markflint
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Status Replies posted by markflint
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oThank you! I really appreciate your reply and it is reassuring that I can manage the anxiety by other means. What do you think is the best bp med when you've been diagnosed and also need to lower your blood pressure? Or did you just take the afib meds that were prescribed?
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I was prescribed metoprolol, a beta blocker that lowered blood pressure and kept my heart rate down. Didn't like it because it decreased metabolism and also caused fatigue. I got off it as soon as I could, and got the doctor's OK to take it "PIP" (pill in pocket; the medical term is PRN, “pro re nata”.) I did take it a couple of times when my heart rate got up to 140 or so and didn't come down while I was out working in the desert by myself.
I have a home blood pressure cuff. When I am in a hospital or doctor's office it goes up to 150/160 and everybody wants me to get on a med. I tell them I will record my bp at home several times a day first. It always comes down to the 125/75 neighborhood.
With the help of the forum I have been able to find ways to stay healthy with minimal meds. One thing I learned: I never fill out the prescriptions they give me at the ER before reviewing them with my doctor. A lot of ER docs seem to be really pill happy.
Walking and just being out in nature is one of the best things we can do for anxiety, and it helps blood pressure. If you can't get outside, meditation is easy and definitely helps.
If they do put you on an anticoagulant, I found Eliquis to be the best for me. Minimal problems with bleeding and minimal side effects. I don't like having to take it but I have seen what a stroke can do, don't want to take that gamble!
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Thanks for your response. I have never had medical significant medical issues and take no prescription drugs, which i detest even though I know everyone else takes them. I am a an active 66 and weight 130 at 5'7" and I think that drugs really effect me strongly. I guess I will have to bite the bullet and find an EP cardiologist. I live in Yakima WA so I will probably need an excellent recommendation for Seattle or Portland. (2-3 hrs away)
That cardioversion 4 hours into my first ever AF event was really a bit scary and now I am obsessing over doing anything like taking the dog for a walk or playing golf. I am wearing a fit bit and constantly checking my heart rate. Do any of these meds get rid of anxiety? Again, I have always been against pharmaceuticals, so I am at the mercy of folks like you that have experience! Thank you so much. I feel like I have someone to confide in!!
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Unfortunately, many of us have gone through anxiety as we get to know our AFib. In my case it ramped up my blood pressure so much that I had two unnecessary, in hindsight, ambulance rides to the ER.
It's important to keep in mind that AFib is a chronic medical issue, not a death sentence. The accelerated heart rate can get us thinking this is the Big One, and then our anxiety drives up blood pressure. There are anti-anxiety meds, but agree with you about keeping prescription meds to the absolute minimum. Meditation, relaxation exercises, walking outdoors -- all of those can work just as well and are free, with no side effects.
You will find a lot of resources on this forum, including recommendations for a good EP in your area. I traveled to Texas for my second ablation, and, as it turned out, a needed third "touch-up," but by going to a top-notch EP I increased my chances for success. I have been in normal rhythm since the last one, and am gradually returning to my pre-AFib self: active hiker, bicyclist, backpacker and horseback rider. I know there are no guarantees, but right now I'm a very happy camper, and at my age (73), every day of decent health is a gift. I owe most of that to this forum, where I got the information I needed to find appropriate and effective care.
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