tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7620837502774771547.post3649619503748169312..comments2021-12-23T12:43:06.313-05:00Comments on Tampa I Am: Back Home...in TAMPA!Tampa I Amhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17612675770410297735noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7620837502774771547.post-63823629826394938972007-03-09T01:25:00.000-05:002007-03-09T01:25:00.000-05:00I've had a-fib now for about 15 years, but the epi...I've had a-fib now for about 15 years, but the episode I had last May was the first time I felt like an alien was trying to kick its way out of my chest. <BR/><BR/>Years ago when it first manifested, my cardiologist told me that the following things are likely to trigger it:<BR/>* cold (drinking a big Slushee will do it, for example, because there's a nerve near the esophagus)<BR/>* alcohol<BR/>* caffeine<BR/>* SSTTRREESSSSS!!! <BR/>* lack of sleep<BR/><BR/>Those are the common triggers, but there are people who go into a-fib for no visible reason (though you can figure that stress is a likely contributor even then). <BR/><BR/>Mine appears to be controlled pretty well with a very mild beta blocker and all is well for the time being. But if it gets worse, I may need to go to more powerful beta blockers and after that, we start talking about burning out the nerve cluster with a radio catheter run up the femoral artery, open heart surgery where they cross hatch the heart muscle on the surface to break up the nerves, and pacemakers. Any of the surgical alternatives are dangerous to some extent--having people dig around in your heart is always a bad day.John Hedtkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14971999501208413242noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7620837502774771547.post-25491156483944332442007-02-27T13:27:00.000-05:002007-02-27T13:27:00.000-05:00We are glad you are back safe...love reading about...We are glad you are back safe...love reading about your Tampa life! We are thinking of moving there soon....stay safe.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com