Bradley's Journal

Cheryl Batzing  Bradley, I had afib post surgery--in the hospital, and some episodes once I left. I actually had to be cardio-converted in the hospital to get it to stop. They put me on Amiodarone when I was released to see if that would help keep heart in rhythm. It did....mostly. BUT, I had a 3-week period when I knew something wasn't right. I went to my cardiologist and although the EKG he did showed no afib at the moment, he was pretty sure that was what I had been experiencing. He told me once your heart has gone into afib, it remembers that and keeps wanting to "go there." The Amiodarone is about 75% helpful to stop it....but not fool proof. Not what I wanted to hear! BUT, he kept me on Amiodarone for about 4 months post op and it did help alot. I finally went off recently and might have had a "blip" of an episode here and there, but nothing that was bothersome at all. Hang in there--it does get better!

Robert Osmachenko  I get a lot of inspiration from Dr. Masley online and from his book. Actually, now that I recognize what Afib feels like, I had it more prior to surgery than I did post surgery. Post surgery I started at 10% A fib and now at 11mos. I am at 1% Afib. Natural supplements such as Mg and Vita D have helped along with a diet change and more frequent periods of exercise. Hope this helps.

Steve Salvador  I'm going through the same, Afib. Dr increased the Amio 2 times daily. He thinks that I'll go back into rhythm along with Cardio Rehab.

Bradley Lum  John - I have a fast heart rate intermittently and then episodes of fluttering. It kind of feels like my heart is floating upwards in my chest. I hope that helps!

Rhonda Rawles  You did the right thing, always good to check it out! I've had the occasional flutter but my doc doesn't seem too worried either. He also offered the heart monitor if ever it increased but luckily it has not.

Bradley Lum  I don't expect it to be anything but want to make sure. Sometimes the fluttering is sustained for a few minutes. That's what worries me.

  I didn't have that, but I agree it is good to check it out. It may be because you are just in your third week of recovery. Your body has been through a lot. I'm glad it is just occasional fluttering...and I think the monitor will give you peace of mind that all is well.

Lewis Garlisi  My understanding is occasional fluttering, or irregular beats, may not be a problem after surgery, particularly if you exert yourself, but it sounds like you did the right thing by requesting the monitor.

Terrie Syvertsen  I agree with everyone else Bradley. I was told upon returning home it is fairly common to have episodes of palpitations or irregular heartbeats sometimes up to 3 months after heart surgery as your body recovers and heals. I had the same thing happen after being home 3 days or so and it bothered me so I reported it and they chose to put me on a monitor for 30 days just to reassure both them and myself what was happening while I was recovering. You are wise to listen to your body and I am happy you are on the other side of surgery!

Lila Robinson  Always go with your "gut" instincts..... That's what I've learned most int his whole process.... heck, that's what helped me find this site!!! Thanks to Google!!

Bradley Lum  Thanks! I've a relatively easy recovery until this week when the fluttering picked up. Scary stuff but confident in my doc's opinion.

Bradley Lum  Thanks Lila. It looks like I am having afib episodes and am back on two doses of amiodarone. Hopefully this will knock out the issues.