When I am in sinus, I can exercise, but when in AF I am exhausted just thinking about walking,or any exercise. Any ideas please.

[Lanock]

[oltimer]

I am the same. I travelled to St.Barts Hosp. in London last week to an Out - Patients app. with Prof.Schilling at St.Barts. & I got stressed out with tubes & things - elevators & dashing about & became breathless & grunting on exertion , When I got to out patients at St.Barts & was called through for ECG - it showed atrial tachycardia at 143 beats per min. I have been put forward for a discussion as to whether a repeat ablation should be performed .

I am 83yrs. old & I wonder whether I should now just call it a day & put my feet up & watch DVDs until the end comes. although I have a young wife (60yrs) & two sons 25 & 26yrs. old & a grand daughter aged 3yrs.

I`m alright sat at home looking out of the patio window but it`s no sort of life.

I want to be out & about.

Ol`Timer.

[Lanock in reply to oltimer]

I have a mini trampoline on the front porch, and can manage about 100 steps before I faint, That is my AF exercise now. BUT when I feel good I can do 300 steps and feel energetic after. It is a wonderful device and there is no stress on the body joints. Might help you. Cheers.

[jeanjeannie50]

I understand exactly how you feel as I'm the same, but I don't want to become a couch potato!! So much I want to do. However I think there's nothing else you can do when feeling so drained. Not everyone who has AF understands this tiredness as they have a different type. I've read on here of people setting off on their bikes as a cure - Oh I wish I could do that, but not an ounce of energy. Have always been a keen cyclist and still do go when well. If I try and push myself I get a cramping feeling in my chest. Lets hope you get some interesting suggestions here.

[CDreamer]

I am the same so I don't exercise when in episode. The advice at the AFA patients day was if you feel ok it is fine to exercise but if you feel unwell or exhausted, don't! Listen to your body, it is your best indicator. Long may you stay in NSR.

[Hidden]

I do couch exercises, I wiggle my toes and wave my arms about, sounds hilarious I know... I just feel the need to do something!

[Mamamarilyn in reply to Hidden]

Hahahahahaha! Is the video on the market? X

[heatherblether]

Ol'timer you are entitled to a good quality of life at any age, pursue your next ablation !

[BobD Volunteer]

Welcome to the reality of AF. You will learn when to push and when to rest or you will become very unhappy. It is all about balance.

Bob

[Terjo]

Feeling completely unable to walk about with out exhaustion is how I feel when in full AF . It's a horrible feeling.

Jean you mentioned the tightness in your chest, I've had this for the last couple of days but no AF . Perhaps it's the head cold I have.

Don't give up ol'timer but try not to rush about! I find that noise and stress are the biggest enemies, perhaps a run or walk in the countryside or park are the best places to be. Be well.

[iris1205]

Same here.... I can't walk around the block when going into rapid afib. When in palps and 85-100 arrhythmia I can exercise but can't do heavy cardio. Interestingly enough I can do work on the Pilates reformers - with heavy springs and high reps as I am lying down. when I've been feeling the palps and arrythmias even my ability to stand and talk for long periods of time can leave me breathless. So individual. good luck.

[lubohohduh]

So unfortunate, I find that to be the same experience for me. When in normal I am extremely active, but in afib dibilated to the point where a flight of stairs is more challenging than a marathon.

Perhaps taking up Yoga would not only limber up the body, but also eliminate some of the stress that triggers episodes. I personally am trying this and the cats love my company on the floor. Even floor excercises like leg lifts will tone muscle and I don't find that too taxing when in afib.

[Lanock]

Thanks everyone for the replies, it really helps to know one is not alone with this problem. Does not solve it, but I feel better for having company.LOL

[Hidden]

Its not good when you get despondent Lanock, you might consider trying exercises with your arms and legs whilst you are sitting down for a start, then build up slowly to whatever you decide is best for you. I do Tai Chi, I follow a DVD and I go to classes, you do improve but it takes time and a little dedication/discipline. Even balancing on one leg each side is better than doing nothing, or if you are really not able to muster up the energy, then relaxation and deep breathing gives your body a much needed rest as well as improving strength of your internal muscles. As Bob said balance is the key.

[Lanock in reply to Hidden]

Thanks ultramarine, it is great to know there are others also trying to balance this horrible illn ess. Today I look at my life in detail, and although I lost the love of my life 7 years ago, I am lucky to have a chance to spend time with my kids and their kids. Precious time to me. Helping others is a great way of taking your mind of your own problems, well, it helps me. I shuffle up and down my hallway, until I reach my 10000 steps each day. I watch BiggestLoser on TV and I am determined to do what it takes to survive this heart of mine that makes life difficult for me at times.

[soupersue]

I have PAF and when experiencing an episode I wouldn't even attempt exercise, (they are mainly at night) and the following day I am usually exhausted. My episodes last anything up to 7 hours and my pulse jumps up to 170 beat a min. from approx. 60, when I mentioned this to a friend who used to be a nurse in the Cardiac unit she said that I had probably run the equivalent of a marathon. I take the day off and read a book. Bliss and no guilt.

[Lanock]

Thanks for all the replies, it is encouraging to know one is not alone with this problem. It does not fix it, but it sure helps. I bought a flex fit wrist band and it counts my 10000steps daily. Mostly I just walk until I am knackered then have an hours rest then back to walking. In ten months I have lost 44lbs. just shuffling around the house and just keep on moving seems to help a lot. My flex fit band also keeps track of my weight and calories and sleep habits. very interesting to me. Just went to the local charity shop with my daughter and found some clothes that are the size I was 40years ago. They fit which is wonderful for the ego. but the sagging skin is another thing. My daughter is taking me to get a fake tan when I have to go to an evening function. lol. No one can force you to move of your bum, that is the one thing you must do for yourself. But as I also have a very young grandaughter, that is my motivation. Cheers.