This is my first post. I had an AF episode March 4, 2023. Spent two days in the hospital which was out of state. I had numerous blood tests, ekg, CTA, a stress test, etc. All my tests came back negative. They have no idea what set it off. I am a 67 yo female, healthy weight and active. I will admit that my blood pressure in the past has always been normal but sometimes on the high end of normal. I was diagnosed as LAF (not sure why this is an obsolete term.) I was subscribed Eliquis and Diltiazem for 30 days. I bought an Apple Watch and check my BPM and run the ECG daily. I also bought a BP machine and keep a daily diary. The results have been well within normal range. After follow-ups with out of state cardiologist and my primary care (both saying I am doing great) they want me to stay on the medication indefinately. I was starting to get side effects from the medication (feet were tingling at night, I could feel my heart beat more than usual and was a little light headed) I am a skier and hiker and did not want to be on blood thinners in case I fall or slip. After some research, I added to my supplement regimen (magnesium, etc) I also checked out what foods were good for potassium and which naturally thin your blood. Most things I already ate but did add a few more things to my diet. Was never big on salt but cutting down on sodium even more - staying away from canned soup and reading all lables. My blood pressure has never been better. After weighing the side effects, I went off both medications on May 1 and am feeling better. Today (5/9/2023) primary care said fine to get off Dilitiazem but to stay on blood thinners - scaring the bejezus out of me regarding blood clots. She wants me to stay on them at least until I am set up with a new cardiologist in my state. (that's another story) The doctors don't like when you look for alternatives to medications but I feel I must be in charge of my decisions. Not once did they ask what I ate or sodium intake. Are there anymore Lone Fibbers out there? Would love to hear from you. Thank you for listening and thank you for this forum.
