As my atrial fibrillation come back?

[nattyray80]

Hi I was taken into hospital 2 months ago and was told I had af! They said I cud of had it for months but the fluttering got worse so they rushed me in! Have been put in beta blockers and blood thinners and was shocked a month ago and upto a week ago I felt normal? Now I'm avin little aches and feel like my heart is blowing up like a small balloon if that makes sense, I'm in no pain but am just wondering if this is the start of atrial fibrillation again? Cuz I know it can come back? Since finding out I have this its taken over my life in only 35 have 2 children so am always stressed out! Going away in 2 weeks to turkey and dreading something's gonna happen. Any advice I hate this

[StuartCJones]

Hi Ray, I'm not sure if it helps, or even applies to your situation, but I'll tell you my experience. I was diagnosed with AF when I was 24, and knowing that something was wrong with my heart made me very paranoid and anxious. I became convinced my heart might just stop at any moment and the frequency of my symptoms increased dramatically. Yet I went into hospital or to the doctors a number of times only to be told that my heart was in a normal rhythm and everything was fine, and then I'd feel better again. Of course sometimes it wasn't in a normal rhythm and it was helpful to get an EGC for the record (or even treatment if needs be). Through the course of this I also found that some meds worked better for me than others. Once I was on the right meds, and with the right support, I was able to feel much better. Of course having a specialist you can trust is the most important thing here. I'm a mountaineer, fell runner, cyclist and rock climber, so I like to put my heart through its paces, even with paroxysmal AF, managed correctly, and with help with my anxiety, I've been able to enjoy and pursue my interests.

Go and get yourself checked out if you're worried, taking that simple action keeps you in control. Learn your pulse and listen to what it's telling you. This forum has all sorts of knowledgeable folks who'll come on and give you much more informed advice than I could hope to understand, so have a chat with them, it definitely makes me feel better.

All the best buddy!

[nattyray80 in reply to StuartCJones]

Hi thanks for reply ive had 3 ecgs and 1 echo and am booked in for both again in just over a week so hopefully worrying about nothing! Just hate that I'm always thinking about it my kids stress me out big time and I know it triggers something off! Thanks again stuart

[CDreamer in reply to nattyray80]

AF can feel scary and there is a saying on this site, AF won't kill you but it can feel as though it will.

AF can happen to anyone at any age but there are excellent treatments but accessing them can be variable depending upon where you live. Stuart offered great advice, see a specialist who will be a Electrophysiologist who is a cardiologist who deals with the electrical side of the heart, rather than a cardiologist who deals mainly with the physiology - the plumbing bits. Sometimes they will advertise themselves as cardiologist with speciality in arrythmias. There is a list of them on the AFA website, link on HU.

Beta blockers are often the first line of treatment - these will limit your heart rate with the objective of preventing the heart rate rising which is thought to trigger an AF episode. It works for some people but a lot of people find they get breathless and tire easily, there are other options so ask your doctor.

My suggestion would be to download the CAREAF pack from www,CAREAF.org which is an information pack put together by the Atrial Fibrillation Association - loads of info on drug treatment, Ablations and surgical procedures to eliminate AF.

Many people live full and active lives with AF but it takes time to adjust and you do need to deal with the anxiety because that is not going to help you, even though it is perfectly normal, believe me - we have all been there.

Travel should not be a problem, I have travelled the world with AF but ensure you have very good insurance and ensure your insurance company know of the condition. Be prepared for an extra cost,

Establish a routine for when you have an episode, know when you can just ride them out and when you may need to go to hospital, I worked out a protocol with my GP - when my HR (heart rate) went over 200, if I had any sort pain, if an episode lasted for more than 24 hours, if I fainted (my BP used to drop so that happened sometimes) or if I was worried about any other unusual (for me) symptom.

I have had episodes in parts of the world where it was not possible to go to hospital so all I could do is rest, take a pill and wait for it to stop. Sometimes that was several days, sometimes just a few minutes. Distraction is a great tool, listening to audio books worked for me, watching films, reading, music anything that takes your mind away from worrying - which is only going to increase anxiety which is not going to help the AF.

Other people find that exercise rather than rest helps, we are all very different but experiment and see what works for you.

Lots to take in, lots to read and learn about. I am now AF free after 2 ablation procedures in 2013 & 2014 so believe me when I say you will find a way of coping and hopefully eliminating AF.

Lots of threads on all sorts of aspects on this forum, a very supportive bunch who have all been where you are now so please take heart (pun intended).

Best wishes and post as much and as often as you feel necessary, there is always someone around to listen to your concerns, CD

[BobD Volunteer in reply to CDreamer]

great post!

[Hidden]

Hi Nat, Welcome to the forum.You are new to AF & as such you will find like most of us that you are in a state of ' high alert' in relation to your heart's activities. I understand the feelings that you describe. I can highly recommend that you read/ download/ order some of the excellent leaflets & booklets published by the AFA & British Heart Foundation.

Regarding your forthcoming holiday .... I hope that you have informed your insurance company of your condition, particularly including the fact that you are awaiting an Echo test. This really is most important . If you are under insured & taken ill abroad the consequences could be very costly indeed.

Regards Sandra

[nattyray80 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Sandra

I took my insurance out before I had letter to say I needed an echo but I cant make the day of the appointment so got to ring them Tuesday and see if i can change it but I doubt they will get me in now before I have to go away and will book me in for when I get back?

[Hidden]

Nat, I would still let the insurance company know the position re your Echo appt. You can then go off on your holiday & have a really good relaxing time! ( remember to go easy on the alcohol!). Sandra

[nattyray80 in reply to Hidden]

Yes I will ring then Tuesday once I know when I am avin the echo! I dont drink alot haven't since I had my 2 children! We have been through alot in the last 5 years which I think down to alot of stress might have bought my af on and this holiday is well and truly needed.

[davegm]

Nat

Stress = anxiety = AF = becoming a heart watcher. It becomes a vicious circle. It certainly was for me particularly in the early days.

If you can try to put it out of your mind (much easier said than done) I think it will help.

However, if you really think something is not right do seek medical advice.

Enjoy your holiday.

[nattyray80]

I feel fine I just keep thinking about my heart and the odd twitch etc it as taken over my life my kids keep me occupied so they take my mind off it and I love walking so go on long walks and I forgot for a few hours I forget I have af!!

[Bernie13]

Hi Nat,

Lovely to hear from you, I can fully understand where you are coming from. I was diagnosed in November 2014 with AF. I was petrified to go out or move quickly, I must say after reading this forum and listening to the stories of people on here I have gained my confidence back. I have asked a few questions and the lovely people on here have helped my immensely to cope. I have a holiday booked for June and intend to enjoy every minute of it.

Your life is for living , enjoy it and enjoy your children too.

[PeterWh]

Have a good holiday.

A key thing is to make sure that you drink plenty of water (still not fizzy) to keep you hydrated. If you can then try having no alcohol since it can be every little helps!!! My EP consultant said initially "no or absolute minimal alcohol" and I was in permanent AF. I decided why take a risk of aggravating things. Been six months now of not having any alcohol apart from a sherry glass of champagne at new year.

[nattyray80]

Hi all well I went for echo and ecg this echo was uncomfortable but I know they have to press in to get a good look at the heart. I heard my heart beat well beat normal as the last one I had was all over the place and they said my heart as improved alot since my last tests so that's good! They will send results to my gp. I'm feeling ok at the moment no funny feelings or sensations so for now I just want to look forward to my holidays and have a nice time with my family. I haven't got to do anything with my insurance they said it was just routine appointment!!