Atrial Fib

[Susan BAV]

Regarding A-fib: Following my valve replacement last fall, I went into A-fib and was rehospitalized to be put on Sotalol, after Digoxen didn't get rid of the rhythm problem. While I was in the hospital, the doctor also prescribed a few or several IV's of magnesium. So that is something else to consider. I took the Sotalol and Coumadin for three months post-op, and the A-fib didn't come back. Also, Sotalol MAY have caused a severe (and I mean SEVERE ) joint pain for me which took months to resolve. And it's not quite completely resolved yet.

 

[geebee]

I did have rheumatic fever when I was 12 or so. I had very little symptoms other than extreme pain in my knees. To this day my knees are swollen and still ache fairly often. I usually just take Tylenol but my SO is very kind and rubs them also which helps (at least mentally).
I have had a kidney stone (about 12 years ago) that passed (not easily) but they never determined a reason. Usually diet is a factor but there are probably other reasons as well.
As far as time goes before surgery, as you can see in the postings, everyone is so different. Mine seemed to happen before the time originally predicted but I am pretty sure I had an undiagnosed endocarditis problem in that time frame that accelerated the process.
I have decided to stay away from meds for the afib right now. My cardio just indicated approval on home testing so, as soon as we get the insurance company to rule on it, I can make sure the afib doesn't get me with a clot.
I do not know if afib accelerates the need for OHS. Since it makes the heart work harder, I suppose there is a possibility - a definite doctor question.
Hope this helps and keep smiling,
Gina

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Re: Kidney Stones

I was told to drink plenty of water (a tricky balancing act if you have CHF or fluid balance issues).

I suspect it also helps to FILTER your water. One ER doc mentioned he had never seen so many cases of Kidney Stones until he moved to this area which has a LOT of limestone.

I think my Kidney Stone was more painful than my Heart Attack ! There was simply NO way to get comfortable. That was a L O N G drive to the ER. The nurse with the Dilaudid became my newest best friend.

'AL'

 

[Susan BAV]

Al - When my father-in-law had some kidney stones several years ago, he said it was about like giving birth to a full-grown, claws-fully-extended, mountain lion !

 

[geebee]

I agree about the kidney stone pain. It is a pain that actually envelopes you. All of my surgeries hurt of course but they were more localized pain. The kidney stone pain made me feel like I was encased in a bubble that was pressing in on all sides. I could not escape and that was as bad as being on the respirator after surgery (the one thing that brings me the worst memories of OHS).
Anyway, the pain shot at the ER was the best and, like you said, the nurse my new best friend.
Smiles,
Gina