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You are here: Home / Personal Afib Stories / A Personal Story about My Atrial Fibrillation Diagnosis

A Personal Story about My Atrial Fibrillation Diagnosis

Robert Ellis |May 14, 2012 | 327 Comments

Robert Ellis
Robert Ellis
You think you’re healthy, eat well, take good care of yourself (well, maybe you could get more exercise). Life is good. You don’t feel like you’re under stress. But every now and then your heart does flip-flops. You can feel it pounding, you can feel it throbbing in your neck.

Then, in the middle of the night, it’s racing. You feel anxious. You check your pulse—140 beats per minute, maybe more. You go to the emergency room. It’s 190 beats per minute now. They tell you, “You have atrial fibrillation.” Atrial fibwhat? They hook you up to an IV, give you some drugs and soon, gradually, you begin to feel almost normal again.

But now your mind starts racing: What is atrial fibrillation? What causes atrial fibrillation? Is there a cure for atrial fibrillation? What drugs were in that drip (and what are the side effects)? Just how serious is atrial fibrillation?

A Little History

I went to the emergency room with atrial fibrillation on February 15, 2008. I’d had a few mild episodes of rapid, erratic heartbeat several years before, sometime in 2002. I would feel my heart begin to race, feel anxious and weak, and have to lie down. Within an hour or so, I usually felt a bit better and went about my business.

I did ask my doctor about it and he hooked me up to an ECG (electrocardiograph) machine, examined the paper as the graphs sputtered out, and said everything looked normal. Probably stress, he said. If it really bothered me I could go to the emergency room when it was happening and they should be able to tell me more. I had a few more mild episodes after I saw him, but nothing that would make me want to go to the emergency room, and sometime later, without my really doing anything, the episodes went away.

Last fall, the episodes began again. They always started at night, either sometime before I went to bed (usually around 10:00 or 10:30 PM) or in the middle of the night. My heart would start to race, I would feel anxious and weak, maybe a little lightheaded. I would lie down and feel a bit better after a while, but I would toss and turn all night or be aware, even in my dreams, that my heart was leaping. Usually, after I got up in the morning, sometimes after breakfast, I would begin to feel normal again and wonder, What the heck was that all about?

I also noticed around that time that I had a chronic pain in my chest, a kind of dull ache. I had taken up archery in the fall and thought I must have pulled a muscle or strained something. It never seemed very serious—some days I would barely notice it—so I didn’t pay much attention to it.

The episodes began to come every month or so, then every few weeks. I wondered if it was something I’d eaten. I thought I was a pretty healthy eater—no sodas, no candy (well, a little chocolate and some Chunky Monkey ice cream), limited red meat—and I took a handful of miscellaneous supplements (whatever was touted in the latest Men’s Health magazine). But I began to wonder if I was low in calcium, or wasn’t eating enough salt, or maybe I was allergic to something? In other words, I didn’t have a clue. But I recognized, after the episodes continued to become more disconcerting, that I needed to see a doctor, something I am always reluctant to do.

It took me a long time to see a doctor. My old doctor had switched to a concierge plan, limiting his practice to those patients who would pay a yearly fee to be under his care, with an emphasis on prevention. A good idea, but I always thought of myself as too young (51) and too healthy. I had to do an intake interview with the nurse practitioner to be a new patient with my new doctor and because of various scheduling issues it took me a couple of months to get in. I finally saw the nurse and told him about my symptoms. He took copious notes and said he’d fix me up with a treadmill test, whatever that was, to rule out cardiovascular disease. I had little idea what he was talking about, but at least I was finally taking some steps to solve the mystery.

Emergency – Time to Head to the Hospital

I never made it to the treadmill test. At least, not to the test the nurse practitioner scheduled for me.

The evening after my appointment, I begin feeling anxious. My heart starts racing and I feel weak. It’s almost bedtime, so I think I’ll just go to bed and sleep it off as I have so many times in the past. But this night is different. I feel slightly better for a few minutes—and then it gets worse again.

My wife, Meg, hovers over me, checking in. Should she take me to the hospital? No, let’s wait a few minutes. I already have an appointment to have things checked out. It’s always passed before.

But it continues to get worse. Finally, I relent. We get dressed and get in the car. The hospital is only about five minutes away; no need for an ambulance. I’m ushered into the emergency room immediately. They hook me up to the ECG. They take a chest x-ray. They take a blood sample.

My heart rate is about 190. The doctor comes around—a slender, gentle woman with a soothing voice—and explains patiently (no pun intended) that I have atrial fibrillation. She gives me a simple explanation, very similar to the description on my discharge instructions:

“Atrial Fibrillation” is a condition where the heart beats in an irregular pattern. It is due to a disturbance in the electrical pathways of the heart. It is a sign of heart disease or other health problem affecting the heart.

The most common symptom is “palpitations”. This is the feeling that your heart is fluttering or beating fast or hard or irregular. When the heart beats too fast it does not pump blood very well. This can cause other symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness or fainting.

Atrial Fibrillation may come and go, lasting from a few hours to a couple of days. Or, it may become chronic, lasting for months at a time or longer.

I’m given a drip of Cardizem and “convert” (my heart returns to normal) a short time after. They keep me awhile to make sure I’m okay, then send me home with a prescription for Diltiazem (Cardizem) and the number of a cardiologist. I’m scolded for having Meg drive me to the hospital. I’m instructed to take one 120 mg tablet “if rapid palpitations recur”, wait and hour, then take another one. “IF LIGHTHEADEDNESS, SHORTNESS OF BREATH, CHEST PAIN, NAUSEA, SWEATINESS, THEN CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY.”

But I think I’ll be good for another month. A few weeks, at least.

Making the 911 Call

The next night, I wake up in the middle of the night to pee. When I crawl back into bed again, the race horse breaks out of the stable. I give Meg a little nudge and tell her my heart is at it again. Should we call 911? No, I’ll just pop one of these tablets.

A few minutes later, my heart is still galloping and I begin shivering. Should we call 911? No, let’s give it a few minutes to work.

Minutes later, I’m shaking. I can’t lie still. I feel nauseous and lightheaded. My chest hurts. What did they tell me in the hospital? “IF LIGHTHEADEDNESS, SHORTNESS OF BREATH, CHEST PAIN, NAUSEA, SWEATINESS, THEN CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY.”

Meg calls 911. Within a few minutes, the doorbell rings and five athletic guys walk in with a stretcher. I’m not sure why it takes five guys, but they’re young and buff and Meg isn’t complaining, and they hook me up the ECG and begin quizzing me about my symptoms. I don’t feel any worse, but I can’t stop shivering. I’m rattling the bed. They can’t get a read because the electric blanket is on, but they give me some nitro and cart me out to the ambulance.

I half expect the neighbors to be out, standing on their lawns in their pajamas and bathrobes, but it’s probably about two in the morning and the cul-de-sac is quiet. In the ambulance, they give me some more nitro for the chest pain. I’m still shaking, they don’t know why, but I’m beginning to relax.

At the hospital, my heart rate is only around 120. Why was I lightheaded and nauseous? Oh, that’s probably just a side effect of the medication. But since I’ve had episodes two nights in a row they decide to keep me for the day and overnight the next night. They have to move me from the emergency room, though, and most of the hospital is booked. I get an upgrade to a private room in Intensive Care. I think I may have the IC Unit to myself. They hook me up to the ECG and the blood pressure cuff and tuck me in.

Do I Hear an Echocardiogram?

It’s now Sunday afternoon. As I’m undergoing an echocardiogram, the cardiologist arrives. They have trouble getting a clear picture of my heart from every angle—something about my rib cage getting in the way—but one thing is clear: I have pericarditis, inflammation of the pericardium, the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. Oh, and pericardial effusion, fluid in the pericardium. This in itself, I discover later, can cause arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation.

On Monday morning, the cardiologist stops by again. He wants me to wear an event monitor, a device about the size of a beeper that records the heart’s rhythms for 30 days. In the meantime, I should also have a treadmill test. When that’s out of the way, I should see him in his office for a follow up appointment.

He prescribes Cardizem CD 180 mg once a day, plus an aspirin (81 mg once a day). I’m given my discharge papers.

DISCHARGE DIAGNOSES:

  1. Atrial fibrillation in sinus rhythm.
  2. Hypokalemia [low blood potassium], resolved.
  3. Normal lipid status, except low HDL.
  4. Borderline elevated blood sugar of 109.
  5. Mitral valve prolapse [a heart valve defect], anterior mitral leaflet mild.
  6. Small pericardiac effusion, probably due to pericarditis.

This is where Robert’s original story ended. He was always going to update it but he never got around to it. Robert would battle afib on and off over the years and would eventually have an ablation in 2016. Here is Robert’s catheter ablation experience.

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  1. Aaron ( Age: 40 / Male / Years with AFIB: Unknown. Few bouts 10 years ago. More bouts now. )
    Mar 10, 2020

    I just turned 40 and got intermittent AFib, heart doing the funky chicken dance for 2-5 seconds every two minutes, all day long. The 5 second bouts made me light headed, while the 2 second bouts just confirm I’m still unwell. I can feel exactly where it is and what size it is.

    I did lots of research and concluded that catheter ablation is hit or miss and last resort and often needs multiple. 98% of people get AFib starting after 60, with 66 being average (why me at 40?). Most are low in magnesium or zink. Moderate cardio and all exercise helps improve AFib as long as you don’t try to be an athlete, so say the studies. Betablockers are hit or miss. Condition needs a cardiologist. I read fish oil at higher doses might help, but is moderate. Lower doses are hit or miss.

    As for me, before it started: I recently started eating lots of garlic. I had acid reflux for years. Recently took zink losenges. I did have short bouts of AFib 10 years ago, but it stopped. Also been eating lots of microwave cheese pizza as almost half my calories, and lots of canned beans and canned vegitables and fresh fruit and natto. I don’t drink or smoke or use caffeine. I did start Ashwagandha 2 weeks ago, 2-3 pills per day, and stopped shortly before the AFib. Also tried two Kratom pills 4 weeks prior (hated them). Due to joint injuries, I don’t get much exercise. I’m 20 pounds overweight due to a few binges with icecream.

    After reading and researching and looking at what might be causing this, I got on my exercise bike and did several 2 minute bouts of cardio to get my heart rate up. I need a better bike that won’t overheat so I can do 30 minutes. I also started taking magnesium pills and continued the zink. I’m cutting the garlic out for social reasons and may drop the pizza.

    I saw a huge improvement and mostly credit the cardio and magnesium. However, it might just be that it comes and goes and may get me again in 5 years. Hopefully ablation and pills are more advanced by then, and I’m 20 pounds lighter.

    Thank you for all your info. Google top results seem worthless on this one.

    Reply
  2. Daniel ( Age: 65 / M / Years with AFIB: 10+ )
    Apr 08, 2019

    At 54, I pedaled my exercycle and noticed my pulse watch jumping all over the place. I went to Emergency and was diagnosed with AFIB.

    It progressed, and I found myself in Emergency. At first, meds converted me. But, then they quit working, so they cardo padded me. I lost count of the times and the $1,000 bills after insurance.

    I consulted a local EP. She diagnosed Atrial Flutter, which surprised me. An ablation procedure was performed correcting the easy-to-access R. Atrium. This seemed to do away with my attacks for a year or so …. but, then it came back.

    The attacks became more severe. Three or 4 per month that needed hospital cardio conversion.

    I decided to contact Dr. Hao in San Francisco, at a world-renown AFIB EP center.

    I flew down there for a consultation. He diagnosed AFIB. I returned for the procedure a couple weeks later. It went well. Procedure on the first day, then laying still in bed for 24 hours. Released the next morning or noon.

    I had a couple of flutters of AFIB in the first 2 month, but they faded and I was normal and overjoyed for 7 months. Then, while walking at lunch during work, it returned.

    I was really demoralized, but then I discovered that 2 ablations are not unusual to quell AFIB.

    I called Dr. Hao. A second ablation was performed.

    Afterwards, the AFIB was gone, but I did have nuisance PVC’s and SVC’s that drove me crazy. I stumbled on Magnesium therapy. Took about 1,200mg/day of multiple types. Knocked heart into nearly normal sinus.

    I’m going on 10 years without too much trouble. I do have the occasional AFIB. Usually triggered by ice cold drinking water …. or an occasional food trigger. Nothing more than 5 minutes.

    By God’s grace, hopefully I can go more years AFIB free. I keep my weight down and walk 12+ miles most days. I had acute Generalized Anxiety Disorder 20 years ago. That certainly didn’t help AFIB (probably caused it). However, I got control of that and eliminated stimulants [coffee, chocolate, etc] and try to maintain calm and the peace that God brings.

    As a side note, my only brother came down with AFIB. And recently my Brother-in-Law came down with it. So much for rarity.

    Thanks for getting the word out, Travis. So many people need help. I don’t think many people know that magnesium eliminates or reduces ectopic heartbeats. Years ago, I used to read posts by many elderly people suffering from them. It appeared their doctors didn’t even mention magnesium to them.

    I hope this site continues. It’s a great resource!

    Reply
    • Travis Van Slooten
      Apr 08, 2019

      Daniel:

      Thanks for sharing your story and experiences with afib. I’m glad to hear you’ve been able to successfully manage your afib over all these years. That gives us afibbers plenty of hope!! God Bless and I wish you many years of NSR.

      Travis

      Reply
  3. Carol McGovern
    Jan 13, 2018

    Afib seems to be the disease of the new year. Years ago I suffered with feelings of dropping, as one would have in an elevator. I would experience rapid heart beats and feelings of panic. I went to many doctors, all of which treated my complaints as a problem of nervous anxiety.

    In time a friend of mine led my to a WONDERFUL physician. He literally saved my life. After listening to my story, he proceeded to ask me questions with regard to pills both vitamin and otherwise that I was ingesting. I informed him that the only pill I was taking was an iron pill called Feosol. He told me to throw them out and come back to him in 3 weeks.

    I did just that and very gradually the symptoms disappeared. He explained to me that the reason for its disappearance was that I suffered from a condition called hemochromatosis. It’s an allergy to iron. In allergic personalities the iron build up on your organs instead of the excess being eliminated like normal. A lot of the diagnoses for atrial fibrillation seem to fit this description. Anyway if I were you I would check into it. First, though, find a doctor who thinks and investigates on his own and isn’t tied quite so close to the medical industry!

    Reply
    • Travis Van Slooten
      Jan 16, 2018

      Carol:

      I haven’t heard of hemochromatosis. Thanks for sharing your story. I’m sure others will find is helpful!

      Travis

      Reply
  4. Ian ( Age: 41 / Male / Years with AFIB: 3 )
    Aug 09, 2016

    I went to see my GP 3 years ago after feeling an impending sense of doom when my heart went crazy. She did an ECG and blood test and told me it was AF and it was quite common for people to live with it and not to worry.

    Eighteen months later I started going out with a doctor who suggested that diagnosis was lazy and that I should get a second opinion. After 12 months of ECGs, blood tests, heart monitors and regular check ups I spoke to a Consultant Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist and learned that it is indeed common for people to live with AF, but not at all common for someone who is 40 and otherwise healthy.

    My heart rate fluctuates constantly between 40 and 150 (neither of which facilitates an enjoyable lifestyle) with brief periods in a normal range and rhythm. Flecainide (100mg twice a day) and bisoprolol (2.5mg twice a day) helped for a while but don’t seem to have much impact now, so I’m booked in for a catheter ablation.

    This is my first general anesthetic so fingers crossed it’s a wonderful sleep tomorrow with a positive outcome. I’m getting married in 2 months so it would be a great present to focus on enjoying the day rather than my condition.

    Reply
    • Travis ( Age: 43 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
      Aug 18, 2016

      Ian:

      Thanks for sharing your story! I assume you’ve had your ablation already. How did everything go? I hope well. Drop us an update when you can.

      Thanks,

      Travis

      Reply
      • Ian ( Age: 41 / Male / Years with AFIB: 3 )
        Aug 19, 2016

        Hi Travis,

        It went very well, although my heart resisted the ablation (some comment from the surgeon about the muscle being too strong and pig headed) and they had to increase to energy quite a lot. Thankfully this did not result in any esophageal perforation. Overnight in hospital, echocardiogram the next morning and then home in bed 24 hours post-op.

        Went immediately onto apixaban after surgery so it took just over 2 days for the bleeding to fully stop from the incisions in the femoral artery. 48 hours post-op is when the pain set in. It felt like I’d been kicked in the chest and the groin by a very angry horse. But after about 5 days of patchy sleep and gentle walks I was feeling almost normal. Just over a week out of hospital now and I can put shoes and socks on without any discomfort, although the bruising is still a sight! No other complications.

        Having a 48 hour cardiac event monitor fitted in 6 weeks and then a follow up with the surgeon 6 weeks after that to determine the success of the procedure. He’s 90% confident there will be no need for a 2nd ablation.

        The heart is more erratic now than pre-op but I’ve been told that’s to be expected while the heart settles down. Ectopic beats are common and my heart rate is still fluctuating wildly (from as low as 48 to as much as 180, never for very long) but there are also periods of perfect sinus (which I haven’t had for years). When this happens, not being aware of my heart beat is suddenly disconcerting but I’m looking forward to getting used to it.

        On the off chance they stumble across this site, it’s worth pointing out that the staff at St Thomas’s NHS in London were brilliant. Not perfect, but to get this level of treatment for free with the quality of care I received is truly a credit to the passionate doctors, nurses, ODPs, porters and everyone else who helped out.

        Reply
        • Travis ( Age: 43 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
          Aug 19, 2016

          Ian:

          Thanks for the update! I’m so happy to hear you had a successful ablation and that you’re enjoying NSR for the first time in a long time. It feels awesome, doesn’t it!

          I wish you many years of NSR!

          God bless,

          Travis

          P.S. As you pointed out, the blanking period can be a little rocky so keep the faith if your heart jumps around from time-to-time. Your heart will eventually settle down. Just take it easy over the next few months as your heart heals. I wish you well!

          Reply
  5. Rose ( Age: 73 / Female / Years with AFIB: 10 )
    Jul 19, 2016

    I was diagnosed with AFIB ten years ago. I am now 73. A very kind, interested person suggested I not lay down, sit straight up (I prefer the floor), read a magazine, talk to someone – about anything but AFIB, get your mind free, calm yourself & reduce your mythic and be fine.

    A doctor prescribed Xarelto. I would bruise very easy. I determined after research and reading personal life stories of same. I prefer managing my anxiety due to stress from fear of unknown – has helped me. One incident a year ago I drove myself to ER (5min) from home – upon check-in my sinus rhythm was reduced. I am not taking meds. I have normal blood pressure, heart test results good, cholesterol normal.

    In closing – I do believe in my case of AFIB – heart, mind & soul do contribute when working together.

    Reply
    • Travis ( Age: 43 / Male / Years with AFIB: 10 )
      Jul 19, 2016

      Rose:

      Thanks for sharing your story and the tips on how to manage atrial fibrillation. There is no doubt that learning to be calm and relaxed can help reduce the stress and anxiety of afib.

      I wish you well!

      Travis

      Reply
  6. Allan ( Years with AFIB: Less than one year of documentation )
    May 08, 2016

    Hello, my name is Allan I am 70 years young. Recently, I was prescribed Warfarin along with the routine of having to take blood test once a week, now it’s every other week. I understand the purpose of Warfarin (Coumadin) as an anticoagulant and I take it as prescribed. After I informed my doctor that the palpitations seem to continue when I go to bed, he also prescribed Diltiazem three times a day. I began taking only one as I personally believed that he was over medicating me without a good explanation. Well, the arrhythmia seemed to have gotten worse (heart pounding out of control) running haywire. It also obviously affected my sleep. I get up four to five times a night to urinate.

    My question to you sir, as you mention earlier in your synopsis that you take Diltiazem. I stopped taking Diltiazem after five days and yes I told the doctor that I was only taking one. He insisted I take three. Have you studied this drug and are you still taking it? I also notice when I take deep breaths the palpitations appear to dissipate. Are you still taking Diltiazem and if so what is your experience?

    Reply
    • Travis ( Age: 43 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
      May 08, 2016

      Allan:

      The original owner of this blog wrote this “personal story.” I don’t believe he checks this blog anymore. I have never taken Diltiazem myself so I can’t help but hopefully someone else reading this can.

      You might also want to check out the forum over at afibbers.org. I’m sure someone there can help!

      I wish you well.

      Travis

      Reply
  7. Esther Page ( Age: 72 / Female / Years with AFIB: 10 yrs )
    Dec 14, 2015

    I have found all these comments extremely useful I am a 72 yr od female who has had AF for about 10 yrs. I started out having attacks quite rarely then they sped up until it seemed like one long attack.

    At this stage my cardiologist put me on flecainide which almost instantly controlled the problem. I have been on this drug for over 4 yrs now and only get the an attack about every 8 months or so. Sometimes they resolve quite quickly at other times they can go on for 24 hrs. I try not to worry too much about it but when having an attack I get quite anxious which I expect is only natural.

    What I found interesting were the comments about acid reflux as I have a Hiatus Hernia and have often thought that this could be a contributory factor. Would be very interested in any other information about this.

    Reply
    • Travis ( Age: 43 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
      Dec 21, 2015

      Esther:

      I have also heard there is a potential connection between acid reflux sufferers and afib. Regarding the hiatal hernia, you might want to look into active manuka honey. It is a known as a great natural treatment in acid reflux.

      I wish you well.

      Travis

      Reply
      • shontel
        Jun 18, 2016

        Goats whey is an excellent food and treatment for GERD (acid reflux in all its forms). 2 tablespoons x 2 or 3 times daily will improve digestion and improve joint function.

        It’s a “food” not a medication so there are no side effects.

        I’ve found mtcapra.com to produce a good quality goats whey powder.

        GERD is related to AFib due to the swelling of the stomach and GIT due to irritation and inflammation of the acid creating pressure on the heart. I have seen many emergency room cases where GERD and/or a very gassy bowel has caused such distress on the heart that only blood tests for specific enzymes can determine if it is actually a heart episode of GIT upset.

        Reply
        • Travis ( Age: 43 / Male / Years with AFIB: 10 )
          Jun 20, 2016

          Thanks for the tip on goats whey protein, Shontel. I have never heard of it before. Thanks!

          Travis

          Reply
  8. Dennis ( Age: 64 / M / Years with AFIB: .2 )
    Sep 10, 2015

    Just had my event on July 25, 2015. I started out for a Saturday bicycle ride, I planned a 20 mile ride. The night before I was up five times to pee, usually I only get up once. I felt fine otherwise. While I got my bike ready to go I pumped up the tires and felt more winded than usually but otherwise I felt fine. Keep in mind that I have a Cardiologist and had seen him on the Wednesday before and was told my heart was great and to keep up my work to lose weight.

    The bike was ready so I drove to the park and started out on my ride at an easy rate. After just under .5 of a mile I looked at my heart monitor on my bike computer for the first time and saw my heart rate was at 163. It should have been around 115 – 120 at most. Since I felt fine I was sure the monitor was not working right so I kept going but did go slower than I usually did.

    After about 2 miles I stopped and did some deep breathing to see if the heart rate would come down, it did but not to where I knew it should be so I reset my computer, still the rate was too high. By now I did feel like my head felt a little stuffy but everything else felt fine so I got back on the bike and kept going. Around 5 miles I was back at my truck at the end of my first lap I stopped and sat to pay attention to my heart. Still nothing wrong but I felt my head was stuffy but otherwise I still felt fine.

    I decided to go home and check my blood pressure. On Wednesday at the doctors office it was 140/ 80 now it was 80 something over 50 something. My wife drove me to our insurance clinic still not showing any symptoms, they decided to hook me up to the EKG and then the doc said, “Your in A-Fib, your going to the ER.” The ER was next door they also put on the EKG and sent me to a room where I got the usually tests, x-rays, and exams. I left with RX’s for a beta blocker and a blood thinner and told to see my Cardiologist asap.

    So the beta blockers were just too much I could not work but I am still on blood thinners and now I have aches and pains all over my body. I get that because I can no longer use nsaids that might be one reason I feel so much joint pain but I think the blood thinners have something to do with that as well. I have changed to a new thinner and have some reduction in the pain but I still have some.

    I want to get off the thinners but since this could happen again I can’t.

    Reply
    • Travis ( Age: 42 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
      Sep 11, 2015

      Dennis:

      Sorry to hear about your recent episode. I’m not familiar with blood thinners causing joint pain but it wouldn’t surprise me if it was a potential side effect as all these drugs can be nasty at one point or another.

      Keep us posted on how the appointment goes with the cardiologist. I wish you well!

      Travis

      Reply
      • Susan Traxler ( Age: 47 / Female )
        Sep 25, 2015

        I am a 47 year old women who has a lot of anxieties. I take Ativan 1mg in the morning 1/2 mg at dinner 1mg at bedtime I take Paxil 10mg at bedtime. I am diabetic and take 500mg of Metformin at breakfast and dinner, I have Gerd so i take 20mg of Pepcid before breakfast and dinner, I have high blood pressure and i take 2.5mg of Amlodipine and 100mg of Losartan, I also have low thyroid and take 88 mcg of levothyroxine, I also take vitamin d3 and a multivitamin.
        What i am concern about in i am in menopause and my heart rate races above a 90 or 100 when ever i go to the dentist or the doctors. My heart races when i leave my house and then i have to go to the bathroom to urinate a lot at times my blood pressure will also rise too. This throws me into panic mode when my heart is racing at 90 or above 100 at times my heart rate is up at night around a 90 to where i feel restless and agitated to where i can not sleep and my stomach acts up and cramps too.
        What is the best way to deal with this. Really need some advice because when they do the implants with my teeth i can not have my heart racing over 100 and i can not have my blood pressure up either
        I need some good advice

        Reply
    • Deirdre Dame ( Age: 68 / F / Years with AFIB: 4 months )
      Oct 13, 2016

      Hi Dennis – just read your post . I have been taking a blood thinner since June and I too have joint pain that I never experienced before. I am also taking TIKOSYN – so perhaps that is also the culprit?

      Reply
  9. Cynthia ( female / Years with AFIB: 2 mos )
    Jun 21, 2015

    I was wondering if anyone was sent for a Stress Test after being diagnosed. I am not looking forward to the meds they give you to speed up your heart, and don’t know why it is necessary besides looking for coronary heart disease.
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Travis ( Age: 42 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
      Jun 21, 2015

      Cynthia:

      I had a stress test in the early days of my afib journey (before I was officially diagnosed with atrial fibrillation) and it wasn’t a big deal at all. I’m not sure I understand your comment when you say you’re not looking forward to the meds they give you to speed up your heart. I’ve never heard of such a thing. When I had my stress test I just had to run on the treadmill. They gradually increased the speed and resistance until I reached my maximum heart rate – and then I had to maintain that for a minute or two (can’t honestly remember how long though). It was a totally benign experience.

      They do a stress test to see how your heart functions during physical activity.

      Travis

      Reply
      • Cynthia ( Age: 57 / female / Years with AFIB: 1 month )
        Jun 21, 2015

        Hi Travis,
        Thank you for responding so quickly.
        They now do a chemical stress test where they inject a medication through an IV that speeds up your heart instead of the treadmill. I had the option of doing the treadmill or the chemical, but the Dr suggested the chemical stress test, and was wondering if anyone else had a bad experience with this.
        I am allergic to so many medications and I have asthma. When I read about it the side effects can be really bad. Even cause the AFib or worse a heart attack. Of course it’s rare, but still frightening. The test takes over 3 hours. I am guessing the treadmill is less time than that.
        I am going to call tomorrow and see if I can switch it to the treadmill stress test.
        This is all new to me and the AFib is frightening enough. I had no prior episodes until last month when I got in bed and my heart started going crazy. I was taken by ambulance to the hospital and admitted for three days. I was on a Cardizem drip that I had a bad reaction to as well. My heart was back in normal sinus rhythm after 12 hours. Which I am thankful for, but so afraid it’s going to happen again.
        I am on one baby aspirin per day and no other meds at this time. He said it may never happen again and so it’s more of a wait and see. I have to wear a monitor for 30 days as well after the stress test.
        I appreciate your explaining the treadmill stress test and I am calling tomorrow to switch it to that.
        Cindy

        Reply
        • Travis ( Age: 42 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
          Jun 21, 2015

          Cindy:

          Normally a doctor would only recommend a chemical test if you’re unable to physically exercise for whatever reason (i.e. injury, arthritis, back problems, etc.). The treadmill stress test is usually the first choice of stress test so I’m wondering why your doctor recommended the chemical test.

          If you don’t have any physical limitations and are capable of exercising, I’d definitely ask the doctor to switch it to a treadmill test. The treadmill test is a breeze and is actually quite interesting. I love learning as much as I can about my body so it was sort of fun finding out just how long it took for me to hit my maximum heart rate (and to see how my heart performed under physical stress). If you’re not in very good shape the test won’t take long because you’ll hit your maximum heart rate sooner.

          Best of luck to you. Keep us posted!!

          Travis

          P.S. If for some reason your doctor insists on the chemical test I’d get a second opinion and even consider skipping the stress test all together. I’d opt for an echo and the 30-day monitor instead…but I say this not knowing anything about your specific situation or your past health history that only your doctor is privy to. An echo and a 30-day monitor should tell you everything you need to know about your heart and your afib at this point.

          Reply
          • Cynthia ( Age: 57 / female / Years with AFIB: 1 )
            Jun 22, 2015

            Hi Travis,
            I had the Echo and it was fine. He said I am at risk for Coronary heart disease that is why he wants to do the stress test. I guess he can see blocked arteries from this test.
            I am calling today and switching to the treadmill test. If they say no then I will go elsewhere.
            Thanks for your help!
            Cindy

            Reply
          • Travis ( Age: 42 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
            Jun 22, 2015

            Cindy:

            If he’s concerned about coronary heart disease then maybe there is a reason he’s suggesting the chemical test over the treadmill test. Maybe they can “see more” with a chemical test. I honestly don’t know. Either way, it’s at least worth discussing more with your doctor and perhaps getting a second opinion. Best of luck to you!

            Travis

            Reply
        • jen ( Age: 60 / female / Years with AFIB: 3 )
          Mar 04, 2017

          To the best of my knowledge they ONLY do the chemical stress test if a person is unable due to mobility issues – i.e. visual challenges or is so obese that they can’t do such a test. Otherwise just ask for the treadmill stress test. No point putting your heart in a chemically induced stress when you can take a walk that is super simple. Good Luck.

          Reply
          • Travis ( Age: 44 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
            Mar 07, 2017

            Jen:

            You are 100% correct. They usually reserve chemical stress tests for those who can’t do regular treadmill tests (usually because they are obese, handicapped, injured, etc.).

            Travis

            Reply
  10. Nate
    Apr 25, 2015

    I wanted to comment on this because I’ve been scouring the internet trying to find anything I possibly can about AFIB because I am an otherwise healthy 28 yr old that was diagnosed with AFIB about a month ago after rushing to the ER resulting in an unexpected stay in the hospital.

    Your story hits so close to home because it is almost exactly what happened to me, all the way down to me nudging my wife at night freaking out because I couldn’t breathe and my heart was pounding for some unexplained reason. Being so young and going through this has me TERRIFIED and had created an immense amount of anxiety, panic attacks, and fear.

    After the EKG’s, the sonograms of my heart, and the endless blood tests, I was told (very shortly and not very reassuringly) that I had AFIB. At that moment I immediately realized how fragile life really is and thoughts of not being able to be there for my daughter or my wife started to cripple me emotionally.

    I guess I’m writing this because I feel relieved that I’m not the only one out there with this scary condition and just to share these thoughts I have that I haven’t shared with anyone else. I’m just very scared about this whole new ordeal and even more scared that something bad will happen to me unexpectedly because of it.

    The amount of anxiety, fear, and overall depression that this new diagnosis has created in me is the absolute worst part about all of it.

    Reply
    • Travis ( Age: 42 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 Years )
      Apr 30, 2015

      Nate:

      I totally understand where you’re coming from. Just know this…you will not die from afib. The biggest risk factor is stroke and even at this stage it’s very minimal (most likely).

      You’re definitely not alone. There are lots of us dealing with atrial fibrillation. I got afib in my early 30’s and have been dealing with it for almost a decade now. I recently had an ablation. You can read about it here:
      https://www.livingwithatrialfibrillation.com/1434/catheter-ablation-experience/

      If there is anything I can help with, let me know. Feel free to continue the dialogue here or contact me directly via the Contact link in the upper right hand corner of this site.

      Best of luck to you and keep your chin up. You’re not going to die and you have many many great years ahead of you.

      Travis

      Reply
      • Mike Coleman ( Age: 51 / Male / Years with AFIB: 3 )
        May 08, 2015

        I am so frustrated with this condition. Mine started after I started taking thyroid medication. It has persisted and, as of this year, has become more frequent. I have had 4 episodes in the last two months. Went to a cardiologist. Heart is fine. Ran every test in the book. I work out hard 4-6 times a week. Cut out caffeine but that didn’t seem to do anything. I guess I’m just venting. It’s just such a pain….

        Reply
        • Travis ( Age: 42 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
          May 08, 2015

          Mike:

          Sorry to hear about your situation. I know what you’re going through. This stuff sucks big time! If you have any specific questions or need my opinions on anything, feel free to reply here or contact me directly via the contact page on this website.

          You’ll want to see the most experienced EP you can find in your area and given your age and the fact that you haven’t had afib for that long, I would seriously look at having an ablation. I waited 9 years to have mine and it was a big mistake. I should have had it done years ago.

          Best of luck to you!

          Travis

          Reply
        • loretta ( female / Years with AFIB: 6 yrs )
          Aug 09, 2015

          I am very tired of this. Are any of you people short of breath? I just got out of the hospital on July 17 2015 and this is the second time they used the paddles on me. They changed my medicine and I was in the hospital for 5 days and they said everything was o.k. I came home and my pulse rates are up to 149 and higher. The doctor wants to see me tomorrow (8/10/15). I’m scared about dying. I’m 74 but a healthy person. What’s the next step? Anybody know? Best of luck. Stay well. Loretta

          Reply
    • pam ( Age: 66 / female / Years with AFIB: 8yrs )
      May 16, 2015

      I just discovered this site and it is a god send, I am having another sleepless night, I was doing okay with my afib, head wise, but last Friday I suffered a TIA(mini stroke) so now I am on eliquis, I have been in afib for a couple of days and I find myself starting to get anxious towards bedtime, my head is really playing with me, that is the hardest part about this, I’m going to try magnesium orotate, in the mean time, I need to take something for the anxiety and lack of sleep(which) I don’t want to but I have to get this under control, I also take multaq, beta blockers do you have any suggestions about my anxiety

      Reply
      • Travis ( Age: 42 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 Years )
        May 16, 2015

        Pam:

        So sorry to hear about your stroke. I see you’ve had afib for 8 years now. Do you have paroxysmal afib? I ask because it sounds like you weren’t on a blood thinner and a lot of people with paroxysmal afib don’t take blood thinners. It sounds like you recovered well from the stroke so that’s great.

        For the anxiety, a lot of afibbers take Xanax or Ativan. There are also a myriad of natural supplements you can try. Check out this list (has user reviews for each supplement as well):
        http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/condition-1001-Anxiety.aspx

        I wish you well.

        Travis

        Reply
  11. jeff w
    Mar 18, 2015

    I have had atrial fibrillation for over 25 years. During any given year sometimes it is worse and sometimes it is better. I take metoprolol and digoxin and warfarin. There has been no dosage change for the first two in that whole time. Over the 25 years it has not on average gotten worse. I’m now 64.

    Strangely over the past three months it seems to have gotten better. Six months ago I decided I had long term Lymes disease. I decided to take Lauricidan monolauren to kill the Lymes. I herxed. I went to the doctor a month later and am on Doxy. A month later I decided to try Drs. Best curcumin with Peperin. I mention this only because according to Consumer Labs there are huge differences between availability of key components in herb supplements and some didn’t even deliver what they said.

    So I don’t know which of these did it but one or all of them is having a very positive effect.

    For those of you on blood thinners curcumin is the main natural component in turmeric and can cause blood thinning. Realizing this I had my INR level checked every two weeks. Amazingly it didn’t budge but do be careful. I use 500mg twice a day.

    Two weeks ago I cut my digoxin from 6.25mg to 5mg. and had two short bouts of afib over 3 days. Now I am back to negligible bouts of a fib and at times when I think I should be having it it just doesn’t come.

    I didn’t set out for these to help a-fib but they did and I am hoping to slowly get rid of my meds all together.

    Reply
    • Travis ( Age: 42 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
      Mar 18, 2015

      Jeff:

      Twenty-five years with afib? Wow…I don’t know anybody that has had it that long. It’s good to hear it hasn’t gotten worse over the years. Everything I’ve read is that it just gets worse and worse. I’m glad that’s not the case for you. Have you ever had your heart looked at via an echo or something similar? I’d be curious to know if there has been any damage to your heart having afib for so long. Again everything I have read is that not only does it get worse but over time it takes its toll on the heart. It doesn’t sound like that’s the case for you.

      Thanks for sharing your tips on the supplements. I take curcumin as well by Nutri Gold. I was considering taking Dr.’s Best as well but Nutri Gold looks like a solid product as well. It’s good to know that it didn’t have any impact on your INR levels. I’m on Eliquis temporarily so I was concerned about that as well. I take about the same amount as you.

      If curcumin is making a difference with your atrial fibrillation it’s because it’s an anti-inflammatory. As I’m sure you know, there is a strong connection between inflammation and afib.

      Take care and thanks for your comments.

      Travis

      Reply
      • jeff w
        Mar 19, 2015

        I get echos every several years. No diminished heart function. Skiied the blacks and blues last Sunday in Maine. I try to stay active and afib rarely interferes. It is when I am not active that I feel it. It may also interfere with my hiking as I am pretty slow. I think it is because my heart can only beat so fast because of the metropopolol.

        I am concerned about the long term affects of the drugs and am going to go very, very slowly reducing the digoxin and metropolol (not warfarin as I think it is too dangerous to drop below INR 2.0. )

        I think I will try starting on low doses of taurine, arginine and magneseum citrate(some studies quoted by Consumer Labs indicate that doses of magnesium orelate above a level of 100 mg may be more detrimental than good). I will introduce them one at a time.

        Good luck

        Reply
        • Travis ( Age: 42 / Male / Years with AFIB: 9 )
          Mar 19, 2015

          Jeff:

          That’s inspirational – that you’ve had afib for so long and there has been no diminished heart function. It’s good to know that it’s possible to actually “live with afib” and not have your heart suffer any long term damage. It’s also inspirational that you continue to resume a perfectly normal life full of activity with your afib.

          As for the supplements, I take a lot of magnesium – about 800 mg. a day. A lot of afibbers I’ve talked to take large doses like that.

          Best of luck to you!

          Travis

          Reply
      • Janet Doncaster ( Age: 58 / Female / Years with AFIB: 29 )
        May 06, 2017

        I am a 58 yr old female and I live in the uk
        I have had atrial fibrillation for 29 yrs now
        I had 5hrs ablation and a dual chamber set rate pacemaker put in in 1998
        Over the past 8 mths I have been having afib on and off all day everyday
        I struggle some days with the symptoms,eg breathless,nausea,lightheaded,sometimes feel I could pass out etc
        Some days are better than others but it does restrict what I can and can’t do
        Along with it comes anxiety,I am awaiting recent tests and see the cardiologist on Tuesday

        Reply
  12. Cc ( Age: 20s / Male / Years with AFIB: 6 )
    Aug 08, 2014

    280 BPM people! Not a typo – 280 :(

    Reply
  13. Michael McCullough ( Age: 54 / m / Years with AFIB: 2-3 )
    Jul 11, 2014

    Hello,

    I am a middle aged endurance athlete who tries to continue long distance running, mountain biking, etc., while in permanent atrial fibrillation. I currently am taking Pradaxa as an anticoagulant. Running isn’t getting any easier but I keep trying.

    I’m blogging about a fib and endurance sports at http://afibrunner.com/

    I’d like to invite folks from this forum to drop by and have a look.

    Moik

    Reply
  14. ed ( Age: 70+ / male / Years with AFIB: 1 )
    Jun 26, 2014

    I have been trying without success to find out what hospital ER staff do when someone is rushed in and has excessive bleeding and is on Xarelto (rivoroxaban). I understand that there is no antidote for Xarelto like there is for Warafrin (Vit. K). So, exactly how do ER staff stop the bleeding or do they? I can’t believe that i have spent 3 hours reading various articles online and not one of them touch on this subject. I think a lot of people would be very interested in learning about this so if anyone out there can help, please do. Thanks. Ed

    Reply
    • Dianne Miller ( Age: 69 )
      Jun 26, 2014

      Here is a link to a site that gives a wee bit of info on this issue. It was written in December of 2011, so there may be more recent info out there. My mother who is nearing 95 is on Pradaxa, which is in the same catagory as Xarelto, has been to the ER many, many times. She forgets to fill the humidifier and gets dried out. My sister takes her to the ER and they are there pretty much the whole day because they have to “wait” until the drug is out of her system.
      http://www.todayshospitalist.com/index.php?b=articles_read&cnt=1411

      Best to you,
      Dianne

      Reply
  15. Ann Stoddard ( Age: 88 / Female / Years with AFIB: three )
    Apr 25, 2014

    Always been healthy…more so as I got older until Congestive Heart Failure. With second bout of it my Cardiologist had surgeon put in a combo Pace Maker and Defibrillator. Good for almost three years when my first “shock” while in the shower. Regular “pacer” checks and last May they changed the battery. Good until this April when the second “shock” came – also after I got out of the shower. Medicines: Have been (still till I get what you recommend) Carvedilol, Coumadin,Furosimide, Digoxin, Diovan, Armour Thyroid. Also take many herbs like Hawtorne,
    Curcumin, Medical Mushrooms, COQ10, Omega 3 and a number of others. In general, have felt
    pretty good,, done gardening etc. This last shock pretty well put me under – was just recoop. from Gall Bladder removal but discouraged until I ran across your web-site “Flemeton for the Heart” and the wonderful info from all of you. My contribution: I go to a Chiropractor (woman)who only uses the Activator – does great job – she recommends Magnesium powder. I used to get it from her but Natural Calm (Natural Vitality) labeled the anti stress drink…is vegan – gluten free – best buy is in 16 oz size from 1–866-416-9216. ..now get it direct from company I’ve tried to get my doctor to put me on natural things but I’ve added the natural that I use – by myself. Will be trying your ideas. Also,
    I used to take – and will now take again – Cayenne drops from naturopathic doctor Schulze of American Botanical Pharmacy in California 1-800HERBDOC. Thanks a million. Though my name is Ann – there’s already an Ann that contributes, so my first name that I will use, is, Phyllis

    Reply
    • Ann Wyatt
      Apr 28, 2014

      Hello Ann. This is the other Ann. Your chiropractor was spot on with the magnesium. I never miss a dose and have not had an episode for about 4 years. It is so long ago now that I can’t remember when I had the last one. I take magnesium orotate and as I have previously indicated, it is absorbed more easily. I rejected all other “cures” and opted for the magnesium. It was the best decision I ever made. Good luck.
      Cheers, Ann W

      Reply
      • Tina ( Age: 56 / f / Years with AFIB: 6 yrs a flutter; now a fib also? )
        Aug 05, 2014

        Hi Ann Wyatt,

        What dose of magnesium orotate do you use and how often? Doesn’t cause diarrhea?
        No meds?
        Dr’s keep saying I’m a little dehydrated due to high hemoglobin/hematocrit.
        I’be had 3 ablations, approx 10 cardioversions, 3-5 spontaneous conversions.

        Reply
  16. cARMELLO ( Age: 33 / M / Years with AFIB: 6 )
    Jan 14, 2014

    DID HE MAKE IT AND WHEN IS HE GOING TO FINISH THE STORY?

    Reply
    • Mark
      Mar 04, 2014

      Wow! Reading some information about the vagus nerve connection and Roemheld’s Syndrome blew my mind. It instantly made sense to me. Most of the comments on this link relate to acid reflux, diaphragm pressure and the vagus nerve, etc.

      http://forum.asktheneurologist.com/post-neurology-questions-f6/arrhythmia-caused-vagus-nerve-t396.html

      A contributor named Bobin also posts some interesting stuff on page eight (3rd last and 2nd last posts) about Roemheld’s Syndrome, serotonin, alcohol, acetaldehyde and candida.

      Reply
  17. Ginger
    Jan 12, 2014

    Happy New Year to all…how’s everyone doing???

    Reply
    • Dianne Miller ( Age: 69 / Female )
      Jan 12, 2014

      Great! Thanks for asking. My husband actually had a bout, they cardioverted him, and now he’s off all the drugs and on the protocol that I use. I just came across an article on Natural News, you know the Health Ranger’s site, Mike Adams. I hope it’s ok to post the whole thing as it is excellent info.
      Happy New Year to you all as well. Hard to believe we’re in another year.
      Blessings,
      Dianne

      http://www.naturalnews.com/026380_taurine_research_body.html#

      Reply
      • Travis Van Slooten
        Jan 12, 2014

        Hey Dianne! Thanks for the contribution. I appreciate it. Instead of posting the entire article in a comment, I thought I would just link to the article instead. Thanks!!

        Travis

        Reply
  18. Zoela ( Years with AFIB: 10 years )
    Dec 13, 2013

    Have your thyroid checked. Thyroid affects A Fib and irregular heart beats…

    Reply
    • Ann ( Age: 59 / female / Years with AFIB: 2015 )
      Mar 22, 2015

      Hi Zoela,
      I just read your post and I just experienced my thyroid throwing me into an Afib event. My TSH was way too low so I went from hypo to hyperthyroid. They have lowered my thyroid meds but still have me on Cardizem 180mg daily. I feel like I have side effects from this drug. Shortness of breath (I am asthmatic but was controlled), have muscle pain in chest area that doesn’t feel like heart at all (all my heart tests came back perfect, no damage done during Afib event), constipated, puffy eyes. All these things I didn’t have before taking Cardizem. I was wondering if you had Afib because of a thyroid issue and if you did, could you please share your thoughts with me? I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks for listening, Ann :)

      Reply
      • Zoela
        Mar 22, 2015

        Hi Ann, I am not a Doctor, but my advice or experience I would be happy to share. First let me ask some questions. We’re you diagnosed with AFib by wearing an event monitor? How did they diagnose you? Do you have any valve problems? Have they done echo cardiogram? Also, I have no thyroid tissue as I had RAI, so I am stuck on thyroid forever. It has been almost 25 years now. A Fib is awful and scary, no doubt about that. I cannot take magnesium due to IBS, so therefore I am always looking for different modalities in my treatment.

        Yes, my AFib was directly caused from to much Synthroid. They kept me on high doses for so many years as I complained about a racing heart, the told me I was in normal TSH range. Normal us individual for everyone. In 2004 I went to a cardiologist as my heart beats and rates, symptoms etc pointed me towards a severe heart problem in my mind. They sent me home with a misdiagnosis of everything was fine.

        I asked to wear an event monitor as I was in and out. The doctor said all was fine, so I got another doctor who promptly ordered me to wear an event monitor. Within 24 hours they had a diagnosis of paroxysmal AF. The rest I will have to write you later as I have to go, thus is a long post. Yes, cardizam is a drug I avoided. Don’t go off of anything abruptly it is dangerous. I don’t know what area of the country you live, but time to try another cardiologist and see if you were diagnosed properly and move forward perhaps. Zoe

        Reply
  19. Marina ( Years with AFIB: 17 years )
    Nov 30, 2013

    Hi! Diane Miller,

    As Im typing this to you my heart is in AFib. I for one do not think you’re nuts. Ive been doing Cayenne since 1996 for my Episodes when they hit. I take a cold ice pack & apply it to my face, neck, anywhere my intuition guides me. I also had a Catheter Ablation in January of 2010. I don’t suffer as much since the Ablation but I still have Episodes if I’m not careful about what I eat. I take Peppermint Oil Capsule sometimes when I’m having an Episode. I cough, take a small dose of Xanax on the onset. Sometime it stops soon after & sometimes it runs its course for 4 hrs., 9hrs. sometimes longer. There’s a Book Called “LEFT FOR DEAD” http://www.amazon.com/Left-Dead-Dick-Quinn/dp/0963283901
    Dick Quinn talks about his experience with Cayenne for the Heart. I was taking it before I knew about this book for my episodes but was glad when I read this man’s experience because it let me know I was on one of many right paths to helping myself during these dreadful episodes. Theres so much information out here on the internet. I read forum & I agree with many people that something in poor digestion will cause the heart to fibrillate. The stomach causes the Heart to spasm through the valve that connects the stomach to the heart. Research that if you haven’t already. FEEL BETTER & STAY STRONG…Marina~ :)

    Reply
  20. Dianne Miller ( Age: 69 / Female )
    Nov 30, 2013

    Hi all,
    I actually had forgotten that I had signed up at this site, but so glad that I did. I’ve had A-Fib going on four years now. I had an ablation three years ago, which may have worked the first month, but I have periodic episodes, which do frighten me. I didn’t want to stay on Coumadin and my doctor was willing to let me wean off. I use Nattokinase, Serrapeptase, and some Chinese herbs in a Cardio formula. I probably overdo, but I’d rather be safe than in the hospital. I also take Salvia by itself, which in Chinese is Dan Shen. You’re all going to think I’m nuts, but when I have the episodes, I use cayenne extract, a couple of droppers full, and also a homeopathich called Aconitum Nappelus, according the dirctions. In my vitamin/supplement regimen I also take hawthorne, and also when I think about it, since it’s in the fridge, not with my divvied out pills, I use the Dr. Christopher’s Heart Syrup.

    I was glad to hear about the magnesium orotate. I do take magnesium, but malate, but did go on Swanson’s site and ordered theirs. How much do you take Susan?

    I’ve probably overwhelmed you all with my diet of supplements and other goodies I take, but I feel safer than if on drugs.

    I wish you all well.
    Dianne

    Reply
  21. Ann Wyatt ( Age: 72 / Female )
    Nov 30, 2013

    Hello Susan
    I suffered from AF for about 10 years until a naturopath told me to take magnesium orotate. Gradually my AF became less frequent and I have not had an episode for 3 and a half years. My cardiologist wanted to put me on Warfarin but I refused. He has given in, since I don’t suffer any episodes any more. Try it. It worked for me. Also, stay away from any food or drink with sulphites (preservatives with the number 200+). Wine is the worst. It has preservative 220 which is deadly for AF. Good luck.
    Ann

    Reply
  22. Susan
    Nov 28, 2013

    Started getting Afib symptoms about 3 months after knee repair surgery. Also during a time of high stress with family issues. Had it so severely one night it woke me up and I went to ER where they told me my potassium level was very low from the blood work they did and they gave me two potassium pills to suck on and an IV and a couple of blankets because I was shaking so bad from the chills. I warmed up and was fine within an hour. I was told to follow up with a general md they recommended within the week. She wanted me to start Bystolic because I have whitecoat at the Doctor’s office and my BP is off the chart whenever I go for a visit.. I researched Bystolic and it causes a loss of potassium, my very problem, so I am leery to start but now I have had more incidents since this one in August so I wonder if I should try it. The racing heart awakens me about 2 hours into sleep around 1-2 am in the morning, I wake up with a start, like I am wide awake, never sleepy and my heart races, legs feel like lead weights and don’t want to walk, my hands and feet go ice cold, and my heart just pounds harder and races faster. I self-medicate with a rush to the kitchen for 4 ounces of low sodium V-8 (990 mg potassium in 8 ounce serving!) and half of a potassium gluconate pill. Hard on the stomach but it brings the rate down. I usually have a large bowel movement within a few minutes after the pill which is when I start to warm up. So now I am searching for a highly recommended cardiologist in my area rather than a general md to help me.

    Reply
    • Ginger
      Dec 14, 2013

      Dear Susan…I think the BM may be more tied to anxiety. Interesting about the potasium…when I have a banana a day, it doesn’t seem to bother me as much…

      Reply
  23. Lothar
    Sep 30, 2013

    Hi all you good people check out Taurine and Arginine,

    on the same website a little higher up lots of people have given feedback of how they have come right with it,

    type in Taurine and Atrial Fib.

    good luck

    Reply
  24. Ginger
    Sep 24, 2013

    Hi all….I just stopped to read some of the previous posts that I missed….
    “F” the Doctors line was a riot Bryan!!! I think I missed that the first time! LOL! I am now on a major battle to loose weight….my a-fib is practically non-exsistant….I think I felt a little quiver in the middle of the night the other night….so I changed positions and concentrated on a regulat heartbeat and it kicked in…I know I was dehydrated, again because I just had to have that 3rd glass of wine! but it was red!!! It’s supposed to be good for you! So sometimes I do it to myself….I’ve lost 15 lbs…then I’ll do 10 more….and then the big push for 25 more for a total of 50! Now my goal is to stay off BP medicine…my BP was way out of wack this month and it really worried me….it’s amazing what a little scare will do….
    wishing you all well….please keep us posted as to your progress….this site is wonderful and it’s been a big help to me….

    Reply
    • MARGARET Palmer ( Age: 63 / Years with AFIB: one year )
      Jan 26, 2014

      Thanks so much for your post, I just fell into this site, great support from all, am just sitting here after another 7 hour marathon which incidently I won,this is my 4th episode .2 in emergency.and 2 that I rode out alone at home, am under a cardiologist but he does not impart too much info, also on meds for BP. And asprin..
      I hate how it just comes from nowhere and its scary, my mum had it for many years and altho she lived to 92 had horrible strokes, and that is my real fear, I have to go and see my GP tomorrow to have him add it to the report, but I am going armed with questions now that I have read all your interesting posts..good
      Luck to all in 2014

      at I have read all the posts here. Will keep popping in , hope you all do well in 2014

      Reply
      • Ann Wyatt ( Age: 72 / Female )
        Jan 27, 2014

        Hello Margaret.
        I’m sorry to hear of your distress. I have been AF free now for nearly 4 years and the only thing I have done is to take magnesium orotate. It was recommended to me by a naturopath and while it took a couple of weeks to be absorbed into my body, I haven’t looked back. I have replied on this forum a number of times over the last four years and some people have tried the magnesium. It is readily available at most health food shops. My GP is now taking it. Remember, the sulphites which are in many foods and wine are known triggers.
        It is very frightening so I know how you feel. Please try the magnesium. It will not harm you. Most people lack magnesium as they get older, so it’s worth taking anyway.
        Good luck. Ann

        Reply
      • Brenda ( F / Years with AFIB: 1yr6mo )
        Feb 04, 2014

        Hi Margraet

        Got on this blog to check out AF .I had a heart ablation in May. 2014 after 3 months I was taken off Coumadin and put on a aspirin low dose of 81. This past month Jan. 2014 I have had several rapid heart beats and now my cardiologist wants to do another heart ablation since the Coreg is not helping with the heart rhythm too well, but I need to add this because I completely forgot what my cardiologist told me to take and because I hate to take pill I disregarded his advice and he said to take magnesium so before I go for another ablation I think I will start on the Magnesium as he’s suggested and I think the advice of Ann Wyatt is good. I hope this helps.
        Brenda

        Reply
  25. carl
    Sep 21, 2013

    Thanks for asking Ginger. I’m still doing well, thank the Lord, with Sotalol. It’s been almost a year and my anxiety level is quite diminished. Hope everyone else is doing well as can be.

    Reply
  26. Ginger
    Sep 21, 2013

    How’s everyone doing????

    Reply
  27. Bryan
    Jun 09, 2013

    Ya know, The worst part of all of this was the 2+ years of “them” trying this and trying that but all for naught.
    Once the cardiologist admitted the end of the line I was able to accept what is and was able to move on with my life as it is.
    I have felt better ever since knowing it is now all up to me.
    Diet and then exercise is the key I believe.
    Bryan

    Reply
    • andrea ( Age: 36 / female )
      Dec 12, 2013

      I haven’t been diagnosed with afib.I have had svt but the symptoms I’ve been having point to that. I’m on metoprolol(beta blocker) and my heart rate right now is like 62. I get intermittent symptoms.scares me.I have 2 young girls. What can I do? Docs want to tell me its anxiety. But I could just be watching TV and Boom! I’ve thought it might be what I eat but I’ve cut back to 1100 calories and drink 7 glasses of water and I can’t drop weight. I’m at my wits end and terrified

      Reply
      • Ann Wyatt ( Age: 72 / Female )
        Dec 14, 2013

        Hi Andrea.
        I still stick by magnesium orotate. I have been symptom free for nearly 4 years now. My cousin’s husband who has had a heart valve replacement was getting AFib and since I told him about the magnesium he hasn’t experienced AF again. It is safe to take. There’s no harm in giving it a try. When you go to hospital with AF they usually give you magnesium so there’s got to be something in it. The orotate version means it is more easily absorbed into the body.
        Ann

        Reply
        • Travis ( Age: 41 / Male / Years with AFIB: 7 )
          Dec 14, 2013

          Ann:

          What brand magnesium orotate do you take and where do you get it? And how much do you take?

          Travis

          Reply
          • Cheryl
            Mar 02, 2014

            Pure encapsulations
            Magnesium (citrate)

            This is what my doctor has his patients take.
            He said it is the best you can get world wide.

            Reply
          • Ann Wyatt ( Age: 73 / Female )
            Mar 05, 2014

            Hi Travis. Sorry about the delay. This message just reached me. The brand is Eagle and it’s called Mag Oro. I am in Australia and it costs about $42 for 120 tablets. A bit pricey but worth every dollar.
            Ann

            Reply
          • Carole gumbas ( Age: 73 / Female / Years with AFIB: 19 years )
            Apr 10, 2018

            I have afib and I found Dr. Carolyn Dean MD. She has afib and has an article on taking magnesium in liquid form. I have started this and seems to be working for me. She also sells the product. She says magnesium in pill form doesn’t get into your body like the liquid form.

            Reply
            • Travis Van Slooten
              Apr 14, 2018

              Carole:

              Yes. I take her product as well. It’s called ReMag. I did a review of ReMag many months ago.

              Thanks,

              Travis

              Reply
        • Stacy ( Age: 72 / female / Years with AFIB: 4 years )
          Aug 22, 2014

          To Ann Wyatt. I am very interested in trying magnesium orotate for my afib. I have found information on-line regarding high doses, 3,000 mg daily used in studies. How much do you take? Is a recommended dose indicated on the label?

          Reply
  28. Bryan
    Jun 09, 2013

    Carl,
    Unfortunately, like cardio conversion, Sotalol did not work for me either.
    They waited too long so ablation is no longer an option either.
    All I have left is control the heart rate and live with it. I am good with that.

    Ralft,
    Thanks for the link. I just might try that for my own sense of security.

    Bryan

    Reply
  29. Ralft
    Jun 08, 2013

    Regarding sleep apnea concern, please look at a pulse oximeter to see if you are getting enough oxygen into your blood when you sleep. It will record this for simple playback into your PC. It seems to me that if you have enough blood oxygen you do not have sleep apnea but my pulmonary doctor poo poo’d this perhaps because it affects his job security. I wear the CPAP every night and it does not bother me. If I don’t wear it my blood oxygen goes too low.
    This oximeter also records your heart rate. Look at:
    http://www.facelake.com/cms50e.html

    Reply
  30. carl esposito
    Jun 08, 2013

    Does the Sotalol help? It helped me tremendously. I went to several “experts” (with poor bedside manner) who wanted to do an ablation on me and also prescribed some dangerous drugs. When I finally went to my wife’s female dr. who is also a cardiologist, she immediately took me off the dangerous drugs, put me on Sotalol and plainly told me that ablation is not necessary, in a supportive and caring tone. I’ve been symptom free ever since, although I still get paroxysmal Afib, it is no where near as severe as it was before – most of the time I even forget I have it. Oh yes, and I think the CPAP, despite its awkwardness, helps a lot. Good luck!

    Reply
  31. Bryan
    Jun 08, 2013

    Sounds familiar.
    I would guess you gained weight as a result of the ailment which led to diabetes, apnea and high BP.
    I wish mine was only going up to 135 as it went to 170 most of the time and caused sweats. I gained weight got apnea and eventually type 2 diabetes. They even threw in a PSA of 4.0 (since then am down to 3.6).
    I am in permanent A-Fib now for almost a year so the doctors kept trying different drugs to see if they could simply control the heart rate. It was during a 3 day stay in the hospital while they made a failed attempt to stop the A-Fib with Sotalol that they discovered my low Potassium and put me on a supplement amongst 5 other drugs that enabled a controlled heart rate. The doctor doesn’t believe it was the potassium but doesn’t know which drug made have caused a controlled heart rate. Still have A-Fib evidenced by no P-Wave but have a controlled heart rate so stay on the total of seven drugs daily (Urologist for PSA added another).
    Since then I have been fighting back. Been using “myfitnesspal” app on my IPad Mini to track my calories and have lost 40 of the 50 pounds I had gained while worrying about dying from A-Fib over the last 2.5 years. I too got apnea but not so sure I do now that I have lost weight. I have no way to tell and tired of wearing the CPAP device but wear it every night cause I don’t want to die from A-Fib while sleeping.
    I feel better and stronger. When I lose another 10 I will start going to the gym to lose some more weight and feel even better.
    So, in summary…”F” the doctors who don’t know crap about A-Fib or how to cure or control it. Accept it, move on and fight back for your life’s well being cause the doctors aren’t going to give it to you. Do stay on the Xaralto (blood thinner) to avoid strokes.
    Losing weight will help cure the diabetes, high blood pressure and likely cure the Apnea too.
    Good luck and good health to you.
    Bryan

    Reply
  32. joe mathew
    Jun 08, 2013

    My story isa mix up of all things, for the past 3 years i have become diabetic and hypertensive. iam on 50/500 janumet once a day and on zestril 5 mg for BP and concor 2.5 OD for HHR.
    My blood pressure ranges from good days to bad days like 100/60 to 170/100 . I have become a very weak person after these things happened to my life. my current concern is sudden shoot up of heart rate from 69 till 135.
    It could happen while driving, or after an OAT meal or after having a biriyani.
    Today morning after an oat meal i was sitting on the sofa and suddenly i noticed my heart rate shooting up, prior this i would always feel a bit nauseated.
    other issues i have is shortness of breath , sleep apena, gastritis , spondylosis, cholestrol a bit on the higher side (on statin for that).

    Reply
  33. Ernette
    Mar 01, 2013

    Hi

    Thanks for the support. Last EKG
    76 to 101 instead of a steady 120 bpm. I feel great
    I think the chelation was the answer as well as the thyroid being regulated
    Also try Cactus- takes Pulse rate down immediately as well as deep breathing– Breathing out lowers the pulse rate.

    Reply
  34. Ginger
    Feb 28, 2013

    Wow Ernette….that is great. I believe the body is an incredible thing and natural things are always the best way to go….I am so happy for your improving condition!

    Reply
  35. Ernette
    Feb 09, 2013

    HI

    I had regular acupuncture and it didn’t help at all.. I then had Japanese acupressure ( organic seed put on pressure points) as well as chelation. and when I went for my EKG I was normal;. 76 to 90 BNM from 120 BPM consistent. I didn’t have attacks I had it consistent. They wanted to do ablation but I found it only had a 50%success rate in my case and could result in a pacemaker because shocked too slow. My cardiologist is elated that I seem to be either cured or controlled. from the chelation and acupressure and oriental herbs. I am79 and feel like I did when I was forty.

    Reply
  36. chris
    Feb 09, 2013

    Ralf, I never tried Accupuncture with Afib. Read Ginger’s entry on accupuncture dated Jan 9, 2013, if you still have questions about it.

    Reply
  37. chris
    Jan 10, 2013

    Ginger, Thanks for your response re” accupunture. I will try it at some point, when the right price strikes! And Carl, I am sure the relief is great for you, having switched to the new meds. Just fyi and anyone else here,
    I would be on about 6 pills right now, a defibrillator, ablations and shock therapy to the heart, had I done what all the cardio’s have pushed through the past 12 years. Instead, I continue to
    watch what brings it on. I have written lists of suspicious and real triggers twice on this site and I think the last list which i wrote just days ago, did not list cinnamon as another real cause of tachycardia for me. Best wishes to all.

    Reply
  38. Ralf T.
    Jan 10, 2013

    Thanks Chris for your post. But it created a family argument. Do you mean that accupuncture HAS helped with Afib?

    Reply
  39. Ginger
    Jan 09, 2013

    Chris…when I worked the the operating room back in the 80’s, a friend of mine was an anesthesiologist…I had acupuncture for many things from a heel spur, my first experience with it, and within 20 minutes it was gone and never came back…then over the past 30 yrs I have had other health situations arise and have always used acupuncture for treatment…most things were like pinched nerves, pulled muscles, IBS was cured, and stress related muscle spasms in the chest wall…one of the things my friend Dr John Lee told me was that everything is controlled by the brain….and he is absolutely correct. I figure its my life energy that’s out of whack, and the acupuncture corrects the life flow to proper balance….It does not work like a pill does…you don’t take it and within an hour you get relief…it sometimes takes a number of treatments, depending on how out of balance I am…I have not had acupuncture now for at least 6-8 months now…I should go back for a tune up ….LOL. I kind of know my body and I also know what acupuncture is good for and what it isn’t…like I would never go for acupuncture when it’s an infection…that’s really the only time I take medicine..when I need an antibiotic….acupuncture helps me de-stress…and even if it didn’t help for a-fib…for me I couldn’t live without it….btw, I have heard that nitrites can trigger an episode, but it’s not typically the nitrites that do it for me…it’s when I have more than 3….I’m not the party girl I used to be….oh well!

    Reply
  40. carl
    Jan 08, 2013

    I would like to share two things that have mitigated my Afib significantly in the past few months: 1, I found a new cardiologist – I visited a couple of so called “experts” in Afib and ablation who both prescribed drugs which only made my condition worse (Flecainide and Multaq, respectively). Of course, they ultimately wanted me to come back to them for an ablation. I kept on searching for more opinions and in so, found my 4th cardiologist in the one and a half years since being diagnosed with Afib. She told me that ablation is not necessary unless I felt it would improve the quality of my life – and she took me off Multaq and Toprol and put me on Sotalol. The Sotalol has worked like a charm. 2. I continued and increased use of my CPAP machine, which I believe is taking a lot of stress off my heart at night. Bottom line – My recurrent Afib is now greatly diminished both in frequency and intensity (high heart rate of 80 – 90 vs. 120 – 130 previously) and I can no longer feel palpitations/angina. I think a lot of the quality of life issues were mental and now I am even sleeping better thanks to this brave doctor and lots of praying. So yes, there is hope – I think this should help some people out there who may have given up … keep searching!

    Reply
  41. chris
    Jan 07, 2013

    Ginger, if you are still experiencing the arrhythmia, you may look into
    not having the wine. That used to bother me…perhaps the sulfites in it.
    I hope you are still feeling well. I tried all that you mentioned during those
    many years that I had a-fib. The only thing I had not tried, but thought about many times, was to try acupuncture. Do you have any info on how
    that might have helped you?

    Reply
  42. Ginger
    Jan 06, 2013

    Wow!!! That’s great news Chris…who knows, if it works for you, it may inspire others to try that route. So happy for you! Keep us in the loop…

    Reply
  43. chris
    Jan 05, 2013

    Hi! I read Ginger’s question and felt the need to respond. I have experienced major improvement, YES!, after dealing with this condition for years!!! I do not go to the doctors and have not taken any of their meds for years. Refused defibrillator, too. What I have done: cut back on chocolates, sulfites, food additives that resemble MSG, (ie yeast extract, torula yeast, etc), sugarless gum( contains aspartame), no antibiotics for years, (made a big difference for me!),dairy, pork(hard to digest for me), corn(mostly in the form of tortillas), definitely wine and beer are out….and excessive sugar does not help the body at all! i hope this helps as I feel it is a miracle of sorts that i can write this and not be feeling the arrhythmia. there seems to be a connection to the digestion process and if it is going well, the arrhythmia seems to improve…and I now forget that I suffered with it for many years! I hope this may help some of you! I definitely question the antibiotics and overconsumption of all those food additives that are in everything processed.
    God luck!

    Reply
  44. Ginger
    Jan 05, 2013

    where did everyone go???

    Reply
  45. Ginger
    Sep 22, 2012

    Hello all….had a chance to read all the post on this blog. I have had episodes of a-fib from time to time….caused by “holiday heart” and stress….my treatment and just about cure is hydration, excersise (walking daily, and acupuncture….I found that when I had more than 2 drinks, I would a-fib in the middle of the night…so now I super hydrate before, if I’m going to have a glass or two of wine….I also have acupucture to keep my body in balance…I couldn’t live without it! And also staying hydrated. Since I have been doing this, I have not had any major problems at all…I also do recommend daily walking, a banana, and sleeping on my right side….that all works for me….wishing you all the best!

    Reply
  46. Ginger
    Sep 22, 2012

    Hi everone….I just happen to stumble upon this site….there is another site that I have been active on where there is also alot of info….it was also started by Mr. Ellis I believe….I haven’t had a chance to read all the posts here….but I found this one on a link on the top right of this other posts were it says recent comments….click on that where you see my name and it will bring you to the other site….there is alot of other opinions and very helpful information….

    Reply
  47. steve
    Sep 21, 2012

    4 years ago stumbled onto AFib with a stress test–didn’t know I had it. wore a holter monitor and was diagnosed AFib with 10% of the time. Since then went to NorthWestern Memorial Hosp in Chicago. Have been put on Flecanide, Multaq (twice), Propafanone, Amiodarone (twice), had 2 ablations, ~10 cardioversions. $350,000 later (thanks CIGNA) I now have persistant AFIB 100% of the time. Yes Pradaxa is expensive but no constant blood chex with coumadin anymore. Also tried accupuncture a dozen times. Is this thing curable??

    Reply
  48. Erntte
    Jul 21, 2012

    Sorry to hear nothing worked.

    My Afib stays between 90 and 120BPM –I found an article in the International Journal of Cardiology re the Chinese Herb Den Seng–took to doctor and he said OK to go on it. I refused Coumadin, Pradaxa and all other rat poisons so was on Aspirin. Den Sheng is better than all of those prescriptions as it is not only an anticoagulant but also breaks up clots if found. I bought from Chinese acupuncturist. Also Nattokinase is 4 times better than aspirin.
    Just wanted you to know in case yu have side effects from Xarello
    I’ve decided to oxygen therapy to try and get rhythym down first before chelation. Ernette

    Reply
  49. Bryan
    Jul 20, 2012

    Just got back from my follow up visit.
    They have taken me off of Sotalol and restarting the Ditiazem.

    So, nothing has worked effectively in the 2 years of trying.

    It is the goal now to get the heart rate the under 130, live with AFib and with the help of the new blood thinner Xarelto (about the same as Warafin or Coumadin but does not require checking weekly) to avoid stroke which of course, is the major concern.

    Last week I felt younger (only 57 but felt 50) and is too bad I am back into AFib.

    I will post again with anything of value when and if it occurs.

    Reply
  50. Erntte
    Jul 19, 2012

    Your story sounds alot like mine. however I was overdosed with Syntroid that caused the Afib. Had to get thyroid regulated but they did cardioversion,lasted 3 days and back to persistent Afib & thyroid still not regulated. Found to have iodine deficiency also. They want me to have
    ablation but I found only 50% success on persistant Afib, so I have decided
    to try chelation and natural rhythym control. like Cactus & Hawthorne
    I too am on diltiazem and pottassium chloride. Had a bad reaction to dioxgis–my heart stopped for 3 secs.
    , most of the time I can keep pulse rate to 90 to 100,and sometimes even goes down to 80,but always 120 when i wake up in am.\I would be most
    interested if any of your treatments work.”Ernette

    Reply
  51. Bryan
    Jul 19, 2012

    My last post was 12Feb12 and there hasn’t been many since and boy have things changed for me.

    I was off meds from Dec 11 thru Mar 12 adn A-Fib was running as out of A-Fib for 9-11 days versus 3-4 while on meds until a couple of days before the end of the no meds experiment where I went into A-Fib in 3 days then 4 then 3 and then had my next Cardiologist appointment and less than a week later I now have persistent A-Fib where it remained for 30 days and taking Diltiazem and then Digozin before cardio conversion that lasted for two days out of A-Fib for another 30 days of A-Fib then went for Sotalol where you have to stay in the hospital for 3 days to make sure the anti-arythmic drug doesn’t knock the heart out of rythym. On the third day I was still in A-Fib so they did another cardio conversion (shock) and that was last Wednesday 11Jul12.

    My heart rate runs around 53-65 at rest and no A-Fib until 1:33pm this afternoon when I felt it kick in.
    I have a follow up appointment tomorrow. The cardiologist will likely discuss ablation.
    It was nice being out of A-Fib for 8 days. I felt younger.

    Reply
  52. james p chaburka
    Mar 02, 2012

    HAS ANYONE USED FLEMETON FOR A/FIB, AND IF SO DOES IT WORK

    Reply
  53. Paul
    Feb 15, 2012

    Hello Everyone!
    So nice to hear other peoples stories and ideas for control of the afib problems! I will give a quick story of my situation. I am 49 and had an episode two months ago. I tried to self convert and after 5 hours I decided to go to the hospital. My beats per minute were around 150 to 160 and started to get dizzy and tired. In the hospital the 2 beta blockers(digoxin and cardezim) did not work so they tried propafanol which converted me about 2 hours later. I had two episodes almost 15 years ago where I went to the hospital and was there for a good 10 hours…thank god the nurse convinced the cardiologist(he didnt believe it would work) to try a gram of magnesium in my I.V. It converted into ryhthm about 15 minutes later. Cardezim and digoxin were not working. I am fairly healthy…a chiropractor and teaching professional in tennis…blood chemistry is high cholesterol wise which I have since gotten down with better eating, losing 15 pounds and the rest is pretty normal. I am battling with the anxiety issues now with the latest episode which in turn triggers palpitations…it sucks…mind is always on alert! I will take the occasional Ativan tablet if I am over anxious and that helps. I feel that if three things with myself cross paths it may induce some afib episodes….those three being stimulants like caffeine, being tired and stressed…I am working on all of those. I read an article about the amino acids taurine and l-arginine in helping a lot of people…many of you may want to give that a try after researching it. I hope you all feel better and we find better ways to cope with the problem of afib! Thanks
    Paul

    Reply
  54. Ernette
    Feb 15, 2012

    Hi Everyone…,,,,,,,,,,Update on CACTUS

    Ran out of CACTUS 5 days ago, waiting for delivery. Had App/t with cardiologist today and heartbeat back up to 102 to 110, It had been running 81 to 86 on CACTUS ( and only for 2 weeks. I told cardiologist about this and he is looking into the CACTUS.

    The bottle is dark brown so I wasn’t watching close enough. Won’t let this happen again. Ordered 2 bottles this time, Since I now know it works.
    Hooray! No more dangerous chemicals.

    Ernette

    Reply
  55. roddey Caughman
    Feb 13, 2012

    Thanks!

    RC

    Reply
  56. Ernette
    Feb 13, 2012

    Hi Carl

    I have tried this. But my Dr. ( Alternative medicine) said Breath in count of 5, hold count of 5 and breathe out with tongue behine teeth to count of 5.
    Do this 10 times. I start out my day with this technique. Today my BP was 120/81 and heart rate 81. when first arising. Before using this breathing exercise my heart rate was always 110 to 120 on arising.
    Hope this helps.
    Ernette

    Reply
  57. Ernette
    Feb 13, 2012

    hi Roddey

    I don’t know about Zambia. But Europe is a great place to live with Af.

    The remedy CACTUS comes from Germany and most Doctors in Europe
    practice alternative medicine with convential medicine. Homeopathic especially. I would research the location where you are going to see if any European doctors are there.
    Thats the best I can tell you.
    Ernette

    Reply
  58. carl
    Feb 12, 2012

    Hey everyone,,,, an RN friend of mine told me how to mitigate “palpitations” and it worked! Simply breath in for 4 seonds, hold for 7 then breath out for 8. keep repeating until better. Let me know if this works for you!

    Reply
  59. Roddey
    Feb 12, 2012

    I am not sure this is the place to post this, but I can find no other place. I have AF, and have had it since high school (I am male, now 50 years of age). I am on medication (Amiodarone 200mg/day) and been on that since October 2011. They switched me to this after the Cardizem stopped working well. At first, all was well, but a month or so later, it start up again, and continues to worsen. While continuing my Rx, I am now pursuing increasing my potassium, magnesium, as well as more water and exercise.

    Recently, we were asked to move to Zambia for two years to work. I would appreciate your thoughts on living overseas with AF.

    Reply
  60. Ernette
    Feb 12, 2012

    To Bryan
    orry I have not had afib long enough to know if a cure. All I know is we are aiming to keep heart beat at between 68-75, I have been using the Marca Pharma Cactus and it keeps my heart rate around 75 to 80 now. I take 30 drops 3 X a day. I just want to keep heart rate down and I refuse to take dangerous drugs. I am trying the EFT suggested by Ann. I think it helps with anxiety.
    Ernette

    Reply
  61. Bryan
    Feb 12, 2012

    To Ernette and Joan,

    “When my heart in not out of rhythm, I feel great but boy let it be fluttering and out of sync, it makes you feel totally different, like a switch going on and off.”

    So true…I feel so good the day before getting A-Fib I cannot help but wonder what is going on internally. I feel so good that I can now anticipate getting A-Fib that night. I wonder if it releasesd endorphines just before a new episode. (I don’t know but I do know I feel ‘very’ good before a new episode) Perhaps it is just the contrast between the on and off A-Fib.

    Cactus – http://marcopharma.com/pro-products/Cardiology
    Among other cardiolocical remedies.

    Am curious to learn if folks that have or continue to follow this blog have gotten worse A-Fib. I am hoping no so as to lend hope to a positive future living with A-Fib. Does everyone get better even though it gets worse over time? I may be getting used to it as quite often while in an episode I test my heart rate thinking it has passed to find it at 160 bpm and am surprised with the finding.

    Bryan

    Reply
  62. Ernette
    Feb 11, 2012

    Hi Joan
    Your 2 cents is welcome. I neglected to say that I was on Armour Thyroid for 44 years with no problem and it was the only prescription I ever took.
    Then the Dr. switched me to Synthroid which caused the Afib and now I am back on Armour thyroid, ( natural desiccated thyroid) which is much better for me. I am still on the dilitzem only 60mg 2 X a day. for now. Hopefully , the cactus will get the heart rate down to 68-70 and steady. That is what we are aiming for and I can get off the drugs. Natural remedies are very slow ., but I will persevere, and know all will come out fine.
    Ernette

    Reply
  63. Joan
    Feb 11, 2012

    Hi Ernette,

    After reading your story, I had to put my two cents in. I also am on synthroid and have been since I was around 21 or 22 and I am now 72.
    Throughout all these 50 years, I have been overmedicated maybe 2 times but not as severely as you. I had radioactive iodine when I was 17 so I have to stay on the synthroid but I get blood tests very frequently to check my levels. With all that said and done, I have been dealing with afib for the past year. Over the years I had on and off symptoms of palpitations that would always settle down on their own. So this afib thing is quite annoying. I found a wonderful Cardiologist who has put me on the channel blocker, diltiazem also but 180mg once a day.
    Has helped considerably but not perfect yet. He does not want to try anything else for I have the opposite problem of low blood pressure and sometimes even the diltiazem catches up with me. The doctor knows I do not want to do coumadin so I am on aspirin therapy for now.
    Your vitamins sound pretty much like the ones I take except for the mag
    and my primary doctor tellsl me to check mag levels is very costly and they try not to do that too often for insurance companies seem to balk at that. So I try to get my potassium from my diet like bananas, low sodium V-8. Instead of fish oil she told me to take flaxseed oil which is also good as far as omega 3’s.
    That a-fib is a strange thing. When my heart in not out of rhythm, I feel great but boy let it be fluttering and out of sync, it makes you feel totally different, like a switch going on and off.
    I am all for the natural, so let’s hope with all our heads together, we can keep this thing at bay. I hope it doesn’t affect the quality of my life too much for I suppose then I would have to entertain the idea of ablation and at my age, I’m alittle skittish about that.

    I also wish to thank everyone for all the great info.

    Joan

    Reply
  64. Ernette
    Feb 11, 2012

    Hi
    Interesting web site/ :lots of info. My story is quite different. I was given by Doctor an overdose of Synthroid in error. I took for about a month while I was out west visiting my son. I drove cross country home to Fl (took 3 days)
    Home for a few days and all of a sudden I couldn’t breathe. Went to ER,where they found I had pneumonia and congested heart failure. After getting hb under 100 transferred to hospital for extensive treatment * tests/I had never had any medical problem before except hypothyroid. They found cause of AFib to be hyperthyroid caused by over dose.
    Gave scripts of dioxygen, diltiazem 89mg,lisinopril.
    I was home for 2 weeks and coluld not breathe again, back to ER/
    Back in hospital, this attack caused by the dioxygen conflicting with the diltiazem and too heavy a dose of each as well as forgot to prescribe lasix. As I still had fluids buildup from pneumonia. They again upped my dosage of both these meds and my heart stopped for 3 sec twice. Now they wanted to put in a pacemaker. I refused and told the Cardiologist to lower my meds and stop the digitalis. That night I was fine, heart did not stop and was released to go home before they killed me.

    I found a good cardiologist and they just have me on diltiazem and Omega 3 , CO Q10 Potassium, Magnesium and multi vit, B12 sub lingual.
    Monitoring my heartbeat for 6 weeks now. Still have Afib, hb never over 120.
    I found an MD who practices alternative medicine and they had a homeopathic remedy from Germany called CACTUS that will reset the sinus rate. I went to him, had a complete exam and on a detox program, diet, no dairy, no grains.lots of fruits & veg, chicken fish etc.
    Also went to thyroidoligist and having my thyroid regulated, which was supposed to stop Afib, but did not.
    I’ve been on alternative program 2 weeks and now my heart beat stay from 85 to 90. Cardiologist still wants me to take Beta Blockers and other BAD drugs, which I refuse. But I am on a natural anti-coagulant.

    Anyone interested in CACTUS can google Marco Pharma. I called and
    found 3 doctors in Fl who had it. Must have a prescription for it.
    I really feel very good. Did I mention I am 78.
    I am going to try EMFT. It will work well with my all natural program.

    Thanks for all of the great info.

    Ernette

    Reply
  65. carl
    Feb 10, 2012

    Thanks to all who responded to my post! There certainly is no shortage of information that people are willing to share! The cardiologist said that I was basically physically ok, yesterday, and that a lot of this is caused by stress. Unfortunately, he had no other advice than to double up on my beta-blockers when I feel that I am going into Afib. I had a quiet night last night, which i attribute to being medically declared “ok”. However, i still feel an occasional flutter and periodic slight “soreness”. I am thinking about looking into holistic alternatives. I appreciate all the advice and will follow up on each suggestion.

    Reply
  66. Bryan
    Feb 09, 2012

    Carl,

    It is my belief that I have amild form of A-Fib until I started takinhg the Beta Blockers. I then had episodes every 3-4 days.
    I have been off of the Beta Blockers for almost two months in a doctor approved experiment. I am taking only aspirin daily.
    My episodes come every 9-11 days so far unless I trigger one by over exertion during exercise.
    When I started taking the Beta Blockers for high blood pressue I hadn’t yet known that I had A-Fib as I only had episodes 3-4 per YEAR. I immediately felt as though I was dying and was exhausted. They determined I had Sleep Apnia (Still don’t believe it) but then also learned of the A-Fib as I was in A-Fib during the Sleep lab test. I belive I have Sleep Apnia while I am in A-Fib.
    But, feeling like I was dying for several months caused me to, let’s call it, get lazy. I was doing much of nothing and as a result gained 40 pounds. I believe that I have also stored much of the Beta Blockers in the excess fat tissue.

    When and if I go back on meds I will be taking Calcium Chaannel Blockers instead of Beta Blockers because Beta Blockers are Contra-indicated for A-Fib patients.
    I am 57 and started taking Beta Blockers in July 2010 so have been having A-Fib episodes regularly since June 2010.

    The up side…I am in A-Fib right now and have been since Tuesday morning at 2am. I hope it goes away soon as I think this one is going to be a record in it’s duration breaking the previous at 52 hours running around 160 bpm.
    During these past 52 hours there were several times when I thought I was out of it but checked my Timex watch with it’s heart rate monitor and sure enough I was still at 160 bpm.
    Apparently, I must be getting more used to the A-Fib and although I feel as though I probably won’t wake up one of these upcoming mornings I don’t feel so much that I am dying all day.
    I think it is a result of dong very small amounts of exercise several times perday. My heart will get up to 190 bpm and I get worried I am going to kill myself but the small amounts of exercise seem to be making things more acceptable.
    I have been trying (in small does) the EFT and cannot say it does anything so far but I am new to it and will continue to try.
    I no longer have anxiety about me A-Fib. I just take it as it comes.

    My non-professional advise to you is to suggest to your doctor that you want to go on Calcium Channel Blockers versus Beta Blockers before you are having episodes all the time.

    Do keep in mind that one of the worst things about A-Fib is that it is different for everyone. What works for one won’t for another and I believe this is the reason the doctors seem to offer nothing to help it. I feel as tough they don’t even care that I have it. So A-Fib is an extremely personal experience that is apparently not life threatening outside of strokes.

    I will also try using Magnesium Orotate again in the future once my experiment is over.

    So far, for me. it is the exercise that is making me feel better even though I still have A-Fib all too often. My goal is to reduce the amount and duration of the episodes as I loose way too much sleep and tired of feeling too tired.

    Reply
  67. Ann Wyatt
    Feb 08, 2012

    Hello Carl.
    I’m sorry to hear that you are experiencing A Fib.In answer to your question about EFT, it is a technique where you tap on the acupressure points on your body while you focus on how the AFib is making you feel. If you Google Emotional Freedom Technique Atrial Fibrillation, you will find explanations which should help help. This is a technique which I have used for a number of things over the last 10 years with amazing results. The first time I tried it on my husband for his golf, he improved by 7 strokes. There is plenty of other evidence where golfers and other sports people have eliminated their anxiety and improved their performances. I used it in the classroom with my students when they suffered exam stress. It really worked. There should also be names of accredited EFT practitioners that you might like to try, especially if you live in The USA.
    If you look through the archives on this site you will find in my posts the triggers for AFib which I believe can be hidden in foods and especially wine. I have only taken magnesium orotate (tablets) and gradually my AFib disappeared. I’m not saying it works for everyone but it’s worth trying. I eliminated foods and wine containing preservatives (sulphites,210,220 etc), lost 12kgs and made sure that I was hydrated. I haven’t had an episode now for over 2 years. This is in spite of the fact that my cardiologist said that my AFib would get worse as I got older. I wasn’t having any of that and maybe I was one of the lucky ones but all I can say is that what I did worked. You must always talk to your doctor and tell him/her what you are doing. Even if he/she thinks you are off the beam, it doesn’t matter. Some doctors laugh at unconventional methods but when you are having an episode, you’ll try anything and if it works, well, where’s the harm? My cardiologist is starting to come around, which is amazing, as he’s a science man through and through. Keep in touch through this website as people are very supportive. The first thing is to try the EFT and get your anxiety level down. This will help. Good luck. Let me know how you go.
    Ann

    Reply
  68. carl
    Feb 08, 2012

    re: Chris’ post, what is EFT? Sorry but I am new to this AFib thing. Was diagnosed 6 months ago. My cardiologist scheduled me for electric cardioversion 4 months ago but when I arrived at the hospital I was in normal sinus rythmn. Recently, however, Afib has returned, only this time i can actually feel it and it is preventing me from sleeping, This has been going on for a couple of weeks. Called my dr. and he told me to come in tomorrow. Is this going to be the way it is for the rest of my life? I am (only) 54 and hope I don’t have to deal with Afib for the next 20 or 30 years, if I even live that long! Pretty scary. (fyi I am on a beta blocker and a blood thinner).

    Reply
  69. chris
    Feb 06, 2012

    Ann, it was good to hear that EFT worked for you. I used to use it while lying in bed, trying to get back to sleep. It would calm my heart, somewhat, and I would drift back off to sleep. I would recommend trying it for those of us who have not. Thank you for all of your info. It is so good for people to share what they have learned could be triggers.

    For others still struggling….I listed info above in a Feb 1st and Feb 6th post…but I also want to add some more suspects in my personal quest for triggers! Definitely all the meds the doctors
    prescribed, chemical sweeteners in sugarless gum, antibiotics…are big on my list.
    Watch out for MSG disguised under many names. Sulfites are in lots of foods and sulfates can be found in toothpaste.

    There is a connection, for me, between my stomach (possibly the vagal nerve) and the uncomfortable arrhythmia I experience. But, the doctors never looked for this and were never receptive to anything I have ever said concerning the food experiences. Dr.s would agree that other patients had mentioned caffeine, chocolate and alcohol, but that was IT. I never stayed on any
    of the prescriptions for too long as I realized the episodes were intermittent when I was off the meds. I truly believe the body is a self
    healing machine, but we have to be so very tuned in to giving it what it
    needs…and it is a battlefield out there with all the toxins in our food chain. Had I not experienced weeks, months without the horrible rhythm, I would perhaps not believe that it is triggered by what we put into our mouths! But then, that may be only part of the picture. Check out this info regarding BPA and heart cells misfiring….
    http://www.naturalnews.com/BPA.html
    BPA may cause arrhythmia, heart attacks in women. 1/3/2012 – Bisphenol A overrides the natural heartbeat signal causing female heart cells to misfire, “

    Reply
  70. chris
    Feb 06, 2012

    HI Ann and Peter B, I would agree that MSG could very well be a cause as well as the
    sulphites, along with many other triggers. I have been googling effects of both on the heart/arrhythmia. I recently did have some food cooked in wine, but I don’t drink it or other alcoholic beverages. I often will get arrhythmia if I eat at Chinese places too frequently. There are so many triggers, in general, so it seems!
    My diet is quite “clean” these days, so I am hopefully honing in on the “latest” cause.. .fingers always crossed! I eat chicken almost daily and am now staying away from it…to see…wondering if there’s something in their feed which could possibly be a trigger. I know that mag/pot/sodium all work together, so I would suggest that people don’t overload on the magnesium, thereby creating an inbalance. Good luck, all!

    Reply
  71. Peter B
    Feb 05, 2012

    Hi all,
    Been a bit but I just wanted to update. Still in flutter bpm avgs 120 resting. A good days is when I get it just below 110. I have learned to deal with it for now, but it really is debilitating. my cardio version only lasted 6 days this time. Im tired of getting shocked and not lasting but on the other hand I just spent another 237 bucks on my Pradaxa.Poison! AARG! I turn 50 on Wed , so after that I am going to “deal” with it from a fresh mind I guess. I cant afford the ablation right now, but at the same time i dont want the state to pay for it either. The hospital will so inflate the cost. I have been on the mag glycinate and the last time they took my blood they said that it was the blood of someone who could run in high altitudes. Interesting, I wonder if it was the acetyl Gluithhione ? Still taking it, but it didnt magically work. One thing is for sure though…. I would rather be in flutter than afib. At least the flutter is basically in sinus. When it flips to afib it really gets my attention. Hate it! I really dont want to spend the next decade jerking around with this heart thing. And Ann, you are right… processed foods are a huge culprit. Not to mention the sodium. It is a dynamic life challenge to give up what we were used to eating for so many years.

    Reply
  72. Ann Wyatt
    Feb 01, 2012

    Hi Chris.
    You are right about episodes being triggered by food. Processed food contains so many additives that it’s no wonder people suffer from A-Fib. The worst preservatives are the sulphites (200s) and these are found in some dried fruits, wine and packaged low-fat meals(e.g. Weight Watchers).This is not the only cause, but it’s right up there. If you find that the magnesium citrate doesn’t suit, try magnesium orotate tablets because it is more easily absorbed by the body. Staying hydrated is also essential. I asked at a Noodle Bar recently if they used MSG in their food. They said that they didn’t, but it was in the sauces which came from China. We have to be vigilant, don’t we. It has been due to a process of elimination of some foods from my diet, weight loss and magnesium that I have not had an episode now for 2 years. My cardiologist is shaking his head because he told me that it would get worse as I got older. I wasn’t having any of that and I didn’t care what the global data was about its progress. All I know is, that I don’t get it any more. He’s given up arguing with me. The recurrence of your episode probably wasn’t that you felt you ate too much. There was probably some hidden additive in something you ate. Did you have wine? It’s a certainty.
    Cheers,
    Ann

    Reply
  73. chris
    Feb 01, 2012

    Over 12 years it has been since I was first diagnosed with AFib. Having tried and rejected all forms of meds and suggestions for ablation and/or defibrillators, I have found the best success lies in what I put into my body. Clean eating regularly: fresh fruits, fresh veg, chicken, fish, oatmeal, brown rice, nuts. NO dairy, breads, pastas, alcohol, caffeine, chocolates, natural flavorings, msg, sugar, chemical sugars, prepared foods, etc…..I also supplement with magnesium citrate and eat bananas for potassium. Diet like this definitely helps and keeping the digestive system happy is critical in my case. When I slip up or eat out too much, it comes back, and I can
    only guess it is additives and other food triggers which set it off.

    Reply
  74. Bryan
    Feb 01, 2012

    I had been wondering about other’s episodes as mine rarely last less than 5-6 hours. My last one was 52 hours.
    “magnesium glycinate” I am going to keep that in mind – Thanks

    I decided to stop taking the magnesium for now in order to keep with my and my doctors plan of no drugs for 120 days ending 27Mar12. I have been going 9-11 days between episodes but trying to exercise but it puts me into A-Fib. Will try less exercise. Coming off of an exercise induced 15 hours of A-Fib now.

    Reply
  75. Ben
    Jan 31, 2012

    I have had Afib 2-3 times a week for last 2 years. It last from a minute to 5-6 hours and allways stops on it own.
    I was taking dimagnesium malate from Jigsaw but no help. Editor of afib newslatter suggested Malate has heart excitatory affects and suggested I take magnesium glycinate. I switched 14 days ago and have not had even a single skipped beat since. (in the 2 wks prior I was in afib almost daily)
    Strongly reccomend anyone with arrhymias stop taking any form of malate.

    Wishing you well,
    Ben

    Reply
  76. Ann Wyatt
    Jan 19, 2012

    Hello Bryan
    I suppose everyone’s case is unique and depending on the level of magnesium needed, each person’s experience will be different. Are you making sure that you are drinking plenty of water and not allowing yourself to become dehydrated? Remember, there are other triggers, such as the preservatives in your food. The worst ones are the 200s and the 600s. The 200s (sulphites) are found in wine, especially those which are cheaper and need a flavour boost. Given all the medication you were on, it will take a while to rid your body of the cocktail of drugs. Always make sure that your doctor is aware of what you are doing (who knows, he might learn something!). I found that it took a few months for my episodes to become fewer and fewer but they did become less frequent after a couple of weeks. The fact that I was having fewer episodes also lowered my anxiety about them and one day I realised that I hadn’t had one for weeks. I have a busy life even though I am now retired as a classroom teacher after 47 years (I turn 71 next month). I joined the Rural Fire Service and am being trained as a supervisor in the Communications Brigade. Also, I am a volunteer tutor at The Children’s Hospital near where I live. There is no way I could have pursued these avenues if I had been having regular AF episodes. Be patient and don’t focus on your anxiety especially when you do have an episode. Easy to say, I know, but you will be amazed at how much you can help yourself. My cardiologist told me that as I get older my episodes will become worse, so the global data says. I wasn’t having any of that and over the past 2 years I have proved him wrong. Hang in there and keep in touch. By the way, which country do you live in? I’m in Australia (Oz). Cheers, Ann.

    Reply
  77. Bryan
    Jan 19, 2012

    Ann,

    Can you tell me about how long it takes for the Magnesium to start to make any difference?

    Is it days, weeks or months?

    Thanks,
    Bryan

    Reply
  78. Bryan
    Jan 16, 2012

    Thank you Ralft and Ann,

    Ralt, It is not severe by my standards as it used to me every 3-4 days but now every 9-11 and at this rate is simply tolerable. It gives me a chance to forget about it for a few days until it rears it head again.

    I will look for the tablet form as it makes more sense. I thought of seeking empty capsules and filling them.

    Yesterday’s epidode went away differently than usual. It just stopped as quickly as it had started whereas it normally takes a day or so in a ‘calming down period’ of my heart beating around 90 bpm so maybe the tapping and talking to myself is helping. Ann, thanks for your sample talk.

    I am looking forward to benefitting from the magnesium orotate. The boiling water method has been refined to adding much more cold water after disolving most of the power so I can just chug it down in a single go.

    Thanks,
    Bryan

    Reply
  79. Ann Wyatt
    Jan 15, 2012

    Hello again Bryan.
    I take magnesium orotate in tablet form, not powder. I break them into a few pieces and take them with a hot drink. They seem easier to swallow that way. The tapping does take practice but there is no right or wrong way, as long as you focus on how the episode is making you feel. I used to say, “Even though I am having an A-fib episode and it scares me, I accept myself and choose to have a strong, healthy, steady heartbeat. Even though I feel terrible and this A-fib is making me angry and sick, I really accept myself and forgive my heart for not beating in a regular rhythm.” Now I know this sounds absolutely crazy but I talk to my brain and my heart all the time. I am a perfectly sane person but I will do anything to help myself feel well again. It’s the SA node which connects to the brain and receives the messages about how the heart will beat, so I ask the brain to send the correct message to the SA node (or the heart’s spark plug, as I call it) and restore the normal heartbeat. Incorporate it in your tapping. Read my earlier post about hypnotising your brain etc. You’d be surprised how effective that is. Don’t give up. Also,sitting up rather than lying down while you are having an episode is more comfortable. Good luck and keep trying with the magnesium. It will help to support your heart muscle. Cheers, Ann

    Reply
  80. Ralft
    Jan 15, 2012

    Hi Bryan,
    I have had Afib since Dec. 05 but thankfully, none is as mild as yours sounds to be severe. BUT, prior to reading this blog a few months ago, I had never heard of the benefits of magnesium. In reading the various posts including I think Ann’s, the most easily digested is Magnesium Orotate which I have started taking twice daily as a capsule. I buy it on-line from Swanson Vitamin but I have seen it in my local (Texas) grocery store. I am also looking into getting myself tested for intracellular levels of magnesium, potassium and calcium. But I haven’t yet found a doctor who is familiar with this testing. I do know that the content of the blood can be OK while in the cells, it can be out of range.

    Reply
  81. Bryan
    Jan 15, 2012

    Ann,

    Please do tell me your techinque for ingesting the magnesium. I have tried putting it in water but it does not disolve.
    I put it in boiling water, stir it and then add some cold water so that I can chug it down. Most of it disolves and wonder why some of it doesn’t as it is much like the base on a disolved Alka-Seltzer which I force my self to swallow too but not sure if I need to do so.

    There has got to be a better so please do share your method.

    The directions on the bottle I have says 1/2 teaspoon twice per day and it is the 7% and NOT the stronger 14%.

    After 9 days since my last episode but only two full days of magnesium I awoke at 5:30am today at the onset of my latest episode. I tried tapping but it persists. Maybe need more practice and more time for the magnesium. I did feel pretty good for the past few days inbetween episodes; so much so that I wasn’t thinking about, what’s it called? Oh ya, A-Fib.

    Reply
  82. Bryan
    Jan 11, 2012

    Thank you Ann.

    Reply
  83. Ann Wyatt
    Jan 10, 2012

    Hello again Bryan.
    You have made some great changes to your lifestyle and these will eventually bring rewards, especially regarding your general health. Regarding EFT, there are no right or wrong words. All you have to do is concentrate on how the AF episodes make you feel. I have been known to shout at them in anger while doing EFT. It worked! Try hypnotising your brain into telling your heart to beat in a normal rhythm. That’s an experiment worth trying. My earlier post about slowly saying ‘tick tock tick tock’ to the beat you want, sounds truly strange but if it works, who cares how silly it sounds? I press lightly on the pulse on my wrist while doing this. Remember that the magnesium does have to build up in your body, so give it time. Follow the directions on the bottle as the stronger magnesium might not be taken as often. My doctor’s wife put him on magnesium and he couldn’t believe how much better he felt. He’s also sleeping better. Keep in touch through this site as I really believe that it helps everyone.
    Cheers,
    Ann

    Reply
  84. Bryan
    Jan 09, 2012

    Ann,
    Thank you for reading.

    I have already placed an order for magnesium orotate powder which is 7% versus 14% and I don’t know the difference except the later contains twice as much as the first.

    I also have already spent much time (yesterday) on the EFT site, have learned the 8 points, downloaded and read teh manuals but will have to spend a little time getting used to the spoken portion (mantra?).

    I negelected to note in my novel above that I did quit smoking in June 2010 and in September of 2011 I switched to decaf coffee and discontinued drinking sodas. I drink bottled water instead. I also avoid chocolate (I reapeat avoid as I haven’t given it up completely.

    I no longer stress about having an episode as my situation is much improved. After giving up the meds, which I remain convinced caused me to have episodes that would otherwise not have had, I surely was hoping the episodes would go back to 3-4 times a year but simply disappointed that they did not. I am still hopeful and will continue to my efforts by adding the magnesium orotate powder and EFT to my arsenal thanks to you.

    I do realize that what works for may not work for another but worth a shot. I would really like to avoid having to go back on meds. I do have a 2 filled prescriptions to 2 different calcium blockers that I will take next if and when meds are needed.

    Thanks for your encouragement,
    Bryan

    Reply
  85. Ann Wyatt
    Jan 08, 2012

    Hello Bryan. I read all of your post and what seems to come through is the expectation that you will experience another episode before too long. Other more obvious reasons for your AF could easily be the weight gain and the stress about your AF and your doctors. Doctors are important because they can monitor your situation but I have found that I could do a lot to fix the problem myself. I haven’t had an episode now for about 2 years. I am only taking 1 noten tablet a day which is meant to keep the heartbeat regular. However, I was getting AF even when I took it. It was only when I started to take the magnesium and watch the preservatives that I found the episodes were becoming fewer and fewer until now, when I don’t even think about having one. There are probably foods that you are eating which have preservatives (200s) added to them and these are known triggers. So, what I suggest you do is start again. The magnesium orotate which I take is more easily absorbed into the body and does take a little while to build up. Magnesium is a great supporter of the heart muscle. Also a build up of fluid is not good as it can cause the heart to ‘flip’ so my cardiologist told me. Walking is very good for keeping blood pressure down but if you are not eating properly and drinking lots of water to keep yourself hydrated you run the risk of more episodes. I am only speaking from experience in terms of the dehydration as it can also be a trigger. Read through my early posts for hints about getting the heart back into normal rhythm and above all, don’t allow yourself to become stressed. I know that’s easy to say but there are many ways of dealing with it, one of which will suit you. Look up Emotional Freedom Technique atrial fibrillation on the internet and you will find some pretty good advice there. I have used it and it works. There are references to it in my very early posts. Good luck. Keep in touch through this site because people are very supportive.

    Ann

    Reply
  86. Bryan
    Jan 08, 2012

    Maybe I should apologize as that was a lot longer than I had thought it was.
    If you read it all then I hope it helps and if you didn’t then I am sorry for making it too long.

    Bryan

    Reply
  87. Bryan
    Jan 08, 2012

    Thanks Robert and all who have posted.
    I have taken special interest in Ann’s postings as a light in the tunnel.
    I have just finished reading this entire blog for the first time. I don’t kno2w when I started but has been couple of hours in doing so.
    I was hoping to see more positive results to usage of magnesium orotate. Perhaps it will be my own in the future.

    My story…
    Prior to visiting my internist in June 2010 I had 3-4 experiences of what were likely AFib (although I no longer know or remember) and they were over a period of about a year so 3-4 times a year.
    I smoked cigarettes (2 packs a day), about 30 lbs overweight, rarely consume alcohol, an occaisional puff of the wacky weed and was 55 years old then.
    I didn’t or never really liked the medical profession due to the idea like if you hang around criminals you wind up in jail; walk in the rain you get wet sort of concept. My previous visit to a GP was about 5 years before and blood pressure then was 140/86 ish.
    June 2010 BP was at 160/92.
    The new internist (who I liked) referred me to a cardiologist who didn’t care about the fast heart rate I came to investigate as he was concerned about the high BP and put me on:
    IC Metoprolol 100mg and IC Simvastatin 20mg 29Jul10
    These meds did not agree with me.
    I immediately started ‘feeling’ exrtemely tired to a point were I was doing nothing. Just sitting around.
    The end of August was my next visit and switched to IC Atenolol 50mg, IC Lisinopril 20mg starting in the beginning of September along the IC Simvastatin 20mg.
    Still tired and now having a ‘feeling’ that I was dying.
    I gained 40 pounds between July and November.
    Back to the cardiologist. I like people from India. I work with them daily. But, the cardiologist is caring about my concerns with weight gain, being tired and feeling like I am dying about as much as he would if I was a slumdog. He was the doctor. Last time I went to him.
    Back to the internist (will call him PCP (Primary care physician)) explaining my concerns so he sets me up to go to the Sleep Lab to check for Sleep Apnia.
    The night of the sleep lab I show up and I am already in AF but I don’t yet have a name for it because I have no tbee diagnosed as having it yet but I have the racing heart.
    They wire me up (about 20 wires from head to lower leg) and the test starts. 20 minutes later I got to pee and again in 10 minutes and then in 15 and then 20. (nobody else mentions this above?) and this is the worst part.
    Jumping ahead…I get the results that says I have severe sleep apnia and
    concerns about Ventricular Tachycardia so they set me up with the nuclear stress test and the EKG and ECG or whatever they were that showed all was normal specifically no issues regarding Ventricular Tachycardia. Of course I am not in AF during any of the testing like I was during Sleep Lab.
    It made me wonder if AF causes Sleep apnia or Sleep Apnia causes AF.
    My wife who sleeps in the same bed as me and is in the medical profession has never experienced me waking her due to gasping for a new breath due to Sleep Apnia.

    By now I am having AF every 3-4 times a month instead of 3-4 times a year and am personally (not professionally) convinced it is due to the medications.

    Back to my PCP explaining how I Iam not seeing the cardiologist any longer and why and he switches the IC Lisinopril 20mg to IC Amlodipine Basylate 10mg in Jan11 but stop taking it in Feb11 (don’t remember why but suspect due to not being able to determine which drug is killing me and causing the feeling).
    The PCP puts me on a 48 hour holter monitor. I have no episode during the 48 hours.

    Back in November I talk with my wife and friends and they convince me that the doctors who are trained for several years know much better that I do and of course this is true so I stay with the program as I do want things to be better but have gotten considerably worse and we have yet to investigate the ‘palipitations’ or ‘racing heart’ I went for in the first place adn I complain to my PCP in addition to confessing that it is possible that I am crazy but really need to express that I believe the treatment is killing me as I all now too often feel as tough I am dying.
    He sets me up for the CPAP fitting at the sleep lab and takes me off of the possible supsect of Simvastatin.

    I go into the sleep lab thinking I am not Afibbing tonight so I probably won’t have Sleep Apnia either so ask for the lab person to verify before fitting me. Her response was “Oh, you have sleep apnia; the first visit proved that and we have those results here”.
    In the morning she said “well, we cured the snoring” but never mentioned the sleep apnia. That was in Oct11. I’ll come back to this.

    My PCP now more willing to listen to me regarding the dying feeling sets me up with a 30 day holter monitor cause he now suspects I may have AF. Of course I can clerly document it using the 30 day monitor and now he is with me adn we are in agreement that I have AF and he sends me to a new cardiologist of American culture per my request.

    All this time I decide not to look up all of this information on the internet as I want to go along with what the doctor think and know but soon learn that they really know little about AF.
    In about 10 minutes at http://www.afibbers.org/faq.htm I learn all of what I had been wanting to know since before I had my first visit. I have Vagal Lone AF.

    The new cardiologist is a wonderful man who is willing to listen to what I am saying and generally seemed concerned about my health and my well being too. He wants to reserve his right to properly determine which AF I have and later decides I have Paroxysmal AF. He helps me wean off of the Atenolol and told me to stay on IC Hydrochlorothiazide 25mg that the PCP had me on last.
    That was 11Nov11 when I started weaning (4 days at 1/2 twice a day instead of 1 twice per day, 4 days of 1/2 once per day and then 10 days of none) and getting off of Atenolol was not a good experience as I had learned months before when I had once forgotten to take it as it is a drug that does not like to give up a paying customer (must be designed that way by the maker). The pounding was much greater then ever before.
    Prior to now my episodes would come around 12:30am and often would be done within 12 hours and sometimes even in 6 hours but now are lasting between 30 and 48 hours but think it is the designer drug trying to convince me to get back on it.
    A month later I am still getting episodes every 3-4 days but since I had gained all that weight while I was on the meds my wife suggests that it could have had an effect on my weaning process with it storing it in the fat tissue adn this sounds good to me.
    30Nov was the last day of weaning.
    2Dec11 and 6Dec11 I have episodes so just so that I know it is not the meds on 10Dec I stop taking the IC Hydrochlorothiazide 25mg (against my Cardiologist’s instructions) Now drug free excect the remaining prescribed 325mg Aspirin daily since seeing the new cardiologist.
    Note: Since taking meds my BP was lowered to like 120/82 but only when I had been walking 5 days a week from April 2011 until Sept 2011. All other times the BP was high and now off all meds is back to where it was before I started seeing the PCP in June 2010 at 160/92.
    On 9Dec11 I experience what I call a “New Afibby thing” wheras I have the fast heart rate but is much more relaxed between 90-100 whereas all previous episodes were either around 135 or 155 adn now they are happening only every 11 days.

    With eleven days in between it has now given my body to re-experince what I now call a “good day” as I feel generally good much like a did 18 months ago before going to see a doctor but I am having the good day on the 11th day and now learn that means I am about to have an episode but really hoping that that was the last episode but wasn’t.
    So 6Dec, 17Dec and 28 Dec I have normal episodes (135bpm) and learn the “New Afibby thing is the days following as it is ‘calming down’ and before a “Good day”
    My last episode was 6Jan12 which was only 9 days since the previous one and hopefully that was the last episode (not likely).
    I will say that every 9 or 11 days is much better than every 3-4 days and I get to have a Good day in between where I am not exhausted.

    Re; Sleep lab. That was 25Oct11 and have never been contacted by the in home person to come and set me up with it adn I am not calling since I don’t belive I have sleep apnia anyways unless I am a-fibbing. I can’t help but wonder if they decided I didn’t have it during the lab visit when they were able to cure the snoring since I hadn’t been a-fibbing.

    Now I am much more in tune with the idea of the risks of stroke related to both AF and hypertension so am concerned.

    I hope to convince my cardiologist to let me remain off of the meds an additional 90 days (didn’t mention that earlier that it was for 90 days so I would be convinced that I need to be on meds) so that I can then start exercising in the spring weather again as that woud bring down the BP that could possible result in diminished AF episodes. I wouldn’t mind going back to 3-4 times a year if that is what I had.

    I am also going to try out the magnesium orotate.

    I am not sorry for the long story as I was inpsirede to share it by reading all of yours.

    In recap…
    It is Okay to be scared because feeling like you are dying is not a pleasent feeling even if you are not.
    It is Okay to be an advocate for your own health and well being and I emphasize the well being portion as that is what is taken away when you have AF.

    I have tried several medications and they apprently are not working for me but my actions have not made it worse either. I feel better than I did a month ago and do not look forward to my next episode.

    Good health to all and thanks for listening to my story too.

    Reply
  88. Zoe
    Jan 07, 2012

    To the person who said they have diarrhea & is taking turmeric: it could be the turmeric causing the diarrhea. It happened to me with tumeric

    Reply
  89. Peter B
    Jan 04, 2012

    just got cardioverted today.. ahh ..what a nice feeling to see only double digits for a heart rate. Im still on the Pradaxa and the flec, but off of the others. my doc prescribed a beta blocker metoprolol tartrate 50 mg twice a day. Funny cause I have good blood pressure. I guess it helps prevent SVT’s as well. Anyone take this crap before? Are the side affects worth it? I read it limits exercise and makes you depressed. Great…I work outside.How depressing.

    Reply
  90. Peter B
    Dec 31, 2011

    Happy new Year to all of you,
    another update, i have still been in flutter for a month now and it is getting old. Does anyone have a number of times they were told that they could get cardioverted? I have been five times this month as far as i know,( i was under two of the times and dont know how many times they tried) Also a client recommended me Acetyl Glutithione and her ex hasnt had an episode in 8 months WITH wine intake. Also, The Doc out of Denver who has been taking it hasnt had an episode in 10 years. Unfortunately my flutter is arrogant and doesnt want to stop but once I am in SA I will see if it works for me.The ablation is looking like a necessity at this point but I will try anything else for hopes sake…..

    Reply
  91. Ann Wyatt
    Dec 29, 2011

    Hello Ralft.
    Happy New Year to you. If you live in Australia you can purchase the drops at some of the liquor outlets. I bought mine at Vintage Cellars at Round Corner Dural, Sydney for about $6.00. There is a wonderful book called The Chemical Maze. Your Guide to Food additives and Cosmetic Ingredients, written by Bill Statham. He lives on the South Coast of New South Wales. His book is available at Health Food Shops and is marvellous. It’s been updated a few times so he keeps ahead of what’s out there. It lists all the numbers of the preservatives/additives and their numbers so you can check food labels when you shop. Usually wine says on the label that it contains sulphites. Some cheaper wines use quite a bit to improve the flavour. There are so many people who experience reactions to wine these days that all the wine labels seem to indicate that the wine contains sulphites. However, all is not lost. Preservative free wine is available. Not the organic kind. Hardys and Happs make very nice red and white wines free of the dreaded sulphites. I hope this helps you. Let me know how you go. Cheers, Ann

    Reply
  92. Ralft
    Dec 29, 2011

    Hi Ann and Happy New Year to everyone. Where did you find these drops and how do you know if they are effective? How do you find out what preservatives are used in wine or any other foods. And where does one find the preservative numbers that are mentioned by others?

    Sorry for the repeat post but i forgot to check the “Notify Me” boxes below.

    Reply
  93. Ralft
    Dec 29, 2011

    Hi Ann and Happy New Year to everyone. Where did you find these drops and how do you know if they are effective? How do you find out what preservatives are used in wine or any other foods. And where does one find the preservative numbers that are mentioned by others?

    Reply
  94. Ann Wyatt
    Dec 27, 2011

    Hello Megan.
    Firstly, I am not in the medical profession but I do know that it is common for people on warfarin to have bruising. No doubt your dad’s doctor will explain this to him. It is usual to have to have weekly checks at the surgery to make sure that the level of warfarin prescribed is correct for the condition of the patient. Try not to let dad see that you are all worried because this will make him anxious. Give him plenty of TLC and reassurance. Men are not good patients as we women know and they like to be cared for but not fussed over. Play some calming music and gently massage his hands. This might sound a bit ‘woosy’ for a bloke but it really does help. I’ll bet dad doesn’t drink enough water. Sometimes dehydration can bring on an episode. Everyone is different and certain things in one person will not be a trigger in another. The known ones are caffeine, preservatives (220s, which are sulphites) and chocolates. Sometimes people have a reaction to codeine, as I do so I avoid it. I am sorry about dad’s pneumonia. It takes a while to recover. A patient can look well enough but the body takes time to heal. It’s wonderful that you care so much about your dad and I’m sure that he will do everything he can to get well. He’ll just need some help from his family. He obviously works hard and it’s his turn for some pampering. He might resist at first because men try to tough it out but he’ll get to like it and appreciate all you are doing for him. Keep in touch with this site because people here have good advice. Good luck. Ann.

    Reply
  95. Megan Willis
    Dec 25, 2011

    hi, thankyou for sharing your story. Recently my dad got really ill, he suffered pneumonia and he was in hospital for 11 days, in hospital they informed him he had suffered a minor heart attack. So a few months after he was out of the hospital, we knew he still wasnt right, he started to get out of breath really easy and he wasnt himself. About a month ago he was told he had atrial fibrillation, we think it was caused by stress, he works all day in an office and he runs his own business; he comes home to a wife and two teenage children (i am one of them). Now being a teenager we just though dad would get better and that things didnt need to change. About 3 weeks ago my dad felt lightheaded and had to sit down, khalf of his vision was completely cut off and one side of his face had dropped. We kept putting it off and telling ourselves it was due to tiredness but after about a week he told his doctor about it. The doctor told him he had suffered a transient aschemic attack. My dad is now taking warfarin along with other tablets, a large bruise appeared on his arm and he doesnt know how he got it, im really worried about my dad, please can someone tell me what usually happens in situations like this. Is he going to be okay? Thankyou.

    Reply
  96. Ann Wyatt
    Dec 22, 2011

    For those of you who have a reaction to wine, white or red, because of the sulphites used as preservatives, I discovered the other day, that there is a small bottle of drops you can purchase which negate the effect of preservatives. Apparently it has been available for some time. There are times when I feel as though I would like to be sociable and enjoy a glass of wine with friends, but I have been too scared because I know it will bring on Afib. I get sick of explaining to people who say, “Oh, go on, one won’t hurt” that I cannot drink wine.

    Merry Christmas to you all and I hope you continue the search for that elusive cure.

    Cheers,
    Ann

    Reply
  97. Ann Wyatt
    Dec 13, 2011

    Hello Joy.
    You are right about being cautious about magnesium and that is why my naturopath recommended orotate because it is more easily absorbed, avoiding possible side effects. Also, a build-up of fluid is not good either, according to the cardiologist. It has an effect on the workings of the heart and can cause it to ‘flip’ into AF. Everyone’s experience is different and I agree, that we can all help each other.

    Reply
  98. Peter B
    Dec 11, 2011

    Hey all again,
    My script for the Pradaxa is gonna run out soon and i sure dont want to get another one. Besides the cost I HATE the possible side affects. I am waiting to get an ablation as time and money allows but I”M also tired if having a bpm of 120 to 140 24/7. To refresh everyone I am taking verapimil and flec and cardizem twice a day. Im supposed to take the flec and verap 3 times a day but frickn a, thats a lot of meds. I want to get off of the Pradaxa but I dont think 325mg of aspirin a day will have the same effect. The last thing I want to have is a stroke. I’m not going to try and get shocked back into SR because Ive been shocked 5 times this month already! When I go in again I hope to get it done for good. I dont think these meds are doing anything. The most that happens is I go from afib to flutter. Earlier when I would go into afib my bpm would stay way under 100, now I cant get it below 115. I woke up this morning with it 138.. This sucks….

    Reply
  99. Joy
    Dec 10, 2011

    Hi Ann

    If only it was so easy. I’ve tried them all, all the Magnesium’s, the Taurines and the Co Q10s. I’ve tried acupuncture, massage, relaxation therapy and exercise. I’ve tried the nasty drugs Flecainide, Sotalol, Metropolol (still taking a small dose) and others. My guess is AF is a personal thing for most people and what works for one doesn’t necessarily work for another.
    It’s great that every one contributes their ideas to the site as we can all take what we need and try it, and if it doesn’t work we can try again, keep on fine tuning as it were.
    I currently take a high absorption chelated (100%0 magnesium) x 4 times a day. It’s OK, but I still get AF at least once every 10 days and sometimes 2-3 days in a row.
    Magnesium can have some nasty side effects for some people, minor ones can be drowsiness; dry mouth, nose, or throat; heartburn; nausea; thickening of mucus in the nose and throat; upset stomach, so always be aware.

    Reply
  100. Robin
    Dec 09, 2011

    I’ll check it out. Thanks!!

    Reply
  101. Ann Wyatt
    Dec 09, 2011

    Hello Robin.

    Most health food stores will have a small book which you can purchase. If you live in Sydney, Australia, there is a wonderful little book called The Chemical Maze. It has everything you want to know about preservatives and their numbers. It has becaome my bible.Otherwise, there is plenty of information on the internet. Just Google preservatives and numbers. Let me know how you go and if you have trouble, I will find it for you.

    Cheers,
    Ann

    PS. Gold star and a tick from my cardiologist today. He believes me at last about the magnesium orotate. Yay!!!!

    Reply
  102. Robin
    Dec 07, 2011

    Ann, where do we look to find these preservative numbers? Thanks,

    Robin~

    Reply
  103. Ann Wyatt
    Dec 07, 2011

    Hello Joan.
    Thank you for replying to my post. The difference with the magnesium orotate is that it is more readily absorbed by the body. I found that the A-fib episodes became less frequent as I kept taking it. It supports the heart muscle and helps to regulate blood pressure. What was interesting too, was that I lost the fear of having an attack at night. My GP confessed that his wife was making him take magnesium and he did feel better. He was getting more sleep as well. Be patient with the orotate because natural medicine takes a while to build up in the body. Let me know how you go.
    I have an appointment to see the cardiologist tomorrow and I also have to have my usual ECG. There is never anything untoward on it but I suppose that it’s a good thing to have check-ups. He’s going to try again to get me to take Warfarin or Pradaxa but I’m ready for him. I take aspirin each night and that will do me. I’ve downloaded the brochure on Pradaxa off the web and the possible side effects are not worth the risk. I have some pointed questions to ask him as to why he wants to place me in that position. After all, the fees I pay him probably make the payments on his Mercedes. It’s in his best interest to have me healthy and around!
    I am a great believer in checking out food labels, as I have indicated in earlier posts. Anything with preservative 220,221 etc or numbers in the 600s is deadly for AF. Chinese restaurants might not add MSG but it’s in the sauces they import from China. It’s important to check anything with your doctor but ask the questions! Good luck.
    Regards,
    Ann

    Reply
  104. Chris
    Dec 07, 2011

    As a child and through my teens and 20’s, I had bouts of parox svt. I lived with it and got used to it with vagal maneuvers. Throughout my life, I have been very active, highschool wrestling, baseball, football and then into the Marines. This year at age 40, I have had 4 bad afib attacks that wake me from sleep. Sometimes, if I wake to pac’s, which I believe have been the triggers to the afib, I can get out of bed and “be awake” and this will keep it at bay. I tried cardizem and flecaneide, cut out all caffeine and alcohol and eating cleaner, largely a whole food plant based diet with a little fish. However, the drugs make me exhausted, naseous, anxious and fearful that im poisoning my body. All of my attacks are at night while sleeping. Im more prone to an attack if I exercise intensely that day. They are now more frequent.

    I decided to be more aggressive. After some research, I have found a great EP at an internationally known hospital that has performed approximately 20 ablations a month for the last ten years. Although, I originally gravitated towards cryo, the doc now says with new “force sensing” technology with a 3d mapping system, they can now measure the amount of RF energy that is applied to the circumference of the pulmonary veins, which has also resulted in a higher success rate.

    So I am having the ablation in January 2012, and I’ll be sure to stay in touch from this point on, until this blog no longer exists. I love all of you for sharing your experiences, it helps to know there are others that understand….Thankyou

    Reply
  105. Teresa
    Dec 05, 2011

    I had never heard of this condition until I was diagnosed with it 2 months ago. I think the worst thing is the fear that seems to go with it. I do tell myself that it won’t kill me, but it is still very scary in the middle of the night. I was really interested to hear how many others only seem to get the attacks at night. I have had two attacks that sent me to the ER, the third one I drove myself and it had stopped by the time I got there. I have had all the tests, stress etc., and everything is normal, no damage, no furred arteries. I had no potassium the first time because I had been taking diuretics but level is IK now. I am going to try the magnesium oratate and see if that helps, thank the lord I don’t have them all the time, well not yet anyway, hopefully never.

    Reply
  106. Ken
    Dec 03, 2011

    Hi! Found this site after researching A-Fib and medications. I am 46, male, and had my second bought with A-Fib this past summer. First time was about in my late 20’s and I took a trip to the ER and got it fixed. I have suffered from arrhythmia’s since about 18 as well as take meds, and vitamins to try and control the palpitations and fast beats. I had an ablation done in my 30’s and was off all the meds for about 11 years until I had my recent episode. My blood pressure was never high, heart is fine, been checked and had many eco’s. I even been told that the MVP was very minor and I didn’t not need any valve replacement. So, for years I took Magnesium and Co enzyme with good results. Well, after my A-Fib came back the doctor put me on Cardzium 240SR daily. It seems ok but now I think it may not be working. I get palpitations daily, skipped beats and pauses that shake me up. More so thant every before, I usually get them when stressed or nervous but now they come from sleeping, relaxing, just about anything. I have had them in the past but keep getting told this is normal after all the tests but after being on this drug for about 4 months, I noticed more and more frequent and bothersome. It is bad enough that I have anxiety issues at times since being aware of my heart constantly. I also been prescribed Ativan .50 mg for the nerves but only take it half a dose at night to sleep sometines or when I am over stressed. It helps but I still get the sensations described above. I had never passed-out, felt dizzy or had a hard time breathing. No chest pains, no swollen ankles. Overall pretty healthy in most respects. My concern is what Cardizum may be robbing my body of certain minerals, potassium if that is possible or it is just the wrong med?? I have had blood test and all my levels are normal, or at least by the set standards. I did have low potassium when I was in A-Fib and Vitamin D was also low. But the doctor just gave me a one-time supplement and said that should be fine. So rather than keep going on and on here, could the Cardizum be causing the symptoms to be worse? Or, it is that I just need maybe another type of med. One last note, the Cardiologist did tell me that I really do not need to take the meds but also prescribed me a pill-in-the pocket to take at one time if I had A-Fib again. The medication was called Rythmol. I could also just got on that as well as other meds for A-Fib but that was what they gave me first so I just went with it.. I just want the skipped beats, pauses, flutters to stop or go benign like before. I upped my Magnesium but do not take potassium. I do eat a banana every other day or couple of days. So I often wonder about that as well.

    Ken

    Reply
  107. Robin
    Dec 03, 2011

    Hi everyone, saw my primary care Dr yesterday for a check up. Told him that I still feel “flutters” at times and he told me to get some MagOx 400. Found it at Walgreens. Anyone here use this and is it better than the Calm brand?

    Robin~

    Reply
  108. Joan
    Dec 02, 2011

    Ann
    I truly enjoyed reading your post. I was diagnosed with AF about 6 months ago. I was taking Magnesium 250 Mg for awhile but it was an over the counter. What is the difference between that and the magnesium orotate?

    I am on a low dose of diltiazem cd and it has helped tremendously but I do believe in the natural things and so I will strive to do that. I also refused Pradaxa and coumadin and now my Cardiologist has me on 2 baby aspirins per day. I do worry about heart meds especially regarding the liver and probably the kidneys also.
    I am 72 but quite active as it sounds like you are too.

    Reply
  109. Ann Wyatt
    Dec 01, 2011

    Hello everyone.
    It is some time since I contributed to this forum. It is now 18 months since I had an episode of AF. I have been taking magnesium orotate for about 2 years and I believe that it has been the reason that I do not have AF any more. As for wine, I found a wonderful Australian wine from Margaret River (Happs) and it is preservative free. The sulphites in wine and indeed other food products are deadly to AF sufferers. I can now enjoy a glass of wine with family at dinner. My cardiologist wanted to put me on Warfarin and I refused. He said that Pradaxa would soon be available and that would be better. Again I refused because I researched it on the net and found it to be just as bad. I don’t believe I need it if I don’t get AF any more. I believe that weight, dehydration and stress are triggers for many and as I have lost 14 kilos and drink more water, I have helped myself to a better quality of life. I am 70 years of age and I’m not going to spend the rest of my life in fear of an attack. I still have my checkups and the cardiologist is perplexed as to why I don’t suffer from AF any more. Good luck everybody.

    Reply
  110. Peter B
    Nov 27, 2011

    Ok, here is the update.I went and got the TEE, which is the most horrible experience I have subjected to.They were able to convert me to sinus HOWEVER, as i speak I am now in afib. Earlier today my heart rate went down to 41bpm. The day after the conversion i could tell that my heart was really pissed off. it was beating around 60 to 70 bpm but it would thump really hard on each beat.As the day went on i would start to get mixed beats.It seemed to me that the verapamil was messing me up, because when i skipped a session(one dose) everything was fine, but 5 hours after taking it is when i started to have the problems. i just read that it releases in about that time.when i was in getting my cardioversion i asked a doc what he thought of cryo vs RF. He said that the EP he works with (my Doc) only uses cryo on children because of the size of the heart and in healthy adults the RF is more precise and aggressive in dealing with flutter. Still, Afib is harder to deal with and still has only a 70% success rate. But that is better than nothing right? My job is physically demanding and I cant afford to be in this state of utter crap. Who really knows what is happening to my liver with all the meds.Ugh! Maybe i can get lucky and it will convert by tomorrow. i never did go out and buy the orotate magnesium yet. guess i better give it a shot.

    Reply
  111. Robin
    Nov 26, 2011

    Oh and I’m 47 but have felt stuff since my late 20’s.

    Robin~

    Reply
  112. Bruce
    Nov 26, 2011

    Hello all. What a great blog/site this is! So glad to find it. Thanks for putting this out there, Robert.
    I was diagnosed with AF on June 27th this year. I’m 46 and in good shape.
    I had just gotten out of the shower and all of a sudden, it felt like my heart was flopping around in my chest. I got dressed and walked to my moms house (about a 30 second walk) and told her and my stepdad I thought something wasn’t right.
    My stepdad drove me to the ER where they were able to put my heart back to normal with drugs in just a few minutes.
    They ran all kinds of tests and I came up normal with all of them.
    They kept me there for about 3 hours then sent me on my way after prescribing me Metoprolol and Coumedin.
    Now I’m only on 25mg of Metoprolol and 81mg of aspirin once a day.
    Other than a few very minor episodes of palpitations, I’m doing well.
    The thing is now, when I try to ride my exercise bike my heart rate shoots way up to like 140-160 bpm and it didn’t do that prior to taking the meds.

    I should back up some. I kinda new something was going on with me not right back in 2010. I was having panic attacks and palpitations every so often for no apparent reason. That kind of thing is totally out of charactor for me.
    Then later on, I became aware that I was able to feel my heart beating all of the time. Very unnerving. Then on Christmas day I had what I thought was a very long panic attack, which was actually probably an AF attack.
    My heart started pounding, I was very anxious and couldn’t sit still. I ended up walking around in the rain for about 2 hours before it subsided.
    I had been under extreme stress for most of 2010–work related–and to top it off, my cat passed away Christmas Eve and I buried him on Christmas.
    I pretty much blame stress/anxiety for bringing on my AF. Probably a magnesium and potasium defeciency as well.

    Back to the exercise thing. Has anyone eperienced your heart rate spiking up like that after being prescribed meds for this deal?

    Thank you all for posting up your personal dealings with this discusting ailment.
    My heart goes out to you folks who deal with this on a daily basis.

    Reply
  113. Robin
    Nov 26, 2011

    Hi everyone, found this blog after Googling “dull chest ache with Afib”. I was diagnosed this past July with Afib. I’ve felt “flutters” and “flip flops” for years but all previous tests came back normal. All my current tests for heart disease are normal, so I’m not sure what has brought this on. It’s causing me great distress and anxiety though. Can’t sleep well because I just know I’m going to die during the night. lol

    Robin~

    Reply
  114. Peter B
    Nov 21, 2011

    Well,I’m going to go and by the magnesium orotate. i have been taking the citrate and the glycinate of and on and it has helped occasionally.I am 49 yrs old and have been in atrial flutter for almost two weeks now. Starting around 18 yrs old I used to get svt’s and my heart would instantly race to 180 bpm. i would compress or breath in slowly and that used to convert in in minutes. Throughout the years i would get it after partying to much but I was “still in control”.It was in my late 30’s that my tach digressed to an a-fib. They gave me digoxin which I took for 1 day and had an episode I thought would kill me. Quit that and didnt have a real problem for many years. My tachycardia would now through the recent years digress into a-fib but would convert on its own. Thanksgiving of ’09 i had to go to the ER and spend a day getting a TEE and then zapped into sinus. I told the doctor that I would like to try flecainaide because the previous doc gave me cardizem and verapimil and they combined almost killed me.( at least i felt like that, my bpm was 180 with the abnormal beats) Well… that lasted a year and i got lazy with the meds and had a few minor episodes.i went into the ER 3 weeks ago and they tried to zap me three times with epic fails on all three. So they jacked me up with heprin and digitizem and gave it another try with success. when I got there i had tachycardia of 140 bpm. After the 3 failed zaps i went into flutter and afib periodically.continued my meds like a good little boy but BAM! back in flutter after 3.5 days. Went to the Doc and he sent me home with a script for Pradaxa to thin my blood. Way better than the rat poison Coumadin and no blood tests needed. So now i wait 2 more days for the TEE and conversion again. I hope that it sticks this time. I have been reading about the different ablations,cryo and af, and I am totally going for something of that sort. Even if it is only 70% success rate, its better than taking these lousy drugs for the rest of my life and messing up other organs. I wanted to speak this story to try and give a little light on the subject. My heart problem changed! It went from a mild nuisance, to being problematic. BTW.. I work outside and am in pretty good shape. Have normal to low blood pressure100 over 60 at the lowest when I ride or run,and don’t have an overactive thyroid. I also gave it to my son,who, when he was a baby had an episode at 2 months. He is now 18yrs and is extremely athletic and is able to somewhat control his problem. I plan on only taking the Pradaxa till my script runs out and going back to aspirin. Hang in there brothers and sisters of heart problems, it seems like the medical community is somewhat past the elementary learning curve in dealing with these problems. I root for the cryo ablation because it seems less dangerous, is easier on the EP and the recovery time is a lot shorter. The caveat is that there hasn’t been enough time passed to compare the success rate to the RF ablation. I am hoping that the RF ablation will be an archaic method of dealing with this, and technology will prevail to make it more accessible to everyone.

    Reply
  115. Ralft
    Nov 14, 2011

    I was diagnosed with AF in Dec. 05 and have had 3 or 4 recurrences since. During that time, I saw and was treated by 5 cardiologists and NONE told me of the possibility of sleep apnea causing or worsening the AF. But when I saw a 6th to discuss the possibility of an ablation, he assured me that there definitely is a linkage. I was tested and confirmed to have moderate sleep apnea this past summer and have been struggling with the CPAP (breathing mask to pressurize the lungs) ever since. I tolerate the nose (only) mask much better and have learned to keep my mouth shut while sleeping which otherwise would have forced me to rely on the full mouth and nose mask. I am also experimenting with the use of an oximeter which checks the blood’s O2 content. One of the things it can do is to alarm and wake me up when the level gets too low such as 90%. Then I just inhale strongly and go right back to sleep. It also monitors heart rate and can be set to alarm on that also. My pulmonary MD poo poo’d the use of the oximeter saying that it would be too slow and would be too expensive. It responds within a minute when I hold my breath and it cost less than $100 on Ebay.

    Now I’d like to change the subject. After my last bout of AF this past summer, I was put on Pradaxa which is a new blood thinner. Just today I learned that there have been 260 deaths attributed to this med. apparently the result of blood hemmorhaging. Prior to this drug being approved in the USA in October of 2010, the drug of choice was Coumaden which must be monitored by the MD frequently in the beginning and does not permit vegetable intake changes. But I know also of patients who only take aspirin so I am wondering about their experiences and feedback.

    Reply
  116. Daniel
    Oct 25, 2011

    Have you been screened for sleep apnea? I am a 40’year old former college athlete. I had undiagnosed sleep apnea for years which caused SVT (heartbeats in 300 range) and eventually afib. I had 2 ablations which failed and now have a pacer, yet I continue to deal with afib. When I consistently use my CPap and keep caffeine down I do pretty well. It may be worth talking with your doctor. You do not have to be overweight, as a former athlete I have a size 19.5 neck which increased my sleep apnea risk itself. Good luck.

    Reply
  117. Steve
    Oct 21, 2011

    Does anyone please have any info on Vagal AF in older athletes….
    I`m 46 years old and have a very active life (lots of ultra marathons ect)
    I have had AF on & off for 2 years now every couple of months, which starts at night and usually is gone the following day,my heart when in AF is around 75 bpm (normal resting of 55)
    I have had 2 echos and ECGs blood tests and a stress treadmill test and I`m told all is ok
    Any info on how to prevent in the future would be gratfully recieved

    Reply
  118. Dan
    Oct 18, 2011

    I had an ablation on March 27th 2011 for afib. At the time I was having an episode every 10 days to 2 weeks. They would last from 3 hours to 24 hours. Episodes started in 2005 and slowly got more and more as time went on. I was told that the more you get afib, the more you get afib and that seemed to be true with me. I tried a couple of drugs and nothing seemed to help and I was on board to do the ablation. Seemed to be my best chance for a real CURE.

    I knew that there was a small chance that it would not be successful, but no one ever said that it could make things worse. Well it did. The first two months were afib free and I thougt that I was home free. I got an episode on a Friday night after dinner out. Just like the old ones, went to bed and slept it off. Woke up the next morning in NSR. Was hoping that it was just one left over and that everything would be OK. A week later I went into Afib again and been there since. Over 3 months now. Got an appointment at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix for the end of November. Hoping to get a second ablation done. Cannot live this way very long. Desperate…. I wouldn’t say not to get an ablation as that is the best chance of getting better and the procedure is not that bad at all. Out of the hospital the next day. Just be aware that it can backfire. I believe that if I had known this that I would of went on and got it done anyway. This is just no way to live. Maybe some day I’ll get cured or get use to the afib.

    Reply
  119. Donald Hatcher
    Oct 16, 2011

    I am 71 years old and have lived with full time afib for the last 8 years. My doctors have me on Pradaxa 150mg, toprol 25mg, plavix 75mg, and lovaza 4mg. Also, i am on atacand 32/125 and zocor 40mg. I play golf (walking) about 3 times a week and my resting heart rate is around 70 beats per minute. They tried twice to get my heart back in order with cardio-verisons but no luck. I do not smoke or drink. Don

    Reply
  120. Ru
    Oct 12, 2011

    can anyone please tell me whether there’s any natural treatments for atrial fibrillation?such as, what kind of food that the patient should take,what kind of exercises should do…

    Reply
  121. NICK
    Oct 09, 2011

    I thought it will be useful to outline my own experience with AF over some 45 years since the age of 27 when first diagnosed with the complaint, especially for those people who have recently found out that they have it.
    In 1965 in the U.K. very little was know about AF and its treatment – a mixture of Inderal, Valium and Dijoxin being prescribed to keep it in check.
    Nowadays there are several single treatment drugs that can keep AF under control – Amioderone, Sotalol, Flecanide amongst them. I am taking Sotalol and on a dosage which has increased over the years to 160g twice a day. I also take a 100mg aspirin daily and also 100mg CoEnzyme Q10 daily. I also take a low dose of Crestor for cholesterol and medication for hypertension. I have learned to live with the AF condition which was initially caused by stress of work, although I believe mine is hereditary as a sister and a daughter suffer from it. Initially at 27 I thought that this was going to limit my lifespan, but at 74 I am still going strong and intend to survive for a lot longer by managing the condition. I have experienced numerous attacks over the years generally brought about by overwork, tiredness or worry, however these attacks have all been dealt with by drug treatment conversion or electrical cardioversion. I understand from my specialist that there are many people who are in a permanent state of AF and who manage to live normal lives. Others, like myself, keep AF at bay with medication, but do suffer attacks from time to time which have to be dealt with as mentioned above. I find that taking half a 5mg valium when feeling that an attack is imminent, does stop it from going into full blown AF and does relax me enough to get back to normal within 24 hours. I believe it is essential to stop taking alcohol altogether, although a glass of wine now and then probably won’t hurt. I stay clear of coffee or anything that has caffeine in it which only causes problems being a stimulant. Naturally smoking is out, although some may say it relaxes them. I do exercise by walking, but avoid strenuous activity and it is imperative to eat healthily and keep weight under control. Above all I have learned not to panic when an attack occurs, which only makes things worse. Keeping calm is the secret and getting help fast if the AF attack doesn’t revert to normal on its own within 12 hours or so. There are other treatments for AF which can cure or help the condition apart from the drug treatment. Amongst these are defibrillators or Ablation, a laser treatment in the heart itself, however I understand that these are only suitable or successful with certain people dependent upon their AF condition. Unfortunately, these cannot apply to myself, so I am stuck with the drug treatment which does cause some side effects of tiredness etc. but hey I can’t complain.

    Reply
  122. Jeff
    Oct 06, 2011

    Hi, my name is Jeff. I am 37 years old and was diagnosed with Atrial Fibrilation back in 2000.

    My first experience was started during my sleep. I woke up and felt my heart pounding really fast. I got my wife to listen to it and we both thought I should give it a while. I went to work and by noon I was feeling really light headed and went to emergency with a heart rate of 190/minute. I was put through a bunch of tests, put on a IV and kept in the hospital for a week. They couldn’t find anything wrong with my heart and said everything looked good. On the 7th day my heart converted back to normal.

    I went home was very nervous but eventually carried on with my normal life. Until one night in 2003, I was at a company Christmas party and drinking heavily, went home and shovelled 2 feet of snow from my driveway in about 20 minutes…..went inside and my heart started to race again. (stupid I know) I went to the hospital and was kept there for a few days and seen a heart docotor. He put me on atenenol and a warafin for the next 7 weeks. I then had the cardio-version done….it took 2 times to get my heart back to normal….scary stuff!!

    The doc then started me on meds, 100 mg of flecainide and a 81mg asprin a day. I have been on this since.

    In August of this year I was at a company district conference and had been drinking for a couple days and with little sleep. The last day while flying home it started again. I went to emerg when I got home, was given a drug and told to go home and call the specialist. A few days later I was able to see my doctor and he put me on bosoprolol which slowed my heart to about 100 beats/minute resting and also on 150 mg of paradax 2 x a day. On October 4th I had the cardio-version done again….4 times but this time it didn’t work. I have quit smoking and drinking and after this last episode won’t try it again!!

    I am now very nervous about whats next. The doctor did refer me to a specialist in Toronto, hopefully they can help me correct my A-fib. I am now waiting for a call from the specialist. I have a hard time with my A-fib, it seems to effect everyone different from what I have read here. I can’t function well at all and have been off work since August, I get dizzy very easy and feel completely drained all the time.

    Sorry for the long story but it feels good to share with someone who knows how it feels.

    Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated :)

    Thanks,

    Jeff

    Reply
  123. AN
    Oct 03, 2011

    Do I sound Like an AFib patient?

    I have over the past 5 or so years, had somewhat at random irregular heart beat. I am 29 year old male, in good shape and have been seeing an anxiety specialist. I first started by seeing a cardiologist when I didnt know what was going on. Obviously since it happened at random, I was never there when it took place. I nearly broke their treadmill until they said you are fine. I’ve been to the E.R. on many occasions, never been told I have atrial fibrulation, but the symptoms are so similar it is scary. It is usually on a day following lack of sleep, large alcohol consumption, or both. It usually lasts anywhere from a few minutes to 1/2 an hour and right when it hits me it feels like a lightswitch goes off and I lose my breathe and it jump starts. It is usually every few months (playing basketball in April, but more recently twice once in September and once Yesterday in October).

    Even if I dont get the “afib” sensation, usually the day after consuming a lot of alcohol my heart is at an increased rate (anywhere from 90-100 all day).

    I have had EKG tests, and whatnot at the E.R., but of course by the time I actually get to see the doctor, my heartbeat is back to normal. The ones that scare me the most are the ones that are happening while I am exercising, or not doing anything at all.

    What makes me think that it might be physical is that sometimes when I am completely un stressed i will have an “anxiety attack”. But from doing some reading it sounds like it would be more frequent if I had this condition, and when I showed up at the hospital with a 200+ heart rate they would have thought of the possibility right? The Dr. himself once told me my heart was healthier than his was. Maybe I should just see a cardiologist to make sure. The most recent one yesterday came when I was playing football and I took a shot to the chest (sternum area directly where my heart is) and it jump started from there. I had also spent a lot of time at Oktoberfest the day before drinking, probably about 7 or 8 beers all day.

    Reply
  124. Elsa Danglar
    Sep 19, 2011

    I must say I agree with Amy Wyatt – just because the doctor says that it will get worse doesn’t make it a given. I haven’t tried increasing my magnesium but I will surely give it a try. I’ve been taking Multaq but still have episodes of AF and with the recent FDA updates on the risk – I really want off of all of these medications but have been lazy or allowed my busy life to get in my way. I want to look at a more natural route of treament. I will be meeting with my cardiologist today to speak on the Multaq and my recent lab work, and I will definitely discuss some of the suggestions I’ve discovered on this site. It’s so important to know that you’re not alone in this walk.

    Reply
  125. lary szczepanik
    Jul 21, 2011

    i am 64. i have a-fib. i have had an ablation, but i am about to go on a two month regime and monitor without my meds in hope of getting off of my medicine Multaq 400mg. this medicine has an FDA warning about liver failure and death. it is also attributed to kidneys disease, but so are diuretics and BP medicine. if i don’t pass this test i will not go back to Multaq, but i will get changed over to Propafenone 325mg less side effects. and then another ablation to finish off what the first operation didn’t.

    Reply
  126. Aaron McDonald
    Apr 17, 2011

    I am a nearly 69 year old man that has had atrial fibrillation since Jan. 2005. I am taking flecinade and warfarin plus metropolol. It has taken care of my afib, but I have developed tremors in my arms, hands and legs. It has slowly been getting worse for the last year. One of the side effects of flecinade is tremors. There is only 2 things that have been recommended to me to do. One is to change to Multaq or to have the ablation. One electrode in my heart runs fast, 1 runs slow, 1 runs eratically. My heart is also stiff in the bottom part. To have the ablation is to kill part of my heart. I am not confortable at this time about this procedure. It has not been on the market for long enough to know what side effects there could be from it. I just found this site today and have enjoyed the comments that have entered from all of you. It does help to know others have had problems with their afib and not knowing sometimes what is best to do.

    Reply
  127. Ann Wyatt
    Feb 26, 2011

    Hello Chip.

    I buy Eagle brand magnesium orotate and when I started taking it I had 4 tablets a day, 2 in the morning and 2 at night. After a couple of weeks I cut them down to 2 at night. They have made me feel so much better. I have more energy and I sleep well now. This is important to me as I belong to the local Rural Fire Service in the Communications Unit and I have to be ready at a moment’s notice if there is a fire call. A sleep-deprived Comms operator is not much use to anyone, especially a ‘firey”. I truly believe that the magnesium has been responsible for my episodes becoming fewer and fewer to the point where I don’t consider that I suffer from A-fib any more. The cardiologist can say all he likes that it will get worse with age but I am determined to prove him wrong. Just because he says it is so, I don’t have to take it on board as a given.

    Reply
  128. Chip
    Feb 25, 2011

    Ann; Great news! It is good to see people finding something that works for them. How much Mag. orotate do you take, how often and in what form?

    Ken; It is good to see that Cryo Ablatio.has worked for you. I was in talking to my Dr. and he told me to expect that the time would come when drugs will no longer work for me and that I should consider this same procedure. Can you tell us about the details of your post procedure recovery and the details of any follow up issues going forward? Are you now drug free for A-Fib.?

    Reply
  129. Ann Wyatt
    Feb 23, 2011

    Hi everyone.
    It is a while since I have contributed to this site and this is because I no longer suffer from A-fib. Even though the cardiologist said it would become worse as I get older (I have now turned 70) I have continued to take magnesium orotate each day and have only had 2 episodes in nearly a year. I have also lost 10 kilos which has lowered my blood pressure, which wasn’t really too high but needed to be a bit lower. Drinking more water has also helped because I believe that dehydration plays a big part in A-fib. I don’t live in fear of having an episode now and I truly believe that the magnesium has done the job. It’s interesting that if you have a heart problem and have to go to hospital, one of the first things they do is check your magnesium leve. Even my doctor is starting to listen to me now. Good luck to all in finding what works for you.

    Ann

    Reply
  130. Ken Hungerford
    Feb 15, 2011

    Hi

    Just thought I send a note outlining my experience with AF.

    In 1992 I had my first bypasss surgery after having had a heart attack in 1989. I expereinced a small amout of AF but nothing worth pursuing. In 2008 I had my bypass grafts redone and almost immediately following surgery was diagnosed with both atrial flutter and paroxysmal AF. Initally mediaction kept it under control but by mid 2010 I needed something dome about it.

    So… in July 2010 I had RF ablation that solved the flutter but soon after the AF came back with a vengeance. Originally, the AF was just a bit more than a nuisance but by August 2010 I had had enough. The episode had progressed to the point where I wold sometimes have 2 or 3 a day and some lasted for several hours. The worst would leave me totally wiped out – tired, headaches, light head, sore chest, no energy and more.

    I was referrd to my EP again, the same one that had solved my flutter problem. Initially he seemed reticent to do anything about it but in the end hhe agreed to so a cryo-ablation in December 2010. I fully understood the risks and the chance that it would not solve the problem but looked to forward to the prcedure with confidence and hope. My procedure was started at 9.00 AM, I returned to the cardiac care unit at just after midday, was fully conscious by around 3 PM and discharged at 9.30 AM next day. I walked out of the hospital feeling a new man – no sign of AF at all. I realised that the eurphoria might not last but it just felt so good to feel good.

    Nine weeks later I still have not had any recurrence of AF. I have had a couiple of moments of concern when having been taken off all heart medication and warfarin my pulse rate started to increase noticeably, but I have been told that this will settle after a visit to the local hospital ER.

    So – I am a believer that for me there was a silver bullet, Cryo Ablatio. Of course, I realise that it is probably not the answer for all suferers but wish it was.

    I hope that all AF sufferers can find their solution to what is an absolutely lousy health problem.

    Ken

    Reply
  131. Kelly
    Jan 11, 2011

    I have had a-fib approximately 2-1/2 years at 52. I take propranolol when an episode begins, it’s anybody’s guess if it will last a few minutes or a few hours. Lately, however, the pounding has become more “aggressive” if even for a shorter amount of time, enough that it stops me in my tracks.

    Dizziness, I was told, has nothing to do with the a-fib even though it always is one of my first symtoms. My brother has the same thing, just had a pacemaker put in. I rarely sleep through the night, am considering the Trazodone that Keli (above) mentioned.

    I guess what bugs me most is the pounding getting worse. Two weeks ago shoveling I went into a-fib and my heart pounded unbelievably hard, so even though I was going at it very slowly I won’t attempt again. Other than doubling the propranolol which I was advised to do, any advice?

    Reply
  132. Keli
    Jan 08, 2011

    Hello to all. This site is SO INTERESTING! I’m so glad I found it.
    I am a 59 year old female who has been dealing with A-fib since my first episode at the age of 17. I also have a female cousin who started living with A-fib at the ripe old age of 9. She was a swimming “athlete”, and the medical community had nothing back then to medicate us with. I was given Quinadine (quinine?) for a number of years. Then from the age of about 22 to 40 this annoying condition virtually went away completely. Around 40 years of age it came back like a bad cold, over and over I would experience bouts of A-fib at all times of the day or night. About 1 minute before the A-fib started I would get a HUGE dizzy spell. The kind that makes you grab the wall and hold yourself up. That was just enough time to stop driving, or to find a seat and get off my feet.
    Around the age of 48 I had my first BAD episode. It took a hospital Emergency room to administer a drug to stop it.
    Since then it has gone down hill. Today I live with daily challenges and live with full time A-fib. I’ve had an angiogram checking for blood clots (highly common with this disorder) but I don’t qualify for a cardioversion due to other health issues (I’ve also had brain sergory), so I will be on drugs of one sort of another until I leave this here planet.
    My cardiologist has the heart rate pretty much under control with me taking Metoprolol, but like most everyone else, nights are a real crap shoot. Some are good, but most are not. So I am now on a sleeping pill also. Its not a narcotic, but it just gently lets you sleep, thank God for small favors. Until recently, and my doctor prescribing Trazodone, I didn’t think I was ever going to sleep more than 2 hours at a time again. If nights are a problem for you, ask your Dr. about Trazodone, its the ONLY way I’ve slept through the night in over 2 years, and always wake up feeling refreshed, not with a drug hangover.
    Obviously this is not a death sentence as I’ve lived with it for over 40 years, but it is certainly going to shorten my life so I’ve learned to appreciate what life I have left.
    My biggest problem is how do I exercise? The only thing I can do is walk my treadmill and that brings on the speeded up heart rate my drugs are trying to control. Can this possibly be healthy?

    Reply
  133. Ty
    Dec 23, 2010

    I am a 41 yr old male just diagnosed with A Fib & sleep apnea 2 weeks ago ended up in the hospital and coverted after 12 hours on meds.

    I am thinking of trying magnesium but, also found another site that said it may make it worse any advice?

    Also, getting a CPAP for the sleep Apnea. Anyone have any experience with this helping your A Fib?

    I have high blood pressure and am on Atenolol, Lisinopril & take a low dose asprin daily.

    This is so annoying & scary.

    Ty

    Reply
  134. ANN WYATT
    Dec 19, 2010

    Hello Russ.
    When you are so fit it is a nuisance to have something which causes you to look differently at the way you do things. Of course you must be guided by your doctor’s advice but I sense from your “story” that you are very active and don’t stay still for long. If you look at my early responses to this site you will see that I am convinced that many of the preservatives in food are triggers for A-Fib, especially sulfites. I also started to take magnesium orotate which has all but cleared my problem. I was having too many episodes and it was making me feel very unwell. Everyone is different but stress and hyperactivity causes the heart to be stressed and these can also be triggers. Find a good EFT practitioner who can help you with a technique which is called ‘tapping’. You can find this on the web under Emotional Freedom Technique. A number of people I know use this, as well as myself, to get the heart back to its proper rhythm. It just involves tapping on acupressure points and is very easy.
    It sounds as though meditation would be ideal for you but perhaps that’s not your thing. Good luck and try not to be worried because this can also be a trigger.

    Ann

    Reply
  135. Russ Teall
    Dec 14, 2010

    I’m 63 yrs. young and a retired high school teacher and coach. I’ve had undiagnosed adult ADHD my entire life basically. Therefore I’m a high strung person, which isn’t good obviously. Seven yrs. ago while working on a summer construction job I developed paroxysmal A-F. Ironically I was working on the deck of the head Cardiologist at Ball Memorial hospital in Muncie, IN. It was very hot and I always work very hard. Boy did this thing smach me in the face good! I’ve been very physically fit and active my whole life; high school and college athlete, ran road races in my thirties and
    forties, including 3 marathons. I’ve archery hunted deer for thirty years. Drink a little alcohol but not alot. I really like this forum you have here. It is good for advise and venting, which most off us with A-Fib need! A-Fib is a big problem obviously BUT don’t let it take over your life!! Get aggressive and find some way to deal with it effectively and create at least some level of comfort in your life for yourself and your family !! Their are many, many ways to treat and deal with A-Fib ! Get with a quality doctor you trust and go for it! Don’t let A-F dictate and destroy your life! By the way I take Cardizem, Bisoprolol and Flecinade every morning as well as 325 M of Aspirin and Multivitamins. I have a flairup of A-F 2 or 3 times a year but it’s starting to get more frequent unfortunately. As it get’s worse, which it probably will, myself and my Doc will find another way to deal with it!! Good Luck to all of you out there! RT

    Reply
  136. Adam
    Nov 04, 2010

    Hi All,

    I just found this site. It’s nice to know that I’m not the only one going through this. I’m 32 and was diagnosed with a-fib this year. It kind of came out of nowhere. It seemed like I was perfectly healthy last year, and then all of a sudden I would get these major a-fib episodes, sometimes lasting hours, where my heart rate would be around 210. My doctors told me not to let it go that long, that if my heart is beating that fast, it can be dangerous and to go to the ER asap. Fortunately I respond well to Metoprolol, so I’ve been on that now for a few months. It seems to be working, but I guess time will tell.

    I think for me the biggest question is why. Why is this happening. I’ve had a lot of tests done- blood tests, chest x-ray, many EKG’s, a few echocardiograms. And nothing has found anything physically wrong with my heart. So it leaves me guessing, wondering if something is seriously wrong, should I be worried, etc.

    About a year ago this time, a strange thing happened. I had an attack of some really strong chest pain. I thought I was having a heart attack actually. I couldn’t stand up, it hurt to breathe. I was going to call 911, but by that time, after about 10 minutes, it stopped. But a few weeks after that is when the a-fib started. So I can’t help but wonder if they’re related. I went to my doctor about a week after the chest pain happened, and they couldn’t find anything wrong.

    I’ve had several major a-fib episodes since then, sending me to the hospital. I’ve been hospitalized for a few days on a couple different occasions.

    For me, the worst part is the fear of something bad happening. Not knowing why it’s happening, I don’t know if something is seriously wrong, if I should be worried. My cardiologist says that it’s not life threatening, just more of a nuisance. I noticed a few other people on this board have had their doctors say the same thing. So maybe it really isn’t anything to worry about. But then I’ve had doctors tell me that when the heart is racing that fast, it can’t get oxygen to the heart tissue fast enough, raising the risk of tissue damage and a heart attack. Or blood can pool up in the heart, because it can’t pump it out fast enough, and when blood sits still long enough, it starts to clot, raising the risk for a stroke. I’ve been told the heart can fail too, when it’s beating that fast. So it sounds like scary stuff, really. I’m kind of afraid to do anything that might trigger a major episode, or be far away from a hospital.

    Like I said, I’ve been lucky in that I seem to be responding well to the Metoprolol. But I’ve also been experimenting with supplements. Co-q10 seems to help me a lot. I recommend trying it. Also, it helps to make sure you have enough magnesium and potassium. Our bodies actually require a lot of potassium, so it can be kind of hard to get enough, especially if you don’t eat alot of high potassium foods. With magnesium, you could be deficient and not even know it. Blood tests that check your magnesium levels are really only looking at the magnesium in your blood. What’s important is the magnesium level inside your cells. It’s hard to test for that. If you take a magnesium supplement, make sure you take one that is easily absorbed by the body. Some are definitely better than others. I’ve been taking taurine too, the amino acid. It plays a vital role in the heart. And then fish oil is heart healthy.

    I think everyone’s a-fib is different. There are many different causes. And everyone responds differently to different treatments. I think the best thing to do is to work with your doctor in exploring treatments until you find one that works best.

    It can be scary living with this. Definitely unpleasant at the very least. Everything I’ve read though, and everything my doctor has told me, says that it’s not particularly life threatening. I think it should be taken seriously. Definitely manage it, take your medications, follow up with your doctor regularly, and go to the ER when you have a major episode. If you do that, I don’t think the a-fib poses a very big threat.

    Reply
  137. Chip
    Oct 26, 2010

    First off it was really nice to have found this site and feel the common bond of a community living on that strange street A-Fib Way. I’ve read most all the posts here and can relate to many of the things expressed. My story is pretty straight forward; (so far) I started to experience A-Fib about 5 years ago when I was 56. My heart man did all the tests and put me on 100mg of Flecainide Acetate twice a day. For the most part this has worked well, but I do “break through” every so often. When this happens I take an additional half pill of the Flecainide and that usually puts an end to it. I would consider my A-Fib less severe than many of you, but when you wake up in the middle of the night with your heart doing the boogaloo it does get your attention. I plan to try the “Calm” just to see what it can do. Is there no one else that takes the Flecainide besides me?

    Reply
  138. Rob
    Sep 07, 2010

    Hi,
    My name is Rob and I Just turned 46 August 31st. I have been diagnosed with chronic afib and it feels like it is getting worse. I recently lost my employment along with my insurance due to the economy. I have repeatedly been told that y afib is nothing to worry about, but somehow I don’t believe that. I was told it is under control (the rate bpm) but I keep reading that I should get it fixed. I applied for medical assistance but it only covers the doctor visit and some meds. Does anyone have any suggestions how I can get it treated?
    Thanks,
    Rob

    Reply
  139. michael
    Aug 19, 2010

    Robert –

    I hope you are still monitoring this running conversation. As an AFib sufferer (and stuck there right now) I have a history both different and similar to yours. I did not stumble on your writing on my first “research bout” about 4 months ago but am so glad I did today. Your article on the difference between Western and Chinese medicine is the most well-written and cogent piece I’ve ever read on AFib. Thank You.

    In reading the footnotes in your article I was turned by you mentioning San Francisco and Larkspur in writing about flouride as a trigger – a local guy! – only to continue and discover that you are from Petaluma. A strange coincidence… my office is here in town.

    I would love to buy you a cup of (non-caffeinated) tea (Aqus Café??) and discuss your path and how I could assist in you continuing with this wonderful dissemination of AFib information.

    Meanwhile I’ll try and read through the remainder of your story and this blog.

    thanks again for all your efforts,
    michael dubois
    mdb selections
    (across from DeSchmire on Bodega)

    Reply
  140. Greg
    May 31, 2010

    Hello.

    Enjoyed reading the information on your site. I have Afib and not really Having to much luck with the Doctors. ( just making them richer with no real answers) I sing in a band every fortnight and find it starts after a Gig when i am at home in bed. Doctors have prescribed me with Metropolol and Flecanide which slows the Heart rate and i normally come back into normal rythum in about 4-6 hours. I have been reading up on the Flemeton Herbal Product???. Would be really great to find some answers without worrying about what your eating or drinking thinking it may trigger it off.

    Regards, Greg

    Reply
  141. Louise
    May 03, 2010

    Thanks for your helpful tips, Ann. I didn’t know about preservative 220. Will look for the magnesium.

    I do tend to visualize a successful show (closing night was great!) :)

    Reply
  142. ANN WYATT
    May 01, 2010

    Hi Louise and Steve.

    It’s all a bit hit and miss, isn’t it? Dehydration is certainly a factor, so I calculate it in my efforts to stave off A-fib. I have only had 1 episode now in 5 and a half months. If you do take magnesium, try to get the orotate because it is more easily absorbed by the body. Only take 2 tablets a day even though it says 4. I take mine at night with plenty of water. I also take half a fluid tablet to ensure that I get rid of the fluid that I drink. I believe that a build-up of fluid around the heart can be the cause of A-fib but you need to have a talk with your doctor about this. Codeine in pain killers is another trigger so I’d stay away from it. I think it would be helpful to check the labels on all foods to see if the preservative 220 (sulphites) is in them. This is deadly for A-fibbers.

    Louise, it would be good if you could do some meditation before you go on stage, particularly if you do this often. Remember, your thoughts create your reality, so they say, so you don’t want to attract your A-fib.

    I wish you luck. Keep contributing to this site because there are plenty of people out there to help you.

    Ann

    Reply
  143. Louise
    Apr 30, 2010

    Glad to find this site! Didn’t know about the potassium and magnesium connection. Would like to try them both, but I tend to get diarrhea with magnesium. What’s the optimum dose of each?

    I was diagnosed a year ago- after having increasing frequent episodes over about a decade (attributed by docs as palpitations with menopause, wore an event monitor for a week when I had no symptoms so I wasn’t diagnosed- I just stopped caffeine which helped). Eventually a-fib became weekly before having a big event while driving on the freeway that landed me in the ER and CCU (I’d had an OTC cold remedy that day which seems to have triggered it). Ironically I was on my way for a sleep apnea consult, a condition I suspected I had and figured was contributing to my heart rhythm problems. I’m also hypothyroid, female and 56 years old.

    I’ve been on lots of drugs that didn’t work or made things worse. The absolute worst for me was metroprolol- made no difference to the a-fib attacks in frequency, intensity or duration, and made me clinically, and finally suicidally, depressed. It snuck up on me over time so I warn everyone on that drug about the potential for depression (which my family doc says affects about 1/3 of people on the drug from his experience). I’m now on Multaq, approved by the FDA last Aug. widely used in Europe for a decade or so. It’s wildly expensive ($238/mo at Costco) and not covered by my insurance, but for me it’s worked really well.

    However, last night waking from sleep in the night, I had a significant episode like I haven’t had on this drug- close to fainting, the whole enchilada- which tells me my heart rate was way up there (it was fluttering so fast I couldn’t get beats). The only thing I can attribute the episode to was having taken a supplement with ginseng in it for a few days. Anyone else have difficulty with ginseng? I’ve also started taking Hawthorne in the hopes that I might back down to one Multaq a day (half price would be good!) in the future.

    Known triggers for me are caffeine, too much chocolate, too much alcohol, too much food. I can only attribute one episode to stress. Since on Multaq the episodes have been infrequent and less severe (130bpm or less) and don’t last all that long. I’d sort of lost track of feeling that specter over my shoulder all the time. Particularly worrisome because I’m on stage tonight and worry about the “what if’s” during a performance. I’ll up the water and potassium for sure!

    I am grateful for any additional advice anyone can offer.

    Reply
  144. Steve Schaich
    Apr 30, 2010

    Hi Pam,
    I was put on Fecainide in February. I have zero side effects from it. I did have A-Fib off and on for another 2 months. Then found that dehydration is a potential trigger and doubled my water intake. Yes I have been taking magnesium for over a year, but since doubling the water intake I have gone 29 days in a row without A-Fib. My Dr has agreed if I can go till end of May he will take me off coumadin (rat poison). Maybe even Flecainide.
    Cheers,
    Steve

    Reply
  145. ANN WYATT
    Apr 26, 2010

    Hello Pam.

    I’m sorry you are having such difficulties with A-fib. A doctor showed me once how he gets his heart back to normal rhythm by pressing on the artery just under the jaw. You can feel the heartbeat easily there. He holds his breath for about 20 seconds and releases the pressure on the artery. It’s worth a try. Also, the fear you carry around causes you to be really stressed and this doesn’t help. When you go to hospital with A-fib you are generally given magnesium so it’s obviously OK to take it yourself. For what it’s worth, try taking some on a regular basis. It takes a few days to build up in the body and it’s good for you anyway. The heart needs magnesium to regulate the beat, support the heart muscle and keep blood pressure down. As we get older, we become more deficient in magnesium so it makes sense to take it as a supplement anyway. My cardiologist was very interested and is putting some of his patients on it.
    Read my replies on this site to see if there is anything there that you think might help you if you are looking for natural ways to help yourself.

    Good luck and stay in touch.
    Cheers, Ann

    Reply
  146. Pam
    Apr 25, 2010

    Hello Everyone- Right now I’m going crazy..and sooo glad to have found this website..Found out I had a-fib about 3 years ago after going to emergency room for heart rate 180..I first went to urgent care & from there they said oh no we are calling ambulance to take you to hospital..about 14 yrs prior I started to have random problems with what Dr’s had called “heart palpatations” I’ve never liked to take medications for anything prefer holistic approach however a doctor at that time prescribed a calcium channel blocker cardizam which I had a bad reaction.. felt tired,dizzy, vertigo..after that I did not take anything until I developed high blood pressure & was given 50 mg atenonol which lowered my blood pressure to much..so now I only take quarter tab..I was told to keep taking it because it helps a-fib. over the past 6 months the episodes have gotten worse..rushed to emergency again..had dye test,echo tread mill, one month event monitor,cardio Dr said plumbing in heart is good..but electrical problem so refered me to electo specialist for heart..he wants me to take Flecinide which I am afraid to take since researched the side effects .. Has anyone taken that medication & had a positive experience? I really dont want to rely on meds..prefer holistic..I’m at the point of insanity because I’m, now having problems almost everyday..from flutters to what I call “crazy heart’ just eratic beats sometimes a-fib..it is controlling my life I’m always thinking about it 24/7 ..also sometimes before an episode I feel a surging feeling & then it starts..I told the specialist that I thought maybe I could be low in magnesium, hormones, etc and his response was just try the Flecinide & see what happens.. as of yet I have not taken it. When I go into episode I try laying on my right side apply pressure with my thumb near the adrenal glands & sometimes that helps..at this point I’ll try anything except trying not to use meds. Thanks all for your input..and wish everyone well!!

    Pam

    Reply
  147. Ann Wyatt
    Apr 20, 2010

    Hello Peter and Tom.

    By now you would have read that I am a real believer in magnesium. You do get magnesium from green, leafy vegetables but maybe not enough. I was heartened by the interest my cardiologist took in my success with magnesium orotate. He said he was going to put one of his other patients on it. Always discuss issues with your doctor because many of them are starting to look at the bigger picture. It has long been a practice to give people with A-fib a dose of magnesium when they go to hospital. As we get older, we tend to lose much goodness from our bodies and the fact that the soil we grow our food in is depleted these days doesn’t help. I still take a mild tablet to keep my heart beating normally, but it is only since I started taking magnesium as well, that the A-fib has stopped.

    Good luck.
    Ann

    P.S. Check out the food you are eating for preservatives, especially 220 and also alcohol for the same (220). Deadly trigger!

    Reply
  148. Tom Nussbaum
    Apr 19, 2010

    Began having afib 14 days ago. I have had episodes each day for about 1-2 hours. They seem to happen in late afternoon or right before or soon after falling asleep. Just began flecinide yesterday. Am 43 years old and have lost 55 pounds in the last 9 months. It seems like my potassium levels are ok, but it is very frustrating to lose all that weight and then have these daily bouts with afib. Also have used CPAP machine for sleep apnea the last 6 years

    Reply
  149. Robert Ellis
    Mar 28, 2010

    Peter, you’ll need to discuss this with your doctor. Cardinorm can cause numerous side effects, including dizziness and vertigo, which might explain your giddiness. I would ask about taking magnesium and potassium and following the other recommendations on this site, but be careful not to stop your medication without discussing it with your doctor. Good luck!

    Reply
  150. Peter
    Mar 28, 2010

    Hi All,
    Congratulations to Robert Ellis for this forum and for all the posts as well I am 50 yrs old and considered myself healthy playing soccer occasional swimming and walking up to about last year. 2-3 years ago I had my first attack lasting 20-30 minuets similar to all heart beating fast feeling as though I was going to feint and broke out in some sort of sweat. I found that by lying down and trying to relax and take deep breaths it went away. Possibly had another 2-3 after that. Had a tightening of the chest about a year or so ago on a Sunday night just before bed and thought I was having a heart attack and the wife raced me off to the hospital. Staying overnight and after a few ECG tests X-rays and blood samples was told nothing was there and referred to a GP and underwent a Holker 24 hr test and stress test. Unfortunately there was no irregular heartbeat found. I was found to have high tryglycerades and because I did not fast I put it down to food consumed before the test. And possibly a muscle related problem from attempting to bike ride with my son that afternoon for aprox 30-40 minuets. My exercising has dramatically reduced this year because of various reasons and last week on Friday ended up in emergency and stayed all weekend this time the attack stayed for 16hrs with a higher irregular beat lasting for a short period of maybe 20-45 minuets and a not so high irregular beat lasting for the remaining 15 hrs or so. This time the medical center and hospital I stayed over the Weekend diagnosed I had an AF episode. I was on a drip with something to lower my heart beat and something injected into my thigh to thin my blood to stop any clotting as a precaution. Later I had magnesium and potassium tablets prescribed by a professor in cardiology about 3-4 hrs before my heart rate dropped down to about 60BPMs and on the irregular heart beat disappearing the male nurse could not believe what had happened and asked me after my trip to the toilet what I did. I am now sitting here thankful writing this but want to beat this.
    Strangely I was not advised to take supplementation of Magnesium and potassium but I was told to eat more green leafy vegetables. I was also found to have high tryglycerades at 7 the normal count I believe is aprox 3 and good cholesterol about.8mm and the norm being about 1.2 to 1.4mm.I was told to reduce my carbohydrates and sugar I am now on cardinorm for slowing the heart and lipidil for blood thinning. Got up this morning and felt a little giddy and went to bed for 15-20 minuets and then got up and it improved as the day went on. Is the cardinorm the problem? Can I still take Magnesium and Potassium and stop the cardinorm? My next appointment is with the cardiologist on Wednesday.
    Any advice appreciated…sorry about the long story.

    Reply
  151. Ann Wyatt
    Mar 23, 2010

    Hello Darryl.
    Welcome to the site. Well done to your wife for giving you magnesium. If you can get some magnesium orotate it would be absorbed by the body more easily. Take the magnesium on a regular basis because it is good for you anyway. I don’t believe that it is a coincidence that since I have been taking magnesium I have had only 4 episodes in the last year. Don’t forget that some preservatives and food additives can trigger Afib. Be aware of what you ate before your episode. Also, I found that becoming overheated by bedclothes and/or an electric blanket can trigger an episode. Strange, I know, but they are all worth checking out. Let us know how you are going because we can all give each other support. Go back to my posting for 22nd Dec 2009 for some more info on another technique I have found helpful. Once you calm down the fear of what is happening you are halfway to fixing the problem.

    Ann

    Reply
  152. Darrell Mason
    Mar 18, 2010

    Hello all-

    I find it very helpful reading all of your post. I am 52 and in good health. I have had what I called heart flutters your several years, nothing longer than 30 minutes and sometimes months with nothing. That changed 3 weeks ago when I woke up at 2AM with my heart pounding at 180 beats/min. I settled down in about 15 minutes to just a irregrular beat-it didn’t go away this time and after three hours I went to the ER and was converted with a medication after 6 hours. I have now been diagnoised with A-Fib. I spent two days in the hospital undergoing a full cardio work up and was told my heart is perfect and I have no physical reasons contributing to A-Fib. The heart doctor sent me to a specialist who gave me some pills and said if I have another episode lasting longer than an hour to just take one. It is Propafenone HCI 325mg. Does anyone else have experience with this medication? It is also know as Rythmol SR. I had an episode last night that woke me up again. It is very scary. I sat up in my chair and my wife fixed me a cup of hot water with a Magnesium/Calcium powder and within 5 minutes my A-Fib was over-not sure if it helped or not but I plan on drinking this every night before bed.

    If you know about the Rythmol SR 325mg let me know your experiences with this.

    God Bless

    Darrell

    Reply
  153. Ann Wyatt
    Mar 15, 2010

    Good to hear from you Sully. My body is 69 years old and apart from this inconvenience I am extremely well. It’s tough to face the aches and pains because I still have much to do. I played competitive sport until I was 48 so I have to take responsibility for most of them.

    The snow sounds wonderful! We’ve had some pretty hot weather in Sydney but it’s getting a bit cooler now. I really look forward to Winter. Ours are fairly mild and the temperature where I am only occasionally drops down to 1 degree Celsius (about 33F).

    Good luck with your osteopath. It’s nice to hear that a medico will look at other alternatives. I have found osteopaths to be very switched on.

    Ann in Castle Hill, Oz.

    Reply
  154. SULLY
    Mar 15, 2010

    Thnnks so much Ann. I have access to an Osteopath who is rumored to be very knowledgeable so I will take this Magnesium data to him and see what he says.

    I woke up to 2″ of snow this morning. I am ready for some signs of Spring not signs of Christmas Eve !!

    Ciao for now all you very nice people !!

    Sully still in the snow !!

    Reply
  155. Ann Wyatt
    Mar 13, 2010

    Hello Sully.
    The brand of magnesium orotate I use (Eagle brand) is distributed in Australia at Baulkham Hills in Sydney. It is available at our larger pharmacies and is kept locked in a cabinet. The ingredients, for your cardio’s information are:
    Magnesium (as orotate) 22.96mg
    Magnesium (as aspartate)20.6mg
    Magnesium (as amino acid chelate) 35.3mg
    TOTAL ELEMENTAL MAGNESIUM 78.86mg
    Potassium (as aspartate) 26.3mg
    Pyridoxine (vitamin B6 from hydrochloride) 4.25mg
    If you take this info to a naturopath or pharmacy they might have something similar in a different brand. The orotate helps to stop calcification in the arteries.
    I am convinced that ‘tapping’ (EFT website) to control A-fib and I have told my GP about it. He is very interested. Last week I went for a checkup and showed him how I could ‘drop’ my blood pressure reading down by a few points in the space of a couple of minutes. My BP wasn’t particularly high and he was curious to see what would happen. Imagine his surprise when after only a couple of minutes he took my BP again and sure enough, it had dropped 5 points top and bottom. That was only in the space of a couple of minutes. He was blown away and put it in his notes to look it up on the net. He’s not a young doctor but he’s willing to look at anything new which works. A rare specimen indeed. Good luck.
    Ann

    Reply
  156. Marie Mason
    Mar 13, 2010

    Such good information on here…

    Reply
  157. Marie Mason
    Mar 13, 2010

    Robert please email me…I am back and having some problems and would like to ask you something…

    Thankyou, missed the site….

    Reply
  158. SULLY
    Mar 13, 2010

    Good Morning to all…………….Great News from you Ann. I looked for some Magnesium Orotate at my local vitamin cottage and they didin’t have any. I forgot to ask my Cardi Dr. about using it. I will follow up on that. My A-Fib has been very inactive these past two months. Have had a couple of flutters that lasted an hour or so but nothing real intense or long-lasting. I averaged one episode a month in 2009. Longest was 3 hours.
    I’m going in for an endoscopy early in April to see if I might have some issues in my esophagus. My heart races sometimes right after eating (20-30 mins) and usually skips a beat every minute or so. It goes away in about an hour. So maybe that is a trigger I can get removed. It’s difficult to accept the fact that this 67 year old body is in need of repairs but the glass is truly half full. I thank God every day for my many blessings. I plan to just keep “dancing in the Rain”.

    My best to all of you. Sully in Colorado

    Reply
  159. Ann Wyatt
    Mar 10, 2010

    Hi Sully and everyone.

    My magnesium orotate is still working! No sign of A-fib apart from a very mild episode last week. It was hardly worth reporting.My cardiologist was amazed at my last ultrasound because instead of getting older, as you expect my heart to do, he commented that it has actually become ‘younger’. A small leak has righted itself and everything is working just as it was when I was 20! My GP was also amazed and wanted to know more about the magnesium orotate and the tapping. My blood pressure was up a little and I proved to him in the surgery in the space of 3 minutes that I could bring it down by tapping. He was blown away when it worked and he made some notes about it. I think I have a convert here and he’s one of the ‘old school’ too. My fear about A-fib has gone and I think that has a lot to do with the fact that I don’t have regular episodes. I have another theory, that build up of fluid behind the heart can cause A-fib. I also take half a fluid tablet each day and since then there’s been no problem. It’s a great relief. I’m glad the angels are working for you. They never let me down. Remember, they only need to be asked for help and they’re there.

    Cheers.
    Ann

    Reply
  160. SULLY
    Mar 10, 2010

    Good Morning to all of you from Colorado. Signs of spring are appearing and that brings happinesss to my soul. I have had a busy month meeting with Dr’s. I am waiting for more results on Multaq before switching from Cardizem and digoxin. I have a new family Dr. who suggests I take COQ10 and Vitamin D3 for heart health and general health reasons.

    Marina, how are you doing after your ablation? I notice a real slow down of postings here on this site. Hope you are all doing well . I feel the help from your special angels Ann Wyatt !!! Many thanks for sending them.

    Ciao for now friends !!

    Sully

    Reply
  161. SULLY
    Jan 31, 2010

    Marina, I’m so happy for you. The anxiety of having the procedure is more draining and difficult than actually going thru the process. Your peace of mind is your greatest healer and you will be much stronger now knowing you have that big hurdle behind you.

    I’m finally meeting with my Dr. tomorrow morning and can’t wait to go over this whole page of questions I have for him. I’ll share the salient questions and answers with all of you in the next few days.

    Thanks you so much for your prayers as well. They are the best medicine and I truly appreciate you “lifting me up”.

    Adios for now my friends,

    Sully in the snow.

    Reply
  162. Marina
    Jan 28, 2010

    Dear Sully,

    Thank You! Too for your prayers. That’s very sweet. I too will Pray for you. I know how challenging it is to go through this condition but hang in there & be as proactive as possible in any way you can. My Ablation went well. My Dr. is confident & so am I that I will be back to the swing of life once I am physically healed inside. It took a little over 4 hours but I spent a bit of time after coming out of the anesthesia which the Dr. said is common. I’ve been A-Fib free or Episode free since Tuesday, January 26th @ 3:30pm. A few flutters here & there but nothing like what I was experiencing before. I had episodes that would last all night through to the next day noon time. I honestly don’t know how I survived it but I can tell you I couldn’t have survived it much longer & I’m glad I had it done. It may not be the answer for everyone. I managed it on my own since 1997 but couldn’t anymore. Please! Keep us updated with how you’re doing & feeling & if I can be of any help sharing information Please! Feel free to call upon me. In the meantime I will lift you up in Prayer…

    Stay Strong,
    Peace & Light,
    Marina ;)

    Reply
  163. Marina
    Jan 28, 2010

    Dear Ann,

    Thank You! Sooooo Much for you kind thoughts & prayers. I haven’t had an episode since I got out of the surgery room on Tuesday, January 26th at 3:30pm so I’m looking at 51 hrs of no A-Fib Thank God. I was having them everyday & when they didn’t happen during the day they would happen at night for 12 hours at a time. I can’t tell you how on edge & depressed I was. Life was truly bleek. I have a Wonderful God send Dr. who I felt very confident & comfortable with & he feels very positive & so do I with the outcome. I have had little surges (that’s what I call them) or impulses occur but it’s still fresh & I anticipate long term I will be myself again. Life is better today than it was this past year or more. I was getting progressively worse & I feel good today. I am dealing with the aftermath of the tubes & needles but all in all I feel like my life has changed for the Best. Thank You! Again for your prayers, lighting a candle (something I do as well) & calling upon your Special Angels & I’m Happy to hear you haven’t had an episode. I will keep you in my prayers too & Pray for continued Fib Freeness for you. ;D

    God Bless You Ann & everyone else who is being challenged with A-Fib.

    Peace & ❤,
    Marina ;)

    Reply
  164. Ann Wyatt
    Jan 27, 2010

    HI Marina.

    I hope all went well and that you have an A-fib free life from now on. I have lit a healing candle and said some prayers for you. I have a number of special angels who help me in my healing practice so I have asked that they assist you with a speedy recovery. Let us all know how you are progressing.

    By the way, sunny days here in Oz are getting to be around 42C and that’s over 100F in the old measurement for us. January has been really hot, as usual, and I’d love to see some snow. Thank goodness the bushfires have been kept to a minimum.

    I still haven’t had an episode, so I think my angels are working overtime. Thank goodness.

    Cheers all.

    Ann

    Reply
  165. SULLY
    Jan 26, 2010

    Good morning to all of you from the Norht Pole!!! Colorful Colorado continues to be in the deep freeze. Marina, I will say an extra prayer for you this morning and ask God to arrange a totally successful ablation today. Please let us know all the details about the procedure. I know that one day I too will try the ablation. My annual meeting with my cardiologist was postponed from yesterday to 2-3-10. I need some changes in my meds and can also use lots of prayers from any of you who are so inclined. I will have more input for you all after I meet with the Dr. next week.

    Ciao for now amigos,

    Sully in Colorado

    Reply
  166. Marina
    Jan 25, 2010

    Marina…

    Good Morning! From Sunny Los Angeles after last weeks rainy days & unexpected tornado in the SouthLands. I’m going in tomorrow to have my Ablation Procedure done. I went in for pre-op work last week & had a chat with my Dr. He says I have no structural heart damage & since I am a Paroxsysmal A-Fibber I am a Good candidate. Thank You! Lord. When I think of the details of what occurs during the procedure I want to head for the hills but I feel very comfortable & confident with my Dr. I know the “DIVINE” flows through everyone. Naturopaths as well as Western Medicine Drs. I believe there’s a reason for both. Western & Natural Medicine. So I’ll keep you updated as to my progress & Please! Say a Prayer for me. Prayer is Powerful. God Bless Each & Everyone of you with Good Health because with Good Health you can Fulfill your Dreams… ;)

    Reply
  167. Ann Wyatt
    Jan 22, 2010

    Hi everyone.

    Reporting in. I still have not had an episode of A-fib and it has been nearly three months now. The magnesium I have been taking has built up in my body now and I don’t even feel as though I am going to have an episode. I even managed a glass of wine with dinner the other night and nothing untoward happened. I have decided that I am not going to keep on worrying whether or not I’m going to have an A-fib episode because I believe that you can talk yourself into it. Too much medication can cause it too. I hope you all have a better time this year. Keep tapping.

    Ann

    Reply
  168. Mary
    Jan 14, 2010

    I very much appreciate the insights on magnesium. I had begun additional use of B Complex and hoped this would help. Seems it does but not consistently. Have been on Flecainide and diltiazem now for three years. Have tried extra calcium at times, but that also has been inconsistent. Absolutely no MSG that is diabolical and aspartame
    Will try the magnisium as the episodes I have had even on medicine have lasted up to 9 hours. No alcohol and caffeine in this life but better that then not being able to breath and exhaustion.

    Reply
  169. SULLY
    Jan 14, 2010

    Hi Ann and thanks for your note. I appreciate you giving me the short version of EFT and I’ll sure try it when the time comes. I also take warfarin and look forward to my meeting on the 25th with my Cardiologist. Google this new drug which is now available to replace warfarin……..DABIGATRAN. Not sure if my guy will prescribe it but it appears to be much better than dealing with the monthly PROTIME monitoring of the warfarin. Maybe it’s available “down under” there in kangaroo land for you. The frigid weather has left for a while. Come on Spring. I really need to go float some rivers. Cabin fever is such a nasty disease !!

    Saw this the other day and find it very enlightening………..”LIFE IS NOT ABOUT WAITING FOR THE STORMS TO PASS…………….IT’S ABOUT DANCING IN THE RAIN”. Love that one !!!

    Ciao friends,

    Sully in Colorado

    Reply
  170. Ann Wyatt
    Jan 13, 2010

    Hello Margie.
    Keep up the magnesium because for as many cardiologists who say it doesn’t work, there are as many who say it does. If it works for you, go for it. I haven’t had an episode for two months and I am sure that is because the magnesium has built up in my body and is supporting my heart muscles. It also helps to control blood pressure and that is a good thing. My cardiologist was very interested in what I reported and is going to put some of his patients onto it. My GP’s wife makes him take it every day and he said he feels great and has noticed how well he feels. I agree that Warfarin is rat poison. I have also been drinking more water because I have never been a great drinker of H2O and I am sure that dehydration is a trigger. Between the magnesium and the water I am doing well. Don’t forget to check the labels on packaged or tinned food. Many of the additives e.g., preservatives 220 (any in this number series) and 600s (monosodium glutamate) can bring on diabolical episodes. The sulphites (200s) are found in wine and are horrendous. It’s amazing how many other foods they are added to as well. Good luck and keep reading the comments because everyone has really helpful advice.

    Bye now,

    Ann

    Reply
  171. Ann Wyatt
    Jan 13, 2010

    Hello again, Sully.
    In response to your comment about EFT, I want to tell you that it is really not hard to do. The short cut is to tap firmay on the side of your hand just below the base of your little finger, while concentrating on how your episode of A-fib is making you feel. Then tell yourself what you choose to happen, for example, “Even though I have this annoying (insert here however you want to refer to it), A-fib and it is frightening me (worrying me, painful etc), I am a great person and I deserve to have a strong and healthy, regular heartbeat.” I get really annoyed with it sometimes and tell my brain to work in sync with the heart’s ‘spark plug’. I know that sounds weird but I am willing to try anything. There is no right or wrong way to do EFT. You focus on how you are feeling and then on fixing your porblem. The anxiety about the condition is a major part of the problem and so EFT helps to reduce that fear. Good luck. I will help you as much as I can if you have any questions. Good luck.
    Ann

    Reply
  172. Margie
    Jan 09, 2010

    Hi all.. i just came across your blogs this a.m Jan 9,2010 .. I was at my cardiologist yesterday ..they did a short EKG and said i have AFib.. i was shocked. I had one episode of odd heart beats last spring ’09 and the cardiologist i saw then said i was deficient in magnesium .. so started on 400 mg twice a day. All has been well till Dec when i started having small bouts.. off and on all day .. Then a week ago today i had a long episode of 4 hours or so .. I took extra magnesium but it took along time for it to revert . I ended up taking some Zanax to calm my mind as i was so worried and my heart reverted almost immediatley… i do not know if there is any correlation. But yesterday , the cardiologist kind of made me feel that the magnesium was useless… i disagree heartily . And he wanted me to start Warfarin.. ( coumadin) which is rat poisen and has very serious side affects. I really do not want to start that and am going to try and use selenium /magnesium and b-complex to try and help my heart stay regular. I also must get the amalgum out of my teeth.. i wonder if that is the trigger . Being 60 yrs old , one of my regular dr.s says it could be hormone related… not sure yet how we’ll find out, but i am consulting with a homeopathic Dr. on Monday. I will try and let you know what she says..

    Reply
  173. SULLY
    Jan 09, 2010

    Hello again from frigid Colorado. I have been reading about the EFT and am quite overwhelmed with all of the technicalities of the procedure. Can anyone simplify the tapping technique and how it might be applied to just AF? I looked at the paperback book and spent a while looking thru it and just put it back on the shelf.

    Also, I’d love to hear some stories from any of you who have experience with MULTAQ after changing from either calcium channel blockers or beta blockers. I’m on digoxin with Cardizem………. .125mg and 180mg respectively. My appt. with the cardiologist is in two weeks and hopefully he will let me try the MULTAQ. Aren’t we all looking for the “fountain of youth” and permanent cures? I’ll just keep on Praying !!

    Ciao friends,

    Sully

    Reply
  174. Ann Wyatt
    Jan 08, 2010

    Hi everyone.

    I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and that you have an A-fib free 2010. I have not had an episode for nearly two months now and I am very happy. I am convinced that staying away from food with additives, taking magnesium orotate and having the tapping technique on hand is definitely working. Sully, I envy you your daily cocktail hour as alcohol is a definite trigger for me. I really do miss my glass of wine with dinner. However, I would rather be A-fib free, so water has to do me. Boring, but safe. I could be wrong, but I think sometimes that all the medication causes the heart to react. We can do a lot ourselves by lessening anxiety and finding meditative ways of slowing the heart down and keeping it calm.

    Have a good year everyone.

    Ann in Australia

    Reply
  175. SULLY
    Jan 04, 2010

    Happy 2010 to all of you. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your AF experiences. I found this site today and will stay in touch with you. I have had Parosysmal AF for 10 years and have 1 to 3 episodes a month. I have been on Cardizem for a year and hope to try MULTAQ when I see my Dr. 1-26-10. I was on Toprol for 9 years and had a horrific time withdrawing from it. Two weeks ago I discovered that milk was causing me to flutter. Happened about 30 mins. after eating cereal/oatmeal……..heart pounded and ponded for about an hour. Switched to Silk (soy milk) and it has helped me immensley. I agree with many of you who put a lot of blame on anxiety. I find that if I do flutter in the aftrnoon……..maybe 4-5 pm. my daily cocktail hour having a couple of scotch and sodas stops the flutters within 10 mins. Not recommending you start boozing………..I’m 67 and have had a doily dose for 50 years. But I think the alcohol as a depressant has a difinite positive effect. I’m also going to check w/ the DR. about the Magnesium several of you have suggested. This is getting too long so I’ll quit and look forward to sharing more info with all of you in the future. I am a huge lover of God and get a great deal of help from Him. May he bless all of you who share this nasty condition immensly !!!

    Sully in Colorado.

    Reply
  176. Ann Wyatt
    Dec 22, 2009

    Peggy….I can understand your concern about your A-fib. The best thing I have done for myself is to take magnesium orotate morning and night. It has done wonders. I hardly ever experience an episode now. Even my cardiologist is amazed and said to keep on taking it. It relaxes the heart muscle and stops it from becoming over excited or stressed, which is often the cause of an episode. The emotional freedom technique site will be closed down on 15th January as Gary Craig is retiring, so I urge anyone who is interested in learning about this technique to have a look before the information disappears. It’s amazing and a wonderful help when you are feeling anxious about your heart returning to a normal rhyythm. Just type in emotional freedom technique and the site will come up. If you add atrial fibrillation, then you will find articles from their newsletter telling of people’s experiences. I have also had some success “talking” sternly to my heart and asking the brain to correct the electrical impulse it is sending to the heart’s “spark plug”. I know this sounds whacky but you’ll try anything when you are desperate. I was astounded when this actually worked. I concentrated on a regular beat, even counting out loud ( one, two, one, two etc) in the rhythm I wanted. I suppose it’s a bit like meditating and eventually the brain and the heart “talk” and all is well again. The main thing is not to panic when you feel an episode coming on. Start tapping on how it makes you feel and what you want to happen. The site will show you where to tap. For example, “Even though I have this awful atrial fibrillation at the moment and it is making me worried and scared, I am a great person and I choose for my heart to return to a strong and steady heartbeat.” There have been times when I have become quite angry with it and I demand that the correct rhythm returns and not long afterwards it happens. Never underestimate the body’s ability to heal itself. Good luck.

    Merry Christmas everyone. If anyone has snow, I will take it over our super hot Aussie Christmas any day!

    Ann

    Reply
  177. Marina
    Dec 16, 2009

    To Leroy & EveryOne Else on This Site:

    My name is Marina. Im a 55 year old female & my electrophysiologist told me I was a good candidate for an Ablation procedure because I’m still young & have no heart disease, no enlarged heart from all the episodes I’ve had & I’m having them quite regularly these days. I was diagnosed in 1977 so Thank God I don’t have any of those things. They tried me on Cardizem, Amiodarone, Verapamil, Sotilol & several others I can’t remember all right now. I’m now taking Multaq 400mg once in the morning with a meal once in the evening with a meal. New drug. Still fibrillating but not rushing off to emergency. That’s what they say about the drug. Google it. It’s by a company called Sanofi-Aventis. It’s a French company. Check it out. I was scheduled to have an Ablation on Dec 22 but put it off to check out other options like Acupuncture, Nutrionist an an Iridioligist before I have them burning tissue off my heart. My EP told me they build a picket fence around the area that fires off & how they do that is make small burns or cauterizations on the heart. 80 to 90 of them. That freaked me out a bit. If it’s my last alternative after checking other things I will succumb but not right now. I don’t know what the success rate if for the Ablation Procedures & is there at least a 90 something % guarantee I will be A-Fib free after? These are some of my concerns. I’ve heard some people say they’ve had to go back & have 2 & 3 more Ablations. If your 32 sounds like you could be a good candidate too. My Dr. told me when I went to visit him on Nov 16th that he had just performed one on a 25 year old & it was Successful. I guess you have to tap in to your intuition & see what the Good Man Upstairs tells you. Okay! Here’s 2 more sites with A-Fibb Info for any one interested.

    http://www.mind1st.co.uk/Atrial-Fibrillation-case-study-Warafin.asp
    http://www.udoerasmus.com/firstscreen.htm

    God Bless! Merry Christmas! Everyone.

    Reply
  178. Peggy
    Dec 16, 2009

    Ann, I am so glad that I found this site. I was diagnosed with Afib Sept. 29, 2009. Have already been to ER three times. I am currently on coumadin to thin the blood. Nothing else has been prescribed. Maybe it is because I am so early in the game with this issue. I have converted back within three hours after each episode. They always happen between seven and nine pm.It does make me feel anxious when this happens. The cardiologist keeps preaching that it is managable and not life threathing. Well excuse me! I have read where 15% of Afib patients can have a stroke. Personally I do not want to be in that category. I am 60 and have a four month old grandson that I would like to see grow up..Everyone has given great info. in your posts about diet triggers, stress. I will try these different options. I have meditation tapes on my ipod and they seem to help at times..The post that you sent to Marina about an emotional freedom technique site, I would like to look at that link. Could you give me the info. please. Reading these posts have helped so much. I know that I am not alone in this fight. Thanks to everyone for their insight.God Bless us all.

    Reply
  179. Marina
    Dec 04, 2009

    Dear Kurt,

    I read your post of (Oct 30th) about connection between sleep apnea & A Fib. I noticed that myself with my night episodes. I figured when your mouth is opened & your snoring your taking in air in your upper cavity that creates A Fib for some. Now whether a person has A Fib & the sleep apnea contributes or the sleep apnea creates the A Fib is a big question for me. I was diagnosed with A Fib back in 1997 when I was hospitalized for it & I didn’t snore back then. Now I do & when I wake up my mouth is dry & I get a funny sensation in my teeth I believe from sleeping with my mouth open. I went to see an Electrophysiologist on Nov 16th & I didn’t mention sleep apnea but interestingly enough he mentioned it to me. He asked me if I had sleep apnea. I didn’t know how to answer him. I told him I’m not sure because since I’ve been fibrillating so bad I wondered if that has caused me to have sleep apnea but I have been diagnosed by a doctor as having it. So, yes I think they do go together…

    Reply
  180. Marina
    Dec 04, 2009

    Hello! Ann…

    It’s been a while since I’ve been on LWAF. I’m having worse AFib the last few days. It’s made me so depressed I don’t want to answer my phone, go out in public or do any of the things I need & must do like go to the bank so I can pay my bills. I didn’t open my curtains but I did open my blinds this morning so I know I’m still somewhat ok but I cry, cry & cry. So much so I can’t stand myself. I Went to see an Electrophysiologist about 2 weeks ago for an Ablation Procedure. I haven’t had it done yet.That sounds so much better than Surgery. He said I was a good candidate for this procedure as an Eco Cardiogram performed in August showed I have a normal heart. I have a difficult time making decisions & something of this magnitude has really stumped me. I’m confused & scared. I am. I’ve tried everything & nothing seems to work for long let alone permanently. I don’t know that I had anything in particular to say or ask, I just needed to talk. Thank You! ;( Marina

    Reply
  181. Leroy
    Nov 24, 2009

    A lot of good info! I experienced my first bout with A Fib back in Sept. ’08 and had a second episode in March ’09. I know exactly what you all went thru. Scary and spooky. During my first episode I thought to myself, this is it, I’m history. I’ve had palpatations since I was a kid and when it did occur, even thru out my adult life, all I had to do was take deep breaths and it would go away. Not this time. My heart was flip flopping and going at turbo speed. I then called 911. I was hesitant at first, but I didn’t know what the heck was going on. It took three days before it converted back into a normal sinus rhythm, both episodes. I was given Cardizem via IV during the first episode and during the second episode it didn’t work and was given Amiodarone. The first time I was prescribed Sotalol, taking it twice a day. I forgot the dosage. Apparently it didn’t work. After the first three months out of the hospital, I went back to drinking coffee, sodas, chewing tobacco and BEER. The day of the second episode I forgot to take my first dosage of Sotalol and had several cups of coffee in the morning and a Mountain Dew in the afternoon. I got home from work to take a nap, lied on my left side, then BOOM, it’s back! I was so pissed that it came back. So here I am in the ER thinking back what could be the trigger. I told the Dr. that I forgot to take my morning dosage and I went back to drinking caffeine. He said that I was supposed to stay away from caffeine…DUH!! And that medication for A Fib doesn’t last that long. I quit drinking caffeine, prescribed Amiodarone (80 mg), Coumadin (Only the first month, both episodes), Lipotor, and Omeprazole (Acid Reflux). Also went to a sleep study and came out negative for sleep apnea and was prescribed a restless leg syndrome medication that I don’t take by the Neurologist. So far so good. Almost 9 months without A Fib! Still got palpatations though (Few times a day) and still scares me. Been exercising pretty regularly…weight training and cardio on the treadmill. I socially drink beer on the weekends and still chew tobacco, which I plan on quitting. Quit all cafffeine products for 9 months. My Electrophysiologist gave me the o.k. to drink socially. I believe that both episodes were brought on by 1) caffeine and 2) lying on my left side. I’ve asked my Cardiologist about lying on my left side and he said it triggers an A Fib attack in some people. Since then, I’ve noticed that when I laugh hard, I get palpatations. I also asked my Electrophysiologist about ablation. He told me that I didn’t need it and would rather control it with meds. Since I’ve been prescribed Amiodarone, I’ve been researching the side effects and DAMN, I think it’s more deadly to be on it then off it!! Well in the long run that is. During my last visit to my Dr, he plans to get me off of Amiodarone after I reach my target weight. Gotta drop 20 lbs. My question is should I tell my Dr. that I want the ablation? I sure don’t wanna go thru another episode. Got anxiety after all this. I’m only 32 and all this is happening. Sure would love to hear any suggestions!

    Reply
  182. Nancy
    Nov 23, 2009

    Hello everyone — It is so reassuring to read the comments on this site and learn that I am not alone, that this condition is not black and white, and that it responds to many approaches. I having been taking Maltaq for about ten days and thank Marina for sharing her experience with it. Also appreciate the suggestions re EFT and yogic breathing; I know these techniques and now will be more disciplined and consistent about using them. [BTW, re breathing — having practiced yoga for 25 years, I only just recently experienced diaphragmattic breathing , which you are doing if you expand your rib cage until it feels as if it is going to burst, as described above.] I have been going to a very experienced cardiologist who is also an electrophysiologist for about 15 years and thought y’all might be interested in what he says about drugs v. ablation as treatment. In his experience, prescription drugs are about 30% effective, and ablation [sometimes with drugs, especially following the procedure] is 60-70% effective. My advice re choice of physician/hospital for ablation is that you go where they have a lot of experience and perfect safety record. For ex., my doc has never had a death, and has had one patient have a stroke on the table — which they were able to treat and reverse. I think I am going in the direction of having the ablation.

    Reply
  183. Robert Ellis
    Oct 30, 2009

    Marie, I don’t know of an acupuncturist in L.A., but try yosan.edu. They have a school clinic, or I’m sure they could refer you to someone. As for the magnesium, I took as much as a gram a day or a bit more until I began to feel better. I take about half that now. You don’t have to wait until evening. I don’t know what else you’re doing, so if you have any concerns, ask your doctor.

    Reply
  184. Marie
    Oct 30, 2009

    Thankyou Robert, I will try and find an acupuntrist…do you know of someone in the Los Angeles, area??? Also, I will try a 1/2 tsp of calm tonight…..you said several times a day, how many??? Can’t you get to much mag??? Oh my, this is so hard…..I must stay positive…I begining to think the thyroid is to much again, and I have to take it to live….I stopped a couple of doses two weeks ago and my inside tremors calmed down but I am back on the regular dose….
    Thankyou so much
    Marie

    Reply
  185. Robert Ellis
    Oct 30, 2009

    Marie, I’m sorry to hear you are having so many problems with your afib. My strongest recommendation would be for you to see an acupuncturist. Waking up at the same time every night is a clue to a TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) diagnosis, as is the diarrhea. I think you will find acupuncture and Chinese herbs to be very helpful. They’ve helped me tremendously.

    You can try the CALM any time, but I would start with very little. You might try taking a half-teaspoon every couple of hours and seeing how you tolerate it. If you get diarrhea, stop.

    Reply
  186. Marie
    Oct 30, 2009

    Also, want to add that I have no thyroid and with this last episode that I am in, they gave me to much thyroid and it kicked in worse as I became hyper thyroid….I do my blood work every 6 or 7 weeks to check my TSH….I knew something was wrong as I had the thyroid jitters and my heart rate went up….what a mess and a juggling act…..hormones play a big role in this disease….for women and men….

    Reply
  187. Marie
    Oct 30, 2009

    My, I havn’t been on in awhile and missed you folks….I am in A Fib every single night at the same time. I am exhausted as it has gotten worse. Actually, it has taken on a different form. I used to have just A Fib, but now have all sorts of arrythmias and tremors during that time. I wake up almost exactly the same time each night with what I call “My dancing heart.” Only it is not a pleasant dancing, it is angry….the only thing that helps me is the vagal maneuver I have spoken about. It puts me back in sinus rythum after about 4 times of doing it. But then it comes back as I turn, or lay on my back and now I get short of breath, and have trouble breathing…I am always half out of it, and I have now made an appointment with a pulmonary specialist…this week was brutal….I am not taking any meds for the arrythmias as they now make my heart rate go to low….I am up and down like a yo yo…..the main reason I came on today was to ask Robert or anyone else about the supplement calm. I have had bad luck with the magesium oil and also supplements as they give me Dihreaah….goes right through me…..I am going to try the CALM and want to know if anyone had any suggestions before I take it?? It says 2 teaspons and I will try one, and when are you supposed to take it???
    Also, I want to respond to a post from Kurt:

    urt

    I’ve been able to control my AF – bringing the heart back to normal rhythm – with a simple breathing exercise, similar like described by Marie.
    My episodes are always at night, never in daytime. They are infrequent, sometimes a week without, sometimes 2-3 times at night.
    I’ve kept track of all food and supplments for months and cannot find a pattern that would trigger the AF. However, I have noticed that increased stress seems a definite trigger.

    Kurt: Yes stress is a big trigger for me…..I notice if I stay quiet and down I might get a night without more than one episode….also, I wanted to say Sleep Apnea and A Fib Can go together. Get to a sleep clinic….and also, how are you??

    Marie

    Reply
  188. Kurt
    Oct 27, 2009

    Hello Sandi,

    I am not sure what you mean by Estrogen coming FROM your heart. However, I can tell about my wife’s experience with hormones and heart issues.
    When she was 51, she got very high blood pressure (170-180) and rapid pulse (80-90) all the time. The cardiologist put her on a Betablocker with worked exactly the opposite of what was intended by pushing her BP over 200 and sent her heart racing (they say it’s rare but not unheard of).
    After this, she went to a hormon specialist and she is now taking bio-identical hormones that get implanted under the skin. It’s the size of a couple pieces of rice. She was sorely lacking in several hormones, among them testosterone and since she is getting the replacement hormones, the bloodpressure dropped over 30 poins and the pulse is down as well.
    In addition, hotflashes are gone and other womens-only problems are no longer an issue.
    You might want to have your hormones checked as well. But don’t settle for estrogen check only, you need ALL your hormones checked. They are all needed and balance each other out if your body is healthy.

    Kurt

    Reply
  189. sandi
    Oct 22, 2009

    hi every one,
    maybe this will help some one out their. ive had several episodes of my heart racing an then the shakes so bad you would think i was freezing to death. well my heart doctor said i was after many test from stress to echo grams ect,, ive got to much estragen coming from my heart. i to wore the little box for 30 days an it showed each episode of the heart racing an shaking after wards. i tryed to get my mind off of what was happening to me an would go out side to catch my breathe due to shortness of breathe. i would stand or should say sit infront of the fan to breathe. i also would get a band feeling around my left rib cage. i had a severe attache last night. first i had a stabbing feeling just for a second in my left ring finger as if some one was sticking me really hard in the finger. i sad ouch. then i asked my hubby(he has severe heart problems) if his muscles in his chest flips over. he was half out of it asleep form a long day at work. he mumbled some thing. something in my chest fliped completely over an then my heart was racing so bad till hot flush feeling came over me an i was having a hard time breathing. i had a tight feeling around my left rib a if some one was tighting a belt around my upper waist. i had to take a valium an finally sat still after this aweful ordeal was over. i has several small episodes through th night. ive not heard any thing else from my heart doctor other then i passed all the other test. any suggestings on waht one can do to stop to much estrogen coming from my heart. please i cant stand these aweful episodes any more. desperately in need of help. thanks all an know i kept praying for GOD to not let me die. this is exactly waht it feels like. would appreicate any info or natural cures to help me out. GOD bless each of you!!

    Reply
  190. Kurt
    Oct 21, 2009

    I’ve been able to control my AF – bringing the heart back to normal rhythm – with a simple breathing exercise, similar like described by Marie.
    My episodes are always at night, never in daytime. They are infrequent, sometimes a week without, sometimes 2-3 times at night.
    I’ve kept track of all food and supplments for months and cannot find a pattern that would trigger the AF. However, I have noticed that increased stress seems a definite trigger.
    A few times I’ve had the feeling that I snored myself awake and after being awakened noticed the pounding in my neck. Mostly I am awakened by “something”, could be the fluttering, or the feeling in my chest or who knwows what. After all, I’m sleeping. I do not know the difference between severe and mild, my own subjective feeling is that my “fluttering” is mild.

    The pluse rate is not elevated at the wrist but I can feel the flutter at the cartoid in my neck.
    To “fix” it, I lay on my back and take a very very deep breath, all the way down into my stomach/gutt area and to the point that I feel my rib cage could burst like a balloon.. The AF goes away mostly with just one such deep breath, sometimes it takes two, rarely three and never more than three.
    Because of the snooring that seems to preceed the AF, I’ve wondered if there is a connection to sleep apnea. I’ve also noticed that the episodes seem to bee happening around the same time at night, which would also make sense since the sleep rhythem (stages of sleep) could be a trigger (I go to sleep at the same time every night).
    What would fit this picture also is that the wife says lately i’ve been snooring like a bear. I am a bit overweight (55 years young, 5’11”, 185 lbs) but very healthy. Research on the web seems to indicate a connection between sleep apnea and AF, but they usually talk about obese people.
    If a breathing disorder is the cause of my AF, it would explain why the episodes only happen during the night and also why the deep breathing is ending it quickly.
    By the way, I’v stayed away from all prescription meds, just take supplements, Fish oil, Vitamine E, Ginko for blood thinner,
    L-Argenine for its Nitro-like effect, CoQ10 for general heart health, eating a lot of fruit and veggies, whole wheat, limited meat.
    What I am sorly lacking is exercise.
    My next quest will be to set up an exercise regimen and see if that has any influence on my AF or not.

    I was wondering if anyone else made the connection from AF to possible sleep disorder.

    Reply
  191. Ann Wyatt
    Oct 06, 2009

    Hi again Marina.

    The website which shows an animated version of atrial fibrillation is as follows:
    http://www.heartrhythmcharity.org.uk/Documents/Animations/Heart_Tool.swf
    I think you will find it interesting to see how it all works. Understanding what happens can somehow help to alleviate the fear.

    Ann

    Reply
  192. Ann Wyatt
    Oct 06, 2009

    Hello Marina.
    After reading your note it seems to me that you have a fair amount of anxiety around your A-fib. This can be a trigger. I am glad you found the Emotional Freedom Technique site because it will be your best friend. When you are saying the words while you tap, try “Even though I have this annoying A-fib and it frightens me, I completely accept myself and I choose to allow the brain to send the correct signal to the heart’s “spark plug” (it is located between the heart chambers) so that my heart will return to its strong, healthy, regular beat.” Now, I know that sounds a lot, but if you say it with conviction while you tap (see the manual), and concentrate on the steady heartbeat that you want, you will find that your anxiety level will go down and help your heart to return to its proper ryhthm. When you are able to take the magnesium orotate as well, you should start to notice an improvement. You will certainly sleep better. I actually recommended it to a doctor who suffers from A-fib and he is willing to try anything. He is relatively young, so he is more receptive to alternate help. One day they will learn, we hope. Although your doctor has done his best, I wonder how much the mixture of so many medications has affected you. I will be keen to hear from you as to how successful you have been. There are no right or wrong words to say, only those which describe how you are feeling. I found a great site which shows in an animated version, what happens during A-fib. It’s fascinating and very informative. I will send it through because it’s worth a look.
    Keep in touch with all of us because we can all help and encourage each other.

    Ann

    Reply
  193. Marie
    Oct 06, 2009

    Yes, Marina hello!!! So many good posts here….

    The maneuver I use to kick me into normal sinus rhythm is a yoga breathing exercise. This morning at 4 AM I was all over the place, I do it without really disturbing myself to much. Some times the A Fib comes with violent heart beats, and sometimes I lose my breath (while being asleep) and I am jolted awake….

    What I do is repeated simple yoga breathing exercise. I take a slow deep breath (while I am still in bed) through my nostrils and keep my mouth closed. When I breath deeply I expand my diaphragm more than my lungs (that is the trick) and then blow the air out slowly from my mouth. I keep repeating this (remember to expand the diaphragm not just the lungs) and it kicks me back into rhythm. Everything slows down and before I know it my pulse has dropped sometimes 30 points. I can feel the heart slow down, and normal rhythm resume within the most 15 min and usually much less….it has worked for me for about a year…I used to bare down like I was going to the bathroom, that worked for a bit, but this works so much better….

    I live with violent A Fib every night, a little in the daytime. I have to work on my state of mind every day as I am one of those people that has limited their activities. I know what the triggers are for me, and try to avoid those. But you have to live and take chances….

    GAIL….you are not going to die….it feels like it, because it shakes you. The Doctors tell me you don’t die from A Fib. There is danger of stroke, however they say that you have to be in constant A Fib for 24 to 48 hours to be in danger. Now that means you have it steady and do not kick back into sinus rhythm at all during that time….

    I do not take any drugs anymore for they made me worse. I do the most natural things I can, and use this vagal maneuver all the time…..sometimes it feels violent and I feel as though I am going to have a heart attack, and this exercise calms it down and kicks it back in. I also get chest pain at times with this, but it so far goes back into rhythm with this slow breathing technique.

    I want to comment on Ablation…..I have researched this since 2004 and I will probably eventually have it however, it is improving every year. It has come a long way in the five years I have had A Fib. I also know who THE MOST SKILLED EPs are….I have really researched it. It is all in the technique and approach to it that sets the tone for cure rate….or at least close to cure…but I am not ready to go there yet. I have bleeding problems and for me it is risky…

    Love to all
    Hang in there

    Reply
  194. Marina
    Oct 06, 2009

    Good Morning Everyone!

    I’m addressing different individuals based on their post & info.

    Hi! MARIE,
    Can you explain how the VAGAL MANEUVER is done, Please! Much appreciated.

    Hi! ANN,
    I read your post (9/20) & I will call you Ann from here on out. ;) I found Gary Craig’s EFT site. Thank You! By the way. I downloaded the Free manual. I also ordered the Magnesium Orotate. I live in Los Angeles & I searched high & low in the local health food stores here & no one carried it so I ordered it online & it seems it is backordered. They said due to an unusually high demand it has not been sent by the manufacturers to the site that would ship it & estimated stock time would be 30 days. I thought that was interesting. So I’m ok to wait as I already paid for it & by our recommendation am looking forward to taking it. The company that was recommended by Whole Foods Market here in LA said KAL Magnesium Orotate was the Best Seller. I was admitted into the hospital for 4 days back in August not to mention I went to ER in June & July which can be extremely costly here in the US particularly if you do not have medical insurance. I spent 4 days being loaded up on Sotilol & given shots in my stomach of Coumadin which left me with ugly black & purple bruises across my abdomen. Sexy! Eh? ;D I’ve been prescribed 4 or 5 different meds & not of them have worked. Cardizem, Metoprolol, Propafenone, Sotilol & now I’m taking a new med called MULTAQ (Dronedarone) it was developed in France by Sanofi Aventis.

    MULTAQ is a prescription medicine used to lower the chance that you would need to go into the hospital for heart problems. It is meant for people who have had an abnormal heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter in the last six months but who do not have that abnormal rhythm now or are about to be converted to a normal rhythm. It may be safely used for people who have had atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter who also have medical problems such as high blood pressure, stroke, or diabetes.

    I’ve been taking it for about a month & 1/2 & it has lowered my chances of going to ER but I’m still fibrillating & my cardiologist has reached his the limit of what he knows can do so now he recommended I see an ElectroPhysiologist to see about an Ablation Procedure. I’m not feeling that especially since I don’t know that there is a guarantee I will not have A Fib which is what my Doctor thinks the procedure will eliminate & he said I wouldn’t have to take meds anymore. Sounds good but I must look into it further. I have Paroxsysmal A Fib which no known or unknown cause. The nurse at the clinic I go to says I am an “Enigma” & apparently I’m beginning to believe that because my cardiologist (who I love by the way) sat on my bed in the hospital, looked into my eyes & apologized – He said, “I’m sorry but my medication failed you” which I thought was really honest & I appreciated him for that. I’m still Fibrillating & Fluttering throughout the day & @ night I have episodes. Seems like after I eat something on the way down it causes me to flutter & even go into episodes but I’m working with it & not letting it upset my life. I take vitamins & a liquid B-12 by Nature’s Answer with Quick Sorb 2 oz. about $24. Pricey but I do what I can when I can & I take if because I tend to get tired easily because of A Fib & how often I have it. Anyone have any suggestions or info Please! Feel free to render as I’m open & welcome. God Bless! Us A Fiberrs…. ;)

    Reply
  195. Marina
    Oct 05, 2009

    Dear Gail,

    Im running out to do errands but I read your post in my e-mail, my heart went out to you & I just want to say briefly. Please! Read all these stories on this site & may be it will give you some comfort in knowing that many of us have or had the same fear on a regular basis but there’s a remedy & unfortunately since Modern Science & Doctors do not know what causes A Fib (at least most kinds of A Fib) you will have to through your own process (which doesn’t hurt in addition to the Western Medicine approach you are undertaking) experiment with foods, supplements, etc. to see what works. It can be most frustrating, depressing & debilitating to your everyday life but you “CAN DO IT” & you won’t die. It’s WORK. I ain’t gonna’ lie my sister, but you have to hone in on all the information you find, stumble upon & call in the Universe to assist you. Work everything you know & ALL you’ve got in addition to whatever your doing now & supplements, herbs & diet. Tap in to your Zen info, Buddha, God, Jesus whoever & whatever you believe in because you are stronger than you know. We A Fibers have a HEART that BEATS to a Different Drummer & runs it’s own Marathon & I can’t stress that enough. Doesn’t sound comforting but that makes us unique. Please! Don’t let depression get the Best of you, which is another thing that occurs with this condition. You have to talk to yourself & regularly. You have to work all the positivity & spirituality in addition to the medications, doctors appointments, medical tests & everything else. Don’t let it get the Best of you. I think there’s a reason why they call it Living With Atrial Fibrillation. A lot of people live long & full lives. There are people who stay in A Fibb all their lives. Google any questions you may have on A Fib & draw & do what you intuitively feel works for you. Women have Good intuition. We have to tap into it & make it work for us. Listen to that voice. Don’t give up Girlfriend! We’re all here with/for you. PEACE!

    Reply
  196. Robert Ellis
    Oct 05, 2009

    Gail, please read the post on Recommendations and try everything until you start feeling better. There’s a very good chance you can manage your afib on your own if you take responsibility for your diet and lifestyle, and begin taking supplements to support your heart. If you can, see an acupuncturist that also works with herbs. It’s a tremendous help.

    Marie, glad to hear you survived the fires. I’ve been swamped with acupuncture school, which is why I show up here very infrequently. I’m in my second year, which I’m told is the hardest.

    Reply
  197. gail crouse
    Oct 05, 2009

    I have started with the heart palpatations, and started a bata blocker, going to have the stress test and echo. I am so afraid i am going to die. Can anyone help ease my fears… please?

    Reply
  198. Marie
    Oct 02, 2009

    Oh dear, forgot spell check…or to re read my post…EXCUSE!!!

    Reply
  199. Marie
    Oct 02, 2009

    Hi everyone, havn’t been on for awhile and miss you all…Robert how is school??? I have been having frequent A Fib again the last month. I live in California..Los Angeles…and had to flee the horrible Station Fire….I could not breath. The ash was in my pool, my house, and I could not see anything but black sky….one Saturday, I was on my computer and breathing was difficult, I looked out the window and saw this huge explosion of fire and smoke. It look like an atominc bomb…had a huge mushroom cloud….within a half hour the sky was dark….I called a hotel down in San Diego, packed my bag and off I went for a week…when I came back, it was a little better and tolerable. My A Fib went crazy with that experience, but I am now down to every AM but not as bad…..Thank God for the vagal maneuver, it really helps me so much. I can get it usually under control with this breathing teccnique within 15 min or so….what a horrible thing to suffer from and it is kind of different for everyone. I find I am always worse in the summer with the heat…. So, this AM the fall was here and it was chilly. I did not wake up with any A Fib….I watch what I eat and do not under any circumstances use any caffeen or alcohol…..
    Pam, thanks for the Turene suggestion….how much do you take a day??? I will also google it….

    Warm wishes to all of you

    Reply
  200. PAM hALEY
    Oct 01, 2009

    I have had lone paroxmyl afib for 20 years…sometimes violent episodes. Started taking taurine and it’s made an incredible difference. Has given me my life back. Still have them but mild and infrequently.

    Reply
  201. john callaghan
    Sep 22, 2009

    have had AF for 7 years.. Comes on at night. Tried most of above recommendations and agree, especially about potassium, but have found that naturally reducing blood pressure stops attacks. Use lecithin 3 times a day to keep BP around 125/70. Have only been doing this for 3 months and the last time I awoke with AF, half a sotalol tablet had my BP down to 110/70 and heart reverted to sinus rhythm in under an hour. Have had no AF since.
    Current research says the relation between BP and AF is a J curve – too low is as bad as too high

    Reply
  202. Di
    Sep 21, 2009

    Thanks Robert. My niece and her family are living in Berkley. They moved from Santa Fe, NM where he owned and ran a Japanese restaurant. I certainly wish you well in your training. I wish we were closer to the bigger cities, but I guess that’s why I am so proactive with our health. Thanks for the good wishes for my husband. He is a little apprehensive, but I’m sure it will be a relief to be back in rhythm. When I get time I will certainly register and use the new forum. Thanks.
    Di

    Reply
  203. Robert Ellis
    Sep 21, 2009

    Di, the forum is open to everyone, but you will need to register to post.

    I’m attending Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College. I’ve just finished my first year. If all goes according to plan, I’ll be a licensed acupuncturist sometime in early 2012.

    Good luck to your husband!

    Reply
  204. Di
    Sep 21, 2009

    Thanks for the note Ann, and good to hear from you Robert. Where are you taking your schooling? Do we have to re-register on the new forum? My husband goes in at noon on Thursday for his cardioversion or whatever they call it….shocking story! I’ll let you all know how it turned out. I hope the doc will get him off all the meds so he can go back to taking the good stuff. Am also going to add the L-Taurine and magnesium citrate in the powdered form. I’m glad I found this site. Have a good evening all.
    Di

    Reply
  205. Robert Ellis
    Sep 21, 2009

    I’m happy to see so many comments on the blog! I’ve been so busy lately, attending acupuncture college and a medical qigong program, that I’ve had no time for anything else.

    It seems like there’s a small community of people forming around this site. I’d like to make it easier for you to support each other, so I’ve created a forum. It doesn’t look like much now, but when I find some time, I’ll fix it up to match the site.

    Update: I’ve deleted the forum as only a couple of people posted there and it was being overrun by spam. Please post your comments on the blog.

    Thanks everyone for your comments and for being so supportive of each other!

    Reply
  206. Ann Wyatt
    Sep 21, 2009

    Hello Di.

    Welcome to the site. I am glad you have found the EFT webpage. Gary Craig is indeed very knowledgeable and has the utmost integrity when sharing his technique. There are many practitioners now who are helping people all over the world and I encourage you to look for one near you. I am confident that he/she will be able to help you and your husband cope with all the stress you have suffered. We have a number of practitioners in Australia and the word is spreading. I am fortunate to have a teacher of EFT available nearby whenever I need a refresher course or an update.I use EFT all the time with my family and school students and have had wonderful results. One of my students in his final year was able to control his dyslexia using EFT because of the fact that he eliminated the stress surrounding his condition. He did very well and continues to use it at University. With your permission I will put you and your husband in my healing circle.

    Ann

    Reply
  207. Di
    Sep 21, 2009

    Greetings all,

    My name is Dianne, but a lot of people call me Di, and the little ones call me Di Di. I live in Southern Idaho, and am a pastor’s wife. My husband has been suffering with A-Fib and has a blot clot in his leg, and is under allopathic treatment with blood thinner, water pill, potassium, calcium channel blocker, etc. etc. You know the routine! Anyway this week, in three or four days he will have his heart shocked back into sinus rhythm. He’s overweight, sedentary because of his vocation, and not too athletic. He had bought a nice treadmill early this year and was faithfully using it, but was called away because of family illness and then a death in the family. He had to make quite a few trips, and drove straight through, 700 miles one way. Sorry guys, but I believe they are more “get n go” kind of guys, and I believe it caused his blood clot and atrial fribrillation from all the stress of the situation. His stepmother of 41 years died, after he spent a month there taking her for all her treatments, and his dad had two hip replacement surgeries and now he can barely walk because of what they call “dropped feet syndrome” caused by the surgery! Anyway, obviously there was a lot of stress involved.

    Three years ago, my husband had the A-Fib and because at the time we had great insurance, but now since dropped by our denomination because of the horrendous costs, he was sent to a larger city to a heart institute where they saw him coming and did every conceivable test, and then at the end said no blockages, etc. etc. but ended up doing the same thing that he will have done in our ER here, which will be out of pocket but thankfully the doctor will try to skip all the unnecessary tests, etc.

    I do have A-Fib once in a while myself, but I am a nervous person, also am hypo-thyroid and I attribute a lot of my issues with that. ANYWAY, to make a very long story even longer….sorry, I am very much into the alternative health, don’t believe in using drugs of any sort unless absolutely necessary and only for a short period of time. I take handfuls of supplements daily, research daily and get many email newsletters from doctors. The reason I am on here today is because one of the newsletters that I received yesterday was referring to a book that this doctor had just written on all heart issues, and there were a few teaser articles, (I almost paid for and downloaded the e-book, until I saw one such article referring to L-Taurine for A-Fib.) My middle name should be Google as it has become such a part of my daily life! So, I googled L-Taurine for A-Fib, and one of the sites that came up was THIS ONE! God’s timing is “perfect” and I am so thankful that this is a current one still going with opportunity to post in real time! Reading through some of your posts have been enlightening to put it lightly, and I actually am less stressed about the A-Fib knowing all the differently issues that you and others have struggled with.

    Well, I will close for now, but wanted to say hi to everyone, and thanks for starting this site.

    I will definitely get back and see how everyone is doing and what new ideas and therapies you have found. The EFT (tapping is something that I’ve read a lot about, and have downloaded an instruction manual on it, recieve periodic emails from Gary somebody or other who is a guru in it) AND if you google or just go to YouTube and type in tapping or EFT there are a lot of instructions on it there.

    Blessings to all today.
    Di

    Reply
  208. Ann Wyatt
    Sep 20, 2009

    Hi Marina.

    Thank you for your courtesy but I would like you to call me Ann. I am Mrs, by the way, but having been a teacher for 47 years, a mum for 45 and a nana for 19 so far, I hardly get to see or hear my name. Everyone on this site is so friendly and it is great to find people who are like-minded. The site you are referring to for the tapping might be Emotional Freedom Technique. I find this technique wonderful for alleviating anxiety and stress which often make the episodes scarier.

    Rosemary,
    I really recommend the tapping site to you also because you appear to suffer anxiety around your episodes as well. Have you tried magnesium orotate? As you will have read previously, it has made a great deal of difference to me. Have you also checked out any preservatives which are in food you have eaten? Be wary of the additives, 200s and 600s. They are sometimes listed as flavour enhancers and are horrendous, especially if they are in wine. It can be difficult to find preservative free wine but if you enjoy an occasional glass then look for this one. Good luck.

    Ann

    Reply
  209. rosemary
    Sep 20, 2009

    This is a good day for me. :) After having a pesky afib session last night, it’s a comfort to find this website.

    When an episode kicks in, I feel like such a nuisance – should I go to the ER, or should I not go, is this episode different, etc. It’s good to find others who can understand how miserable afib feels and how indecisive you can be about making that trip.

    Thank you for the sharing of information and experiences.

    rosemary

    Reply
  210. Marina
    Sep 19, 2009

    Hi! Miss Wyatt,

    No! I don’t think it’s weird at all but to others it may seem absurd. I believe anything is possible & inside this body is a spirit that keeps it running & alive as well. It’s nice to know someone else in this great big universe has the same thought. Two minds with one thought I always said. I tell close friends we were born in separate wombs together. ;) Seriously, I tap on my heart, my heart meridian which I discovered from someone on a site & bought a laser pointer with the red light & also shine it on my heart meridian which is on your pinky but you will have to Google it for preciseness if you should be inclined to try that sometime. I have discovered that nothing works all the time but I can do it & then do something else then go back to something. I rotate my options so to speak. I believe I read your posts about the Magnesium Orotate last week when I was out of the country. I’m going to but some tomorrow & start taking it. I will keep you posted with my success in using it as I feel certain it will help. Thank You! & Much Success to you as well.

    Marina

    Reply
  211. Ann Wyatt
    Sep 19, 2009

    Hi Marina. I was interested in your comment that you talk to your heart. I know it sounds a bit weird, but I did that last night when I felt a little interruption in my heart beat. Because the brain is responsible for sending the electrical impulses to the heart to regulate the heartbeat, I told it to correct the heart’s electrical system and return it to a regular, steady beat. I then began to tap on my chest, over my heart, in a steady rhythm while concentrating on almost hypnotising the brain into correcting the impulse. You try everything rather than have an episode. Call it odd, but who cares? Within a couple of minutes, my heart corrected itself and it was good again. I have no idea why this worked but it did. I remembered to thank my brain and my heart. No, I’m not taking any ‘funny’ medicine. Also, I am having great success with magnesium orotate, which is making me feel so much better in myself as well as making my heart feel stronger and supported. Good luck!

    Ann

    Reply
  212. Marina
    Sep 18, 2009

    Hi! To Everyone on this site & Big Ups To Mr. Ellis for running & sharing his information & allowing others to share as well… Blessings! To each & everyone one of you.

    Ok! I haven’t written in a while as I was out of the country for 3 weeks in mostly Eastern European countries doing what I Truly Love & that is playing music & entertaining. The reason why I’m telling you this is because I was in ER 3 times in 3 months for A Fib. Which you all now can be costly when you don’t have medical insurance & if the A Fib episodes don’t get you the hospital bills surely will. This is my livelihood & I was frantic I would not be able to do this 3 week tour & what would happen to my living & life situation. How will I survive, my daughter lives with me & she’s not working right now & I was going to be homeless & the panic continued & now I was suffering form high anxiety. Do you feel me? Can you relate? I WISH I had the answer, the cure all & cure forever so we don’t have to suffer with this difficult & challenging condition which seems to have even the most astute & rocket scientist doctors scratching their heads. There’s no Rhyme or reason with this condition. I can tell you for some especially athlete’s it seems they go into A Fib when exercising & for me when I get on stage & play my percussion (congas, bongos, etc.) if I’m in A FIb it stops oftentimes. Go figure. I thought perhaps it was because of the repetitive motion of hitting my drums with my hands that perhaps was causing the A Fib or was the culprit. That’s still a possibility because someone told me they knew a man who use to lay carpeting & the thought was he developed A Fib from the constant motion of hitting the tool that lays the carpet down. He is still alive & has been living with A Fib for 30 years or more. I have a friend who was an athlete back in his day. He discovered he had A Fib 20 something odd years ago & he’s been taking 200 mg of Verapamil everyday since & has had no episodes. A flutter every now & then & he drinks beer & some alcohol from time to time. Go figure. It’s different things for different people & there seems to be several kinds of A Fib. Vagal A Fib, Paroxsysmal A fib, people that stay in A Fib for life, etc., etc. I’m no authority by any stretch of the imagination but I can tell you we all seem to have a similar common denominator & that is we have a Heart that runs its own marathon. That’s the best way I can put it at least for myself it becomes less intense when I talk about my heart in front of it in a funny way. I treat it as though I’m dealing with a totally different being. I talk to him/her as a separate entity from myself. It’s like when you’re in a relationship & you’re having a problem with you’re significant other & you want desperately to work things out & you know the best way is communication. Sounds crazy & nutty to some but I know part of the reason I suffer with A Fib is emotional. I had a lot of loss in my life, dysfunctional issues growing up & a broken heart. So I talk to my heart along with being pro-active with the physical aspect of A Fib. I have as of late paid attention to the fact that after I eat the gases build up in my stomach & digestive tract & that seems to cause A Fib flutters & episodes. It’s all one body. Why wouldn’t the things we experience emotionally have an effect on the physical part of our bodies. Never have understood how some people don’t see that but I believe it & always have. The days are not as weary for me as is the night. For some reason when the darkness comes my heart is on time with going in to A Fib. So I’m working on my nights more that my days right now because nothing is etched in stone with A Fib. A Fib has a sense of humor & play tricks. My heart likes to come out & play at night. Fortunately I am a musician so I can cope a little better. For those of you who go to bed early at night & are really looking to get a good nights rest which by the way is imperative for ALL A Fibers it can be a real challenge & disheartening to the point of tears & depression. I’m with you on every aspect of A Fib & I pray that we can together figure out something on Western Medicine, Homeopathic, Alternative, Organic levels whichever works for the individual until we figure out the cause. For without the cause it’s most difficult to treat &/or come up with a cure. Im someone who does not like to take a pill for the rest of my life to survive. I want to do it naturally so I don’t have to live with it at all but until I along with a doctor who believes in that too I have to do what I have to do because I suffer with it everyday now & it’s annoying, disturbing & definitely takes away from my quality of life. It’s work. Hard work to maintain a balance when you find one for awhile. It would be nice to find balance for life. I’m hopeful & prayerful. I’ll be writing again as I have so much I want to express. I’m learning so much from everyone on here & I share their experiences. We’re not alone. We are a society unto ourselves. We are a group unlike many others who have hearts that beat to a different drummer. No I don’t take this lightly. Please! Don’t misunderstand. I just want to LIVE & not let it take over my life because that would be dangerous for me. I want to help any way I can. Sending Love to everybody.

    Marina ;)

    Reply
  213. Marie
    Sep 13, 2009

    Hi Claire and everyone
    I have been off the site for awhile due to such an accute phase. I had the monitor on for 4 weeks and it said A Fib again, but only at night,,,
    Robert, I did the cellular test and found that I was not so low on Magnesium just a point or so….but I started the magnesium oil…I could not take it for long as it made my skin break out….I tried mixing it with aloe oil and that did no good. My comment on the magnesium oil is you have to take so much to get the beeifits of it….it is to much to take. Also, it is very expensive, so I went through it very quickly. I don’t recoment it unfortunately they don’t have it down yet. I wish they did.
    I bought the calm Robert, but have not started it yet due to my IBS….
    My A Fib has slowed down a bit, and I can sleep pretty much. But I feel very slow, out of breath, and weak. I am looking forward to the Winter months, as I am more energized. The heat kills me as I have no thyroid, therefore no thermostat in my body. I went out of town due to the fires and it was very humid where I went. I could breath but got heat stroke due to the extreme humidity. That was the first time….
    If anyone wants facts on thyroid I can help them with it…I know a lot about it and its effects on heart function. When taking thyroid tests don’t just settle for the TSH be sure they do FT4 and FT3 along with it. This shows how you are or not utilizing the thyroxin being put out….

    Hello Robert….missed you!!!
    Marie

    Reply
  214. Clare
    Sep 13, 2009

    Hi everyone,
    I just had my first official AFib. My heart was racing so hard that it scared me enough to call 911. Usually I just stick it out. I felt really badly, so I took my blood pressure, and my machine also has a heart rate reading which was 133. That was enough to convince me to call 911.

    I encountered the usual allopathic medical community insanity in the ER. I knew absolutely nothing about the heart, but I knew enough about doctors to refuse everything they suggested (three vials of something intraveneously and a shot in the abdomen). I converted by myself, thank God. I stayed overnight because they wanted to run tests, but by 24 hours later they had only done an echocardiogram, so I checked myself out. I have made appointments with a cardiologist and also an endocrinologist.

    Here’s my backstory. I have been feeling ill for about 3 months. Since I was diagnosed in 1993 with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CMV, EBV, HHV-6, candida and hypothyroidism with 5 separate diagnoses of Lyme), I thought I was in relapse. I have been eating nothing but organic food, no grains (I’m thinking maybe candida again…but have also been recently told that I’m gluten intolerant, but haven’t been tested yet for celiac), no dairy, tons of alkaline water daily, magnesium, Vit C, B’s, CoQ10, Turmeric, a probiotic, a prebiotic, EFA’s, Nattokinase and E for about two months or so. And THEN I have the A Fib!! I don’t get why.

    I have been reading all I can so that I am fully armed, and am shocked at how many people have recurring AFib but don’t do much about it. I was told that the blood can now pool causing clots and therefore a stroke. My mom and her mom both died of strokes, so I don’t want that! I am 63 years old, by the way, and female.

    Also in the backstory: I started having palpitations in 2000, wound up in an emergency room after three days of arrythmia, but they concluded “nothing wrong”. I shouldn’t have listened of course.

    I am chronically dehydrated despite drinking about 70 oz of water a day. I think I have adrenal failure (I had a hormone test done myself which revealed low testosterone, cortisol, and estradiol. I told every doctor I went to and no one even responded!!) I am hypothyroid and can’t find a doctor to accurately monitor me. I keep getting TSH readings of 0.00.

    I’m not sure it hasn’t been the stress of figuring out what’s wrong that contributed to the AFib. I have been taking magnesium (Calm) for two months and my blood pressure has plummeted 20-30 points, so I stopped taking my small dosage of Atacand (which I stalled taking for years). I think my blood pressure is now too low. I have also had diarrhea for months, maybe as much as 5 months. Had it before the magnesium.

    I was confused enough to begin with, but now with heart issues I am very sad and scared and worried. I hate that I will never know how this all started! I am a firm believer in non-mainstream treatment. I totally resent that my insurance covers only pharmaceutical based tests and treatment.

    Tomorrow I intend to buy some Hawthorne Berry. I’m a little reticent to try the molasses since I am intolerant of sugars (naturapath told me) and I have already been taking turmeric, although not consistently. I also hestitate on the coconut water because I am type 0, and coconut is an avoid on the Eat Right 4 Your Blood type diet. But that diet might have been what started this messy relapse in the first place. Oy!

    That’s my story!
    Clare

    Reply
  215. Robert Ellis
    Sep 08, 2009

    Ann, I’m glad the magnesium is working for you. The book you recommend sounds interesting. I think it is published in the U.S. as What’s In Your Food?: The Truth about Additives from Aspartame to Xanthan Gum. Thanks for the tip!

    Reply
  216. Ann Wyatt
    Sep 08, 2009

    Hi everyone. I have been taking magnesium orotate for a week now and I can’t believe the difference it has made! I wish I had found it long ago. I feel as though I have more energy and although this sounds strange, my heart feels stronger, as if it is supported. I don’t have heart disease but the threat of AF is always with me. I haven’t had a sign of AF. It is early days but I am confident that the magnesium is going to make a big difference. I am still going to avoid those horrendous sulphites which are in just about everything you buy these days. There is a great little book called The Chemical Maze which is Australian and available at health food shops here. It will give every additive and its number as well as the possible side effects and products which contain each one. It is amazing how many bring on heart palpitations. It’s a book worth buying and a great guide as to what to avoid.

    Reply
  217. Robert Ellis
    Aug 15, 2009

    Yes, I’m around. Thanks for asking!

    I just took my last exam for the trimester today. I’m now finished with my first year of acupuncture college. Only two more to go…

    Reply
  218. Marie
    Aug 14, 2009

    Robert, are you around??? Havn’t seen you here for awhile…miss your input….

    Reply
  219. Marina
    Aug 14, 2009

    Dear Miss Wyatt…Regarding sugar being a trigger for A-Fib, I can tell you from my personal experience yes. Too much of it can trigger an episode. You know how children bounce off the walls when they have too much sweets well adults with A-Fib can react perhaps not the same way as children but their heart will react so be aware. It will also trigger a Herpes breakout which will make an A-Fib episode even more violent at the onset of the breakout. Much Success to you with the Magnesium. ;)

    Reply
  220. Ann Wyatt
    Aug 12, 2009

    I had an episode of A-fib last night and in the morning I checked out something I had for dinner. Sure enough I missed the preservative 220 on the label of one of the ingredients. I am convinced that these preservatives, used also as flavour enhancers, especially in low fat and low salt products are the cause of many A-fib episodes. It is particularly evident in wine and just one sip can set it off.This means that I do not go out to dinner very often because I can’t trust the food or wine. However, I used the ‘tapping’ method I described in an earlier comment and managed to get the heart to beat normally. Is there anything worse than the horrible feeling when the irregular beat is happening? This method is great for weight loss, sugar cravings, headaches and any other problems that are caused by stress particularly. There are some demonstrations for the sugar cravings on youtube which you can do along with the practitioner and this is really helpful. Does anyone know if too much sugar is a trigger for A-fib? Good luck to you all in finding what works for you. I am going to try the magnesium because it makes sense that at my age (68) I would have a deficiency.

    Reply
  221. Amy
    Aug 10, 2009

    Well, I went to the anti-coagulation clinic today and discovered I have high cholesterol (201) and high sugar (110).

    My INR is 1.2 so am to increase my coumadin to 7.5 (the yellow one).

    I once lowered my cholesterol from 160 to 138 before surgery in 6 weeks by eating only seafood. I’m going to try eating tuna every day and give up the yolks of eggs which I love so much.

    The coag specialist told me to start walking at least 5 blocks a day, and move it up another block every couple days.

    He said exercise would probalby help me a lot.

    A lot of changes… but all this makes me sad… and realize my mortality.

    Reply
  222. Marie
    Aug 09, 2009

    PS And yes, diet is really important…what we put in our mouths….appreciate your speaking about the preservatives, that is one I did not know…

    Reply
  223. Marie
    Aug 09, 2009

    I notice that nobody has picked up on the ‘tapping” technique to rid yourselves of your fear and anxiety over your A-fib. Half the problem is created by anxiety and stress and this is a sure fire way of eliminating it. You don’t even have to believe it for it to work! I have definitely brought my heartbeat back to normal uusing this method

    Ann, why don’t you share with all of us what you mean by the tapping technique???? Are you talking about the vagal maneuvers, food, triggers, what???? A bit sarcastic to say that you notice no one has picked up on it!!! I have had A Fib for 9 years and there have been times I was free of it for a while. Only for it to come back as it can quiet down, but then come back with a vengeance. Yes, it is unnerving for people… I think everyone’s reactions are normal. You have lived with it for a while and know much more about it than those that are newly diagnosed. Everyone is trying to get more information, understanding, and find out what works for them. They are moving along at the pace they are able.

    Thankyou for sharing your food information….to be concise to those that do not know there are definite triggers that effect the irregular beats. Most, are well known and I have found them to be so true….
    1. Stress
    2. Caffeine
    3. Alcohol
    4. Chocolate
    4. Coffee and tea (including green tea, which is so full of antioxidants)
    5. And believe it or not some people react negatively to exercise….

    I was always athletic and also a professional dancer, and now as the years have gone by even a lot of walking kicks it in the day I do it….it hits in the middle of the night. That is a new one, just the last year or so. I also get out of breath easily when I wake up with early AM A Fib. So, we have to find out what OUR triggers are and hopefully reduce them. I am hoping the magnesium will help. If anyone is interested in testing their magnesium levels on a cellular level, and not the serum level (which is really not accurate) I would be happy to tell them more about it. Magnesium has helped many to reduce their A Fib. That is the first thing they give you when you have a heart attack is an IV of magnesium…Robert is right about it…..I have read so much. We all have a wee bit different symptoms and to me knowledge is power…to help ourselves and others….

    Again, everyone keep coming back to this wonderful site that Robert created, to share his knowledge and to hear others as well.

    Reply
  224. Ann Wyatt
    Aug 09, 2009

    I notice that nobody has picked up on the ‘tapping” technique to rid ypurselves of your fear and anxiety over your A-fib. Half the problem is created by anxiety and stress and this is a sure fire way of eliminating it. You don’t even have to believe it for it to work! I have definitely brought my heartbeat back to normal usingthis method. Sometimes it takes an hour or two but it works. Check the labels on ALL the packaged food you buy. Remember that sulphites are a known trigger and they are in so many foods under different disguises. Any preservative numbered in the 200s is deadly for those with A-fib. Also, monosodium glutamate (and any of the 600s) is equally bad. Sometimes the preservative 200s are called flavour enhancers, so you need to be vigilant. I have found that cutting out wine helped. For those of you who enjoy wine, some companies produce lovely preservative free whites and reds. Hardy’s and Happs (Australian) are the best. Watch the dried fruits because they also have preservative 220 in them. Becoming dehydrated and over-heated can cause an episode so keep up the water. I developed A-fib about 10 years ago and by a process of elimination of some foods have managed to keep it under control. I do have occasional lapses when I miss a label but the things I have suggested have helped. Good luck everyone.

    Reply
  225. Amy
    Aug 09, 2009

    I just stumbled onto this wonderful Web site. I recently got a diagnosis and am trying to learn as much as possible. I’m taking a betablocker and coumadin, which we’re still trying to regulate. This can’t be too uncommon as our hospital has a “AntiCoag Clinic.”

    .I wonder if vitamin D is a factor as Tony H. has AF worse in the darker months?

    Also I know that premature babies are given dolls with regular heartbeats to help regulate the babies’ heartbeat. First, does anyone know of any such practice with AF? Since babies don’t have their mom’s regular beat, do persons with AF have less human contact? I know I have been alone for about 6 years and no longer sleep with that regular heartbeat next to me.

    Thanks.

    Reply
  226. Tony Huang
    Aug 09, 2009

    Ah! Sorry Marie, I just scrolled up and noticed that you did mention something about a yoga maneuver. :) So maybe it will be helpful to try it out.

    Reply
  227. Tony Huang
    Aug 09, 2009

    Marie: I really appreciated your comments, so don’t feel like you’re not helping. :)

    And yes, I do have lone AF. I’m hoping to keep it that way. It’s definitely getting worse though. The doctors did say that it rarely gets better, but rather, it’s more of stabilizing it. Mine started very very infrequently…once in February of 2007, another a month later, then another in January 2008, followed by 4 or so other times between that and May.. then nothing til January of 2009. Definitely, the months between January and May seem to be the worse months. I’m certain that this is due to heightened stress from work and more opportunities to get frustrated. (teaches 4th grade and that’s around when our state testing occurs in California)

    The past 2 summers have gone by without me noticing the AF at all, which I was thankful for. However, this summer, I’m noticing the pre-AF feelings almost daily. I feel that annoying pressure around the chest area which sometimes causes dull pain. I’m pretty sure most of us with AF know what that feels like. It’s that feeling that you get when you know that if you are not careful, the AF could start. Sometimes there are skipped beats here and there and it’s very noticeable.

    Lately, I’ve been getting more worried before going to sleep. My mind seems to be telling me that sleep is bad because I’m worried that the AF will start. I guess this is a self defeating mentality because AF is highly affected by our state of mind and if I keep worrying about it, it will most likely give it more chance to happen. I know I’ve had sleep apnea in the past, and that does not help the situation. I bet that when sleep apnea occurs, the heart starts beating faster to jolt my body to take in another breath. That definitely does not help with the AF situation.

    A lot of this comes from my own experimentation. I believer the original author of this thread, (Robert, I believe?) mentioned somewhere that you kind of need to think of our bodies as our own personal lab. I fully agree with this. It’s a lot of trial and error to find out what works for our own bodies and what doesn’t.

    Taking walks definitely helps. I’ve been doing it daily and sometimes more than that. I find that anything that makes my body have a constant, sustained rhythm is good. Sitting around too long is not good because it causes the heart to beat slowly. My suspicion is that the heart is having trouble remembering what a regular beat is. (Purely my own reasoning with no scientific proof.. but it gets me to get up and walk around a lot more when I’m home for the summers). Steady biking works too as long as I’m not doing anything that changes pace. I know that tennis did not work so well for me even though its the sport that I’ve always played in the past. There’s a lot of stop and go action and that creates more uneven heart beats. I guess I want my heart to remember what a regular, consistent pace is, so anything that forces the heart to have a constant and steady heart beats is good.

    Another idea that I’ve been toying around with is taking some sort of breathing lesson. I feel like taking deep breaths and steady breaths help as well. Maybe I should try yoga and see if that helps. This is a recent idea so I haven’t tested it out that much yet. But thus far, it seems to have good results.

    Reply
  228. Marie
    Aug 09, 2009

    HI AGAIN…sorry I have been so repitious of my story….Robert if you want to edit me go ahead. I just looked at the top of the page and have repeated my info many times about ME….just hope to share and help others…

    Reply
  229. Marie
    Aug 08, 2009

    I found a Mayo Clinic report that advises Omega-3… about 1 g a day. Will this interfere with wayfarin and betablocker.

    Can anyone refer a good site explaining how beta blockers work?

    Hello Eva
    I am linking you to a couple of sites that explain A Fib and the meds and how they work…..ignore the iformation on ablation that is on the site and look to the tabs on the left and read.

    Also, it is most important not to take omega oil caps when you are on a blood thinner. They themselves cause your blood to thin…please check with your Doctor, but I know this to be a fact….I experienced it…you cannot mix them with warafin, or coumadin. However, I don’t think it will interfere with the beta blocker. I am on beta blockers on and off since 2004 for a fib….I take inderol or propanolol…i just take a small dose before I go to bed, as that is when my a fib hits so bad….and I just started it again recently…did not take them for years as they knocked me out. I am having more episodes frequently at the moment so I am back on them just once a day (night) until it quiets down…

    I know how you feel, it is your heart, so therefore one gets sad and upset about it….we are here to support one another and share different modalities of treatments that have worked….

    There is also another site that has a veritible fountain of information that I have belonged to for quite awhile. Please go there as well and educate yourself and realize it will not kill you, but there is the stroke danger for some with a high CHAD score. The choice of therapy depends on the risk stratification of the patient. The CHADS-2 scoring system is a commonly used method for risk stratification. In this system, C stands for congestive heart failure, H stands for hypertension, A stands for age of 75 years or older, D stands for diabetes mellitus, and S stands for stroke/TIA or systemic embolization. A prior history of stroke, TIA, or peripheral embolization is scored 2 points, and all others are scored 1 point. Both paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation carry a similar risk of thromboembolism, and the risk is also similar between antiarrhythmic drugs and rate-control drugs.

    What are the indications and recommendations for anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation?

    A patient with a CHADS-2 score of 0 (ie, absence of all of the above risk factors) can be safely treated with aspirin. Clopidogrel is an option in patients who are allergic to aspirin. A patient with a score of 3 or greater should undergo anticoagulation with warfarin (if it is not contraindicated). The decision in patients with CHADS-2 score of 1 or 2 is individualized and depends on the other risk factors and patient preference. In most studies, a prior history of stroke or TIA is the strongest independent predictive risk factor for embolization. A history of hypertension, as well as the severity of the hypertension, may also influence the risk of stroke. Female sex and coronary artery disease have been suggested as other factors associated with a higher risk of thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation.11

    There are many different types of A Fib…

    I love this site, as Robert has some excellent things to suggest and is quite compassionate….

    http://www.a-fib.com/

    http://www.afibbers.org/toboards.htm

    I hope this helps…if not just google beta blockers to get a complete explanation of how they work….

    Feel better, I am going through the same but am not on blood thinners…that would be a last resort for me. I am a lone a fibber so it is different than a chronic a fibber and that means I have not been in it for 24 hours or more. However, I have it EVERY night and wake up with my heart all over the place. Some people feel it and some have silent a fib and don’t realize it until they have a physical…mine is not silent…

    Don’t be afraid, this is something that has many different modalities of treatment….

    -))

    Reply
  230. Eva
    Aug 07, 2009

    Re: Would like response re Omega-3

    I go to the Anticoagulation Clinic Monday. This is my second week of knowing I have AF. The first two days were very depressing; I grieved and waited to get blood tests.

    My echocardiogram is scheduled in December. (Yes, Virginia, we need better health plans. A friend just returned from 2 years in France where he says the care is much better. )

    I found a Mayo Clinic report that advises Omega-3… about 1 g a day. Will this interfere with wayfarin and betablocker.

    Can anyone refer a good site explaining how beta blockers work?

    Thanks,
    Eva

    Reply
  231. Marie
    Aug 07, 2009

    PS To mention that magnesium is really supposed to help the arrythmias!!! I hope it does….

    Reply
  232. Marie
    Aug 07, 2009

    Tony, I sympathize with your aprehension about the beta blockers and low heart rate. Of course, also the A Fib. I have had it since 2004. My story is posted somewhere here or at least part of it. I have taken beta blockers before and stopped them as my heart rate would go so low that it concerned me while asleep. Also, in the beginning I had rates over 100 when in A Fib. Mine is active at night, and jolts me out of sleep with this rolling and arrythmia while it is struggling to pump through the blood. I get clusters of them from about 4 AM on. I am exhausted….I have been to the ER a couple of times, but mostly ride them out.
    I went back on the beta blocker recently and I still have them with a verrrrry low heart rate while asleep, which still wakes me up. The meds to not stop A Fib. Also, your Doctors lack of concern about stroke is somewhat valid due to your age and no caridovascular disease. They get more concerned when you are in A Fib for 24 to 48 hours, then they start some serious treatment. I am not a Doctor and am not giving advice, but I can only tell you that I would not go on coumadin, etc. or any other blood thinner at this time or even consider it!! I have no vascular disease at this moment so I am not at high risk they say.
    I had mentioned that I was going to try the magnesium oil, but am going to have a cellular test first (sending in the kit monday) to see where the magnesium level is and then use the oil and redo the test in 6 weeks or so. Then I will know if I am absorbing it well.
    I think all of the above suggestions by other posters, especially Robert are of terrific value. It sounds as though you have lone A Fib????
    Hang in there….your input is important….
    Marie

    Reply
  233. Tony Huang
    Aug 07, 2009

    I’m glad to have stumbled upon this website. I’ve been living with this atrial fibrillation thing for about 2 and a half years now. I’m 29 years old and one of the biggest problems I have is for doctors to take this seriously. Most doctors just shrug it off and say that I’m young so the chance of stroke is low. Honestly though, I would much rather have a more comprehensive answer.

    I’ve been taking Diltiazem (or one of the other brands of that drug) for about one and a half years now. 240mg. It seems to work well in terms of reducing the impact of the fibrillation when AF is running through it’s full course. But I have also noticed that it slows down the heart rate during non-AF times. This gets to be a problem because it drops my resting heart rate from 60ish to nearly 50 at rest and I suspect lower when I’m right about to fall asleep. Your story of feeling anxious before going to bed definitely sounds familiar. I’m suspecting that low heart rate can potentially trigger AF. I feel like one of the reasons why the AF occurs for me is because my body lacks oxygen and so the brain sends signals to the heart to do something about it, but the heart is confused enough as it is.

    Anyway, it’s been very frustrating dealing with this, and it’s a bit depressing that it seems to get progressively worse as the days go by. I’m about 137 pounds at 5ft 7in. Since this began I’ve stopped all caffeinated beverages. I’ve never drank alcohol, nor have I ever smoked so that was not a problem. But it really makes me wonder why.. and the doctors don’t really have an answer for me.

    Reply
  234. Eva
    Aug 05, 2009

    “I found it helpful to sleep on my right side. Sometimes turning over on my left side could trigger an episode.”

    Wow: this was my first symtpom and it actually started about 5 years ago. I was complaining to my internist, who send me for a treadmill type test where the walking apparatus rises… the doc said I had the heart of a 20 yo.
    All was normal in my last checkup April 2009. Then I visited my family for 3 months which is always crazy and chaotic and full of sadness who allow a nephew to suffer needlessly (I’ve been working on this for about 8 years, w/ a little success) …. Then in early July got involved in a clinical trial for vitamin D… the nurse said the heartbeat was off… My internest had 2 ekgs and yesterday started wayfarin and coumadine… Echocardiagram as soon as I can schedule it… Biggest risk factors she said is : age and the scarlet fever I had.

    We’ll try to make sure the drugs are stable with blood tests, do the electrocardiogram, and then what next. My symptoms were not strong… or maybe I am not sensitive to my own body’s pains. I can still drink coffee.
    I need to lose weight anyway, and I do feel scared… but obesity is not a factor my internist said.

    Reply
  235. Robert Ellis
    Aug 03, 2009

    Marina, Nattokinase itself should contain very little soy, but check to make sure that any supplements you buy don’t contain added soy (see this). Turmeric is also good—I take it instead of baby aspirin—but don’t take both. As always, if you’re taking any medication for your thyroid problem, or any blood thinners, check with your doctor.

    Whole coconuts are best (be sure to eat the meat inside after you drain the water), but you should be able to find coconut water without added sugar at your health food store. Or, you can order from Amazon:

    Vita Coco 100% Pure Coconut Water, 11.1-Ounce Containers (Pack of 12)

    Reply
  236. Marina
    Aug 03, 2009

    Good Morning! Mr. ellis, Thanks! For your reply. I’m going to try the russet potato juice. Yes! & ironically shortly after sending my ?’s I went to health food store (Vitamin Shoppe) & saw Nattokinase on the shelf. If I am Hypothyroid & can not have soy then would taking Nattokinase defeat the purpose? They say people with thyroid issues should be aware of soy products, etc. & not take them. I am going to check out the blackstrap molasses as well. I wanted to know what your thoughts were. I do the coconut water frequently but I buy the whole coconuts form the store. I don’t ever know which one’s will be sweeter but I do know they help. I have herpes so I have to be careful with sweet & sugar content. I keep at least 7 coconuts in my refrigerator regularly. I’m religious about reading labels so I stopped doing the container coconut juice s sometimes they have even without added sugar a lot of sugar as well. I wish they could make it without sugar like they make things without salt. A bit bland but I can get accustom to the taste if it means better health. Thank You! For your input & SUCCESS to you with your Acupuncture studies. ‘)

    Reply
  237. Robert Ellis
    Aug 02, 2009

    Sorry for the delay… I’m taking finals in acupuncture school the next two weeks.

    Marina, you should be able to find Nattokinase at your health food store.

    As far as breathing goes, people may be referring to different things above, but any slow, rhythmic breathing will help. Count to four or five with each inhalation and each exhalation; it’s very calming.

    Blackstrap molasses isn’t very sweet, but the only way to know if it’s a problem for you is to try a small amount. You can also try drinking coconut water, which is high in potassium and magnesium (be sure to get it without added sugar; it should be available from your health food store).

    If you are having digestive problems, try juicing a white russet potato and mixing the juice with an equal amount of hot water. Drink it every morning on an empty stomach for a week or two, or until symptoms subside. Works wonders.

    Reply
  238. Marina
    Aug 02, 2009

    Dear Mr. Ellis,

    I have some questions after reading some of the stories here.
    (1) Where can I find Nattokinase?
    (2) Are Breathing Vagal Response & Vagal (Yoga Breathing Maneuver) one & the same & how is done?
    (3) If you can not tolerate anything sweet in your stomach should you take Blackstrap Molasses?

    Marina ;)

    Reply
  239. Kaj
    Jul 29, 2009

    Thanks Robert for the research. And yes Marie I’m still on these meds.

    It was partly my fault not taking care of my body and eating all the wrong foods. I went to the doctor because I was feeling light headed and had some sort of sinus infection so he took my blood pressure which was quite high. I think it was 190/112 and my cholesterol came back at 310. This is why I’m on these meds. My cholesterol is now 203 so that’s good and it’s taken me 2 years to get there. My blood pressure is now down to normal 120/75 unless of course I’m stressed. I haven’t had any episodes of A Fib except for the occasional quick flutter but that lasts only seconds. I think I’m doing ok now. I will look into the vitamins as well.

    Oh and I’m drinking two beers once in awhile. Nothing more… Too scared to party.

    Reply
  240. Debbie
    Jul 28, 2009

    Hi again Everyone!
    I found this site when I experienced my very first episode of A Fib back in November of 2008. You can read about my ordeal….I was the 6th comment from the top. Anyway, I just wanted to update you all on my status but first I want to say that my heart truly goes out to every single one of you. As a matter of fact, I have been keeping up with the new comments from Marie, Ann, Moyra and KAJ and I have cried as I read your stories because I KNOW how frightening it is firsthand! I KNOW how it completely disrupts your life. I KNOW what it is like to be utterly exhausted from lack of sleep and worry. And I KNOW the feeling of hopelessness! You guys are all in my prayers and I am glad we have been brought together to share our stories.
    I have been feeling pretty good! I am STILL off of all medication except for my Levoythyroxine, which of course, I have to take. But this has been a long, long journey and through it all I have discovered many new things about my health. I still try to eat more fruits and veggies but my diet is not perfect. I still try to exercise but I no longer do it everyday. Thank you ROBERT for telling me about the magnesium….it truly was a life-saver. It helped me 95%. Back in December of 2008, I added the magnesium, potassium, B vitamins, Hawthorne tea, Valerian root (of which I cannot say enough of for relaxation), a multi, Coenzyme Q10, garlic, vitamin E, flaxseed oil, fish oil, calcium and a tea called BLOOD PRESSURE TEA from the health food store. At present, I do not take these things on a daily basis anymore but rather here and there when needed. I saw my cardiologist and he was very skeptical to believe my story about how the blood pressure meds caused all this to happen to me (again, refer to my original post at top). I was scheduled for a stress echo test in January but put it off until March because I was afraid he would find my heart still A Fibbing, fluttering and leaking like the holter monitor did back in December. If those things were found I KNEW he would want to medicate me. Finally, I got up the strength and went. My reading was perfect! No A Fib, no leaking, no fluttering…NOTHING! He was quite surprised and even admitted that it was very likely the BP meds that caused my heart arrythmias. However, I was so stressed out from getting up the guts to take this test that my BP reading was very high (white-coat hypertension). I told him it is pretty close to normal at home but he wasn’t so sure about that. I have been feeling good! Like I said, I lead a very stressful life and found that relaxation has been enormously helpful. I was meditating and deep-breathing for about 1/2 an hour every night. I no longer do that except for once in a while now. I still feel I should be doing that every night but it takes time and since I have been feeling better I have put it to the wayside. Typical, huh? But I will start again. I woke up yesterday morning (Monday), after a very restless sleep for the first time in a while. My heart was racing somewhat and my blood pressure was up a bit 157/90. Pulse was 90. I was sweating. It has been a little more than 6 months since I got my thyroid checked and since the last couple of years, it has been difficult to get it stabilized. My doc said it was because the levoythyroxine has a bad reputation for losing its potency faster than synthroid. Only problem is….is that I can’t tolerate the synthroid. So I try to go in every 6 months instead of every year. Knowing this prompted me to take my thyroid med and in as little as 15 minutes my symptoms were almost normal and I felt better. So, without a doubt in my mind, I know that my thyroid affects my blood pressure and heart beat. The weird thing is…is that I am hypothyroid and NOT hyperthyroid, so my heart beat is suppose to be sluggish but most of my symptoms are just the opposite of what I am suppose to have. For instance, I am suppose to be more on the cold side but I am ALWAYS hot. I sleep with a fan on 24/7 year round. Still looking into that! I found that sodas cause my palpitations as do certain foods. So I try to stay far away from those things. I do not have too much of a problem with palpitations like I used to. But when I do get the flutters every now and then…you can be sure they have my complete attention. They come and go really fast so I am not too frightened by them like I used to be. I try to drink calming herbal teas to relax myself because stress is a big trigger for me. My blood pressure has been pretty good for the most part. I monitor it a few times a week now. I was doing it everyday. I also wanted to mention that I have IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and THAT triggers palpitations.
    Sorry for the long post again. I plan to keep up with you guys on this site and with Robert’s advice. I found the things he says to do are exactly the things I’ve read about in health books and such…..like plunging your feet in cold water and then hot and so forth. Thanks, Robert and to everyone for being so candid!

    Reply
  241. Marie
    Jul 24, 2009

    I am waiting for the magnesium oil I ordered. I will write a detailed report for those than cannot take it orally, like me. I imagine it will take awhile to know if it works or not. I have had A Fib every night several times during the night as of late. The kind I have just jolts me awake and it is hard to have on a daily basis. I know Robert has that angry type as well, but I know many people that hardly feel it. How I wish!!! I am anxious to try the magnesium….I get my event monitor off in two weeks. So far it has shown A Fib, Atrial Runs, and PAC. I only wear it at night as I do not feel anything in the daytime…..I wanted to comment about herbs, as my mother owned one of the first health stores in Los Angeles when I was growing up. Most people do not realize that herbs are DRUGS, so therefore they can innereact with medications you are already on. They are strong and you really need someone that is a herbalist to help you to choose the right ones. That is my opinion…as an example some of them are stimulants and that is the last thing you would want with heart arrythmias. I cannot drink green tea, regular ice tea, coffee, and the list goes on or I will have more attacks than I have….it is a real adjustment to foods and drink when you have a fib….

    Reply
  242. Robert Ellis
    Jul 24, 2009

    Mike, thanks for bringing these products to my attention. I have often thought about formulating a natural remedy for atrial fibrillation. I think it’s possible, but I’m skeptical about the products I’ve seen advertised on the internet. First, I’m skeptical about companies that claim their products have been tested in clinical trials, but provide no details about the testing.

    When I have more time, I’ll look at the formulas. I took a quick look at the ingredients for Rillical (Ashwagandha, Liliaceae, Gum Benjamin, Ammonium Chloride and Myrobalan) and I have a hard time seeing how they would be a cure for afib. I have a hard time seeing how Gum Benjamin (tincture of benzoin), which is used for damaged skin and as an inhalant, would be of much benefit. Ammonium chloride is often used as an expectorant. Myrobalan is known as He Zi in Chinese medicine and is used mainly for the lungs and to stop diarrhea. It’s not the first herb I would think of for a heart formula.

    Ashwagandha is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine and may actually have some benefit for afib. In fact, I would guess that most, if not all of the relevant benefit in Rillical would be due to the Ashwagandha, which is fairly inexpensive to buy by itself. Rillical sells for $80 for 100 pills. You can probably buy as much Ashwagandha for $10 or $15.

    I can’t say for certain that these formulas have no benefit, but personally I would stay away from them.

    Reply
  243. Mike Levenston
    Jul 24, 2009

    Hi Robert,

    Have you tried any of these herbal remedies advertised as pills that really work? e.g. Rillical, Flemeton, Atnofax or Fibratax. This site re commends the four.

    http://www.atrialfibrillationproducts.com

    When you go to the product page and look at the ingredients, they make no sense and also they talk about studies but don’t show any. No one’s name is every attached to the site and no other references to the products can be found using Google. Are these snake oil sellers or do the people who buy these products get the relief that is advertised?

    Many thanks, Mike

    Reply
  244. Ann Wyatt
    Jul 23, 2009

    I suffer from lone atrial fibrillation which is triggered by preservatives, usually. My episodes are not frequent but nevertheless are still worrying when they occur. I have had success using the emotional freedom tapping technique (emofree on the web for details) and this lowers the anxiety. I focus on the heart’s electrical system and can usually regain a regular heartbeat after a few hours. This technique works for so many difficulties particularly those associated with stress. It is very useful at night when getting out of bed is not desirable. I combine this with slow breathing. My school students now use it to reduce exam stress and it really works. It is like tapping on the acupuncture points on your body. It also makes sense to me that being dehydrated and lacking magnesium and potassium would be a trigger as well. If drugs are inevitable then the tapping is a great support. Try it, especially those of you who suffer from a-fib permanently. Good luck.

    Reply
  245. Robert Ellis
    Jul 19, 2009

    Maria, when I’m having an episode, I sleep very fitfully. See this comment.

    I have heard good things, but not tried the magnesium oil, so let me know how it works for you.

    Reply
  246. Marie
    Jul 18, 2009

    Robert, how do they feel when you get into a fib attack??? Does it shake violently and feel like a lawn mower is in your chest? I ask because you said you could go back to sleep with it and it would be gone in the AM? How could you sleep with all that disruption??? I thankyou so much for the sugestions above, and most important I will get on that oil. My local health store called me tonight and she is going to start carrying it. She is going to ask the rep if they have any good stories about it reallly working through the skin…. I will do anything….tonight is another night…if I could just get through one without these violent outbursts. They are lasting longer and going in and out now. They never used to do that….

    Marie

    Reply
  247. Robert Ellis
    Jul 18, 2009

    Marie, I don’t know any acupuncturists in L.A., but you might start by calling one of the schools down there. You could contact Yo San University; they have a good reputation. You might even try their community clinic. Anyone you see there will be supervised by an experienced acupuncturist and it will also be less expensive.

    Yes, I started the site myself. After finding a few simple things (like magnesium) that helped my afib tremendously, I thought it was important to make the information a bit easier to find.

    With only two exceptions, all of my episodes came later in the evening, after about 7 PM or, most commonly, in the middle of the night (usually about 2 AM). I found that if I ate too late or too heavy at dinner, or slept on my left side, I was more likely to have an episode. I usually converted to normal sinus rhythm by morning. Before I knew what it was, I had episodes every month or so, then went to the emergency room two nights in a row. I had frequent episodes after that until I discovered magnesium and the other supplements I recommend, along with acupuncture and herbs. It took several months before I felt I could trust my heart again. I get occasional palpitations or ectopic (irregular) beats, but I haven’t had an episode now in about six months.

    Reply
  248. Marie
    Jul 18, 2009

    Would you happen to know a good acupuncturist in the Los Angeles area?? Or how would I find one that is really good. I had acupuncture in my 20’s and it did not do what it was supposed to do. I hate to just pick at random…..
    And yes, I am trying to eat as much of the above as you suggested before. However, I have some food limitations… I havn’t gotten the black strap molasses yet, but will try again. I am just worn out and very depressed to have to go through this all the time. I guess most people here don’t have it as severe as I do on a daily basis? It is not occasional it is every day…some worse than the other. It is almost always at rest, and leaves me weak and struggling to have a normal life. The early morning after only 2 or so hours is the begining of hell….
    Robert, did you start this site yourself???

    thankyou for everything really…do you have it daily in the early morning like I do?? Just wondering….

    Reply
  249. Robert Ellis
    Jul 18, 2009

    Marie, try getting more foods with magnesium in your diet (see this link). Also, make sure you’re getting potassium. Get some organic blackstrap molasses and take a tablespoon morning and night. Drink coconut water, which is very high in potassium. You can buy this at your health food store (if you can find fresh young coconuts, even better). Try taking valerian (also at your health food store). Avoid ALL spicy, hot, or warming foods. Try to eat more cooling and blood building foods—grapes, beets, cucumbers, etc. Avoid all junk food, sugar, sodium, processed foods. Eat more greens. Drink lots of good quality water (not tap water, especially if it has fluoride in your city).

    You might try soaking your feet in hot water and epsom salts, especially before bed (epsom salts have magnesium sulfate).

    My strongest recommendation would be to find an acupuncturist who is also a good herbalist and nutritionist. Your case is more advanced and the pharmaceuticals you’re taking complicate your case. And you seem to have some other issues, such as your digestion, which may be related. A good acupuncturist can develop a treatment plan for your unique situation. Also, try to get some exercise, even if it’s only walking for 15 or 20 minutes every day.

    As always, check with your doctor about any changes you make. You might ask your doctor to test for potassium and iron. You may be deficient. Ask him about the other supplements I recommend. He may not be familiar with them, but he should know (or be able to look up) if any of them are contraindicated for you. DO NOT take the turmeric if you are on any blood thinners.

    I don’t know much about ablation. Personally, it doesn’t interest me. One of my doctors told me the odds of getting afib go up 1% a year after age 50, but I know lots of people in their 20’s who have afib or palpitations. I think the biggest factors are an unhealthy diet and lifestyle (lack of exercise, too much alcohol, etc.).

    Let me know if any of this helps. Good luck!

    Reply
  250. Marie
    Jul 18, 2009

    PS I have had A Fib since 2004 and it gets better for awhile and then comes back with a vengance….has anyone here considered ablation??? Also, do you know what triggers yours, or does it just come?? By the way, it is my understanding from the monitor company that A Fib hits all ages….

    Hugs to all of you

    Reply
  251. Marie
    Jul 18, 2009

    This seems to be my favorite A Fib site Robert, thank you for it. I am here because for the last two days I have had severe attacks again of A Fib the last three days. I am wearing the event monitor so I press the button when it starts…It always starts about 4 AM about 3 hours into sleep. It was the violent shaking like a carburator missing in my chest. It rattles, I lose my breath, pressure in the chest, and this morning it came and went 9 times. I have only slept about 4 hours total in the last two days. Completely unable to function at all. My brain is fried from lack of sleep. Afraid to drive with that one. I have not received the Magnesium oil yet, but have tried to find it. No one has it, so I have sent for it on the net.
    I asked my Docter about the Tumeric and he didn’t have any information on it. I wonder if I should get it or not??? By the way, I finally took a beta blocker (Inderol) this AM and all it did was slow the heart, but I still had that flip flopping and irregular beats in slow motion. I again recorded that, and I was still in and out of A Fib.
    This disease is effecting my life dramatically and it is hard to sleep and funciton properly. I guess some people can sleep through it as their intensity of symptoms varies with everyone. Mine are violent shakings…..I am also getting tremors in the AM when it hits….and I feel tremors inside. I just called one of my Docs to get a lab slip to do my thyroid panel again. It may be the medication is making it more violent as I might be hyper….
    I thank all of you for your input and hope I can help others as well, as this is quite frightening to go through all the time. The last two day have been particularly bad. Glad I have on the monitor.
    Robert I cannot take the omegas or any oil base vitamin now…they go right through me.

    Reply
  252. Moyra Obermeyer
    Jul 18, 2009

    I was supposed to have a colonoscopy 3 days ago but it was postponed to July 27th. Yesterday I was at clinic for my B12 shot and I told the nurse practioner that I was concerned about having to stop warfarin(coumadin) for the Afib for 7 days prior to the procedure(I take 4mg.daily).She said that I should not stop taking warfarin suddenly that I would have to have a couple of ‘shots’ before, so I am going in next week to get them.My concern is that my doctor knew I was having a colonoscopy done and when I saw him 3 weeks ago, he did not say I had to have these ‘shots’. Has anyone had to stop their warfarin suddenly, and what happened?

    Reply
  253. Robert Ellis
    Jul 10, 2009

    Kaj, if you don’t like your medications, you might consider controlling your high cholesterol and high blood pressure with diet, herbs and supplements. This is actually fairly easy to do and a Google search will turn up a lot of helpful information. Work with your doctor to adjust your medication as you make some changes and see the results. Aside from the health benefits, you’ll avoid a plethora of undesirable side effects. This list is just for the first drug you mention, Simvastatin:

    abdominal pain
    constipation
    URI symptoms
    flatulence
    diarrhea
    asthenia
    myalgia
    elevated CK
    elevated liver transaminases
    myopathy
    rhabdomyolysis
    renal failure, acute
    hepatotoxicity
    pancreatitis
    hypersensitivity rxns
    anaphylaxis
    angioedema
    lupus erythematosus
    polymyalgia rheumatica
    dermatomyositis
    vasculitis
    thrombocytopenia
    leukopenia
    hemolytic anemia
    photosensitivity
    toxic epidermal necrolysis
    erythema multiforme
    Stevens-Johnson syndrome

    Reply
  254. Marie
    Jul 09, 2009

    Hmmmmmm. never read or heard of that! Thanks for the information, I will have to look that up…

    Feel well and welcome….I just came on myself and these people are wonderful. We are here to share it all, it gives one the support they need and valuable information. Are you still on the meds???? Just minus the alcohol? How many events have you had in what period of time…was it just two events total??? I know alcohol is a trigger, but what about the HBP meds???

    Reply
  255. Kaj
    Jul 09, 2009

    Cardiologist called my episodes “Holiday Heart” Funny, how I never had a problem until AFTER starting these meds.)

    (What do you mean by the above statement? Does that mean that you never had A Fib before your .)

    Yes Holiday Heart is a term used for Alcohol induced Afib. The Cardiologist explained to me that they get a huge flow of young people especially spring break people coming into the ER the next morning after a huge binge.

    And yes I’ve never had Afib before. I’ve have it twice and both were induced by alcohol and the medicines I’m taking. If I was not taking the BP meds and cholesterol meds I would’ve never had Afib.

    Reply
  256. Marie
    Jul 09, 2009

    PS Did not check typos, please excuse everyone I was typing to fast!!!!

    Reply
  257. Marie
    Jul 09, 2009

    Hi KAJ
    First of all your Doctors wrong in this sense about A Fib….I know of three people aged 27 yrs old, 47 years old, and 60 that have A B=Fib. True the stats show that it usually occurs in people over 65 they say, and in more women than men I believe, but there is a wide range in there.
    I agree with Robert above about defeciences with magneisium and since I cannot tollerate the pills, I am sending for the manesium oil soon and will give it a shot. Forget calcium as it is really not good for the heart to take a supplement….I have read it time and again, and have experienced it as well.
    I am starting an event monitor today for a month or so. That means when I get these in the middle of the night I press a button and it records an EKG. I asked for it the other day at the Doctors and he said yes. That will tell me exactlly how many a fib attacks I am getting and if they might be other arrythmias as well. I am very proactive and resisiting ablation. Bit it is soooooooooooo hard to go through this on a daily basis. I am exhausted in the AM. Mine is lone paroxsimal A FIB. What that means it is not constant. But it has gone on so long I had to call 911 and go to the ER…There is something about feeling this that is so difficult daily as you feel your going to die from it eventually….have to keep optimisitc, however it is hard when it is daily.
    Yes, there are triggers for me….I don’t drink but anything caffenated like coffee, tea, diet sodas and choclate do me in and by moring I am off and running. I passed out last Friday night by the Air Conditioner. I came to right away, but as I was rattling along, I lost my breath and down I went…so dizzy…that scared me.

    (Cardiologist called my episodes “Holiday Heart” Funny, how I never had a problem until AFTER starting these meds.)

    What do you mean by the above statement? Does that mean that you never had A Fib before your

    (50mg Simvastatin, 50mg Monoprolol 160mg Diovan 1000mg Niacin 50mg Serchaline for Anxiety.)

    Not clear about that statement???

    My A Fib came from hyperactive thyroid for years….

    Feel better
    Marie

    Reply
  258. Kaj
    Jul 09, 2009

    I had two episodes of A fib. They were all due to drinking alcohol. The meds I’m taking are 50mg Simvastatin, 50mg Monoprolol 160mg Diovan 1000mg Niacin 50mg Serchaline for Anxiety. I can’t drink any Alcohol with my medicines or it triggers A fib. But after those two episodes, I can still feel a dull pain in my chest with a fullness feeling to it. It comes and goes. It’s more noticeable after I eat. I don’t take any vitamins except for the niacin. I do walk 3 miles three times a week now, but have stopped because it’s been getting hot out.

    I just want to say I feel so sorry for the people here that have A fib every day. My God! I don’t know how you can deal with that. The first one scared the living out of me. The second one was just as bad but not as strong and both put me in the ER and an overnight stay. I don’t drink alcohol anymore because it scared the crap out of me even though the doctor told me one or two beers are ok… I drink non alcoholic beer. I like beer.
    Oh I’m 46 years old and the Dr said I’m too young to be having these episodes. People don’t start getting A fib until they are over 60. The Cardiologist called my episodes “Holiday Heart” Funny, how I never had a problem until AFTER starting these meds.
    .

    Reply
  259. Robert Ellis
    Jul 05, 2009

    Marie, be sure to ask your doctor about the turmeric. You don’t want to take both aspirin and turmeric.

    Reply
  260. Marie
    Jul 05, 2009

    Thank you so much for the response. I am better today, just had a slight attach this AM. It is so hard to be optimistic when it dictates my life so much. I am also worn out from sleep disruption every day… I will try the tumeric and look for the magnesium oil….. It also helps to read how people feel their A Fib…It is different in some people, so it helps me to know what there’s feels like…

    Reply
  261. Robert Ellis
    Jul 05, 2009

    Marie, when my afib was in full swing I would feel my heat leaping, flopping and hesitating in my chest. I would feel lightheaded and had trouble taking a deep breath. If you feel your radial pulse ( on your forearm near the base of your thumb), it will be very irregular, skipping beats or coming with several beats right after each other. I sometimes found it helpful to just hold my pulse, breathe, and try to get it to settle down.

    I found it helpful to sleep on my right side. Sometimes turning over on my left side could trigger an episode.

    I haven’t tried magnesium oil, so I don’t have a recommendation. But if you Google it, you’ll find lots of sources. If you try it, let us know if it worked for you.

    A couple other things to consider: I take turmeric instead of aspirin. It has other benefits without the side effects of long term aspirin use. When I was having episodes, I would take Nattokinase. Also, whether or not you are technically anemic, it can be helpful to build your blood. Make sure you’re getting enough B vitamins, especially B12, and folic acid, as well as iron. Iron supplementation may or may not be right for you (you don’t want to get too much iron), but you can eat foods that build blood (raisins, prunes, wheat grass, kidney beans, apricots, etc.).

    Reply
  262. Moyra Obermeyer
    Jul 05, 2009

    Marie, just under your chin on the side of your neck you can feel your pulse, press on that with your index and middle finger really hard for 10 seconds, my doctor showed me how to do it. I’m in Afib all the time but manage it except for a couple of bad episodes from time to time.

    Reply
  263. Marie
    Jul 04, 2009

    Moyra, I don’t feel anxiety until it happens while I am deeply asleep. I am not sure hoe to do the carotid artery tecnique? Thankyou for your suggestions.

    Robert, just woke up from a hour nap and it started again when I rolled over to my back….I am exhausted not understanding what I did to trigger it last night…..Actually my whole body is quivering like I used to get when I was hyper thyroid. The heart is doing more than quivering, it is shaking viiolently at times. My caridiologist sent me an email this morning to go to the ER if it happens again…I see him on Tuesday. However, I know the drill….drugs, drugs, drugs….I am resistant but don’t want to get a stroke or heart attack with this. As I said, I have a version of this every morning that wakes me up and I do the breathing vagal response and it will kick me into sinus rythum again. This time it took a long time to get back in.

    Can anyone tell me how theirs feels in symptoms? I feel like a lawnmower is in my chest, and you can see the heart beating irregularly by just looking down. However, it is how it feels that takes your breath away…..and is scarey…

    Where can I find Magnesium oil??? And by the way I read everything you have on this site and found it very helpful before I posted….thankyou all so much….looking into postassiom rich foods today…

    Marie

    Reply
  264. Moyra Obermeyer
    Jul 04, 2009

    Marie, I have the same anxiety usually while I am trying to go to sleep. Afraid that I will die if I do sleep.Does’nt make for restful time.Try the cold water method, immersing your face in cold water and my emerg. doctor told me to press REALLY hard on the carotid artery for about 10 seconds. Robert I will try magnesium and eat more potassiom foods. I do watch diet. It is so heartwarming to know that others have the same predicament and know how you are feeling…………I thought I was alone………..good health to all…………Moyra

    Reply
  265. Robert Ellis
    Jul 04, 2009

    Moyra, don’t let anyone minimize your experience. Afib can be serious, but you can manage it if you’re willing to take responsibility for your own health. I was taking Diltiazem, too, but couldn’t handle the side effects. Check with your doctor before making any changes, but my recommendations may help you manage your afib without drugs.

    Marie, my episodes also always came in the middle of the night, but usually lasted for several hours, often until the next morning.

    I’ve never had a problem with magnesium, but you might try a chelated version or magnesium oil, which is absorbed through the skin and shouldn’t cause diarrhea. Be sure to get enough potassium, too. I recommend organic blackstrap molasses or coconut water, both very high in potassium. I take a spoonful or two of molasses daily. And see my recommendations for other helpful supplements.

    If you can, see an acupuncturist and get some herbs. In addition to the dietary changes I made and the supplements I take, I think the herbs I took for several months had perhaps the biggest positive effect on my afib, but you need a formula specific to you.

    Yoga exercises are also helpful, as you know. Don’t wait until you have an episode. Practice yoga, breathing exercises, and relaxation before you go to bed.

    Reply
  266. Marie Mason
    Jul 04, 2009

    I have A Fib and just went through a bout last night that had me thinking I was going to die. It was different from all the other ones I have had. I have diagnosed Parox lone A Fib. I have it every night when sleeping, but last night it woke me up with everything rattling all over the place. Pulse high, then low, could not stop it. Finally with the vagal (yoga breathing) maneuver it slowed down. It feels like a lawn mower in my chest or like your car carburetor is gone… I was ready to call 911 but I kept holding off. Finally it kicked into normal sinus rhythm and I went back to bed. It lasted about 30 minutes. I slept about 1 hour more and it started again. I don’t know what I did to trigger such a violent attack? Also, it was the second worse one I have ever had. Was diagnosed in 2004. I have tried inderol, topral, ateneol, and stopped all of them. They wanted to put me on rythumol but I know what a dangerous drug that is. With the other drugs, I could not function and they did not seem to help. I cannot take blood thinners of any sort as I have a platelet problem. What to do??? I have been through all the tests and have diagnosed A Fib. I have been looking into ablation but am resistant to that as well due to my bleeding problem. I keep hoping they will come up with a new solution in the ablation field. It is difficult to know if it is a heart attack when it is so violent in nature as last night. I know some people have silent a fib, I do not… How do most of you feel when having an attack with the heart arrhythmia’s? Could you describe them to me??? I hope I am not alone with this type of violent response that wakes me up in the middle of the night?

    I wanted to say, I would love to take the magnesium but it causes severe diah. for me…any suggestions about that? I have tried all kinds, including the magnesium Malate which is supposed to be the best for not giving you Diahreah, but it does the same. Any suggestions? I believe in the magnesium theory.

    Thankyou all so much, your posts were so helpful this AM in reassuring me. Right now I am exhausted but in regular rhythm but I dread tonight….

    Reply
  267. Moyra Obermeyer
    Jul 04, 2009

    Thanks for your story, I was diagnozed with AFib 2 years ago.What a shock. Usually have 1 or 2 episodes every month, but 3 weeks ago I experienced a really bad one. bp 169/117, and pulse 144. very anxious. Drove myself to hospital nearby, (spouse was watching a game.)Kept in overnight and medication, Diltiazem was upped to 480 mg. daily. Have been fine every since. Dr. also told me about immersing my face in cold water and pressing hard on the carotid artery(excuse spelling), whenever an episode occurs again to do before coming to Emerg., if it does not improve in 30 mins. then go to Emerg.Good health to everyone with this condition. My family and acquaintaces seem to feel this is of no consequence.

    Reply
  268. Robert Ellis
    Apr 28, 2009

    Thanks for the comment, Sue. Keep us posted.

    Reply
  269. Sue White
    Apr 28, 2009

    Thank you for your advice and giving me a link to the magnesium.

    I am just awaiting results of yet another blood test, when I mentioned to my Dr about the abnormal magnesium results last year, he couldn’t find them on his screen :( so hence why I asked for another blood test.

    Just reading about how to use the magnesium supplement, until your bowels are loose – well that would be welcome as despite a huge amount of exercise and very healthy diet, full of fruit and vegetables and am pretty good at drinking lots of water, I am forever constipated.

    Anyway, will await this test result (this Thursday) and will check out the link you gave me and let you know how I get on if I decide to take the magnesium (if still needed).

    Thank you so much for your help.
    Kind regards,
    Sue White

    Reply
  270. Tennyson Lee
    Apr 27, 2009

    My father was diagnosed with afib about 7 years ago and received an SJM pacemaker that has their afib suppression algorithm.

    http://www.sjmprofessional.com/EN-US/ProductLibrary/Documents/AFSuppressionFeatureFocus.pdf

    He is anticoagulated with warfarin as a precaution, but his pacemaker (no AV node ablation done) keeps his heart in normal sinus rhythm about 95% of the time without any drugs.

    Reply
  271. Robert Ellis
    Dec 24, 2008

    Hi Debbie,

    Thanks very much for your comment. Interesting story. I’m glad to hear you are off your meds. Many people are too casual about taking medications and they often cause of host of unintended problems.

    You’re taking some good supplements that should help, but I didn’t see anything in your comment about taking potassium and magnesium. Magnesium in particular seems to have helped me.

    Also, I would strongly urge you to see an acupuncturist, if you can find a good one. I haven’t had time to write about my experiences here, but I have been so helped by acupuncture and Chinese herbs that I was inspired to become an acupuncturist. An acupuncturist will look at all of your symptoms and will treat you as a whole, unique person. You won’t have to worry about doctors who “keep prescribing medicines without getting the whole picture.” The combination of acupuncture and the right herbs can be very effective.

    Keep paying attention to your body and best wishes for your continued health!

    Reply
  272. Debbie
    Dec 24, 2008

    Hi,
    I am glad I found your story because I just had my first episode in November. My blood pressure was high (165/99) in July when my family doctor wanted to put me on BP medication. I HATE being medicated so I tried the Atkin’s Diet and successfully brought down my blood pressure. But I lead a stressful life and I slowly neglected my diet and before long my BP was up again. Finally on November 6th I reluctantly called my doctor and told him to call in a prescription for me. He prescribed Bisoprolol/HCTZ. A week later (Nov. 13th) I rechecked my BP and it was STILL high so I called him back and he told me to double the dosage. A week after that (Nov. 20th) I was in the emergency room with atrial fibrillation where my BP medication was changed to cardizem (diltiazem) 60 mg 2x day and lowered my levoythyroxine from 150 mcg to 125 mcg and was told to take aspirin 320mg everyday for the rest of my life. A week and a half after that (Dec. 2nd) I was back in the emergency room with palpitations. Wore a holter monitor for 2 days (Dec. 2nd and 3rd) and then back in the emergency room on Dec. 5th with palpitations and a racing heartbeat/pulse. I called my family doctor and complained to him of my symptoms and he doubled my cardizem to 120 mg 2x day. Everyday thereafter, I suffered with daily palpitations and waking up around 1, 2 or 3 o’clock in the morning with a racing pulse. Finally I could not stand it any longer so I took myself off of all medication. I KNEW it was the cardiazem causing my palpitations. Before I went on BP medication I never had palpitations. Never had a problem with racing heartbeats at nighttime. My family doctor told me that the diurectic in the BP med and the high level of thyroid med in my system was a perfect storm for Afib. The diurectic zapped my body of potassium. Unfortunately, there is not a lot of communication between doctors who are treating you and so they just keep prescribing medicines without getting the whole picture. I am scheduled to see a cardiologist on Jan. 28th, 2009 to discuss the findings on my holter monitor. The receptionist called me to let me know what was found (atrial fibrillation, fluttering and a leaky valve) because I kept bugging them for that information. I could not wait until the end of Jan. My doctor told me the leaky valve was so minor I don’t need to worry about it that everyone has minor leakage and that I have no heart disease. I am 43 by the way. I feel so much better off of the meds. No more waking up to a racing heartbeat but I STILL have the palpitations even though they are way less than what they were before. I changed my diet to include tons more fresh fruit and veggies, started to exercise an hour a day on the treadmill and lost 10 pounds. I still have weight to lose but I feel I am on the right track. I supplement my diet with fish oil, flaxseed oil, vitamin D, Hawthorn berry for the heart and vitamin E. Still doing research about CoenzymeQ10 and an array of other heart heathy herbs and vitamins for the heart.
    This has been a very scary ordeal for me and I have since been reading posts on various websites about people who have gone through the same thing and who have reacted poorly to medication. I have developed a little anxiety from this all and was put on Xanax and buspirone. I have taken myself off of those too. I still have them “just in case” but I really do not want to use them if I don’t have to. I am sorry you had to go through your episodes of a fib but it did help me to read about your story. The doc in the emergency room told me people with a fib can get a blood clot and die. I was a nervous wreck for a while there. I did not know that some people have been living with it for years and are still OK. So, thanks for posting. My only concern is why do I still have palpitations. I get my thyroid checked in less than 2 weeks to rule that out. By the way, my doctor knows I took myself off the meds. My BP has been fine. I bought a home monitor and check it at various times during the day.
    Anyway, sorry this was so long but it was therapuetic for me and I hope it gives others peace knowing that going natural can be a great remedy to better health. But I do agree to do so while listening to your doctor. I knew my body was telling me that the meds were making me sicker. But I have become VERY aware of my body during this whole ordeal. Thanks for sharing your story! Sincerely, Debbie

    Reply
  273. Robert Ellis
    Sep 03, 2008

    Thanks for your comment, Sue.

    If your magnesium level was low, I definitely think supplementing magnesium will help. Always check with your doctor first, but if he doesn’t object, I would recommend trying Natural Vitality Natural Calm. Because it’s a powder, it’s easy for you to experiment to find the right dose. Take two or three small doses daily, then increase until you have loose stools. When you start feeling better you can lower the dose.

    Reply
  274. Sue White
    Sep 03, 2008

    I found the story above very interesting and look forward to hearing the rest of it.

    I had AF, had an ablation last year and 17 months on looks like it has kind of worked. I do get palpitations still – missed beats, ectopic beats, sometimes really numerous in number. My arrythmia seems to be related to the amount of thyroxine I take.

    I had a full blood test recently and the only thing that came back ‘abnormal’ was my magnesium levels – my doctor didn’t offer any info on it, as they are concentrating on thyroxine. How might your product help me please?

    Kind regards..

    Reply
  275. DW
    Jul 07, 2008

    Thanks for posting such a great site. It is comforting to know that I am not the first person to have to experience this.

    Reply
  276. Robert Ellis
    May 27, 2008

    Thanks for your comment, Lynn.

    I’m sorry to hear about your mother. I know how upsetting it can be to have episodes of AF, so I can only imagine how traumatic it must be to be in permanent AF.

    I’d like to be helpful, but I’m hesitant to offer any specific advice. I don’t know anything about your mother’s general health and, at 74 years old, I think you need to be very cautious. I don’t know how having a mechanical valve might impact her condition, or if she is on other medications.

    Do not stop the beta-blocker without getting your doctor’s approval. Abruptly stopping these kinds of drugs can be dangerous.

    You might ask the doctor if it is safe for her to take magnesium. If so, I would begin taking Natural Vitality Natural Calm three times a day, with a larger dose an hour or so before bedtime (or she might try taking an epsom salt bath before bed). You might also try Hawthorne Herb Extract, but again, it’s very important to ask the doctor first as it may interact with the medication she is taking.

    Unless she has blood sugar problems, I would also recommend that she eat her evening meal no later than 7 PM (sometimes eating too soon before bedtime, or eating too much food, can make AF worse at night). Relaxation and slow breathing can help. See my other general recommendations.

    If you are interested in herbs, you might also consider taking her to an acupuncturist, or other practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine. It might be helpful to make adjustments in her diet, as well, but the more I learn about nutrition, the more convinced I am that dietary choices must be matched to the individual. An acupuncturist should be able to help identify herbs and foods that match your mother’s constitution and condition.

    I wish I could be more helpful. Please let us know if you find anything that does help.

    I wish your mom the best.

    Reply
  277. Lynn
    May 27, 2008

    Hi,
    I wanted to respond to your story by telling you that my mom is in permanent AF and it is getting worse. She is 74 years old and I am very worried about her. She condition worsens at night or maybe just more noticable. It keeps her from sleeping night after night. The bounding is loud and frightening. She also has a mechanical valve that she hears clicking. She is on a beta blocker that doesn’t help much. I am very concerned. I would like to recommend a natural approach with herbs but I am not sure if she should stop taking the meds she is on. It is a very serious condition and I want to help her, not make things worse. I would appreciate your feedback. Thank you

    Reply

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