Thank you

[Mazza23]

I am so greatful I found this site through all your comments and answers to my questions I have discovered I am not going insane I am not depressed I am not a malingerer it is not all in my head I am a normal human being that has A F thank you

[Hidden]

Afib is an invisible disorder. Since my dx one yr. ago, I discovered 3 friends who have struggled as well with unpredictable heart rhythm. Their best advice: get a great doctor and team and remember that tackling afib is a process.

[Kvntoday]

Good on you Mazza23 , keep up the positive attitude and remember you are not on your own .............

Kvntoday

[BobD Volunteer]

Somebody once told me that AF is a long journey but you have some great travelling companions on here. AF Association website is a mine of information as well and knowledge is power. The next mantra to learn is that whilst AF may be in your life, it is not the whole of your life.

Bob

[Mazza23 in reply to BobD]

True thanks

[byoungccs]

Mazza23 aren't we all normal until we get to know each other and ourselves better? Your new relationship with AF is helpful as is your determination not to be defined by your condition...nor to be medicalised.

You are developing a mindfulness awareness of yourself, your condition and a freedom to respond which will have benefits to your life.....and a kind voice which will help others!

[Hidden in reply to byoungccs]

Very well put!

[jossikins]

BobD says it all!!

Jos.

[Finvola]

Spot on, Mazza.

It's important that your 3 points are recognised and accepted by doctors and nurses treating us. Too often off-handed responses at the outset make AF sufferers doubt their own symptoms just as you describe.

[Rellim296]

I agree about the invisibility. AF's may not be there much of the time, but it's a daily threat if it's paroxysmal and very unsettling.

What I found difficult was that I felt it was relatively insignificant as I don't get laid low when my heart goes astray. A couple of years ago, when we'd had 3,000 hours of the year (somewhere around the end of April) I'd had AF for 30 of them, i.e. about 1% of the time, yet it was having such a huge impact. My life was being turned into a mere existence, dominated by drugs, together with the not knowing if I really needed them balanced by the looming threat of something dire happening at any moment. The forum has certainly helped me to see so many things more clearly and I'm very grateful. Two years down the line I am no longer in the black hole that seemed to be closing in on me and stealing my wellbeing.

[tennissenior]

If all of our issues were in our head and not real, we'd be a room full of crazies! NO we are not imagining being sick. We just have a very difficult time trying to educate people and make them understand that not every sickness if "visible." We should not be required to bring copies of our lab reports every time we try and tell people that we are sick. I've had more than 4 years of people looking at me and thinking I am a hypochondriac because I am out on a tennis court 4 days a week. If they saw my labs, with 16 abnormals, they probably wouldn't understand anyway. I've already been kicked out of a tennis group that I was in for more than 4 years because there are some days that I cant "measure up" to what I used to be. Its a cruel world out there. Luckily I have a good relationship with our pro shop. Some day, these women will be faced with an illness and for being so mean and vindictive.

[10gingercats]

I am wondering if anyone has had experience in the uk with a keyhole surgeon who is 'good' at repairing a leaky tricuspid valve.? It is usually repaired,open heart, when another op. is taking place but thankfully I am am not going for this anytime soon!But a tricuspid op. might be on the horizon as my tri c is becoming more leaky. I am hoping to get another echocardiogram 'soon'...last one was 5 years ago I know tric. is being taken more seriously now and can increase ones mortality so.......I want to be prepared. I already know mine is not good. Apparently, there are a few surgeons in the uk doing this op. It has been done in Germany, and other placessince the 90s!