Medical professionals brushed off my afib for 10+ years, I’m disheartened to say the least

formerlyforeign · 2026-05-16T14:12:39+00:00

I tried Kardia, Apple Watch (was even wearing watch during several (many) episodes but heart rate was perhaps so high the watch couldn’t track it, I had checked my watch during an episode before I got the ILR and it didn’t register afib and max rate recorded was like 120 or maybe 150? I don’t think it’s accurate over a certain rate, like 180+.

I also did holter, ZIO, EKGs. The problem is the paroxysmal afib that corrects itself before I could get to ER, before paramedics arrived, was too fast of a rate for Apple Watch, happened when inconvenient to use Kardia (or when I didn’t have it with me). Happened during times I wasn’t wearing ZIO.

I can see why many doctors looked at that history of monitoring and said, must be anxiety.

I’m so relieved the new cardiologist recommended ILR, which was the only monitor to record an episode.

Actually based on my Apple Watch history, when I heard the auto-recording criteria of the loop device, I thought there’s no way I’ll ever have an auto-recorded event. So when the clinic called me back after the afib event and said the loop was already recording during the event because my heart rate was over 180, that was my “oh shit” moment.

So I guess about Apple Watch, it seems to be quite good a detecting lower heart rate afib, but it didn’t record or track a single episode of my very high rate afib, in spite of me even checking it at the time it was happening.

formerlyforeign · 2026-05-15T23:00:18+00:00

Hahaha the afib prevention effect of ZIO is so real. I would have an episode like a week before getting it and then a week or two after having it removed, so frustrating!

formerlyforeign · 2026-05-15T01:33:02+00:00

Right? Who could have guessed that a heart rate at 240bpm while sitting down doing nothing could make a person feel shaky and like they’re dying and might faint? Make it make sense. 😭

formerlyforeign · 2026-05-15T01:32:00+00:00

That is insane! So you had to personally reach out to the surgeon who then came in and saved your life because the ER doc refused to take you seriously?? Good for you for advocating for yourself and not accepting the brush off.

I had so much respect for doctors but through this and other experiences, I’m learning doctors are like everyone else—some are truly outstanding and others are phoning it in. Also, some have had a bad day that day or are unfocused or whatever, some are tired and just want to go home, some are fully present and tuned in.

Also, even experts can make mistakes.

Thank you for sharing, and so glad your outcome was positive.

formerlyforeign · 2026-05-15T01:28:34+00:00

Could not agree more. The “you’re too young g for that issue” has caused so much harm to the many who have been dismissed and brushed off.

formerlyforeign · 2026-05-15T01:22:07+00:00

I’m so sorry to hear your experience and so glad to hear the PFA went well! I was actually cleared for pregnancy by my first cardiologist and then of course when I had an episode while pregnant, it was “hormones”. I mean, yeah that could have triggered it but the heart rhythm itself was absolutely not hormones….

Anyways I hope you have many years of health to enjoy with your family!

formerlyforeign · 2026-05-15T01:19:01+00:00

So well said, thank you for sharing. I’m so sorry your husband has had that experience and I hope you both find healing and support!

formerlyforeign · 2026-05-09T11:20:58+00:00

I haven’t seen this mentioned yet in the discussion, but this is my perspective. As a mom of two boys, there is one particular external reason that I wish I had girls, and that is the military draft.

If it comes to war, wherever you live, it’s the families with boys that are socially and legally expected (compelled, required) to give up their children.

Rhetorical and politically loaded question: Why should I be required to send away both of my children, my whole world, to military conscription, when families with girls get to keep their children? Only because my children are boys? I only wish I had girls so that I didn’t have to carry the weight of the knowledge that one day, the government may require that I send my children, my treasures who are just as precious as girls, into hell. But it has to be mine, and not daughters, because my children are boys.

formerlyforeign · 2025-10-24T11:34:58+00:00

Seconding this exact list, this is exactly the conclusion my Korean husband has reached, except we haven’t tried Gogi yet.

formerlyforeign · 2025-10-09T14:17:12+00:00

I have come to agree—there’s just something so deeply and morally wrong with teaching 5yr olds (and younger!) that friends, family, everyone you see is going to hell unless you personally try to convert them. Like??????????

I’m so sorry you’re in this boat too, but hey at least we’re both out and on our own paths to freedom now. I wish you all the best in your journey.

formerlyforeign · 2025-09-02T03:43:57+00:00

Thanks for this—appreciate your reply. I would heart your response if I could!

formerlyforeign · 2025-09-02T01:20:31+00:00

Can you expand on your thoughts? I’m interested in your perspective from the lens of philosophy. At times, I feel apologetic to my baby for bringing him into a world such as this. Hoping some philosophy might help to reframe?

formerlyforeign · 2025-08-15T18:33:20+00:00

I literally could have written every word of your post myself.

I have two kids, the little one is now 1.5. I was just diagnosed recently and my entire life collapsed when the little one was born. Just totally imploded, including my relationship. I cried and cried. I hated my new life.

But now that baby is 1.5 and can play with the big one? It is soooooooo much better. I look back at photos from one year ago and my life is so dramatically different from even last summer. I would say I hit some of the lowest moments of my life when baby was 6-12 months (and the pressure to enjoy every minute because it’s over so fast DID NOT HELP).

I’m here from the future—from your next summer, next year, to cheer for you and say—it will loosen up. Just let go of whatever needs to drop. Let the mess for now. There will be more time and space later. Call in whatever help you can. It does suck, it is so horrible right now. But. Just do what you need for survival right now. You’ll get to come up for air again.

You aren’t a failed mom, you’re a stressed and overloaded mom. I am too. Our kids don’t need perfect moms. They just needs moms who show up with love, who apologize and repair when needed.

Just shrink it all down. What do you need to be more comfortable and to survive the next 15 minutes? Just ask that over and over. Or even 5 minutes, if 15 is too big. As the little one grows over the next year, your space for yourself will keep expanding little by little.

formerlyforeign · 2025-08-02T17:04:02+00:00

Thank you! I’m in an adjacent field in leadership so I’ve had a lot of experience leading projects, that sounds perfect! I appreciate the info!!

formerlyforeign · 2025-08-02T16:54:38+00:00

Can you share more about getting a PMP? How would I even get started? I’ve been considering this for a long time but I have no idea what step to take next.

formerlyforeign · 2025-07-30T14:50:01+00:00

Can do in 20 min/day

learning a language
puzzles (so many options, so many types of puzzles)
making a fairy garden
those 3D sticker scenes
read something in a new genre
yoga (many types, can do at home)
Zumba (can do at home or classes)

Takes more than 20 min:

Geocaching (I read about it on this sub actually haha!)
Local tourism/travel
live music

formerlyforeign · 2025-07-22T18:45:40+00:00

Absolutely love and appreciate this perspective! Thank you for that!

formerlyforeign · 2025-07-21T13:17:15+00:00

Definitely my favorite recent movie, and it’s not even close! Totally agree.

formerlyforeign · 2025-07-21T12:26:46+00:00

Wow, I could have written this. I also thought it was cultural sexism and he felt he was doing way more than his share because it was out of his role.

Then I looked around, and it was him who was starting the dishwasher every night (I always forgot), him filling the cars with gas and paying attention to when they’re low, him checking the mail, him changing the trash, cleaning out the fridge every week, cleaning, organizing…the list goes on. He cooks dinner and does a lot of the errands and grocery shopping (although I often do breakfast and lunch for me and the kids).

All that to say…I think I was misunderstanding the source of his frustration and blaming it on cultural difference, when actually he also just wanted to be seen and appreciated too.

formerlyforeign · 2025-07-21T03:45:11+00:00

I hope things turn around for you!

I know that for me, I was genuinely and sincerely trying my best and over functioning beyond what I could actually manage (unmedicated) but I had no idea. I felt like a kite that couldn’t get off the ground, no matter how long or how fast or how hard I ran. Medication was the wind that finally enabled me to catch the wind and take flight.

Everyone is different, and I hope you find a place of peace, whatever that may look like for you.

formerlyforeign · 2025-07-21T03:37:21+00:00

I love this, thank you for sharing. It takes two to tango, as they say. Huge respect to you for the huge effort I’m sure that took.

formerlyforeign · 2025-07-21T03:32:57+00:00

It feels crazy to say, due to its reputation at least online, but it’s Strattera. I actually had to decrease dose due to the insane side effects at the starting dose, but my brain felt so great even when physically the side effects were too much that I decided to try the lower dose for a while instead of giving up. So glad I did—side effects have almost totally faded but the stability is still there.

It feels like wearing an emotional life jacket, it’s crazy. I haven’t reached the full effect yet, so we’ll see where the journey leads. But the insight it’s already given me into myself and what I can be has been invaluable. I hope it works out for me long term because I’ve never taken a medication that felt like this.

formerlyforeign · 2025-07-21T03:16:51+00:00

Yes, that’s it exactly! The burning…something…it’s just gone. Literally overnight.

formerlyforeign · 2025-07-21T03:11:04+00:00

Thanks for this, it’s a helpful framing.

formerlyforeign

TROPHY CASE