Doctors & patients are saying about 'A-Fib.com'...
"A-Fib.com is a great web site for patients, that is unequaled by anything else out there."
Dr. Douglas L. Packer, MD, FHRS, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
"Jill and I put you and your work in our prayers every night. What you do to help people through this [A-Fib] process is really incredible."
Jill and Steve Douglas, East Troy, WI
“I really appreciate all the information on your website as it allows me to be a better informed patient and to know what questions to ask my EP.
Faye Spencer, Boise, ID, April 2017
“I think your site has helped a lot of patients.”Dr. Hugh G. Calkins, MD Johns Hopkins,
Baltimore, MD
Newest Member of Our A-Fib Support Volunteers Was Diagnosed at Age 18
I’m pleased to welcome Warren Darakanada from Los Angeles, CA to our group of A-Fib Support Volunteers. At age 23, he’s one of our youngest volunteers. He hopes to be a resource for those patients closer to his age.
His cardiac health story started about 10 years ago. At age 13, a severe acne breakout landed him in the doctor’s office. While checking his vitals, a problem was found with his blood pressure (and an elevated cholesterol level). Warren shares:
“While the diastolic pressure was normal, the systolic was above 140 mmHg. Without a doubt, I needed to see a cardiologist. I went through a series of tests to rule out causes of secondary hypertension. Luckily or unluckily, nothing was found.
Over the next years, I had several EKGs, but it was not until a routine cardiologist visit when I was 18 that I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. I think I had A-Fib for some time prior to my diagnosis, but had no idea my heart beat was irregular. I was in shock! I didn’t know what to think or feel.
I was put on a beta-blocker and warfarin. Given my young age and the perpetual nature of atrial fibrillation, I knew I was headed toward a cardiac ablation.
Suffers Most from Mental and Psychological Effects: While I had few A-Fib symptoms, what I found hard to endure and most debilitating was the mental and psychological effects. I would ask myself:
‘Why is this happening to me and not anybody else?
Why can’t I go back to college and enjoy my freshman year with my friends?
Given all these circumstances, is my life worth living?’
These questions may sound stupid to a mature person in good mental condition. But that wasn’t me. Remember, I was only 18 years old and just starting college… Continue reading Warren’s story…
Our A-Fib Support Volunteers Offer One-to-One Support
When you need someone who will listen and who understands A-Fib, our A-Fib Support Volunteers are just an email away. These volunteers have gone through a lot while seeking their A-Fib cure. They have been helped along the way and want to return the favor. Learn more.
At Age 13, Treatment for Acne Reveals Need for a Cardiologist! A-Fib Hits Early
Warren D.
By Warren Darakanada, Los Angeles, CA, August 2017
“As I write about my A-Fib, I am 23 and just starting my adult life as a financial and economic consultant. But my cardiac story actually starts about ten years ago.
At age 13, I got a severe acne breakout that brought me to the doctor’s office. While waiting to see the doctor, a nurse decided to take my vitals and blood pressure. While the diastolic pressure was normal, the systolic was above 140 mmHg. Without a doubt, I needed to see a cardiologist.
Further investigation revealed that I also had an elevated cholesterol level. Luckily, my blood glucose level was normal. I went through a series of tests to rule out causes of secondary hypertension. Luckily or unluckily, nothing was found.
Since I was a low-risk patient who could benefit from lifestyle modification, and given my age, I was not prescribed any medication or procedure.
At Age 18, A Shock to be Diagnosed with A-Fib!
Over the next years, I had several EKGs, but it was not until a routine cardiologist visit when I was 18 that I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. I think I had A-Fib for some time prior to my diagnosis, but had no idea my heart beat was irregular.
I was in shock! I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know what to think or feel. The attending cardiologist called in medical residents and fellows to show them that “this is what atrial fibrillation sounds like” through the stethoscope.
Referred to an electrophysiologist, I was put on a beta-blocker and warfarin. Given my young age and the perpetual nature of atrial fibrillation, I knew I was headed toward a cardiac ablation.
[For someone as young as Warren, it’s unthinkable to leave him taking dangerous A-Fib drugs for a lifetime (60 or 70 years). In addition, a catheter ablation was his most reasonable option with a high success rate in young people like Warren.]
Suffers Most from Mental and Psychological Effects
While I had few A-Fib symptoms, what I found hard to endure and most debilitating was the mental and psychological effects. I would ask myself:
‘Why is this happening to me and not anybody else?
Why can’t I go back to college and enjoy my freshman year with my friends?
Given all these circumstances, is my life worth living?’
These questions may sound stupid to a mature person in good mental condition. But that wasn’t me. Remember, I was only 18 years old and just starting college, and college students are prone to depression for various reasons. (See Seven Ways to Cope with the Fear and Anxiety of A-Fib)
My solution: Instead of staying home and pondering about these life problems, I decided to keep myself busy with activities, online classes, and occasional meet-ups with friends.
In hindsight, that helped tremendously.
My Catheter Ablation
It was roughly 3 months between my diagnosis and my ablation in March 2013. So, I only “knowingly” lived with A-Fib for a few months before my ablation.
The day of my RF catheter ablation came just as any other day. I had been admitted the night before. Except for not eating after 9 pm, I did nothing to prepare myself for it. I think the procedure lasted about 1 1/2 hours. I stayed in the hospital overnight.
As a child, I had had many surgeries, so hospitalization was not a big deal. (To keep this short, I’ll skip my childhood medical history.)
Post Ablation
After the procedure, I was almost always in sinus rhythm. But my atrial fibrillation would come back intermittently. Most episodes were really short with the frequency decreasing over time. [This is common during the three-month ‘blanking period’ following an ablation.]
However, because my heart rate was not well controlled and because of the risks of recurrences, I was put on diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker.
Because of my hypertension and high cholesterol (added risk factors of atrial fibrillation), I am also on Cozaar and a statin.
Now A-Fib-Free
Since I started diltiazem, I’ve not had an episode…except one time after being under general anesthesia. The cardiologist believes that was a side effect of propofol [used to help you relax before and during general anesthesia for surgery].
It would be great if I could live without my various medications, but taking them, honestly, is not a big deal.
Lessons Learned
Emotionally Stronger and Healthier: I feel the entire A-Fib/ablation process has made me an emotionally stronger person. I also started to work out and take care of my own health more. (But that’s also a function of becoming more mature with age rather than the ablation alone.)
In the process, I have learned to enjoy and appreciate life in the way most people my age could never do.
Atrial Fibrillation―It Comes in a Package: By that I mean, cardiovascular disorders often come “packaged” together, often congenitally and genetically.
I’m trying to suggest that people with A-Fib/arrhythmia often have other cardiovascular risk factors. For instance, I have hypertension and high cholesterol and a family history thereof.
Moreover, cardiovascular diseases are also risk factors of diseases for other organs, such as the kidneys and liver.
My advice for younger patients diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation:
Exercise: I would suggest that young adults work out more, at least 3 times a week for one hour each time.
Seek Help for Mental Health: For those suffering from A-Fib, make sure that you have a good attitude. Seek counseling if you have mental conditions from A-Fib.
Evaluate & Reduce Other Risk Factors: Young A-Fib patients should also see general cardiologists to evaluate A-Fib related risk factors.
When young people get A-Fib, they could be living with it for possibly more than 50 years. Take actions to reduce your risk factors and take care of your body.
Positive Attitude Trumps All: I’m dealing with my ‘package’ of conditions. While getting rid of my ‘package’ once and for all might not be an option for me, I can choose to live with a positive attitude.
I welcome your emails.”
Warren Darakananda
warrenddara(at)gmail.com
Editor’s Comments:
We are most grateful to Warren for his frank discussion of how A-Fib affected him psychologically and emotionally. He was only 18 years old when diagnosed with A-Fib and just starting college. He’s learned the hard way how to develop a “positive attitude.”
Psychological Distress: For Warren, the psychological effects were hard to endure, much more so than his physical symptoms.
Recent research indicates that “psychological distress” worsens A-Fib symptoms’ severity. For many patients the anxiety, fear, worry and depression can become debilitating.
To learn how to deal with the psychological aspect, see my article, Seven Ways to Cope with the Fear and Anxiety of A-Fib.
A-Fib Support Volunteers: I’m pleased to welcome Warren to our group of A-Fib Support Volunteers. He hopes to be a resource for those patients closer to his age. (He’s one of our youngest volunteers.)
We are blessed to have many generous people who have volunteered to help others get through their A-Fib ordeal. Most A-Fib Support Volunteers are not medical personnel. They come from widely different backgrounds. But you can be sure they care about you and understand what you are going through. Visit our A-Fib Support Volunteers page to learn more.
Learn about sharing your A-Fib story.
Return to: Personal A-Fib Stories
If you find any errors on this page, email us. Y Last updated: Tuesday, July 28, 2020
Call for Guest Writers for Articles, Posts and Editorials: Share Your Insights!
Are you a writer? Are you passionate about a specific A-Fib topic or issue? Why not share your insights with our A-Fib.com readers? Get your byline and photo on our website. We welcome guest writers!
You don’t have to agree with the publisher’s point-of-view. For example, see the editorial by Ken Close, Editorial: A-Fib.com Bias in Coverage of Mini-Maze?
Examples of articles by other guest writers include Lyn Haye, Obesity in Young Women Doubles Chances of Developing A-Fib and Frances Koepnick’s “Patient Review: AliveCor Heart Monitor for SmartPhones“.
If you’re interested in being an A-Fib.com guest writer (or just have questions about it), send us an email. Do it NOW!
My A-Fib Story: The Healing Power of Prayer
by AGL
A-Fib Patient Story #88
My A-Fib Story: The Healing Power of Prayer
By AGL, August 2016
I have been cured of A-Fib since 2011 and simply wanted to share my testimony with you and your readers at A-Fib.com.
A-Fib Medications Didn’t Work
I struggled with A-Fib for almost eight months in the year of 2011. It began in January, and I had episodes of it throughout the year. My episodes weren’t too bad—as in I never had any side effects of the A-Fib like fainting or clotting. The only real thing I had during the episodes was an irregular heartbeat and a fast heart rate.
Being as young as I am and having a family of my own, it was a lot to have on my shoulders.
I wanted the A-Fib gone, and the medication I was taking did not make it go away.
My Pastors Prayed for My Healing
I knew of another way that the A-Fib could go away—by God supernaturally healing me. Well, in August of 2011 I asked the pastors of my church to pray for me that God would heal me. After the Sunday service they prayed for me. And a week after that my A-Fib was gone. I was healed by prayer.
I haven’t had an episode or problem since 2011! It’s a miracle!
Helped by Great Physicians Too
I am not writing this to refute your book, Steve, nor am I saying that the medical field should not be called upon for help in the time of need.
If it wasn’t for the great physicians here where I live on the East Coast, I would be in bad shape—who knows what would have happened if they didn’t break those episodes I had. And, I’ve read testimonies of others where medicine helped them with, if not cured, their A-Fib episodes.
I simply wanted to share with you my experience – since it included A-Fib. Who knows—maybe God can bless you through my e-mail.
AGL
ayatingl@gmail.com
Editor’s Comments
At A-Fib.com one of our volunteer groups is a Positive Thought/Prayer group comprised of wonderful people worldwide. If you would like their support, especially at the time of your ablation or surgery, please email us your request. It’s comforting to know that others who’ve had A-Fib care about you and wish you well.
How to Send Your Request: Send your request to our coordinator, Barbara. Write to barbara: babareeba(at)aol.com (substitute an “@” for the “(at)”).
Join our Group: We invite you to join our ‘A-Fib Positive Thought/Prayer’ group. Learn more on our page: The Healing Power of Hope, Belief and Expectations. All are welcome.
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Return to Patient A-Fib Stories
Related Reading:
The Anatomy of Hope: How People Prevail in the Face of Illness
by Jerome E. Groopman
There’s more to hope than we thought. Hope triggers biochemical changes.
Written by an oncologist and citing actual patient cases (mostly cancer), Dr. Groopman explores the role of hope in fighting disease and healing. Top scientists are interviewed who study the biological link between emotion and biological responses; the most relevant studies are reviewed.
The author shows how hope, belief and expectations can alter the course of our lives, and even of our physical body. HOPE works! (Read Patti’s review on Amazon.com.)
If you find any errors on this page, email us. ♥ Last updated: Thursday, December 15, 2016
Call for Guest Writers. How About You?
Are you a writer? Are you passionate about an A-Fib topic or issue? Why not share your insights with our A-Fib.com readers? We welcome guest writers!
For examples of guest articles, check out Lyn Haye’s Obesity in Young Women Doubles Chances of Developing A-Fib and Frances Koepnick’s “Patient Review: AliveCor Heart Monitor for SmartPhones“.
If you’re interested in being an A-Fib.com guest writer (or just have questions), send Steve an email. Do it NOW!
Our Worldwide A-Fib Support Volunteers
When diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation, you have many questions. It helps to have someone who has “been there” and is there for you now. Our A-Fib Support Volunteers want to help and are just an email message away. (We are sad to announce that Nancy Thompson, who for many years volunteered as an excellent coordinator of the A-Fib Support Volunteers, passed away. We really miss her.)
This list of worldwide A-Fib Support Volunteers is arranged by geographical region. Note: substitute an “@” symbol for the “(at)”.
Read the special poem A-Fib’s Demise
by support volunteer, Emmett Finch, The Malibu Poet
WORLDWIDE
A-Fib Support Volunteers
WESTERN EUROPE
Ira D. L.
Ira L., Rome, Italy; (Fluent in English & Italian) E-mail: idl.sorbo(at)mclinknet.it (Experience in overcoming heart problems—heart attacks, pericarditis, cardiac asthma, bradycardia, tachycardia, PVCs & PACs, A-Fib [cured 2004], and pacemakers. He wears an ICD.) (see his personal experience story, #31: Living With a Pacemaker/ICD).
AUSTRALIA
Allan, Brisbane, Australia; Email: a-fibfriendallan(at)live.com.au
Ian B., Sydney, Australia; E-mail: vagalman(at)optusnet.com.au
Roy S., Adelaide, Australia; E-mail: roys1(at)tpg.com.au
Warren W., Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; E-mail: redolent(at)bigpond.com (see his personal experience story, #34: A-Fib Free After Two Ablations Down Under)
EASTERN CANADA
Mark G., Barrie, Ontario, Canada; E-mail: stoneabba007(at)gmail.com
WESTERN CANADA
Darrell B., Alberta, Canada; E-mail: bronc9239(at)hotmail.com
UNITED KINGDOM (ENGLAND)
David W., Norwich, Norfolk, England; E-mail: david(at)dandrhomesltd.co.uk
SOUTHERN AFRICA
Leon J., Johannesburg, Cape Town, South Africa; E-mail: leon(at)mbanet.co.za
SOUTHEAST ASIA
Max J.
Lee A., Malaysia; E-mail: amirlee2(at)yahoo.com
Max J., Shanghai, China; E-mail: max.jussila(at)gmail.com (see his personal experience story, #34: “From Shanghai to Bordeaux—a very difficult case requiring two ablations”)
JAPAN
Susan H., Iwakuni, Japan; Email katmaii1(at)aol.com. Ablation at the Cleveland Clinic May 7, 2020.
“I began having symptoms of AFib just prior to moving to Japan in September 2019. I have always had PVCs and an “irritable” heart, and I think the stress and anxiety just pushed me over the edge. In April I flew back to the States to seek treatment and had an ablation at the Cleveland Clinic on May 7th. I’m back in Japan in quarantine right now. Still experiencing PVCs but otherwise well.”
For more information about our A-Fib Support Volunteers and how to volunteer, see my article: ‘Want to become a A-Fib Support Volunteer?’
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Return to A-Fib Support Volunteers
If you find any errors on this page, email us. ♥ Last updated: Saturday, August 22, 2020
DISCLAIMER: A-Fib.com Support Volunteers are not medical doctors and are not affiliated with any medical school or organization. Any communication with A-Fib.com Support Volunteers is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Nothing communicated by A-Fib.com Support Volunteers is intended to be for medical diagnosis or treatment. Their opinions are their own.
Our U.S. A-Fib Support Volunteers
When diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation, you have many questions. It helps to have someone who has “been there” and is there for you now. Our A-Fib Support Volunteers want to help and are just an email message away.
This list of U.S. A-Fib Support Volunteers is arranged by geographical region. Note: substitute an “@” symbol for the “(at)”.
UNITED STATES
A-Fib Support Volunteers
New England, USA
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
David H., Lexington, Massachusetts, E-mail: dholzman1776(at)gmail.com 
Fred F., Boston, Massachusetts; E-mail: fredfan1(at)aol.com
Mark S., New Hampshire; E-mail: seagullsnest(at)comcast.net
Rich O., Boston, Massachusetts; E-mail: celtic8586(at)aol.com
Northeast, USA
Delaware, Indiana, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia
Jerry W., Long Island, New York; E-mail: Jerrynmn1(at)aol.com
Ken C., Loveland, OH; E-mail: closeks(at)fuse.net (expertise: Dr. Sirak’s Five Box Mini-Maze operation)
Scott N., Montrose, NY (North of New York City): E-mail: Matrix058(at)yahoo.com. (expertise: Dealing with the ablation process)
Chris L., New York City: Email: tizzy10191(at)hotmail.com (48 year-old New York Policeman: expertise: first Flutter ablation, then A-Fib ablation)
Southeast, USA
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina,
South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia
Ed W., Fort Lauderdale, Florida; E-mail: edwebbfl(at)gmail.com (Athlete, Heart Rate Monitor expertise) (see his personal experience story, #15: Cyclist/Triathlete with Persistent A-Fib)
Alan A., Richmond, Virginia; E-mail: adanet56(at)gmail.com
Al D., Delray Beach, Florida; E- mail: adrelich(at)bellsouth.net (Medicines keep Alvin A-Fib free)
Bob W., Palm Coast, Florida (Veteran); E-mail: bobwhitehurst(at)gmail.com
Jay T., Atlanta, Georgia; E-mail: jjteresi(at)yahoo.com (see his personal experience story, #55: In A-Fib at age 25!—A guy deals with the anxiety. A-Fib free after two ablations at Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute)
Michael M., Raleigh, North Carolina; E-mail: halfmooncorp(at)hotmail.com
Sheri W., Winchester, Virginia; E-mail: sheriweber47(at)yahoo.com. (Cox-Maze IV experience) Read Sheri’s story in our book Beat Your A-Fib: The Essential Guide to Finding Your Cure, A Life on Meds Wasn’t Good Enough—Selects a Minimally Invasive Cox-Maze IV, p. 105.
Stuart S., Virginia; E-mail: ssutphin(at)vt.edu
Northwest, USA
Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming
Karl G., Salem, Oregon. Telephone: (503) 949-1162—Karl prefers to talk over the phone after 4:00 pm PST. E-mail: karlgranat(at)msn.com. (Two ablations by Dr. Natale in San Francisco).
Todd F., Spokane, Washington. E-mail: cco2coug(at)gmail.com. (Three failed ablations in the Pacific Northwest, then successful ablation by Dr. Natale in San Francisco.)
Ronny Sullivan, West Seattle, WA. E- mail: ronnysullivan(at)yahoo.com (206) 396-7682. Still seeking cure. (A-Fib for 10-15 years, two failed ablations, a stroke, several cardioversions, and done extensive research.)
Southwest, USA
Hawaii, USA
Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah
Beverly W., Los Angeles, CA; E- mail: beverlywelsh(at)msn.com (expertise: Living with A-Fib, Drug Therapies)
Ed N., Monterey Peninsula, CA; E- mail: trigeeked(at)gmail.com
Kathy B., Oceanside, CA. E-mail: Katbuda(at)aol.com
Michele S., Salt Lake City, Utah; E-mail: mstraube(at)mindspring.com (see her personal experience story, #42: Cured After 30 Years in A-Fib by Dr. Marrouche)
Monique VZ, Irvine, CA; E- mail: mvancansun(at)yahoo.com (expertise: Women who exercise )
Bob Muenckler, Santa Monica, CA; By phone only 310-613-5413 (Expect an enthusiastic but long conversation. Leave your phone number, he will call you back on his own dime.) Expertise: Dr. Sirak’s Five-Box Thoracoscopic operation.
Mike Jones, Redding (Sacramento Valley), CA; E-mail: mjonesrdg(at)gmail.com (expertise: A-Fib drugs, amiodarone, Finding the Right Doctor) (see his personal experience story, #64: Triathlete 18 years in A-Fib, on Amiodarone for eight years—then A-Fib free after ablation by Dr. Padriag O’Neill)
Emmett Finch (The Malibu Poet; read his poem “A-Fib’s-Demise“): Malibu, CA; Phone: 310-457-7895. E-mail: sunbro(at)mindspring.com. Expertise: Watchman Device, AV Node Ablation and Pacemaker. Celebrated his 94th birthday in 2015.)
Warren D., Los Angeles, CA E-mail: warrenddara(at)gmail.com (Expertise: Diagnosed with A-Fib at age 18! Now A-Fib free after catheter ablation) “I am a very young victim of A-Fib. I know how hard it is to deal with the condition at such a relatively young age. I would like to share my experiences and support the A-Fib community.”
SouthCentral, USA
Texas
Michael Y. Austin, TX: E-mail: youngmh.afib(at)gmail.com. (3 ablations, 2 cardioversions, 1 Watchman LAAC device, 60 years young). (Expertise: Endurance road cyclist with no family history or any other risk factors).
“I’ve been dealing with A-Fib since 2012 and have been down a long road with this issue. My experience with treatment has been relatively extensive. If I can help answer questions or just relate my experience to others, I could give back to others considering options or who are just nervous about what’s happening to them. I’m a full-time earth science researcher at a university. I’ve read a lot about causes and treatment for A-Fib.”
Hawaii, USA
Joe L., Honolulu, Hawaii; E-mail: jleonardo98(at)yahoo.com
Emmett
Read the special poem A-Fib’s Demise
by support volunteer, Emmett Finch, The Malibu Poet
North Central, USA
Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska,
North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin
Chris Z., Jackson, MI (South Central Michigan); E-mail: daddyzegar(at)gmail.com (Expertise: young people with A-Fib);(see his personal experience story, #56: A-Fib Started at Age 23!—Ablation by Dr. Eric Good at Un. of Michigan)
Greg W., Carbondale, Illinois; E-mail: ga2607(at)cba.siu.edu. (see his personal experience story, #32: Not Necessary To Go To Top-Name A-Fib Centers To Have Excellent Care and Good Results”)
Howard F., Highland Park, Illinois;
E-mail: howard.felix(at)comcast.net
Linda S., Grand Junction, Michigan; E-mail: linda-seaman(at)btc-bci.com
Marilyn S., Commerce Township, MI (near Detroit); E- mail: nmshook(at)sbcglobal.net. (expertise: Pill-In-The-Pocket); (see her personal experience story, #25: Two Different “Pill-In-The-Pocket” Approaches—Both Turn to Catheter Ablation for a Cure)
Steven G. & Sue G. (17-year-old when diagnosed & parent ready to help others), Michigan. E-mail: suegaston(at)gmail.com.
South Central, USA
Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas
Steve P, Dallas, TX: E-mail: sjpully(at)yahoo.com (Expertise: A-Fib & Flutter Ablations, Finding the Best EPs, 20+ Years in A-Fib). Phone: 214-587-6133.
Mike M. Friendswood, TX. E-mail: mmmontz(at)aol.com. (Expertise: Living with A-Fib after Heart Surgeries and Years of Chronic A-Fib)
For more information about our A-Fib Support Volunteers and how to volunteer, see my article: ‘Want to become a A-Fib Support Volunteer?’
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Return to Resources and Links
Return to A-Fib Support Volunteers
If you find any errors on this page, email us. ♥ Last updated: Saturday, January 2, 2021
DISCLAIMER: A-Fib.com Support Volunteers are not medical doctors and are not affiliated with any medical school or organization. Any communication with A-Fib.com Support Volunteers is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Nothing communicated by A-Fib.com Support Volunteers is intended to be for medical diagnosis or treatment. Their opinions are their own.
Steve’s Inbox: International Mail & A-Fib Awareness Month
Many people email me for advice and support. This past week was quite the international experience for me. In addition to emails from the US, I also received emails from Syria, South Africa and Ecuador! Let me share a few with you.
The A-Fib Patient in a War Zone: Someone in a war-torn country was trying to find medical help for his A-Fib. A doctor started him on a heavy dose of amiodarone for his A-Fib. I told him about the toxic effects of amiodarone, but recognized that he was lucky to find any kind of medical help in a war zone. I couldn’t find any EPs still practicing in his country, but did find two centers in an adjacent country not at war. But I don’t know if he will be able to travel there. Please think positive thoughts/pray for him.
Airport Rendezvous: A traveler described a chance meeting in an airport with a well-known EP. This was more like a ‘sign’ than a chance occurrence. This wonderful EP answered her A-Fib questions and referred her to another EP near her for an ablation. She wrote that talking with the ‘airport’ EP helped her make the big decision to have a catheter ablation. (She had been looking at another surgery treatment option which I suggested might be overkill for her.)
A-Fib Support Volunteers in Action: Another woman described an all too common frustration with her primary care doctors and cardiologists who didn’t take her A-Fib symptoms seriously. They wouldn’t even refer her for a cardioversion. She was helped a lot by getting in touch with five of our great A-Fib Support Volunteers who had widely different experiences. They were so supportive and helpful that she decided to become an A-Fib Support Volunteer herself.
Amiodarone Advice: Another patient wrote that his cardiologist put him on a heavy dose of amiodarone when he first started having A-Fib episodes. I recommended the patient get a second opinion, that amiodarone is a very toxic med usually only prescribed as a last resort or for short periods of time like during the blanking period after a catheter ablation.
Negative Feedback: I warned someone about an EP whom I had heard negative things about. I referred the patient to a ‘master’ EP in his area for his ablation. I also told him to give his long-suffering wife a hug from all of us. All too often spouses of A-Fib patients put up with a lot and often feel alone and overwhelmed. I told them about the wonderful story “The Spouse’s Perspective: A Young Wife and Mother Copes with Husband’s A-Fib” in our book “Beat Your A-Fib: The Essential Guide to Finding Your Cure.”
September is A-Fib Awareness Month: As you see, there are many, many A-Fib patients out there seeking help and answers for their particular situation. A-Fib is not a one-size-all kind of disease. But A-Fib can be Cured! You don’t have to live a life on meds! Won’t you pass on our message to others with A-Fib and their families and friends? Send them a link to our special FREE report: The Top 10 Questions Families Ask About Atrial Fibrillation.
—Your A-Fib friend, Steve
Participate at A-Fib.com
A few of the many readers who participate on A-Fib.com
There are many ways you can participate at A-Fib.com. You can join our support volunteers who offer others hope and encouragement. You can share your A-Fib story to inspire others. Or, write an article about a topic you’re passionate about. (We welcome other ideas too.)
Which is right for you? which will you choose?
Share Your A-Fib Personal Experience
Our Personal Experiences stories are one of the most visited areas of A-Fib.com. Patients often seek hope and encouragement. They look to others with similar symptoms, or who are in the same age group, or have experience with the treatments options they are considering. Visit our Personal Experiences page. Then, read how to write and submit your personal experience A-Fib story.
Join our Support Volunteers
When you have A-Fib, it helps to talk with someone who has (or had) A-Fib. That’s the role of our Support Volunteers. On a one-on-one basis, these individuals offer support and hope by exchanging emails, listening and sharing their stories. Would you like to help others struggling with A-Fib?
See our list of support volunteers. We are blessed to have many generous people who have volunteered to help others get through their A-Fib ordeal. They are not paid. They come from widely different backgrounds and live around the world. They have received help along the way and want to return the favor. (Note: not all Support Volunteers are ‘cured’ of their A-Fib, but have found the best outcome for themselves.) Read more about becoming an A-Fib Support Volunteer.
Our Prayer/Positive Thoughts Group
At A-Fib.com, we believe in healing through prayer, and in the power of positive thoughts. For those who have a treatment decision to make, have an upcoming procedure or surgery, or are seeking guidance from a higher power— support from this group is just an email away.
You can join this effort by contacting our coordinator, Barbara, at email: babareeba(at)aol.com. Read more about our group…
Seeking Guest Writers
Like to read and write about what you’ve learned? Read an interesting research study and want to share with our readers? Or have a passion for a specific A-Fib-related topic or issue you’d like to report about? (As an example, see a report written by Lynn Haye.)
Got questions? Topic ideas? Email Steve using our Contact Us form.
Have you thought of another way to Participate?
We welcome your thoughts and ideas. Use our Contact Us form if you have other suggestions.
If you find any errors on this page, email us. Y Last updated: Tuesday, August 7, 2018
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Ways to Reduce A-Fib Fear and Anxiety
Coping With the Fear and Anxiety of Atrial Fibrillation
by Steve S. Ryan, PhD
For a substantial portion of A-Fib patients, the impact on ‘quality of life’ extends beyond our beating heart. Atrial Fibrillation wreaks havoc with your head as well as your heart. Anxiety, fear, worry, confusion, frustration and depression. And at times, anger.
The psychological and emotional effects of Atrial Fibrillation can be debilitating. Recent research indicates that “psychological distress” worsens A-Fib symptoms’ severity.
Anxiety by itself can produce physical symptoms such as gastrointestinal distress, sleep issues, shortness of breath, exhaustion, muscle aches, shaking and trembling, sweaty palms, difficulty swallowing, a racing heart like in A-Fib, getting colds frequently because of a depressed immune system.
(Don’t expect much help from your heart doctors. They aren’t trained or often have little effective experience in dealing with the psychological and emotional aspects of A-Fib.)
Don’t be ashamed to admit how A-Fib makes you feel (especially if you’re a guy). Your psyche is just as important as your physical heart. Just acknowledging you have some or all of these symptoms is a step in the right direction.
WAYS TO COPE WITH YOUR A-FIB FEAR AND ANXIETY
1. Knowledge is Power and Control!
Read about your treatment options, learn about your A-Fib. Read how others have dealt with their A-Fib. Search the list of Personal Experiences published on his site. With over 100 stories, you’re sure to find a few patients with similar symptoms as yourself. Knowing others have beaten their A-Fib is a tremendous psychological relief. This helps replace fear with hope!
2. Anxiety Thought Log
Confront your A-Fib fears directly. Don’t let them mill around in your subconscious. Former A-Fib patient, Anthony Bladon, suggests you keep an ‘anxiety thoughts log.’ Write down word-for-word what the anxious thought was, when, and what was the trigger. Confront each fearful thought and try to re-state it in a more reasonable frame of mind, thereby reducing the anxiety. (See Anthony Bladon and his anxiety log.)
This may sound a bit bizarre, but try repeating anxious thoughts to yourself. Express a fear to yourself over and over. Let the monotony make your mind wander to more enjoyable thoughts. Or set aside a 20 minute worrying time during the day and refuse to think about troubling fears at any other time.
Name What You’re Feeling, Mindfully Express That Emotion
Identify a negative emotion you are experiencing. That’s often the first step in coping with and controling how your are feeling. Make that feeling part of your conscious thought rather than some vague emotional distress. Write it down or talk to a friend about it.
What is That Feeling Telling You?
Is that subscious emotion trying to make you take some action? Ask yourself what that feeling may mean or how it may be trying to motivate you.
3. Yoga, Relaxation Techniques, Meditation and Walking
In preliminary studies, Yoga has been demonstrated to improve A-Fib symptoms and to reduce A-Fib attacks, as well as improve quality of life, depression and anxiety. (See also FAQ #8 “I do Yoga. It relaxes me and helps with my stress level. Is there any evidence on Yoga helping with other A-Fib symptoms?“)
Relaxation techniques and meditation may also offer you relief from your anxieties.
A specific type of meditation called ‘Mindfulness’ is recommended by Harvard Pilgrim nurse case manager Linda Bixby. The technique is to ‘Observe and Feel the Physical Sensations’ of the A-Fib Episodes. At first this may seem counter-intuitive and may not work for you. The idea is to observe rather than resist or worry. You allow a frightening health event like an A-Fib attack to just run its course. For example, Neil Blanchette wrote online that he was diagnosed with A-Fib when he was 17. Meditation and “mindfulness” was a great help to him. “Just taking it in and letting myself feel the physical A-Fib experience was actually relaxing.”
Walking curbs anxiety. Try to walk outdoors at approximately the same time each day. Breathing fresh air and having an established routine enhance the calming and relaxing effects of walking. But even if you can’t walk at the same time or outdoors, 20 minutes of walking daily reduces anxiety.
Use your imagination and creativity in activities that fulfill you. Focus on physical sensations rather than emotional. Take a shower, exercise, walk.
4. Natural Remedies:
Lavender Oil Aromatherapy: the light, soothing fragrance of lavender oil has long been used to ease anxiety (and insomnia). One example of many is Nature’s Way Calm Aid. “It contains Silexan, a type of lavender oil shown in clinical studies to ease anxiety as effectively as the benzodiazepine drug lorazepam (Ativan).”
PharmaGABA: is a bioidentical form of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which serves as a critical calming agent in the central nervous system, works on the same chemical pathways as Xanax, Valium, and other drugs—without all the negative side effects; helps combat stress and anxiousness. One example is Natural Factors PharmaGABA
Relora: a blend of two botanical extracts (Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense) that helps reduce cortisol levels and promotes feelings of relaxation.
Chamomile: “calms the nerves, reduces irritability and lessens the muscle spasms, headache and abdominal pain that can accompany anxiousness.” Substitute chamomile tea for caffeinated beverages, or take 60 drops of chamomile tincture in two ounces of water four times a day before or after meals, or add two drops of concentrated chamomile essential oil to a hot bath at night.
Gotu Kola: restores health to brain and nerve cells by promoting blood circulation to the brain which has a calming effect.
5. Counseling and Meds
Recognize that you may need professional help. Don’t be embarrassed to seek counseling. In addition, discuss if anxiety medication would be appropriate or helpful. Benzodiazepines “benzos” are a class of drugs that may help control the symptoms of anxiety (Xanax, Valium).
(See Jay Teresi’s story, “Anxiety the Greatest Challenge” and Kelly Teresi’s story “A Young Wife Copes with Husband’s A-Fib” in my book, Beat Your A-Fib, pgs. 101-105)
6. Our A-Fib Support Volunteers
It might calm your fears to talk with or email someone who knows first-hand how A-Fib makes you feel. Each of our A-Fib Support Volunteers has gone through a lot to be cured of their A-Fib. They were helped along the way and now they want to return the favor by offering you support and hope. Learn more on our A-Fib Support Volunteers page (under Resources and Links).
7. Enlist Support From Your Loved Ones
Recognize that A-Fib can have significant consequences on your social interactions with your family and colleagues. Sit down and have a talk with your significant other(s), your friends and co-workers. Explain what A-Fib is, how it affects you and how it makes you feel. Ask for their understanding. They will want to help you, so be prepared to answer their questions.
Use social media, if possible, to keep in touch.
8. Finding Purpose In Your Life
People who can articulate their life’s purpose are less likely to suffer from cognitive decline. Finding purpose in life makes us more resilient. Some studies have shown that having a strong sense of purpose can prevent plaque from building up in our heart and brain, and can help keep blood clots from forming. And having purpose reduces stress. There is a correlation between purpose in life and better health regardless of age, sex, education, and race which can result in an extra four years of life.
Examine and even write down what you think about your life. You don’t have to imagine doing things like curing cancer. What about just wanting to be fully there for your children or grandchildren or being healthy enough to volunteer for your favorite charity? Or just being able to walk around the Mall with your friends.
As a help to a more purposeful life, ask yourself these questions:
• What is something you would like to do better?
• Who is someone you would like to love longer?
• What is something you’re hoping for?
Added 11/17/20:
9. Cannabis CBD (marijuana, pot)
Several studies have shown that CBD is an effective treatment for generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. (Most CBD [hemp] comes from plants which have less than 0.3 percent of THC, the ingredient in marijuana that makes you feel “high.”) It’s believed that CBD’s influence on serotonin receptors in the brain may be responsible for its beneficial effects on anxiety. It works similarly to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), drugs used to treat depression and anxiety by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain,
Rather than having to smoke pot, you can try edibles or tinctures.
Takeaway: Fight your fears! Ambush your anxiety! Atrial Fibrillation may be in your heart but it doesn’t have to be in your head. Seek your freedom from anxiety and improve the quality of your life.
Other ideas? If you have suggestions or programs that helped reduce your A-Fib-related anxiety, please email me and let me know.
If you find any errors on this page, email us. Y Last updated: Saturday, January 14, 2023
