Extreme tiredness.

[v624jbb]

Can anyone tell me if it is normal to feel such extreme tiredness all of the time. I was diagnosed with AF 4 weeks ago. I am now on beta blockers, digoxin and warfarin and am awaiting an electro cardio version. My heart is no longer racing but it is still very irregular. I find I am so tired just doing the smallest of jobs. If I walk anywhere I am out of breath. Is it the drugs or the condition? I feel as if my life is on hold. What irritates me is that quite a few people say they know of someone who has AF and they didn't even realise they had it. They had no symptoms at all. Is it just me? I would love to hear from other people about their experience.

[Marion62]

Hi v624jbb

Sorry to hear that you are feeling so tired.

AF affects us all in different ways.

I am one of those who has no symptoms whatsoever - so am very thankful that my GP took my pulse and diagnosed AF.(Permanent)

I initially was put on bisoprolol (Beta blocker) and that made me very breathless when walking up the slightest incline.

Were you feeling tired all the time before starting the medication or just since? I would go back to your GP and discuss other options.

Let us know how you get on.

Marion

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Marion62]

I guess that the tiredness is the beta blockers but AF leaves many of us exhausted anyway. Paroxysmal (when it comes and goes) is more difficult to deal with than permanent as the body objects to change quite a lot. AF is a long journey and lots of dead ends along the way trying different drugs or ablation procedures. My advice would be to read everything available form AF association main website( there are loads of fact sheets to read) sot that you are fully informed about all your options. Many doctors still are not fully aware of some of the latest developments so trust me when I say one has to become one's own expert!

Good luck

BobD

[Japaholic in reply to BobD]

I've not been on medication long but both bisoprolol and flecainide leave me feeling drained? I only seem to be able to manage half a day before I need a rest or a nap

[v624jbb in reply to Japaholic]

I feel exactly the same Japaholic. Just hope it settles down and I start to feel normal again.

[Beancounter Volunteer]

Hi V624jbb

Understand your irritation, I am one of those who now has permanent AF with virtually no symptoms whatsoever, BUT you need to understand that it took nearly four months to get the balance of the drugs right to make me feel like this and a failed cardioversion and loads of tests etc etc.

Bob's right the most likely cause of the tiredness is the beta blockers, but there are alternatives, the most common beta blocker is bisoprolol, and this can be switched for a calcium channel blocker such as diltiazem, For me this was the key to getting some energy back, but of course it depends on your individual circumstances.

I will also say, that your body gets used to the drugs, right now only four weeks in you are almost certainly still balancing your INR, your heart is trying to get used to a rate control drug, and possible importantly you are still very worried and nervous about the diagnosis and what will happen.

It will get better, they will get the drugs right, and you will get your energy back, I'd give it 3 months to expect this and then talk about changing drugs if still feeling tired. You'll find your Cardio very receptive I am sure

Wish you the best

Ian

[Terjo]

Digoxin made me sooo tired it is supposed to be prescribed for people who are sedentary . Hope you get sorted soon. Terjo

[v624jbb]

Thank you for your replies. Yes I am on bisoprolol and I am sure that is what is making me so tired. I felt fine until a month ago when I had my first episode of AF and ended up being admitted into hospital. That is when I was put on bisoprolol. The problem I also have is that my blood pressure is normally on the low side so with the beta blocker it is now only 90/60. I think this is adding to my dizziness and tiredness. I just hope this electro cardioversion works. Thank you again for your replies.

[Langara]

I have been on bisoprolol and warfarin for the past 5 weeks (Paroxysmal AF) and, thankfully, have not noted any ill affects or difference in any way whatsoever. My energy levels are the same - I play golf 3 times a week, and walk, shop and do the housework etc. as before. Of course we are all different, and what suits one does not suit another. So far I have been fortunate. I am sure your cardiologist will be able to find the right medication and balance for you.

[sue5511]

Aww So good to read your message. It's just like I feel Thought it was the only one. Think I'll pop back to GP. Hate feeling like this.