Wellness

[hckynut]

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@bebe777 wrote:

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@151949 wrote:

This is not a new procedure at all. If you want information about it , you need to ask your doctor.That is part of his job.

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@151949, of course, the doctor is an integral part of any medical conversation, but it is also my job to be a well informed patient if I expect to receive the best medical care... and that means that I take the time and initiative to educate myself on my medical options. 

It is my life, and I choose to treat it with the understanding and respect that I deserve.

For example, my mother has silent (acid) reflux and I recognized the symptoms about a year and a half before she finally got it properly diagnosed (it took months between specialist and super specialist appointments). -- I don't have a medical background, so I come to the medical world through my understanding of Nutrition (which has been an avocation for the past ten years). -- The rest of my family thought that I was on the wrong track (but I never let up), right up until the point that she finally received an acid reflux diagnosis. 

During this time, based on her symptoms, I kept doing internet searches trying to pinpoint the vagaries of her specific issues... and of course, si kept sharing them with my family. 

Well we finally saw the top acid reflux specialist in our state, and she gave my mother a thorough examination and diagnosis. -- Three times during the office visit, she mentioned something unusual that had to do with the specifics of my mom's issue... and each time my mom mentioned that I had previously mentioned it.  -- The first time, the specialist was honestly very impressed (i.e. she wasn't being condescending). By the third time (when she mentioned Schatzki Rings), she smiled and joked with my mom that I was doing such an impressive job that my mom didn't really need to see her. lol, at that point, I could see the lightbulb go off in my mother's head, as she finally realized that I had really been right on the mark. -- And no, the specialist was not being condescending or annoyed, because we had a lovely 2 hour conversation (It was the specialist's last appointment on friday and the specialist was enjoying talking to my mom).

The specialiast was very impressed with the nutritional and dietary changes that I had worked on with my mom for the past year and a half (I literally had talked to my mom about her food choices and nutritional supplements every day for a year in order for the necessary food changes and substitutions to become permanent). -- When the specialist had finally seem my mom, my mom's sondition had stabilized (due to the changes), and she only had one very tiny suggestion to add.

Bottom line, undiagnosed acid reflux can sometimes lead to Barrett's Esophageal cancer which is a particularly miserable way to end life. -- This was my mom and so I made sure that I was an educated part of the medical solution. 

Of course, it's important for me to vet and balance my sources but, from my perspective, my broader medical understanding only enhances the value of our doctor's expertise. 

-- bebe

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@bebe777

Very well written and I am happy to see your response. It was/is a good story of you taking care of your mother in spite of her resistance. My wife has been dealing with her mother for several years with a couple medical issues.

My mother-in-law did not want to listen to what I had to say, even though I unfortunately have been through both issues. I told my wife I would no longer try to get through to her mother, but I would have her tell her mother pretty much the same things I was trying to say to her, and maybe she would be more receptive. She was and she now is and has seen doctors.

As one that has Barrett's Esophagas, I understand the consequences of not having an Endoscopy to diagnose and biopsy the tissue. Unlike your mother, I had never had even 1 symptom of GERD. I had my Endo because my late brother-in-law had Esophageal Cancer. I was fortunate I followed up on my promise to him and to my sister.

My best to.your mother, and to you for being persistent.

hckynut(john)

[janeec]

The ablation procedure has been practiced for over 20 years.  Ask your physician about it. Don't be afraid to get a second opinion.  I have only know people with good results, both young and old.  Each individual responds differently, but as I said, I have only seen good results.

Not having it done can result in a stroke, or at the very least, extreme fatigue while it is happening.  I wish you the best.

[meem120]

This is a quick procedure, not a 6 hour operation.  You usually stay over night.   It works on some and not others.

[KonaKat]

How long the procedure is depends upon how extensive the problem is and which atrium is being ablated. I reported at 5am; the procedure started at 7am on the right atrium and I was returned to recovery at 11am. At 4pm, I was transferred to a private room for 3 days. The reason for the lengthy stay is that the left atrium was not ablated and they were starting me on a new med that requires hospitalization for monitoring purposes as it has its risks also. So far, so good.

[hckynut]

@KonaKat

Appreciate you telling some of your details about Ablation. For me hearing directly from someone that has been through this tells me more than reading about it.

I am glad this are "so far so good" and hope it continues to move on in a positive direction. 

Thanks for sharing,

hckynut(john)

[KonaKat]

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@hckynut wrote:

@KonaKat

Appreciate you telling some of your details about Ablation. For me hearing directly from someone that has been through this tells me more than reading about it.

I am glad this are "so far so good" and hope it continues to move on in a positive direction. 

Thanks for sharing,

hckynut(john)

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Thank you. When I first got AFib, I read and read and read....and asked questions. When the meds quit working and I had a breakout AFib attack, and then another, etc., the cardiologist again went over the options. I wanted to move forward so I had him refer me to an electrophysiologist. During that time, I read a lot again and had questions. There was one spot which could not be "fried" or killed because it was too close to a valve and the nerves controlling it. The worst part of the whole procedure was from 11am to 4pm when I had to lie in recovery flat on my back and not move except for head.

[mysterylady]

My brother suffered from Afib most of his life - at times severely. All meds were exhausted and he was finally referred to a specialist about 2 hours away. He had ablation about 10 years ago and, as already stated, it was not a lengthy procedure. He did mention the need to be flat  on his back for a period of time following the procedure. I was his designated driver. He was in his mid -70's at the time.

Although the Afib is not entirely gone, it is much improved and he is doing well. He's happy he had it done. Follow your doctor's orders but make sure the cardiologist is skilled in this procedure and has done many ablations in the past. Our cardiologist specializes in more complex heart issues.

[KonaKat]

If you are interested in more info about AFib presented in layperson terms, this is the keynote address at an AFib conference for laypersons. It is excellent and worth anyone's time:

http://getinrhythm.com/2015-opening-keynote-replay

[151949]

People wanrt to look up stuff on the internet and read about it thinking they are getting educated but in fact there is a ton off misinformation on the internet and most of it is an ad for a product or a drug. The doctor IS the source you need to go to, not the internet, and esp. not a TV shopping channel chatboard.

[blackhole99]

I was diagnosed with persistant afib in April and had cardioversion which only lasted until I went on my first brisk walk. My electrophysiotherapist advised me not to try any other procedures until I start having symptoms. So far I am controlled on meds., Lopressor to slow my heart down and Warfarin so I don't throw a clot and stroke out. I know I would seek out oblation if I had chest pain or shortness of breath, the palpatations I can handle. I know people who have had 3 cardioversions that didn't last and also several oblations until they got some relief. My doctor told me to stay away from  afib forums because there is a lot of misinfo out there and every one responds differently to procedures. I know I have fewer bouts of palpatations if I exercise , watch my diet and get enough sleep.