AFib And Working....or Not

Do any of you guys know of anyone with AFib (irregular heartbeat....constant & over 100 bpm)? I developed it end of Oct when I had an allergic reaction to juniper berries. After 3 weeks of it not straightening out, I called for a VA appt, which was another 3.5 weeks.

My primary doctor got me an appt at the Boise VA for a stress test and echocardiogram the same week I saw her. I was put on a diuretic, Metoprolol (blood pressure) and Pradaxa (blood thinner). Over the next week or so, the AFib stopped occasionally and my heart would beat normal for a few hours. My primary doctor (left for the Colo Spgs VA a couple days later) thought I could go back to work, and so did the Boise VA. My office wanted a letter stating I would be safe driving, so I called the Cardio clinic to get one. Over several days, they decided I could NOT drive. Since then, I have been sitting at home, not getting much done because I have no energy and when I do anything I am huffing and puffing. The VA is slowly treating me with the meds and may use other methods.

Does anyone know if a person can work while in AFib or know where I can check it out at? I'm getting frustrated just sitting around.

Laura

I went through some of these similar symptoms starting late last summer. Are you gaining any weight, and not having much of an appetite so you aren't eating much at all?

I went through some of these similar symptoms starting late last summer. Are you gaining any weight, and not having much of an appetite so you aren't eating much at all?

The weight I'm gaining is water weight but, now that you mention it, I am eating one meal a day with a piece of fruit and sometimes two pieces in the evening....which is odd cause I have a freezer full of beef, pork and goat meat to eat up and I do like to eat.

Laura

I forgot to mention that I did have a sleep test and got put on a CPAP machine. I need to get a different mask as the "pillows" (just in my nostrils) keep coming off. I've missed only 2 nights.....fell asleep while watching TV and usually have it going 6 to 10 hrs. Hate the thing....I am more tired and aggravated when I wake up.

Laura

If it were me, I would get a second (or even third) opinion and diagnosis.

As I posted on here in another topic that Turtle began, starting late last summer I was worn out constantly, no appetite, yet gaining what ended up being more than 50 lbs. of water weight, too. Starting around January of 2019, I was sick daily. Diagnosed by the experts first with bronchitis, then it was pneumonia, then possible COPD. On my third doctor, in February some more tests including an EKG and an MRI detected that I was in the later stages of congestive heart failure. Chemo from years ago for my first round with cancer had the side effect of wiping out my heart! No wonder it was difficult driving, walking, or cranking up the landing gear for the trailers! Fast forward to March 12, 2019, and I was fortunate enough to get a new/used heart.

I'm only using my battle as an example of how you may want to approach your situation. I pray you aren't on the same path this guy was.

Thanks PackRat. It's something I'm considering.

Laura

My dad has had AFib for nearly 10 years, and I didnt know my grandma had it until she passed away. Dad knew something was wrong with how much he always sweated regardless of what he was doing. Sometimes he would get out of the shower and be sweating so much that he felt he needed to shower again. After a couple days of his heart rate being through the roof he went into the E.R. and was admitted. Doctors said his resting heart rate was near what you see when somebody just completes a marathon. I haven't talked to dad lately so I got ahold of him after reading this to get more info from him. Hes had a couple different surgeries on his heart to burn (ablation) and freeze (cryoablation) tissue. Neither completely fixed the issue so 4 years ago he received a "watchman device". Here is some info on the Watchman device

He sees his heart doctor in 2 weeks for a yearly checkup but he told me he's doing very good since the procedure.

I know you're able to get your medical card with Afib but it needs to be under control. What under control means I have no clue.

Packrat, are you still on a ton of meds from your transplant? How long did/do you need to take the anti-rejection meds?

I'm only on two separate anti-rejection pills, and will be for the remainder of my life, from what I've been told by the cardiologists.

UPDATE:

This past weekend I let my helper off and fed my bucks (male goats) myself. Sunday was hard to do, which it normally isn't, huffing and puffing walking to their pen and back. Monday I called the Boise VA Cardio clinic....no answer or call back. My legs were really swelling and breathing was harder. After feeding the boys, I sat for over an hour, not getting my heart rate and breathing down. After talking with a friend, I decided to go to the Boise VA emergency room. It's a 2 hr drive, so ended up there at 11:30 p.m. I figured they would only adjust my meds. Nope, got admitted and Tues was spent trying to get my swelling down and seeing a Cardio doc.

The doc decided that I have been in AFib long enough! Weds morning I had a reversal/shock procedure and I am no longer in AFib! I will go home in the morning and come back next week for a few days to adjust meds.

I should be able to go back to driving soon after.

Laura

Thats great news!!! Glad they got ya fixed up!!