Living with rhythm changes.

[Geoff70]

Hi everyone,

I have had atrial arithmia/flutter for nearly 12 years and had three ablations and one cardioversion and all have been reasonably successful, albeit for different periods of time. At present I am taking digoxin, sotalol, indapamide, perindopril and warfarin. Amiodarone was suggested before my recent ablation but it is not something I wish to consider due to the side effects. When I read some of the case histories on this forum, I count myself very fortunate that my condition does not dramatically effect my quality of life, with the exception of the occasional light-heaviness when my pulse changes or when my blood pressure drops. I recently returned from Hungary, where my condition was first diagnosed and spent 9 days in temperatures between 30 and 39 degrees with no ill effects. I was actually free from any arithmia or flutter. However, when I returned just over two weeks ago, it has kicked in again but not on a perminant basis. I am due to see the cardiologist at the end of August which be the end of the 3 month blanking period. My main concern is dealing with the disappointment, frustration and anxiety when it returns and in particular when I can feel and hear my heartbeat. This tends to be when I am reading, relaxing or about to go to sleep or wake up. I have become focused on my heart, because when I am active I am not aware of it and have no side effects. I am considering taking up yoga and relaxation techniques. Apologies for such a long winded piece but this forum appears the only way to talk when one is on their own. So thanks very much for listening and any comments or suggestions would be most warmly welcomed.

Geoff

[BobD Volunteer]

Hi Geoff and this heart awareness thing is a real bugger isn't it. I think we all of us who have had or have AF suffer from it and if I ever find a cure I will make a fortune. Three months is really the minimum time for healing and I found it took me six before my last (third) ablation really settled things. That was in 2008 so good call.

Bob

[Geoff70 in reply to BobD]

Hi Bob,

My first response and your comments have given me encouragement and a little more optimism for the future.

Take care.

Geoff

[Hidden]

When someone experiences a chronic health problem it helps if you just do the best self-care you can and then not pass negative self-judgment if unpredictable symptoms return. In fact, if you devise a game plan for the unwanted situation you may be able to cope better. It doesn't mean you have to be cheerful, just don't blame yourself.

[Geoff70 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Lorna,

Many thanks for your reply. Certainly I can empathise with many of the points you raise. Certainly we all have to try and find our own ways of coping and try to put into place strategies in order to take away negative attitudes and cope positively. For sometime now and supported by a few close friends, I have felt that although it is a physical and medical problem, a certain amount can be related to how we approach the situation psychologically. I sometimes find myself thinking about and listening to my heart beat late at night or first thing in the morning and almost anticipating an attack. This does not help because if you think it is going to happen, then it will! Your final comment about blaming ourselves is very true.

Thank you once again.

Geoff

[pennytupence]

Your definitely not on your own,we group of elite folk😊all have the same mo when it comes to picking up the slightest change in our hearts activity. Its all very well the Doctors saying it won't kill you but we all know it kinda feels like it at the time,I think yoga is an excellent idea for teaching relaxation techniques.Take care😊

[Geoff70 in reply to pennytupence]

Thank you Penny.

Geoff