Think AF is back 😔

[Ad1980]

Hi all first time posting I have read a lot of posts and it's nice to know I am not alone as I have felt. Well I am 36 years old dad of 2 boys I weight train and work as a builder. I started getting breathlessness and pains in my chest so after around 4 weeks I went to my GP in November 2016 had an ECG and was diagnosed with dreaded AF. I was put on bisoprolol 5mg and rivaroxaban 20mg given a leaflet and told I'll see a cardiologist in January. Cardiologist booked a cardioversion for February that was cancelled by the hospital booked another for march that was also cancelled so another was booked for April and I finally had my cardioversion. It was successful apart from biting my tongue during the procedure and feeling rather sore for 4 days I thought great it's over!! We'll just today I decided to do some cardio as I haven't been to the gym in months and really miss keeping fit. Anyway I done 5 mins on the rowing machine checked my pulse and noticed it skipping rapidly and has done so for the last 3 hours also pulpitations. So is this normal will I go back into nsr or am i destined to stay in constant AF?? Any advice would be very appreciated. Sorry if I babbled on I am just really concerned about the impact this is having on me and my familys life.

[Rellim296]

A warm welcome to you, although this is bad luck.

AF is very personal and for many of us it lasts a few hours and goes away on its own or with some help from an antiarrhythmic drug. Others find it persists.

AF is OK (ish) when you get used to it and know what to expect and how to get the upper hand and you may find it will have less of an impact on your life in time.

[Sam72-]

Hi , ime new to it and ime 44 , mine started last November with a 7 hour run and I but converted back to sinus on its own . I understand totally about how you are feeling and the impact on your family and you as ime the same here. I got told not to exercise to much any cardio was out 🙅🏼 ime surprised no one told you that as AFib can be brought on by a rise in blood pressure and exercise in some people NOT ALL PEOPLE! My warning starts with skipping beats 💗 but don't always go into AFib . I would go to ANE if your worried and get checked over as it might not be AFib . A simple ecg will put your mind at rest . This group is great by the way 👌🏼I get more information on here than my doctor. I am getting ready for an ablation procedure in 3 months time👍🏼hang in there we all Can give each other support on here any time . But if your worried about your symptoms go get checked out . Best wishes sam X💗

[Ad1980]

Hi thanks for replies,

like I said I am usually quite active and fit so I felt I could try an easy light workout I was told by my GP cardio is recommended rather the weight training as I am use to. After reading a lot about this condition I was pretty convinced I would revert back into AF as it's common to do so. I guess I was hoping to stay in sinus rhythm longer or permanent but my heart obviously prefers to beat irregular. I am 7 weeks away from my follow up with my cardiologist but after checking my pulse several times I'm convinced it's beating irregular like it did before my cardioversion I'll check in with my GP asap. Thanks again guys I do appreciate any support and if I can help anyone I'll do the same.

[Dodie117 in reply to Ad1980]

You could buy a kardia machine which does a home ecg. They are around £100 but tell you if you are in af or not. Doctors and cardiologist also find the tracings useful.

Ask to see an EP as they specialise in heart electrics.

Consider an ablation as a possible longer term fix. I had mine in nov 2013 and still in NSR.

[Ad1980 in reply to Dodie117]

Thank you lallym,

I will definitely look into that I have had 8 ECGs and my tracings are very chaotic. Looking at ablation does seem to be a step I would rather consider the cardiologist I see didn't seem too keen due to my age but I'll definitely bring it up at my next appointment. Very happy for you to be in nsr for so long must feel great.

[Dodie117 in reply to Ad1980]

I would emphasise - ask to see EP. Cardiologist is a heart generalist/p!umber, EP is the electrician!! A lot of EPs think the earlier this is done, the better. I think this applies even more if you are younger as you do not want a lifetime of drugs with siude effects etc..

Of course it doesn't work for everyone but fairly high success rate.

Good luck 🍀

[Andyt36]

Some people will say don't go to A&E, personally because AF plays with the mind, go and have a ECG put your mind at rest. Wishing u the best.

[Ad1980]

Andy hi,

Well I've been to my GP today and I have reverted back into AF so now it's a waiting game until I see the cardiologist. I would rather not bother with another cardioversion as I think they're pointless

[Ad1980]

And you are spot on Andy it certainly messes with your mind I try and keep busy so I don't think about it. Although AF has a way of constantly reminding you it's there