huckleberry
Posts:824
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| 02/11/2021 10:01 AM |
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Has anyone had experience with afib?
Did you go the drug route? How did it affect you? Did it work, or did you end up finally with ablation?
How did yours start out? |
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Cosmic Kid
Posts:4209
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| 02/11/2021 10:51 AM |
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Treatment for Afib is highly individual and depends on the severity of the condition. For some, nothing more than blood thinners are required. Those patients usually never feel much more than a "flutter" in their chest, which can get corrected with something as simple as a cough.
Others have more serious periods of Afib....ablation can be the only option for some patients.
A good buddy just had an ablation last April (?) and is feeling great now and working his way back up to Ironman training.
As you probably know, Afib is often not a continuous condition. Most patients are in and out of Afib, sometimes across the day, others intermittently over several days. It can make an accurate diagnosis challenging because if you aren't in Afib when you get screened, it can be missed (but not always).
Based on your post, though, it sounds like you have been positively diagnosed? If you are interested, we have a blood pressure monitor that can detect the presence of Afib (patented technology). I'd be more thna happy to send one out to you if you want it. Just lemme know! |
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| Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!
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huckleberry
Posts:824
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| 02/11/2021 12:38 PM |
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Yeah, I was diagnosed a few years ago by my endocrinologist at the time as part of my myriad of side effects from massive glucocorticoid treatment for lymphoma, but it has gotten progressively stronger and more frequent in the past year.
I recently relocated and am going to seek out a cardiologist. I don't stay in constant afib, but may have it last continuously for twelve hours. It did it recently on two rides and had me concerned as I definitely felt its effect - physically and psychologically.
I am going to have to have an ankle replacement or fusion in the next year and am also wondering iff they will clear me for surgery if I don't have control of the afib.
Tell me more about the blood pressure monitor. Of my other symptoms, I have very low blood pressure. |
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Cosmic Kid
Posts:4209
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| 02/11/2021 02:03 PM |
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You can get more details at the link below, but it is a professional level BP monitor, designed to be given to patients to monitor their BP and screen for Afib at home. If it detects the presence of Afib during a reading, it gives you a notification.
https://www.microlife.com/professional-products/watchbp-home/watchbp-home-a-afib
Shoot me an e-mail at my work addy: mark dot boufford at microlifeusa dot com and I'd be more than happy to send one out. |
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longslowdistance
Posts:2881
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| 02/11/2021 03:28 PM |
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Excellent posts by CK.
It’s unusual, but just noting that some cases of Covid present with afib. |
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huckleberry
Posts:824
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| 02/11/2021 04:33 PM |
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| Thanks LSD - was first diagnosed four years ago with the afib. It started presenting itself more often about two years ago, and now quite a bit more often. |
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huckleberry
Posts:824
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| 02/11/2021 04:36 PM |
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| Thanks CK. |
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Cosmic Kid
Posts:4209
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| 02/11/2021 04:45 PM |
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No, not really....for some people they don't know if they are in Afib (or even know if they have it)....so the unit acts a screener and can alert them that they need to get checked by a doc.
But offer stands if you want it just to check your BP.... |
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mondonico
Posts:158
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| 02/13/2021 07:43 PM |
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I've dealt with afib for about six years. Started to notice when I was getting ready to do one of my favorite rides around Lake Tahoe. Some weeks I could ride ok than other weeks could barely get home. A few miles into the ride I could not catch my breath. Had to turn around.
Spent a year doing testing, tread mill etc. Had what I call jump the start. Put the paddles on your chest. Worked for a few weeks than back again. Since then I've had two ablations and it seems to be under control. I still take four meds to slow my heart etc. Was on blood thinners for a few years. First Coumadin. Do not under any reasoning let them use that option! I ended up bleeding internally and ended up in the hospital for a day on a potassium drip. I was bleeding from everywhere. Take one of the newer choices. I've been been off blood thinners few years and will never go back no matter what. I'm 70 and my health is no longer tip top. But I don't have the same heart palpitations etc I had before. And don't end up so short of breath. But I have never regained my same cardio. But I'm old and out of shape. I've used some products from Kardia that do a simple EKG. They work good for just layman use.
You can google a video where this guy explains what is really happening in the heart chambers by using jumping jacks to explain what the heart is doing. Great explanation for a lay person like me. |
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mondonico
Posts:158
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| 02/13/2021 07:53 PM |
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| Another place to get info is the guy on velonews. My brain is farting. He is one of the tech contributors and has written tons of books on bicycle repair etc. He also builds frames etc. If you want real indepth info on dealing with fib check him out. He has written at least one book on the subject. |
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mondonico
Posts:158
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| 02/13/2021 07:58 PM |
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Lennard Zinn I believer sorry.
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huckleberry
Posts:824
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| 02/13/2021 10:36 PM |
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Thanks, Mondonico.
Will do.
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Dale
Posts:1767
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| 02/14/2021 08:23 AM |
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Posted By Bill H. on 02/13/2021 07:43 PM
... Was on blood thinners for a few years. First Coumadin. Do not under any reasoning let them use that option! I ended up bleeding internally and ended up in the hospital for a day on a potassium drip. I was bleeding from everywhere. Take one of the newer choices. I've been been off blood thinners few years and will never go back no matter what.
Been on warfarin/ Coumadin for almost ten years. Zero issues. My INR is very stable at 1.8 - 2.1
I take basically the same dosage as I did when I first started.
Totally understand that different people react differently and different medicines react together but for me I've seen no benefit to the $300/ month drug as opposed to the $4.00 a month FDA approved rat poison. |
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huckleberry
Posts:824
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| 02/14/2021 01:32 PM |
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Dale -
Are you taking Warfarin for afib?
I am curious what type of symptoms others have had. Mine are quite random and unpredictable. Over the past 4 years, some issues have lasted 12 or so hours and as little as a few flutters. I would get episodes with weight lifting and not cycling, now it's sometimes the opposite. I've never(knock on wood) had them happen during hard interval sessions(at home, on trainer). I get a little pressure in my chest, but am not sure if that is simply my paranoia or chest congestion.
Just curious what others have experienced? Was it progressive for them? |
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mondonico
Posts:158
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| 02/14/2021 02:15 PM |
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| Great to see you've done well for ten years. From my experience and my late aunts 40 years ago have nothing positive to say about warfirin. My cost for alts was only 40 a month not 300. And after a few months of bleeding uncontrollably for every little scratch and ending up in ER for inr of over nine enough for me to never agin. |
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Dale
Posts:1767
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| 02/14/2021 08:50 PM |
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Posted By christopher behrens on 02/14/2021 01:32 PM
Dale -
Are you taking Warfarin for afib?
Nope, blood clots. I've got a genetic predisposition. Had my first 25 years ago but was too ignorant to know what was going on. The second time I made a trip to the doc right away.
Mondonico... yeah if I had your history I'd go a different route too. Since I'm now on Medicare my drug plan would make the new drugs pretty cheap.
I was on a high deductible plan so everything under 10k was on me.
Glad you have an alternative to the old stuff. |
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zootracer
Posts:833
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| 02/14/2021 09:20 PM |
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| No, but I have cardiomyopathy (weakening of the heart muscle). Which was caused by a viral infection (myocarditis). I came down with it in 2009. I became weak, dizzy and felt like I was going to faint while riding. I take meds (lisinopril). Which caused osteoporosis (weakening of bones). Which means if I crash I could have major problems with broken bones healing. Something tells me cycling is not so good for your health (: |
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huckleberry
Posts:824
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| 02/15/2021 10:20 AM |
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Zoot - It's a thin line between sanity and reason, and I believe us cyclists are well over onto the wrong side ; )
But it's so damn painful, uh, oops, so darn fun! |
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zootracer
Posts:833
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| 02/15/2021 10:26 AM |
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| Huck, I agree. |
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Cosmic Kid
Posts:4209
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| 02/15/2021 01:07 PM |
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Been on warfarin/ Coumadin for almost ten years. Zero issues. My INR is very stable at 1.8 - 2.1
I take basically the same dosage as I did when I first started.
Totally understand that different people react differently and different medicines react together but for me I've seen no benefit to the $300/ month drug as opposed to the $4.00 a month FDA approved rat poison.
Dale and I are in the same boat and for the same reasons...
I ahve tried to get on the next-gen meds a couple of times and they just aren't covered by my health plan. And sicne I have had no issues with warfarin, I can't really complain when they say "sorry, we are only gonna pay for the cheaper stuff". It works, I don't have any real side effects so why pay for the expensive drugs?
Sure, there would be some benefits to the newer drugs (mostly diet related and not having to monitor my INR), but I am super-stable with my readings and take a low-dose of warfarin (2mg / day).
As noted, warfarin is very specific to the individual....Guy I know who took over the LBS could never get his INR high enough and he was taking 10-12mg / day!!
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| Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!
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Orange Crush
Posts:4499
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| 02/15/2021 02:33 PM |
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Holy cow guys.
Has anyone tried the beer option? It works fine as a blood thinner. The only downside is that your insurance may not cover it. |
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smokey52
Posts:493
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| 02/15/2021 09:43 PM |
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I think we discussed this topic a while ago. My wife has MS and peripheral neuropathy which limit her movements. A few years ago she had a pulmonary saddle embolism. After getting stabilized with heparin, the hematologist prescribed Coumadin (aka warfarin) with blood tests to monitor her INR (a measure of blood clotting ability). His first dosage recommendation was too high and she ended up in the ER to administer platelets. She switched hematologists. She tried Eliquis and Xarelto but had an allergic reaction to both, so she stayed on Coumadin. She now has a home test for her INR and does it weekly. If the INR is out of range, we check with her new hematologist for advice via email. He responds quickly, usually within 10 minutes, even when he is on vacation.
CK - The home kit matches well with blood work done in prep for doctor visits.
To stay on topic wrt cycling: She has a hand-pedalled trike but doesn't do hills.
OC -- She's not fond of beer, so that's not a good option. |
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Cosmic Kid
Posts:4209
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| 02/16/2021 01:07 PM |
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CK - The home kit matches well with blood work done in prep for doctor visits.
Yup....my home test is usually within .1 of a lab test when I have cross-referenced them.
And I just realized I never responded to your e-mail awhile ago, smokey....bad form on my part. Will rectify that this week. Hope your wife is doing well.
OC - the problem with beer is that it actually stops acting as a thinner after awhile and wll reverse the effects of coumadin long term.
Plus, it is really hard to use alcohol as "dosages" vary widely between beers.  |
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Orange Crush
Posts:4499
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| 02/16/2021 03:05 PM |
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Look, you’re not supposed to use Guinness. That’s like a full course meal.
But Miller Light or Bud Light should work just fine.
The rest of us will drink the good beer. |
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huckleberry
Posts:824
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| 02/16/2021 04:20 PM |
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OC -
Seriously, Miller or Bud light? You should have your European heritage stripped, as well as your Canadian citizenship(I'll take it).
Ok, just reread your post. Keep your heritage and your Canadian citizenship. I didn't want it anyway... well, maybe the healthcare.
We'll have to get together for a Guinness. My great-grandfather worked in the factory in Dublin. |
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Orange Crush
Posts:4499
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| 02/16/2021 04:37 PM |
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Ha! Yes that needed to be read with care.
The closest to Dublin I drank a Guinness is Belfast. Indeed it tastes better the closer you get to brewery. |
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Cosmic Kid
Posts:4209
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| 02/16/2021 10:04 PM |
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But Miller Light or Bud Light should work just fine.
Life’s too short to drink that swill. |
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| Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!
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79pmooney
Posts:3180
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| 02/17/2021 09:33 AM |
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Guinness. I always thought Guinness (at least "real" Guinness) came from "the" Guinness brewery somewhere in Ireland. In my Ann Arbor college senior year, my housemates would do runs to Windsor to stock up on good brews. Discovered Guinness brewed in Ontario under license. We bought and drank it but I always figured it was a lesser brew, not the real thing. (It was fresher than any "real" Guinness you could buy in the States.)
Fast forward a dozen years. I sailed with my dad the old trans-Atlantic crossing; St Johns Newfoundland to southwest Ireland. Baltimore. We made a bee-line to the town pub as everyone said that was where you went to contact Customs, exchange money, eat or do any other needed business. (No bank in town. The pub was the center of life. On one wall was the exchange rates for the world's currencies.) Later, of course, we ordered Guinness and knew it was the real deal. But then we learned that there wasn't "a" Guinness but many. Every county brewed its own. You couldn't transport brews across county lines. (I believe at the distribution level; I didn't see road stops but then, were were traveling by boat and government interference didn't apply. We landed in Baltimore. Spent two nights there then a night each in two harbors to the east. Pulled into Cork and tied up at the yacht club there. Inquired about Customs at every stop. After a day or two in Cork, the boat received a visit from Customs while most of us were out on the town. Looked at our passports but didn't stamp them. Had mine stamped at the airport.) Each time we ordered Guinness in a different county, it was different. The locals took pride in "their" Guinness and pointed out the differences.
The other fun piece about brews and Ireland - the level of trust! When we landed in Baltimore, we tied up at the town dock. At the end of the dock were several kegs of beer. We learned that they were going to the island that had a pub; that the ferry would take them later that afternoon. So a few hundred American dollars of fine brew sit where anybody could take them most of a day on a regular basis. OK, Baltimore is a trusting resort town. A week later I spent a night at a B & B prior to flying back to Seattle. Went for a walk in downtown Dublin the next morning. Kegs of beer on the sidewalk in front of every pub!
And yes, a full Irish pint of Guinness is a full course meal. We often ordered one to share and sample that county while the rest of us drank lighter brews. (No hardship! Their "lighter" brews stand on their own quite nicely!) |
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79pmooney
Posts:3180
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| 02/17/2021 09:35 AM |
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| CK, Coors Lights, aka "the "Silver Bullet". I have to laugh every time I pull out a Prep H! (I think Coors figured out the connection and changed their advertising strategy.) |
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