A sign of more AF or of this site's growing popularity?

[Tobw]

I don't really think my question can be answered with too much certainty, but, having been receiving a daily e-mail detailing the activity on here for around seven years now, I'm increasingly struck by how traffic on here has increased and is still increasing. Whereas my daily update would contain, say, four or five new topics in the early days, it's now reaching the stage where it's quite unusual to have a day where the number of new topics stays in single figures.

If I had to guess as to why this place has got so much busier, I think I'd come down on the side of it being an endorsement of a truly excellent website that is such a beacon of goodwill, common sense and accurate advice for so many AF sufferers.

This is not to say that the incidence of AF is not increasing, because I believe it is (and, unfortunately, we seem to get more and more relative youngsters posting on here now), but I think that the willingness of so many who would appear to be "over the worst" in their AF journey to keep on coming on here to offer hope and understanding to those who are just embarking on it is one of the things which puts this place on a higher level than most of the competition (if I can put it that way).

So, can I offer my thanks to all contributors to this forum (including those behind the scenes who make the whole thing possible) and wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

[jan-ran]

Lovely post, thanks for encouragement to us all to keep in touch and remain positive. Happy Christmas to all. JanR

[PeterWh]

A number of really good points and excellent to thank people.

I think that it is not just the number of posts that is the measure (and I agree that these have gone up considerably) but also the number of responses to each post. My assessment is that there are probably three or four times the number of responses than 10 months ago when I first joined.

Another thing that I consider interesting and relevant is that the Arithmyia Alliance HUL has so few posts and sometimes it is a few days between each post.

Happy Christmas everyone!!!!!!

[BobD Volunteer]

I think it is also a sign that the rest of the world has started to catch up with us here in GB who started this site and the AF Association back in 2007. So much catching up to do!

[seasider18 in reply to BobD]

I also use the Patient Info site that used to be Patient UK. It is very good for Medical articles and posts on AF but in their annual count up on conditions discussed in sections for U.K. USA and Rest of the World AF is not in their Top Ten.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to seasider18]

Since I have been a member of AF Association (2007) the number of patients with AF in UK has risen form an estimated 800,000 to 1.25 Million.

[seasider18 in reply to BobD]

What is the population % increase in that time I wonder to compare it with.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to seasider18]

I don't know but if you accept 1% of population that would mean an increase of 4.5million which I doubt. No it is much more about better diagnosis than actual increase in incidence I suspect. Also as population ages so larger number of people presenting with it. In North Devon for example the figures are screwed due to large numbers of people who retire down here. When I did random testing in 2014 the percentage looked more like 7 than 1 for example.

[seasider18 in reply to BobD]

With the large number of retirees are your local services coping?

Here in the so called Gods waiting room (Eastbourne) appointments are hard to come by and the waiting times for any tests extended due to under use of facilities .

[BobD Volunteer in reply to seasider18]

Best GP services in the country because so many want to live in or glorious county.

[seasider18 in reply to BobD]

Our GP's are OK but much of the time their hands are tied.

[souljacs4]

Great post. I must say a huge thank you to all of the people who run this excellent site. and also I would like to thank the lovely people on here who have helped me stay sane and positive. when ever I am worried and I need to ask for advice or support I know I only have to post my question and someone will answer. I really don't know what I would have done with out your help and support on this journey. I wish you all a happy and peaceful Christmas and a happy and healthy new year.

[Finvola]

Good post Tobw - I agree wholeheartedly.

[gemsmum]

I really don't know what I would have done without this site and the knowledge I have gained from it. I don't reply to many questions as I am not knowledgeable enough yet but I do try and contribute when I can. Please keep up the great work in the new year, thanks once again, best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.

[Peddling]

I agree with all that has been said. There is so much warmth, humour and knowledge located on this site. I have found the information and range of opinion invaluable and want to thank everyone who has responded to my questions.

Happy Christmas all, looking forward to next year's contributions.

[Musetta]

Well said Tobw - thanks to all the organisers,the ideas people and the members. Discovering this site has been incredibly reassuring and comforting, knowing your not alone with this pesky condition. In a nutshell, a great support group.

Cheers and Happy Yuletide

[sann in reply to Musetta]

Yes I totally agree with you, if it wasn't for the lovely people in here who are always at hand to help and reassure you I would have been mess. Thanks once again all of you, may you all have a very Happy Christmas and a very healthy New Year. Sanni🍀 One of these for all of you. God Bless

[AlanAF]

Great post, and my thanks, too, to everyone on this forum. As someone newly diagnosed, it has been invaluable in coming to terms with this strange beast of a condition.