks lasting at least 24 hours,and often 48 hours.My cardiologist told me that any attack lasting more than 48 hours could lead to a blood clot forming,so it had to be stopped no longer than 48 hours after onset. The flecainide has accomplished this each time I have taken it.I have been in the habit of letting the attacks continue for 24 hours before taking the flecainide,in the hope it would stop on its own. I was wondering if taking the flecainide has reprogrammed my heart in some fashion,such that attacks are now self limiting to 12 hours or so. As well,I wonder if I would have developed this condition at all if I had not taken up running for 10 years.
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