Sam's Posts

Afib can be part of the post-op landscape forever, but it can be controlled with meds or, in my mother's case, a pacemaker. Many people her report that they had no afib or that it went away and never returned. Before my mom's pacemaker was installed (three months after surgery), afib made her very weak and breathless at times; at times it wasn't very noticeable. You cannot manage the afib; you can only monitor symptoms and share your concerns with your mom's doctors. Once she's in better shape, you may be the best person to educate her about any lingering afib and what symptoms to report. If your mom is still in the hospital now, ask the nurses to tell you everything they can about afib, what meds your mom will take that might be for afib, and what you to be vigilant about. My guess is that you aren't the type of person who will let grass grow under her feet if you feel your mom isn't doing well at home. Be well!

Loving that she's trying to set you up with the doctors, good sign that she's on the mend! :) I had MV repair on 18th and I've still got post surgery A Fib. Doctor told me on Friday: 30% of patients get it, 90% recover with rate management. Find out all you can from hospital. Please ensure you get a clear answer re breathlessness. Mine was occasional whilst in hospital but now it's pretty constant. I had Magnesium IV when readmitted and I think that worked but only temporarily as not strong enough to maintain it in normal sinus. When about 120bpm+ it felt like it shake me, it's now about 90-100bpm and so less noticeable. They will give meds to manage the symptoms. One huge tip is that your mum's BP will need to be in normal range for them to manage this, well hydrated, walking and eating well will all help. Mine kept slipping below 85/? so they have been reluctant to up the betablockers. I'm now 100/70 and climbing so hope they will increase BB this week. There's a number of options but they are wishing to wait and see with mine. It's incredibly frustrating to have this.

Hi Sam Good to hear from you re your mom! I had a bout of a fib while in the hospital and once at home. They put me on a blood thinner for a couple of months until they are sure it won't come back. They told me that most patients who have it after surgery will eventually have it go away so not to worry. Once I got home from the hospital if I did not feel good I would call the visiting nurse or the cardiologist nurse and ask them what was going on. I was so scared I was going in to a fib. I wasn't but you just think you are. Who is her cardiologist at brighams? I have dr Adler who calls me back immediately with any answers for me. So use the nurses and doctors to ask questions once you get home and just have her listen to her body. If something does not feel right, call a medical person or go to the emergency room. Better to be safe than sorry! Keep us posted on how she does. All the best! It will be good for her to go home!