Curious if anyone else on here has afib. I was diagnosed at 28 over the 4th this year. The doctors aren’t really sure why other than I have a genetic disposition (dad has it too) and that diabetics are 40x more likely to get it than the normal population. Still at my age they said it’s extremely rare and in well controlled diabetics, it’s supposed to be rare as well.
I’m not super nervous about it but have to admit that I’m kind of sad. When I was diagnosed with diabetes, I kind of just took it on and didn’t get upset which is weird because I was 11. But with this diagnosis, it just feels like my body just wasn’t meant to work 100% and it makes me a little apprehensive to think about the future and wondering about what won’t work right next. I’ve worked very hard with my diabetes, never had a rebellious stage with it and my A1C has always been in the 7 range or below even through puberty. Like everything else us T1s go through, I know I’ll get through this and take it on like I did my diabetes but I’m just honestly upset about. Has anyone else ever felt like this? Just like they lost the genetic lottery?
I keep telling myself that it could be a lot worse because it could and I know I can’t live in fear of complications or anything else unrelated to diabetes but it just makes me mad. It feels good to vent and write about it though. Anyway, if you have afib can you please chime in on how its gone for you and if it’s really not a huge deal? Or even for that matter, if you have a complication, how did you cope with getting another diagnosis?
Taylor @Tee25 , I feel for you. No, I haven’t been diagnosed with Afib - yet. I have been diagnosed with some other stuff both related to diabetes and not related. Keep in mind that not all conditions doctors think they detect and then offer a diagnosis later prove to affect us.
I do like your positive attitude “… I keep telling myself that it could be a lot worse”. Yes, you are mastering diabetes by your willingness to accept and, from what I see in you, Afib will see the same Taylor.
Hello Taylor. I’m sorry to hear about your newest diagnosis regarding afib. I’ve never had that yet, but have had multiple heart attacks. In 1 month at 47 years old I was required to have 6 stents installed and 7 years later those stents clogged up and was required to have a quadruple bypass hence I’m a member of the zipper club. There are new meds available for treating afib now and hopefully you can get your condition under control with these new medications. Everyday there seems to be something working against me. I’m fortunate to have lived as a T1D for 58 years, but there are prices I’ve had to pay from being stubborn and irresponsible during my years. Some issues are due to family history and may become more previlent due to being diabetic, but that doesn’t mean to give up. You are doing a good job and I know every time something new occurs you feel like why is this happening now? I too have been peeved off when I’m told a new issue has shown up, but T1D’s are a tough group and you’re one of us. We’re doing a job that nature has failed to do for us and you’re going to conquer this afib issue too.
I know how you feel. With agressive stage 4 kidney failure added to my list, I have told my doctor I don’t want to know my test results in regards to that matter any more. I’m tired of the constant battles too, but everyday I wake up some times due to CGM alarms screaming, put my robe on, pee, read the newspaper’s obituaries for my name, and if it doesn’t appear I take my shot, take my meds with my glass of milk, shave and shower, get dressed and go about my business. We all are fighting different battles, and when a new battle starts we find it difficult sometimes like in your situation, but you have a great attitude of being a warrior and will succeed, we have faith in you.
I’m sorry to read about your diagnosis. In addition to being TI, I have a couple of nondiabetic related eye issues that has caused me a lot of stress. For me, I conducted extensive research and located the top specialists in that field. I consulted with them and followed their recommendations, which was very helpful, though it took over a year to get relief. It’s a lifelong journey and I have incorporated the treatment into my life. I try to stay focused on the positives. There are advancements in medical science every day. So, I have hope for the future.
I know someone who had electrical treatment for A-fib and it was very helpful. I hope you can find some answers that are helpful for your situation. Also, sharing with others, with similar a condition can be beneficial.
Thanks! Anything else you noticed that helps? I do drink caffeine but not much. I probably have a cup of coffee every other day and a soda once in a while
What others have said is totally correct about caffeine and any other simulants like energy drinks, tea, sodas, etc. I just remembered that my father also a T1D had a bout with Afib in the latter 1970’s. Medications were not available like now, but when he had his first episode with it and was hospitalized it was discovered he had a cup of coffee in his hand the entire 9 hour work day. He was a new car dealer. The doctors threw a fit and told him to stop. When he totally stopped he suffered from shaking, irritabilty, sweats, and other issues. After about a month the issues gradually went away which now we know he was going through withdrawl syptoms from abruptly stopping drinking caffeine.
Just the normal: eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep. I hope this helps. Good luck on your T1 management. I was diagnosed at 21 w T1. I’m now 66 and feel lucky that our lifestyle has contributed to my health and lack of complications.
Thank you! Yes that’s my plan for sure. I meet with a cardiologist on Tuesday but have a feeling the normal t1D stuff we do is going to be what they recommend. The main thing for me at this point I think is getting my anxiety down about it. I’ve been reading that stress is a major trigger as well but I’m going through a little period of anytime I feel my heartbeat (which everyone does occasionally) I get nervous that an attack is coming. Hopefully meeting with my cardiologist will help minimize my fear of it!
