[Kae]

I've been doing great with the occasional palp here and there, but today I felt myself go into AF TWICE. TWICE in a day. It's never happened like that before.

This last time, I was brushing my teeth. I stood up and felt the THUMP. The THUMP OF DOOM. I knew what was coming. Of course I freak out. I decide I should leave the bathroom and lay on my bed in case I pass out. So my first reaction is to swallow the toothpaste and THROW the toothbrush. I didn't lay it down. I didn't drop it I threw it into the hallway. WTF? It was whitening toothpaste so now I feel sick and hope that's safe.

Anyway, I'm doing okay now. Both times only lasted about 5 seconds, then I went into regular (albeit 100BPM) rhythm.

I'm writing this because I'm its 4am here and no one is awake and I'm scared.

I know one surefire way to put myself in arrhythmia. It's by sitting up too fast, or sitting down to fast.

Happen to anyone else?

[dr461]

How would you know it is a fib? Did you have a cardio workup telling you it was that? I think you had some ectopic beats, and scared the shit out of yourself. Relax!

[nick4321]

I totally agree with that 100%! I have experience these when sort of jumping, maybe to head a ball when playing football, or throwing a basketball whilst jumping, and yes sitting down too fast has triggered mine off as well. How long do yours usually last for? Mine can be from a few seconds up to around 15 mins. I think working yourself up into a worry definitely wont help, maybe thats what triggered the second one? I hope you managed to sleep ok!

[Cheers]

How does one tell the difference between AF or SVT or a PAC/PVC (if it is that short)?

In a way - maybe getting MAD and throwing something is good. I have been feeling lately (and at times in the past) that it is better to get pissed at this rather than feel depressed or victimized. Not sure. But I can sure see myself doing something like that too!! I do hope you are feeling better.

[rsanderson]

I have had afib episodes since I was 13. A year ago I had cryo ablation surgery and things have been great. A week ago I started getting PVC when I started having some stomach issues. They said it was GURD. My Dr said the vagas nerve was most likley causing my PVC's. I freaked because I thought it was going to trigger an afib. But I dont think my afib will be coming back. The PVC's are annoying to say the least but they are harmless unless you have something else going on. If you have a history of afib then I would reccomend the ablation surgery. It changed my life! then when you have the PVC's it will not freak you out as bad. I made the decision that I would not let them ruin my life! I am on Bystolc 5mg daily and doing good. thepvc's come and go but I know that they wont kill me. I avoid foods that make me gassy and take phazime for bloating when needed. My advice..TREAT THE afib. It is dangerous....the PVC's are not.

[Cheers]

Does anyone know if AF feels different from SVT? Would that be inmistakable on ekgs, monitors and such? For some reason I am worried about my SVT turning into AF.

[Jeff]

@Katie -

Was that toothbrush thing like the firefighter throwing his helmet out a window so others know where to look in case the situation goes south?

I know this is well after the fact, so I hope all is OK.

[Katie]

Not sure about any toothbrush situations with me- but maybe with kae

[Jeff]

Whoops! My bad!

[Katie]

No worries. Were have you been lately anyways! Hmmm???!!