Hi

[Bumberclotte]

Hi my name is Jackie. I'm 59 and have just been diagnosed with AF, apart from being terrified and anxious I don't have any idea of how to navigate a way forward leading a normal fulfilling life.

I would be grateful for any advice.

[BobD Volunteer]

Hi Jackie and welcome to our world. AF is not life threatening but it can be life changing and the first thing to do is understand what it is and how it can be treated. Go to AF Association main website and read till you drop and then come back here and ask lots of questions. WE have all been there believe me.

Look hard at your life style and try to dump anything which could be causing you problems. Many people actually find that AF changes their lives for the better (and often longer) by doing this. Removing stress, alcohol, smoking. losing weight. changing to a more pant based diet. All have been shown to help the AF burden. There is no "cure"as such and all treatment is about improving quality of life (QOL) but many many people live long and fulfilling lives post AF diagnosis.

We are here to help .

[Bumberclotte in reply to BobD]

Hi thank you so much for your kind reply

Kind regards

Jackie

[CDreamer]

Hi Jackie and welcome, AF takes a bit of time to adjust to but as many on here will tell you, after the shock and with a bit of knowledge, a good supportive GP & specialist you will adjust, the anxiety will lessen if you are proactive about managing your anxiety and worry thoughts (Mindfulness, CBT, Yoga, exercise, music, painting - anything that brings joy to your life really).

Plenty of support and knowledge to share here so you have an excellent resource.

I've had diagnosed AF since 2007, but had bad episodes for several years prior to seeking a diagnosis. I'm still here, as is Bob who has lived with AF since ancient times and he is still here, out enjoying life (I'm currently in Spain & Bob is probably tuning up a racing car engine somewhere!)

Any questions, concerns, rants or general info to share, don't hesitate to post - you will get a warm reception.

Best wishes CD.

[Bumberclotte in reply to CDreamer]

Hi thank you so much for your kind reply I do hope you are well at the moment

Kind regards

Jackie

[CaroleF]

Welcome to our world Jackie! Both BobD and CDreamer have given good advice - so just to say that once you get your head round the idea the idea that you have AF and that, of itself, it's not going to kill you it all becomes much less scary. I think everyone here felt as you do right now, but people here are *so* supportive and helpful and it does get much less frightening once you know and understand better what you are dealing with. Trust me on that.

You are amongst friends here

Carole

[Bumberclotte in reply to CaroleF]

Hi thank you so much for your kind reply I do hope you are well at the moment

Kind regards

Jackie

[doodle68]

Hello Jackie welcome, the first thing is try not to be 'terrified and anxious' although it is a normal reaction to diagnosis it won't help your body.

We are all 'survivors' on here who have learnt that AF need not be be end of life as we know it and can actually be a useful alarm call to change our ways.

Are you on medication...

After years of isolated episodes of AF that I dismissed as nothing important I was finally diagnosed with Paroxysmal AF in May when episodes became intolerable. I started taking medication another big worry , an anticoagulant and a beta blocker. With the diagnosis came fear and a resolve to make a permanent change to my lifestyle in an attempt to halt the progression of AF . Since then I have altered my diet , gave up alcohol because it was adding unnecessary calories and contributing to the cocktail of chemicals I was now taking .My daily walking increased too.

I have lost almost a stone , my high blood pressure is at normal levels, my AF is controlled and while still around doesn't give me any problems at the moment and I feel better than I have felt in years . I also avoid situations which I know cause me stress like driving on the motorway or being in large groups of people.

I think AF may have done me a favour, if I didn't have it I would not have made the changes to my lifestyle without which I may have gone on to develop something far worse than AF.

So my advice Jackie is read all you can on the subject starting here..

heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

...post any questions you may have on this site which must have one of the largest collection of people who are knowledgeable about AF anywhere.

And finally remember you are not alone, there is always someone here to talk...

[Luludean]

First you have to trust your cardiologist and then speak to your GP,about your fears.

It is completely normal to be knocked sideways by being told you have AF.

Look at the AF journal and find their helpline, or contact the hospital you are under and see if they have a 24 hour helpline. The nurses on these help lines are amazing!!!!!!!! They are used to frightened callers and always reassure them.. One Papworth helpline had fellow AF patients able to speak to callers, that was brilliant and quite humbling.

AF is a horrid thing when you first get it but , with the right pills( and this is a complicated issue) and calm kindness we all learn to deal with it , certainly live a full life with it.

Yes , you can sometimes lose your confidence but , with your own determination you can fight your way back to more or less pre diagnosis belief in yourself.

[KazDD]

Hi Jackie,

As a newbie here myself I don't have a lot of advice to offer you but can relate to how you are feeling. Sending you a warm cyber hug ((((((Hug)))))

I am 53 and have not received the 'official' diagnosis as yet but after visiting A&E a couple of times since May and once back in Jan 16 I have been referred to see a cardiologist. GP's wrote on the referral "PAF?" I have my 1st appointment this afternoon and am feeling a bit anxious and apprehensive.

As other have said read up about the condition as much as you can so you have a better understanding. Our imagination can get some thing all out of proportion sometimes which may not be helpful.

Best wishes

Karen

[momist]

Hi Jackie, I'm relatively new myself. My first attack was in May followed by another in July. What seems to have worked best for me is:

1) Learn all you can about AF by reading on the AFA site and also reading on this forum.

2) I bought myself a Kardia device from AliveCor. This gives you a simple two-wire cardiograph on your Android or iOs device, so you can see for yourself what is happening.

3) Accept all the support and advice you will receive on here - it's a terrific community of new friends.

[momist]

I also meant to help by warning you of things to look out for. In A&E the doctor knew a bit about cardiology, but still prescribed Aspirin, which is now contra-indicated by NICE. One of the GPs in the practice I use tended to dismiss AF as not serious, and did not support my concern about my increased stroke risk. The local Respiratory and Cardiology clinic messed up their report on my heart health, looking mainly for plumbing faults. I had to press for a follow up with an EP at a different hospital, where I am now awaiting inclusion on the list for an ablation (12 months waiting list).

[Joynjoy]

Hi Jackie, don't fret. Knowing what is is after all those scary events is good! I'm a newbie too and the folks on here are great, very warm and welcoming. We all bump along with the same problem.

Got to say, BobD, I'm looking forward to trying your pant based diet😋😜😝😆

[akenclark]

Hi Jackie. 9 days ago CDreamer posted a request titled "I need your help please.........". If you look it up (and the 40+ replies even one from me!) you may find that thread to be a good crash course.

regards

[Bumberclotte]

Hi, thank you so much for your kind reply, I will certainly read your posts

Kind regards

Jackie