The learning curve....

[Jefferson57]

Diagnosed early November, a week before I retired from pipe fitting. I was 6'3" and 135kg,,, (retired rugby...)

A nurse gave me the man test and it all started from there. AF and hypertension... my BMI wass similar to a World War 1 battleship... I'm 59.

The nurse, a proper pro, went through it all and gaveme the verbal slap in the face...

"you have a second chance here, if you take up the challenge. ...." Basically, sort your life out or die, were my options.

I have read almost every word on this site, now and must say that it has probably saved my life.

We were booked to go to India and the quacks said ok so I grabbed my old army Bergen, stuffed two months of Rivaoxiban and Bisprolol in it and a change of underwear and we are here now. Need new underwear...

I am taking vitamin supplements including hawthorn, Mag, Vit C, and fish oil.

BP is now 114/72

Weight this morning is 119 kg.

Another 19 to go to hit Army weight.

I no longer feel missed beats every day and only an occasional flip. Pulse is still higher than I like, around 80 with a resting average of 71. We are walking 5-6 miles a day.

My point is this. Anyone one of us can fight this thing and improve our chances of living a decent life. I was the original couch potato and Fried Breaky monster. If I can do it, anyone can. Pizza, takeaways, 20 pints at the weekend.... Four coffees every morning in the works van.

Take the examples of the many heroes here who share their knowledge and experience here and take the advice of my Guardian Angel, Karen, the practice Nurse. Do everything you can to lessen the contributing factors of this condition.

Happy and safe Holidays....

Jeff... way out here in India... someone send some more underwear....

[Beancounter Volunteer]

Lol Jeff

I would have thought with your Army experience, going "commando" was second nature, and all the rage nowadays I understand. I'd join in the fashion trend but too old and too dangly to think about it, I like the support in more ways than one.

But the overall message is so true, we can take control of our AF just like you have done, and we can all make changes what will make us feel better. Often not a cure, but hey ho sometimes just having a few more years is enough, and we should all get that.

Bet you miss those fried brekkies though, I know I do

Be well

Ian

[BobD Volunteer]

Such an inspirational post Jeff. More people are finding that life style changes are far better than drug treatment so well done you and Karen. Sorry I can't send underwear.

Bob

[jeanjeannie50]

It's so good to read a post from someone who has listened to sensible advice as you have Jeff. Thank goodness for your practice nurse Karen, the verbal slap she gave you certainly woke you up and I can't help but think we need more like her!

It sounds like you have a positive outlook on life - I think that helps too.

Erm, why do you need more underpants? Didn't you take enough because of all your pills, or is it the heat? No, don't answer!

Best wishes, have a lovely holiday and please report back here on how it all went when you are home.

Jean