Slowly recovering after TIA from a bad AF attack, has left me feeling very anxious.

[Johnw]

I am on a phased return to work and have found it very hard my confidence is nearly zero and feeling very anxious. I fear the next AF Attack as now don't know what to expect? I am now on anti coagulant pradaxa which offers some protection from stroke. Some nights I have stayed awake and fear going to sleep as the worst AF attacks always seem to happen at night. I am on waiting list for pulmonary vein ablation 8 weeks into 5/6 month waiting list.

[jeanjeannie50]

Hi John

I'm sorry to hear about your TIA and can understand your concern. In fact just about everyone on this site will understand how you are feeling and I'm sure others will be sending you messages of support. Are you taking any tablets other than the pradaxa and are you new to AF or have you had it for a while?

I know you probably think it's easy for someone else to say this, but try not to let your anxiety rule your life. As I've often read on this site: control your AF, don't let it control you! Worrying won't change your heath situation and could even make it worse.

I've had paroxysmal AF for around 6 years and 9 weeks ago had my second ablation. I felt so much better after the first so was very keen to have the second. You will be amazed at how quickly the weeks before your ablation will fly by. What hospital will you be going to?

Jean

[BobD Volunteer]

Hi John an welcome to the forum. Trust me I do know how you are feeling and frankly get angry that you were allowed to get into this situation. AF is stress creating enough without the fear of stroke as well . One wonders as above if you have been suffering the condition for some time or if the TIA was the first indication of a problem. If so that is bad luck but if you had been diagnosed previously then somebody should really have taken the anticoagulation problem on board earlier. This is such a common problem getting doctors to understand the serious nature of the risk.

You are not being wimpish having these fears but with the pradaxa to protect you I feel that you should try to put that all behind you and look ahead with some confidence to your forthcoming ablation. Do be aware that you might need more than one procedure although as medical science progresses more and more first ablations are proving to be the only ones needed. This is still quite new science on many levels but I am a great fan having had three and been AF free for five years now..

You are in the system now and moving forward so go with it and enjoy.

BobD

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I am one of those that says to people "Rule it do not let it rule you" we all have bad days but as long as they treatment is helping control it, try and do the same. Do not be afraid to say when you are tired at work. AF cannot be seen unless you go grey in front of them. Good luck with the ablation it will be there in no time.

Be Well

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