springblossom
24-01-12, 15:38
Dear All,
Atrial Fibrillation
Earlier this month I had to spend a night in hospital to control a very irregular heartbeat.
I had a number of tests done while in hospital including a number of ECGs, an ultrasound of my heart and overnight monitoring of my heart rate and rhythm.
The cardiologist explained to me that I was experiencing atrial fibrillation and may require a treatment called cardioversion where the heart is treated with an electric shock to reset the rhythm. However, I was treated with medication to begin with (Amiodarone) and fortunately my heart returned to its natural rhythm without the need for cardioversion.
I was released from hospital and prescribed Slozem 120mg (Diltiazem Hydrochloride) which I take daily.
Before all of this happened, I had been struggling with Health Anxiety for as long as I can remember. With the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation I am questioning my anxiety and asking myself whether my symptoms up to this point have been caused by the heart.
I'm now neurotic about my heart; its rhythm, the pulse rate and how it behaves every second of every minute of the day. I'm exhausted with the worry of it all and I feel lost. I'm terrified to read anything online about the condition and am questioning what could have triggered it?
My GP has told me I will receive a letter referring me to see the cardiologist in a few months. Until then I am living a daily nightmare wondering if and when my heart will experience an episode of atrial fibrillation again and each day I feel like I am descending deeper into a dark place filled with panic, apprehension and sadness.
I apologise for the long post, but I am feeling desperately worried and unable to cope with the prospect of a life observing an unpredictable heart.
I would be grateful for feedback from other members who have come to terms with this or other diagnoses, particularly those who have discovered ways to deal with something similar.
All comments welcome :)
SB
Atrial Fibrillation
Earlier this month I had to spend a night in hospital to control a very irregular heartbeat.
I had a number of tests done while in hospital including a number of ECGs, an ultrasound of my heart and overnight monitoring of my heart rate and rhythm.
The cardiologist explained to me that I was experiencing atrial fibrillation and may require a treatment called cardioversion where the heart is treated with an electric shock to reset the rhythm. However, I was treated with medication to begin with (Amiodarone) and fortunately my heart returned to its natural rhythm without the need for cardioversion.
I was released from hospital and prescribed Slozem 120mg (Diltiazem Hydrochloride) which I take daily.
Before all of this happened, I had been struggling with Health Anxiety for as long as I can remember. With the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation I am questioning my anxiety and asking myself whether my symptoms up to this point have been caused by the heart.
I'm now neurotic about my heart; its rhythm, the pulse rate and how it behaves every second of every minute of the day. I'm exhausted with the worry of it all and I feel lost. I'm terrified to read anything online about the condition and am questioning what could have triggered it?
My GP has told me I will receive a letter referring me to see the cardiologist in a few months. Until then I am living a daily nightmare wondering if and when my heart will experience an episode of atrial fibrillation again and each day I feel like I am descending deeper into a dark place filled with panic, apprehension and sadness.
I apologise for the long post, but I am feeling desperately worried and unable to cope with the prospect of a life observing an unpredictable heart.
I would be grateful for feedback from other members who have come to terms with this or other diagnoses, particularly those who have discovered ways to deal with something similar.
All comments welcome :)
SB