I'm 21 yrs old living with atrial fibrillation. The first episode I had was when Iwas 19, 6 days after the birth of my son. My HR went up to 280 BPMs. I was put on ameodorone, cardizem, lasix, beta-blockers and I was not cardioverted(due to fear of me stroking out automatically).After 3 days of misery, I went back into sinus rhythem.
I'm not on medicine because i'm "too young" says the doc. No, its because I'm not insured... I've only had one episode since not as bad though, my HR only went up to 170. I've done great things to improve my health, I drink no caffeine whatsoever, exercise, and as a result since the birth of my son, I have lost 70 lbs. naturally. My target weight is 150, and I'm still at 190. However lately I've been depressed because Ive been having lots of chest pains, heart palipatations, and tingling in my hands and feet. I dont even leave the house now. Ive been depressed....it seems hopeless. Im starting LPN school in 2 mos trying to make a better life for my self and get some good health insurance, I need it. Is there anyone else with my problem?:(

nikki,

If I read you correctly, you are not on ANY drugs now?

Atrial Fibrillation is not a killer although it increases the reisk of clotting somewhat. But 1 episode tin the last 2 years is nothing to fret about. Take daily aspirin to lessen the chance of clotting.

No insurance, eh...isn't it nice living in a Third World country like the old U.S.A.?:( WHen you start nursing school they will undoubtedly have a very cheap group plan for students...get on it and have a full cardiac workup.

Get some regular exercise and drop that weight...both will help with your depression self-confidence and overall feeling of well-being.

Good luck with school.

Maybe some supplements could help. Omega-3 and other things.

Thank you very much for your replies. Today I've felt a little better. I actually feel that some of my latest symptoms that Ive been feeling might be panic attacks. I recently had the Mirena IUD put in ( 6 weeks ago ), and Ive heard other people online that have had depression and panic attacks due to the the progesterine that it lets off to thin the lining of the uterus, and to ward off the chance of fertilization. But Im just not sure......