Normally I write this end-of-year post a day or two in advance and then schedule it to go out first thing on New Year’s Eve. Well this year I totally forgot about it so
I’m writing this “on the fly” at around 7 pm on New Year’s Eve. I was just about to sign off my computer for the night when it dawned on me that tomorrow is the first day of 2018 and I haven’t written this post yet so here it goes!
This was a great year for me as far as my heart and overall health goes. Sure I continued to battle PVCs and PACs on and off throughout the year but I didn’t have any afib and I didn’t have a single health issue of concern. I don’t even think I got a cold this year but come to think of it I rarely get colds.
March: 2 Year “Ablation Anniversary”
March marked my 2nd anniversary of my successful ablation. I still can’t believe in a little over 60 days it will be three already years since I had my ablation. What’s even more amazing is I haven’t had one episode of atrial fibrillation during that time! I pray every night that God will continue to protect me from afib.
In fact I specifically put in my prayer journal to be blessed with no afib for the entire 2018 year. I’m confident God will answer my prayer but if he doesn’t, I’m confident he’ll give me the strength and faith to deal with whatever comes my way. Up until now he has always been there for me so I have no reason to doubt he won’t be there for me in the future no matter what happens.
May: EXA & RBC Tests
As I have been doing every year for the past few years, I had an EXA test and RBC Magnesium test in May. For the first time since taking these tests going back to 2015 my magnesium levels on the EXA Test were solidly normal! In the past they have always been below normal or just barely normal. That was great to see but I don’t know if it made much of a difference since I continued to battle PVCs and PACs. I was hoping that once my magnesium levels were normal they would settle down for good but that never happened. I’m still debating whether I’m going to be tested again in 2018. I’ll play it by ear.
October: My Annual Check Up with my Local EP
In October I had my annual check up with my local EP and it was more good news. My echo revealed that despite my battles with PVCs and PACs my heart was healthy and strong and perfectly normal. What I particularly remember about that appointment was my heart was as calm as can be. When I had my echo done in 2016 I was having serious palpitations. This year during the echo my heart was totally calm.
My Faith Journey Continues
In my year-end post last year I talked about the “religious awakening” I experienced after my dad’s death in 2015. I continued my walk with God in 2017, essentially following the same routine this year as I did in 2016. That routine comprised of listening to a 30-40 minute church sermon every morning during my power walks. I then read and studied the Bible for 20-30 minutes every evening and then I prayed every night before going to bed.
I cannot stress enough how spending time with God’s word has helped me deal with all the crap that life throws at you! It has given me a peace and understanding that I’ve never had before. I have begun to realize that I am in this world but not of it. I am merely a visitor passing through. And while my time here is limited, I need to learn to be positive (and grateful) through all things, enjoy life, and just make the most of it!
What’s Next for 2018
Be at Peace with My Diet and Weight
Last New Year’s Eve my goal was to eat healthier in 2017 because my diet at the time was a train wreck. Well that sort of happened. I continued to eat garbage until late fall. I had “ballooned” to 187 lbs. at that point (up from 170 lbs. from the beginning of the year). In the fall I finally got control of my diet and after about two months of disciplined eating I got back down to 175 lbs. – only to fall off the wagon again shortly after.
I have been eating my usual “garbage diet” now for the past couple months. I have no idea how much weight I’ve gained. I’m too scared to step on the scale. I’m not that fat but my guess is I’m approaching 187 lbs. again.
I have struggled with my diet all my life and have been yo-yoing with my weight for the past decade. I lose 10-30 lbs. and then I maintain it for a while and then I gain it all back again. It’s a never-ending battle. If there is one thing I’d like to accomplish more than anything in 2018 and that is to have peace with my diet and weight.
I honestly don’t care how much I weigh. I don’t buy into all those warnings that your BMI must be this number or that number or that you should weigh a certain amount if you’re this age or that age. I believe we’re all unique so what works for me might not work for you. Maybe my ideal weight is supposed to be 190 lbs. Maybe I’ve been blessed with good genes so I can eat what I want without consequence. Who knows.
I just want to be at peace with my diet and my weight. I want to be like my dog. Does he fret or worry about what he eats or what he weighs? Heck no! I want that same kind of peace!
Put an End to My PVCs and PACs
I really need to figure out how to calm my PVCs and PACs. I’m sure my diet doesn’t help but the odd thing is my PVCs and PACs are actually worse when I “eat clean” and lose weight. My heart actually settles down when I eat my normal crappy diet and gain weight! I know it sounds crazy but it’s true.
If my PVCs and PACs would stay calm when I ate crappy food and gained weight I’d just stick with it. The problem is eventually they return so it doesn’t matter what I eat, how much I eat, or how much I weigh. The PVCs and PACs come and go and rage on no matter what. I haven’t figured out the “magic formula” to keep them at bay for good. I’m hopeful that 2018 will be the year that I do.
Continue My Walk with God
Last year I said I would continue my walk with God in 2017 and I did. What’s interesting is that I also said I felt “empty inside” and I still had a lot of fear about afib and my health in general. I said I worried a lot. I experienced all this in 2016 despite spending so much time with God. I wrote that I hoped I would see improvement in those areas in 2017. I did see improvement but I still have a long way to go! My goal is to deepen my faith even more in 2018 so that I have even less fear and worry.
Offer More Through This Blog
One thing I want to do in 2018 is offer more information, inspiration, and support for afibbers through this blog! I fell short of doing that this year. I hope to do so much more in 2018. I want to include more audio, video, and more general information that will help afibbers so this blog isn’t just about me and my afib journey. If you have any suggestions on what you’d like to see on this blog in 2018 please let me know through the comments section at the end of this blog post.
Well there you have it folks. I finished this post in just over an hour so I have about four hours to spare before the New Year! I want to thank all of you for following my blog this year and I wish all of you a Happy New Year. It is my sincere wish that all of you have a terrific 2018 with plenty of NSR! God Bless!
Hi, that is dr. Mercola and remember supplements aren’t an alternative for eating high-quality
unprocessed old foods if nearly all your diet plan is processed who’s low with chemicals herbicides GMOs sugars no supplement will probably turn it around however if you’re making good healthy food choices and
you’re searching for some insurance that the multi could
be a reasonable choice but when selecting your multivitamin hey consideration to the
serving size if it’s only 1 each day it is
probable that you’re wasting your time and money.
Why it’s very doubtful that any single pill can pack enough vitamins and minerals to truly make any real difference in complementing your
healthy food choices producers of multivitamins have develop some pretty amazing ways to compress
these ingredients but never to the extreme not right down to
in which a single tablet lot provides you with the
vitamins and the minerals you will need the meals
you’ll need for nourishment is measured in ounces
and pounds or tens to countless grams a single tablet only weighs about one gram.
A multivitamin takes anyone to three pills each day simply can’t
supply the supplementation you need for help this is exactly
why my whole food multivitamin that is packed with essential vitamins
minerals antioxidants bioflavonoids and other
nutrients requires eight tablets to offer adequate nutrition in the animation you’ll observe
how it’s difficult to suit all of the vitamin and mineral nutrients
in one single pill or two tablets but they fit very nicely in to a tailless so if you want to get a healthier dose of your multivitamins there are several strategies to help you ensure that you get adequate nutrients
allow me to offer you some of them produce a daily routine on your own that works.
Like prepare a setting with a glass or two and the eight tablets on a dish spread out your use of the eight tablets through the day
say take for lunch or dinner make sure and drink lots of water
between tablets to help them decrease and ideally desire to intersperse you multivitamin tablets with other capsules or food that you take
so take into account the tablets since they are really meals
rather than a supplement so hopefully this really is information that will allow
you to and your household take control [Music]
hi I’m dr. McQueen I’m going showing you good luck anti-aging products here at the
drugstore so follow me try to find products that have peptides an example of an item
which has peptides may be the Olay Regenerist here we are targeting
fine lines and wrinkles when we apply this device overnight one of the most obvious manifestations of skin aging are fine lines and wrinkles the ingredient to look for for treating this
problem is retinol a brandname called ROC is extremely well-known for its retinol containing products when applied overnight as
time passes you might find a slow correction in the look of fine lines and wrinkles skin aging does begin to manifest
when you’re in your 20s so it’s important to begin young so
that you stay young a typical example of a brand that’s really targeting a younger crowd is Garnier and Garnier
does so by depending a great deal on plant derived ingredients but the product is
specially good as it not only has salicylic acid that may gently exfoliate your skin but
it also has soy that is known for its anti-aging benefits whatever
age you are I creams are actually really important the key ingredients to
consider listed below are issues that will de-puff
the eyes and those include things like caffeine I’m a story in theobromine
a great example of a strong puffing eye cream is
the Loreal eye defense and you will see results really quickly with the products
similar to this because it will contain the caffeine which constricts the puffiness across the eyes.
HI Travis
I had a successful ablation for atrial fibrillation about 16 months ago. I only had a 3 month history of afib and 3 attacks in that period before my ablation. I suppose we are lucky in the UK that we don’t pay for our health care and the electrophysiologist I saw was very pro active and he said it would be the best long term outcome. Also, I didn’t have any other medical history which caused my AF (no blood pressure, diabetes, family history or other heart problems) so my diagnosis was unlucky.
The only problem I have been left with is the dreaded PACs. I never had them before my ablation, which you know all about. They are rather concerning at times. There is no set pattern to them when they raise their ugly head. I’ve tried different diets, altered my exercise routine, but to no avail. My magnesium has always been normal so never taken any supplements.
I wonder if the PACs are a by product of the scarring of the pulmonary vein openings after the ablation or whether we have always had them and we are more super tuned into our hearts then we were before and notice every slight rhythm change. I haven’t found the magic cure for them and I suppose that’s like finding the holy grail and if we did find the reasons for them we could bottle them up and sell it!
Roger:
Congratulations on your successful ablation! Sorry to hear about your battle with PACs. I’m all too familiar with the battle. I have no idea why I have them now after my ablation but never had them before my ablation. Your theory sounds as good as any – that maybe they are the by-product of the ablation scarring. If you can find an answer you’ll be a millionaire!
I’ll just share a few things with you. It’s been almost three years now since I’ve had my ablation and while I still battle PACs and PVCs at times they aren’t as bad as they were three years ago. They have settled down some over the years. It’s possible your PACs will settle down as well and may go away entirely.
You mentioned you know your magnesium levels are good. If you’re relying on a basic magnesium blood serum test it will almost always indicate you are normal even if you’re not. The best tests to determine your magnesium levels are the EXA test and RBC test. I wrote about them here:
My 2017 EXA Test & RBC Magnesium Test Results
Finally, you might want to explore potassium. I just published my monster blog post on potassium. You might be able to settle those PACs by increasing your potassium levels. Here is a link to the post:
Potassium and Atrial Fibrillation: What Every Afibber Needs to Know
I wish you well!
Travis
I am glad you have so many positives in your journey in 2017. I hope more are ahead in 2018. I have been a reader of your blog for years and really appreciate it.
I just found something interesting–I did the genetic/health test with 23 and Me, and after using Promethease, I found I have TWO genes linked to Atrial Fibrillation. It made me feel better about it since these genes have always been there. I feel like I can stop beating myself up for it, and instead see it as something I can try my best to minimize, but it’s not going to go away.
Hi Mare, do you know what those 2 genes are that are linked to A-Fib as I also have done 23 & Me?
Thanks much,
nancy
Mare:
Thanks! I’m glad you continue to enjoy my blog.
The idea of having a genetic test is brilliant! I’m going to put that on my to-do list for 2018 and will be sure to blog about. Thanks for the idea! By the way, what were the two genes that were linked to afib?
Travis
So it’s a little more complicated once you look into A-Fib factors. You get your 23 and Me results, but to really get into the nitty gritty, you go to a second service called Promethease. There, you link your 23 and Me account and pay a small fee ($10), and then you REALLY get all of these results. Some are at a higher level of confidence than others, due to medical and scientific studies that may or may not been done on them.
I have four negative (or higher possible risk), and one lower risk (I wish!).
#1) rs10033464(G;T)
1.28x increased risk of Atrial Fibrillation and cardioembolic stroke.
#2) gs276
Slightly increased risk (17.2% of white women) of Atrial Fibrillation in the 2 SNPs mentioned by 23andMe.
#3) rs13376333(C;T)
1.5x higher risk of atrial fibrillation
#4) rs1805127(A;G)
slight (1.4x) increase in risk for atrial fibrillation see rs1805127
#5) [Good] rs2200733(C;C)
0.86x decreased risk of Atrial Fibrillation. This is the normal version which makes the heart form properly and makes people less likely to get Atrial Fibrillation
Anyway, while I did 23andMe to see ancestry, with minor curiosity as to health issues, it actually made me feel GOOD to know I had it in genes. I have been told it was my fault for not being thin (you should see how many obesity genes I have). However, my normal-weight sister and underweight brother both have A-fib.
I am in no way suggesting you shouldn’t strive to be as healthy as possible at all stages of your life. I do think it’s time for all of us to realize what causes A-fib in one person, has no bearing on what may cause it in another, and we all need unique treatments–as unique as we are. Good luck to you both and if you test, I hope the results help you.
Hi Travis!
Your site looks wonderful! Did you revamp it? Glad to hear you had an AFIB-free year and very good health.
You really inspire me to put more into my own blog. I have been AFIB free for more than 4 years, and I’m praising God for it. I believe that God is the only healer but uses doctors and medicine. I do not exclude miracles because I know He still does them.
I experience PAC/PVC usually when I have eaten too much. I have also done some of my own “google” research about how much the Vagus nerve is involved in PAC/PVC. My cardiologist said that I must remember that I have an enlarged right atrium (due to me being born with Tetralogy of Fallot) and that I could maybe “feel” my heart when I get Ectopic heartbeats(PVC/PAC). Thankfully I do not experience Ectopics regularly, and I also do not panic so much about them(that was not always the case).
I am blessed to live a full life with or without AFIB!
I hope 2018 will be another wonderful year for you.
Janco:
It’s been a while since I’ve heard from you! Glad to hear you’re still doing well. God is great no doubt!
Yes, I revamped the site a little but that was a while ago.
Have a terrific 2018! Here’s to another year of NSR!!
Travis
Hi Travis. Thanks for your wonderful year update. I so enjoy reading the posts and I learn from each one as well as responses by others. As you know when I moved back to Denver and high altitude I had a few bad episodes of high HR and BP and luckily no Afib that I have felt at least since my ablation in March.
I haven’t been to the mountains yet so found the post about skiing and AFib good food for thought! Waiting to hear more from the doctor on my Echo results and the tracing heart rate for next steps if needed just in case there could be that silent AFib.
Thanks too for the connection to faith as it has helped me as well and I also call on my angels and universe to watch and help and heal.
Thanks for being a true friend and all the counsel and can’t wait for continued posts.
Thanks Carol! Glad to hear things continue to go well for you out there in Denver. I wish you a Happy New Year and I wish you nothing but NSR and good times in 2018! Keep in touch.
Travis
Hi Travis, I am new to A-Fib (with Rapid Ventricular Response) since Sept 29th. I had 2 more episodes within 2 weeks after the first but then the docs added Flecainide to my Diltiazem, and so far so good. I so appreciate reading your blogs and your honesty.
I have an A-Fib question that no doc has been able to answer for me, and I have asked plenty of docs. Upon testing, I learned that I also have Lp(a)….”Lipoprotein little a” as it is called. 30% of the population have this, but most don’t know because the doctors rarely test for it since treatment is still in its infancy. It’s the strongest genetic risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
My question is about the need for blood thinners. Based on the A-Fib guidelines from when I was hospitalized with A-Fib, I only have a stroke risk of “1” because I am female. I asked them how having Lp(a) effects the need for blood thinners because of my new A-Fib. No one has been able to answer this including my electrical cardiologist who said he only researches A-Fib and doesn’t know anything about Lp(a). But since 30% of the population have it, (thus 30 % of us A-Fibbers as well) it would seem that someone should have this answer.
Currently, I take 2 baby aspirins but no blood thinner. I don’t want to take it if it’s not necessary, but also don’t want to not be taking it, if it’s necessary. BTW, Bob Harper, the famous trainer who had a massive heart attack, was diagnosed with Lp(a).
To be clear, someone doesn’t take blood thinners just for Lp(a). I am trying to find an answer for if you have both. BTW, treatment for Lp(a) is high niacin.
Thank you for any insight and Happy New Year!!
Nancy:
I’m going to cut and paste the email reply I sent you when you asked me this question privately via my email (for the benefit of others that might be reading your comments here).
I’ll explain how strokes occur when you have afib. By understanding this, you may be able to figure out the answer yourself. When you’re in afib your atria quiver, or shake, instead of having steady forceful beats. As a result, the blood in your atria don’t move as efficiently. For some people, the blood will start to pool – specifically in the left atrial appendage. This is a small sac, if you will, that hangs from the left atrium. This little pouch has been considered the most dangerous appendage in the body. Almost all afib strokes come from it!
What happens is the blood pools in the left atrial appendage and can start to clot if you’re in afib for a long period of time. The clotted blood can then fall out of the left atrial appendage and then be pumped up to the brain causing a stroke.
As you know, people with Lp(a) have “sticky” blood to begin with (i.e. it is more prone to stick or clot). I’m not an expert on any of this but based on what I do know, I’d say someone with high levels of Lp(a) has an increased risk of stroke from afib because the blood in this person is likely to clot regardless of afib being present.
I’m assuming you don’t have silent afib, which is afib that you can’t feel. I’m assuming when you’re in afib you can feel it. I point this out because it’s very important for you to know how often you’re having afib (and how long you’re in afib when you have your episodes). If you’re having regular episodes (i.e. one per week or more), you might want to ask your doctor about taking a blood thinner such as Eliquis or Xarelto.
By the way, if you’re having episodes that often I would strongly encourage you to consider having an ablation. Afib tends to get worse as time goes by so it becomes more difficult to treat. The sooner you can nip it in the bud the better and an ablation is the best way to do it.
There are supplements you can take as well that will help reduce the stickiness of your blood but I would not rely on them 100% if you have high levels of Lp(a) and are in afib on a regular basis. You’ll need something “stronger” such as prescription blood thinners. The supplements you’ll want to look into are vitamin E and nattokinase. The afibbers I talk to take 800mg of vitamin E per day and 3-4 capsules of nattokinase per day to keep their blood “slippery.” I’m not suggesting those are the doses you should take but that’s the doses I’ve heard from other afibbers. Everyone is different because they have different health issues going on, are taking various drugs, etc. so those doses may or may not work for you. You mentioned you take two baby aspirin per day. I’m not sure it would be safe to take vitamin e, natto, and baby aspirin, for example. You’ll want to do your own research. These are the two specific products I recommend:
Carlson Labs e-Gems
Cardiokinase
**This is the ONLY nattokinase I recommend. It’s the best on the market today.
Thanks,
Travis
Travis,
I wanted to add for Nancy that my cardiologist told me even though my stroke risk scores 0-1, that at age 60 (4 more years) I will need to switch from an aspirin a day to Xarelto or one of the like meds. He explained at age 60, a woman’s risk of stroke skyrockets, and being female becomes the biggest risk factor.
I know studies are coming out all of the time, and I would encourage you to stay informed and get a health care team that is responsive and supportive.
Best wishes!
Mare
Hi Mare,
Thanks for sharing this. I see the cardiologist on Monday & will be sure to ask him. I am 60 years old !! Nancy
All great points, Mare. Thanks for sharing!
Travis
Hi Travis,
Thanks so much for your very informative answer. I have been distracted lately with son’s Lyme & Bartonella issues so haven’t had much time to think about my issues until now. I actually see my cardiologist this Monday for the 3 month check up.
So I do feel when I am in A-Fib & it feels miserable to me. After the 1st one on Sept 29th, I had those 2 more episodes until the Flecainide. I haven’t had another one since. I hope I’m not jinxing myself! Interesting that you mention sticky blood. I know when I go for a blood draw, my blood takes so long to come out. Is that because it’s “sticky?”
I take 2 Boluoke every morning which is Lumbrokinase. I have researched what was better, natto or lumbrokinase & can’t find much agreement. But if you like the Carlson brand, I will look into it.
Anyhow, getting back to my original question about blood thinners, I am wondering if as long as I stay out of A-Fib, maybe the 2 aspirins will be enough? I also want to thank you so much for this site as it makes me feel that I am not alone in this. I greatly appreciate all you do! Nancy
Nancy:
Aspirin really isn’t recommended for afib anymore. Please read this article for more information:
If you can manage to stay out of afib I would look at taking natural blood thinners such as nattokinase and vitamin E over aspirin. However, if you continue to have afib then a prescription blood thinner may be best over aspirin.
I wish you the best!
Travis
HI Travis,
Thanks for your reply. Your blog is so amazingly helpful as well as being supportive. I asked my doc about the Vit E, & he said he wouldn’t recommend it, but didn’t elaborate as he was rushing out of the room so I don’t know why.
I have managed to stay out of A-Fib since I added the Fliciniaide to the Diltiazem back in Oct..
I take Boluoke which is Lumberkinase. Do you think Nattokinsase is more effective? I also take fish oil & eat a lot of fish.
So here’s an interesting thought & I wonder if you have any knowledge on this. I know there is a Vagus Nerve connection with A-Fib. I have recently been diagnosed with SIBO, & Leaky gut which apparently has a Vagus Nerve connection as well. I am wondering if gut dysbiosis can trigger A-Fib ??
Thanks for all you do, Nancy
Glad to hear you had a great year. I continue to fall out of rhythm on what seems to be like a coordinated schedule of two to three times a year. This past episode had me on top of Vail Mtn skiing at appx 11,500, likely dehydrated from the night before cocktail program and poor sleep at altitude. All of a sudden, breath taking boom bang boom palpitations and shortness of breath followed by 160 HR. This lasted for 6 days. I miraculously sit here back in rhythm at a sub 100 hr and have no idea why except that I am not at high altitude.
My initial issue was persistent AFib and now my breakdowns are flutter/Tachacardyia. Already had two ablations and close to 10 cardioversions. Not sure the right path here except for 100% clean living and tiptoeing around this ailment. That mentality is depressing to me or maybe it is the high dosage of Metoporol that I have to continue to take. Anyway, I think your comments about God are interesting. I have not specifically placed too much responsibility on God but believe that spirituality and deep relaxation are critical for all of us effected by any of the irregularities.
Matt:
10 cardioversions? Wow! I’ve had four myself but I hope I’ll never need another one again.
I know you’ve had two ablations but I wouldn’t rule another one out. With a complex case like your’s you’ll need the very best EP you can find. If you need help finding one, let me know. There is still hope for you if you’re willing to travel to see the best EPs we have available.
I encourage you to give the “God thing” a try. I didn’t start my walk with God until about two and half years ago (I’m 45 now). It’s not something that helps immediately but over time it does help with the mental and spiritual battles we face as we deal with afib.
I wish you a Happy New Year and all the best in 2018!
Travis
Thank you so much Travis. I so look forward to your blog and what you have to say since you’ve been through a lot with atrial fibrillation. I too suffer with PACs and PVCs and the funny part about what you said about the junk food is that’s how mine goes if I diet and really watch what I eat I get so many more PACs and PVCs that’s how mine started being on a really strict program of weight loss so it was interesting that you said that.
If I don’t eat enough I get PACs and some PVCs a lot. It’s just really weird like you said. Anyway, thank you for all the valuable information that you post on your website. I’m so grateful for it. Without the Lord Helping me get through this I don’t know what I’d do. I pray 2018 brings more knowledge and we get closer to a cure for this ungodly condition. God bless you, Travis, and happy new year.
Diana:
Hey Diana! Thanks for your comments. By the way, your Kardia heart monitor should arrive sometime this week. For those of you reading this comment, Diana was the lucky winner of the Kardia heart monitor I gave away during Christmas!
I find your comments so interesting. My PACs and PVCs also are worse when I haven’t eaten enough. Maybe that’s the connection – lack of calories/food vs. the specific types of foods. When I eat the crappy food I usually eat, I’m consuming lots of calories. I’m probably getting 3,000+ calories per day. When I go on a strict diet where I eat clean and healthy, I may only eat 1,500 – 1,800 calories per day. Maybe that’s why my PACs and PVCs are so bad when I’m on a restrictive diet. Interesting…
I also believe that we are all wired differently. Our genetic and “chemical” makeup varies from one person to another. Maybe my body functions better with more calories and “junk” than it does with fewer calories and “clean” food. I know that sounds totally silly but who really knows. All I know is that it drives me crazy that I can’t find answers! I just want these darn PACs and PVCs to go away!!
Thanks for sharing your experience. I wish you a Happy New Year and the very best in 2018!
Travis
Hi Travis…I just wanted you to know I received my kardia today..thank you again..Happy New a Year
Terrific! Thanks for letting me know. Enjoy:)
Travis
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