Saw a Dr and the news is not good!

[cdncatlover]

I've been sick as a dog lately. I had an 'at home' doctor visit me and the diagnosis was not good.  First off, I have the flu, which is still hanging on, but getting better than it was. But the worse thing is that I have an irregular heartbeat that I didn't know of and couldn't have been there the week prior when I was examined by a different doctor.  SCARY and not sure what this means for me and what I need to do. I feel like my days are numbered and I have one foot in the grave.   

[skb]

I feel like my days are numbered and I have one foot in the grave.   

Nothing of the sort. "Arrhythmia" is not such an uncommon thing. Most people don't even know about it.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardiac_arrhythmia

How did the doctor determine that ? Was an ECG done ? I think you should first see the cold/flu off and when you are feeling fine, then get a proper examination done & get to the bottom of this. Maybe it's the congestion/flu or some medication giving these irregular beats. 

[Carbcrazydog]

One of my cousins who was not even 20 years had the same. It's been 8 years now and she is fine. She is generally cautious and has some medication. Don't overthink!

Get well soon

[Shanny]

Arrhythmia is quite common and not a death sentence. My own dad had it and took digitalis for many years to treat it . . . he lived to be 93. There are other medications for various types of this condition. More serious types can be treated by implanting a pacemaker, which keeps the beat regulated. Another kinsman of mine has one of those & goes about his busy life just fine.

It's always a shock when these things happen, but you truly aren't at death's door - this is treatable. The doc will prob'ly order more tests, and when you have more information, you'll be able to worry less. We're here for you - lean on us.

[cdncatlover]

Thanks for all your replies. I forgot to mention that the 'at home' doctor told me to get my big behind up to the emergency room to get it checked out. I went and 2 days and several tests later, it was confirmed. I'm now on a blood thinner and another med to slow my heart rate.

[Shanny]

That's very good news . . . I'm glad you moved quickly on it, and I think you'll be fine, CCL.

[walkerwally1]

I have had AFib for at least a couple of years.  I had an artificial heart valve installed almost two years ago.  My Cardiologist started me on a prescription to correct the AFib and just about a month go I wore a Holter Monitor which is like a mini EKG you wear for 24 hours and it records your heart rate.  He said that there is no sign of AFib now so it can be controlled with meds.  Yes, the best thing is that it was discovered and you are getting it handled.  I really doubt that you will see any ill effects from it because of that. 

[cdncatlover]

That's very good news . . . I'm glad you moved quickly on it, and I think you'll be fine, CCL.

I moved quickly because the dr made it sound like life and death. He scared the crap out of me. 

[cdncatlover]

I have had AFib for at least a couple of years.  I had an artificial heart valve installed almost two years ago.  My Cardiologist started me on a prescription to correct the AFib and just about a month go I wore a Holter Monitor which is like a mini EKG you wear for 24 hours and it records your heart rate.  He said that there is no sign of AFib now so it can be controlled with meds.  Yes, the best thing is that it was discovered and you are getting it handled.  I really doubt that you will see any ill effects from it because of that.

I'm glad to hear you're not having problems.I hope I do equally well.

[Shanny]

I moved quickly because the dr made it sound like life and death. He scared the crap out of me.