Feeling fearful

[Vony]

I am awake (4.30) and my heart is fluttering away as it always does when I lie down ( feels like a lot of uncomfortable ectopics trying to get into AF). I now go into AF around 7pm each night for 2-3 hours then flutter on and off once in bed with some AF at times. I can really feel my heart reacting when i change sides to lie on, or lie flat...like my heart will speed up a bit or i feel a 'gushing' sensation in my chest. I am so glad this is limited to night time but feeling a bit alone tonight and wondering are these bed/ night time phenomena common? I am scared this AF will progress to the daytime eventually and affect my life more, much as i try to live in the present, i am finding it hard tonight not to worry about the future.

[Thomps95]

That doesn't sound nice. Tell your doctor that it is intolerable at nights and ask for a treatment recommendation. Are you taking a beta blocker before you go to bed? You might also consider cognitive behaviour therapy. CBT can help you develop powerful strategies to cope with this condition so that you don't worry so much about it, and at best, that you stop thinking about it. It works! Stay positive -

[Spiritji]

I wrote a reply. It is disappeared.... I just wanted to share that I have this too at night and have noticed certain triggers make it worse like chilled white wine, chocolate, sugar , tea and possibly wheat. Also stress and worry so sometimes taking in 3-5 breathes and the. 4-5 breathes out to create a breathing rhythm . Lavender oil seems to help also. Sleeping right side is better. I am getting tested next week for sleep apnea..... It is very difficult to experience so be kind to yourself. Also seems important to be off the computer early as that agitates the nervous system before bed if you have to you could sleep sitting up in the worst case scenario as people say that works. Best of luck and know there are others in the boat with you

[Spiritji]

I have left 2 replys regarding my own experience but it won't post them.... Just know there are others in the boat with you

[iris1205]

Please go get help. Advice from doctors for an action plan and as Thomp said.... find methods to alleviate your dis- ease on your side. I know what your feeling snd it feels Like slowly boiling. you are well supported here. take good care

Annie

[Vony in reply to iris1205]

Thank you Annie for your words...you are a very calming lady xx

[cupoftea]

Hi,Sorry to hear that you have had a rough night, it always seems worse at night time. I can only lie on my right side. I take Bisoprolol in the morning and at one time I kept going into AF at about 7.00 every evening, my Dr gave me another 1.25mg Bisoprolol at about 5.00 in the evening to carry me over to the next day, that seemed to work. There will be something out there that will work for you. Take care, Pat

[Vony in reply to cupoftea]

Thanks Pat...i may ask about a split dose of bisoprolol as i take full dose first thing in the morn

[jeanjeannie50]

Snap - I get the same. Sometimes my heartbeats are so strong it's impossible to sleep. My GP has prescribed me some sleeping tablets for when this happens and gosh don't I need them! Without I'm sure my anxiety would increase which of course can make the problem worse. Why don't you have a chat with your GP and explain what's happening to you and see if he will prescribe something to help you sleep.

Let us know if you get a solution to your problem. Best wishes.

Jean

[Vony in reply to jeanjeannie50]

It is good to hear other people identify with this nighttime phemomena. Thank you

[Finvola]

Vony - bigs hugs and sympathy - you are not alone but at 4.30 in the morning it surely feels that way! So many of us have been there too.

I remember you saying that you had had an ablation recently, so perhaps you need to contact your EP and get help to settle your heart down.

Best wishes xx

[GranJan]

I sympathise with your nighttime fears, every little thing becomes massive when alone and in the dark! I put on my bedside touch lamp which dims to a gentle low light, make a nice hot drink, Ribena is a favourite, sit up comfortably with lots of pillows, then fall asleep over a good book is my recipe to cope when it all gets too much!

Good luck, we all have to develop our own strategies for survival in the small hours!

Just think how many of us there are doing these strategies when you're awake and worrying, and you'll know you're not alone.

[Timmo50]

Just a thought, but have you wondered if you are out of rhythm in the day as well but you just dont notice it. Have you had a monitor? As for sleeping pills, I have to go to work in the morning (am off sick AGAIN today) and find it impossible to do my job after taking one.

[RiderontheStorm]

Vony,

I have never in my life believed more in the Mind-Body connection as I do now with AF and Panic attacks that was paralyzing my life. Direct intervention via medical is called for. I have taught myself that, *Just because I think it so, or possible, does not make it true. Let go of the fear and the what ifs. Best wishes.

[Beancounter Volunteer]

Another great post from Jo, but can I completely agree with her about the power of just writing things down.

From the angry outbursts of frustration to the self pitying exclamations just writing them down actually literally feels like getting them out of your system. I highly recommend it.

Be well

Ian

[Moonstone56]

You are not alone Vony. I can ditto what others have said. I too had a fearful time of my heart being worse at night, not able to sleep due to the thumping, being propped up, and so so tired the next day. I would do deep slow breathing to help fix my mind on something else and to calm me. Somehow its sorted itself out. Fingers crossed X.

Wishing you well.

[Hidden]

That sounds like me. I have to have very small meals, and make up for it by grazing during the day, otherwise around 7 in the evening my ticker will start playing up. And when I go to bed I could only sleep on my right. No chance at all of sleeping on the left, and sometimes might manage on my back but not often. Also, completely no alcohol for me, that would start me off as well, but usually later, middle of the night, so went teetotal a year ago.

I'm on drugs now which have stopped it all, but I can still feel it trying to start if I eat anything approaching a normal sized meal.

Koll

[Vony]

I feel so inspired and thankful for all these replies and the wonderful advice included in all of them. Thank you so much. i rang my EP's secretary on Fri morning and have had my appt brought forward from the 20th Feb to the 6th..so less than 2 weeks now. Night time is definitely a more symptomatic time for me, which doesn't seem uncommon here and the writing down of fears and all the lovely suggestions as to alternatives to fear in the dead of the night, I shall certainly put into practise. Thank you all so much...i actually felt less isolated having just posted on this forum the other night. The support on here is precious...

[Kaiser78]

It's really mince, it just ruins your life I really hope they come up with a cure!