I am a 27-year-old working married Mom of two girls, 3 and 6, and was diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation in September of 2008. I had a cardioversion in July of 2009, which was successful for a time, and was diagnosed with A-fib for the 2nd time last month.
I am wanting to network with other Moms with this same diagnosis, as I feel very alone in this. I am very young for such a diagnosis, and sometimes it is very discouraging and disheartening.
Do you have a-fib? What are they doing for it? Does it affect your daily living?
I also wanted to mention that my a-fib is not temporary, it is persistent, and has been exacerbated by, perhaps even caused by, chronic lung conditions (asthma, bronchitis, and bouts of pneumonia). I am currently taking cardiazem, an anti-arrhythmic called flecainide, metotoprolol, and coumadin.
I do and am taking digoxin. But it is also weight related and when I lose 60 pounds, my heart doctor said I would probably off BP med. and Digoxin. I have lost 17 pounds and feel some better. I am sorry you have so many pres. meds already and are so young. I am 64 and just bagan the symptoms last year. Take good care of yourself.
Do you exercise and take Salmon fish oil daily, along with Vit. D, 1000Units per day.
Hi N.,
So sorry to hear that.
I just had it for a short while after open heart surgery to repair a hole in my heart. The meds they put me on made me feel sick. They work better in older people. I think the CoQHeart that Shaklee makes was a better choice. If you are interested in that let me know.
Stress can also be a factor.
A friend of mine has it and it doesn't impact her daily life.
Have you checked with a nearby hospital for a support group? I know how you feel about feeling alone. Most people at the age I was then had not had a stroke or open heart surgery.
I hope yours is a temporary situation also.
Victoria
This is a shot in the dark, because I was never diagnosed with atrial fibrillation - but I have had irregular heartbeats at various times in my life.
I did some research when it started, and this is what I did to help it:
1. exercise (regular walking - Leslie Sansone DVD's)
2. Magnesium Powder (when added to water, it fizzes, and is best absorbed by your body)
3. Cut out crappy, processed foods from diet
4. Lost weight
I am not saying that what happened to me is as bad as what is happening to you - but perhaps there is some connection.
A-fib runs in my whole family. All my siblings have it, My Dad, uncles, Grandpa. When caught at a young age, it really doesn't affect too badly. Your Doc will tell you NO caffeine, and severely limit or eliminate the consumption of alcohol. Take good care of yourself and stay at a healthy weight. My dad and uncle have a defribulator, my grandpa and other uncle died from it, only because it was never diagnosed until it killed them. On the positive side, it made all of us more aware and being screened saved my Dad's and other uncles life. As for myself and all my siblings, we are aware of the problem and have made lifestyle changes.
