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[Gain]

Hello, I was diagnosed with AF a year ago and have had 3 episodes in that time. I live alone and find it all a bit scary and I find small timings can now make me anxious. At present I have lightheadedness and stomach upset and feeling a little nauseous . Can anyone tell me if this is common with AF or unrelated. Best wishes to sll

[jeanjeannie50]

Hi Gain - Your 3 episodes in the last year are typical of how AF often starts.

When you first get it, it is a really scary experience and I can remember just how that felt. I used to wonder if I was going to die and how long it would be before I was found. With hindsight now, 12 years later and still alive and kicking, I realise that my fear probably made my episodes worse. AF absolutely thrives on stress, worry and fear it's like those feelings feed, strengthen and make episodes longer.

As we get more relaxed about AF attacks their severity can often decrease. I know you probably think it's so easy for me to say that now after years of having this hateful condition, but the only advice I can give to you is not to let AF consume you. When an attack first starts, do some stretching exercises. Lie on your bed and with your arms straight towards the head of the bed stretch them as far as you can and hold that stretch for as long as you possibly can. I often found this could halt an episode if I did this very soon after it started. Try to focus on anything other than your AF, watch t.v. read a book or do crosswords.

Should you get pains in your chest when in AF,or feel sick, or dizzy then that is the time to seek medical help.

You mention that at present you have light headedness, a stomach upset and are feeling a little nauseous. It's very difficult for anyone to advise you as we are all different in what we experience and I for one have no medical training, but I would say to you that if you are still in AF and experiencing these symptoms then I think you should seek medical advice. You know it's so much better to be safe than sorry and all it will take is a call to your doctors surgery for some advice to put your mind at rest.

Please let us know how you get on and remember there's always someone on this site to offer you support.

Jean

[Gain in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thank you Jean, very helpful. I will try that exercise. I am not in permanent AF but do have flutters,as I call them, which only last a few seconds. I do seem to have had a few since the dizziness started but my pulse is normal around 70. I think I have a virus or infection and am seeing my GP this afternoon.

It is very reassuring to have contact with someone who has had this condition for 12 years.

My husband died suddenly 4 years ago of aneurysm in the brain and I have suffered from anxiety since then but seemed to be getting better until this happened!

Thank you again.

[Maggimunro in reply to Gain]

Hi Gain, my AFib started two decades ago with weird virus-like symptoms 4 or 5 times a year, but with no fever. It was only after I was eventually diagnosed with A Fib and SVT did I realise what had been happening for all those years.

So, that may be happening to you too??!!

Anxiety and stress really do not help, so the advice given in a previous comment may help you a lot.

[Gain in reply to Maggimunro]

Thank you Maggimunro. Sorry to hear how long it took for your diagnosis - awful! I am feeling slightly less dizzy today and saw GP yesterday who thought it was a virus but didn't know. Hopefully it will go soon.

Thanks again and all the best!

[Maggimunro in reply to Gain]

Dizziness can be linked strongly to SVT, rapid heart beat.

Ditto to you about recovery.

[Finvola]

Hello Gain and welcome.

Jean has said it all and I would just add my tuppence worth. AF is scary and it takes willpower to calm oneself down - I found controlled breathing and what jean said to be helpful..

There can be other symptoms, but as none of us is qualified, we cannot advise on your symptoms. If you are worried, contact your GP or non emergency number and get checked out.

Are you see a consultant and/or on medication for your AF?

[Gain in reply to Finvola]

Hello Finvola, yes, I have seen Prof Schilling at the AF Centre who is absolutely superb and very reassuring too. At present I only take Apixaban 5mgs twice a day but I have Flecainide and a beta blocker as a pill in the pocket should I go into AF.

Many thanks for your reply.

[shorttail]

HiGain, I am similar to you, I have AF since last year when my wife passed away. Anxiety does play a part Im sure, but don't get anxious about getting anxious, take it as it comes.

When I have an episode now, it usually flutters like you say, but for me it lasts about 2 days. I feel dizzy and very tired, but its due I think to my blood pressure dropping a lot. I checked with Dr and its OK provided systolic stays above 80, the pulse is fine as the medication for AF stops that roaring off.

Maybe talk to you GP about when it becomes time to seek medical help and mention blood pressure as yours may drop too.

Good luck

John

[Gain]

Thank you John very nice of you to take the time to reply. My BP is fine 118/72.

I went to GP who thinks I have either a middle ear disturbance or a virus - he doesn't know basically but I don't think it is AF related.

I am sure it will be fine in a few days.

All the best, take care