persistant af

[atrialfib]

can anyone tell me how it is to constantly be in af ,must be terrible.i dread it.

[Beancounter Volunteer]

Nope hardly ever notice it, except when I try and walk uphill

Two things to consider, firstly your body does get used to it and adapts, and secondly it depends on the HR, I am usually around 70 - 80 so seldom really feel bothered by it to be honest.

They put me back in NSR for around 6 hours in March last year with amiodarone and a CV, couldn't tell the difference.

But not everyone is the same, and some are much worse than me.

Be well

Ian

[PeterWh]

I was diagnosed with persistent AF in September 2014 and apart from a total of 4 days when I was in NSR I have been in persistent AF all the time. I was probably in persistent AF for sometime before that.

I am definitely worse off than Ian and I am also much worse off than 21 months ago. Only had 2 instances where I have had to be blue lighted to hospital (Jun 15 and May 16). Some days are much worse than others but I try and make the most of things.

It is difficult to tell without physically seeing / knowing people but my observation is that overall my swings are less dramatic than those with paroxsymal AF who swing from NSR to AF attacks / AF incidents.

You may not get to persistent but unless you reject all options you may remain paroxsymal or go permanently back into NSR.

[GazzaD57 in reply to PeterWh]

I have been in Persistent AF since Oct15 and still awaiting a CV. Luckily I'm basically Asymptomatic except for some breathlessness and fatigue. I'm so much luckier than a lot of others. I have found weight loss, a good diet and being properly hydrated has helped me a lot.

[captainKFF in reply to GazzaD57]

gazzaD57 what is your heart rate when in Afib?

[GazzaD57 in reply to captainKFF]

I'm in Persistent Afib, but the medication I'm on keeps it under 80 except for the odd occasion. I don't have an accurate HR monitor at this stage, hoping to not need it after a CV is attempted.

[Hidden]

My AF became persistent 14 years ago. My AF was very symptomatic and I could not even stand sometimes. It was then that I was diagnosed, hospitalised and put on some drugs which stopped the symptoms altogether. That continued for 2-3 years, with no symptoms, then I had an ablation and was able to stop the drugs (which were making me VERY forgetful). I had 8 years AF free, now got an arrhythmia back, again around the clock 24/7, but it is being controlled by drugs. No ablation of offer.

So for me is hasn't been a problem once I've had treatment.

Koll

[Spiritji]

I have what they call permanent afib and yesterday I swam 40 laps and walked 3 miles..... I am on pradaxa as a blood thinner and diltiazen 120 mg. have had afib for 10 years and I am 65 It seems only to get pronounced if I drink alcohol or eat chocolate .... But it is fine for me and very much could be fine for you..... I also take a product called "peaceful spirit" from Jing herbs and that is very calming to the system . It really does not seem a problem ...... Stress is hard however on the heart and sometimes my work is stressful but Intry and spend a lot of time in nature and I meditate daily.... I think that helps also.....Good luck with it

[Annilor]

Hi atrialfib,

I too was frightened when my AF began, that was 8 years ago. Don't be nervous, when and if AF begins to become regular and everything to normalise it has been tried one becomes used to it and gets on with life. I have. I know there are so many other people have many more years with it then I have, and lives with it!!

Take heart they say!

[Goldenslumbers]

Frustrating!!! Like one of the comments in this thread,sometimes you don't notice that's why people go through life with arythmias and don't even notice.

Keep well

[higgy52]

Been in constant A F for years, had 2 cardiovertions but no good , on Amiodrone, Work 50 hours a week, And Exercise daily feel OK, 59 years old, Just at night can hear Pulse in right ear

[Marion62]

In permanent AF since 2012 - I am very fortunate to have very few symptoms- but hills are a real struggle now. I have never been offered any procedures- just diltiazem and anti coag. I try to walk 2-3 miles at least 3 days a week. However, I think I must be gradually slowing down as this time last year I would walk 4/5 times a week for longer. It could be that I am just getting older!!!

Take care.