AF and Stress: In AF again. As some of... - Atrial Fibrillati...

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AF and Stress

gwyn53 profile image
27 Replies

In AF again.

As some of you know I have a husband who is quite sick. He has been in our local hospital on and off since October.

He has inoperable stomach cancer, which at present is static as far as we know. But he contracted pneumonia.

He has not really been in great form since this. But the daily going to work, then up to the hospital for hours on end just trying to keep his spirits up is hard. IVE BEEN QUITE GOOD UP TO NOW.

Yesterday I started in AF around 5pm and its still going. I know im quite lucky as many of you lovely people are in AF for many more hours ,days and weeks. Im shattered. Our family Dr isn't really interested. Our arrhythmia nurse has now resigned as she is overworked. So no way to get any advice or help.

The local hospital for anyone n the Gwynedd area, no longer has an Arrhythmia nurse.

Sadly.

I just needed to rant Sorry. I hope this finishes soon.

Thank you.

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gwyn53 profile image
gwyn53
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27 Replies
Pattiann08 profile image
Pattiann08

You are having a tough time at present as it appears there is no support for you. Its good you can rant to us - you need a hug. Do hope your AF stops soon - you don't mention your meds - have you anything to take when AF rears its head like this ?

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer

Oh Gwyn, yu are really having a tough time of it.

Being in fast AF is very tiring so I do hope it stops soon and you can get some rest. Can you take some time of work? At least whilst you are in AF.

I do hope you have support from friends and family?

Jay10 profile image
Jay10

Hi Gwyn Iam sorry that things are very stressful for you at present. I hope your AF soon settles down as it can be exhausting. Do you have a Pill in the Pocket you can take. I have Flecainide I use when needed. Take some time off work as you need about a month or so to get back up to strength after pneumonia.

Big hug, Jackie

BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer

Rant away Gwynn we can take it. I'm so sorry you are going through this with so little support. It is hard enough without AF . Virtual hugs (((( )))).

Bob

jennydog profile image
jennydog

Gwyn, are you able to see a Cardiologist? I'm not familiar with provision at Ysbyty Bangor but I am lucky to see an excellent one at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.

I always thought that you would benefit from referral to Liverpool but realistically this is not appropriate right now.

Without doubt, stress is a major AF trigger so a pill-in-the-pocket could be the answer.

Best wishes

Ranting is one of the reasons for being here.....just try and take it easy, easy to say I know, but we are all here to help you through this......xxx

Buffafly profile image
Buffafly

Hi Gwyn, I am sorry to hear what a miserable time you are going through. I remember how hard it was when my mother was dying, having to go to work, emotionally draining visits, trying to care for the family at the same time and feeling guilty too. I realise there is probably no chance of your being able to take compassionate leave but maybe your GP could sign you off sick for a while? It is very sad that your GP is unsympathetic but a visit to A&E should get his attention as the surgery will be charged for it. You must try to look after yourself, not easy I know 💕

gwyn53 profile image
gwyn53 in reply toBuffafly

Thank you.

I have been following your journey, gwyn and feel for you. So pleased your husband has been able to be home now and then.

I hope this AF will subside quickly for you. I just sit it out like you do.

gwyn53 profile image
gwyn53

I'm so depressed to see him just getting lost.

He doesn't eat,scared too.

He has lost weight. All due to his pneumonia.

Just so destressing.

I'm fine been to work.

Now home.

And ready for next visit to hospital.

Thank you for all your support.

Better than any Dr.

doodle68 profile image
doodle68

Hi Gwyn :-) an episode of AF is the last thing you need at the moment isn't it with your husband being poorly . I doubt there is a waking moment when you are not worried and stressed which may add to your AF episodes.

You say....

''Our family Dr isn't really interested.''

It might help if you go back to your Doctor and discuss the whole situation including your husband and lack of support from all quarters.

If your husband is in hospital maybe there is someone there to whom you can talk and who may be able to give you help and support including the chaplin and no you don't have to be religious to seek their help.

Buffafly profile image
Buffafly in reply todoodle68

I asked to see the hospital social worker and she was wonderful, helped to organise palliative care for Mum.

doodle68 profile image
doodle68 in reply toBuffafly

Hi Buffaly :-) I wasn't sure what they call them these days , I think they used to be called 'Hospital almoners ' . It might benefit Gwyn to have some support , I have been in a similar situation and know that feeling of desperation...

meadfoot profile image
meadfoot

So sorry you are going through all this plus af. Terrible time for you and your family. If sending love can help you then here are tons of it sent via cyberspace. Thinking of you. Best wishes. Xx

deniseas profile image
deniseas

hugs to you

cassie46 profile image
cassie46

Hi Gwyn - sorry to hear of your problems. Lack of sleep is a killer for me with AF - it is hard to function and keep going when constantly tired. I would really push you GP for some help (can you see a different GP at your practice. And I agree a hospital social worker would be a very good idea, they did help when my mother was in hospital. Hugs and feel well soon and your hubby too.

Cassie

GrannyE profile image
GrannyE

I am so sorry. You certainly need a rant. You are going through a dreadful time and have lots of stress. You do need a virtual hug. Stress brings on AFib. I presume you know about deep breathing, taking time out to have a relaxing bath, (not too hot) lavender essential oil for relaxation, stroking the vagus nerve and generally taking a bit of time out to look after yourself. Everyone says how good meditation is - I have never done it but I listen to calming music like classic FM. Good luck.

fib4 profile image
fib4

i know how you feel. my husband has pour health and has for some time with taking him for tests and procedures and he has chronic back pain which is debilitating it's very stressful what with me losing my job and having to look for another one at my age it's just added stress. all this sends me in to af sessions so i totally understand.

Fastbeat profile image
Fastbeat

So sorry you are having such a tough time,we are all here when you want to talk or rant ,we have all been there in some way do you not have a friend close by to talk to, letting it all out can sometimes may things more bearable. WISHING you peace.

Melleray profile image
Melleray

Hi Gwyn, so sorry you are under such pressure at the moment. When my husband was ill with leukaemia, I too went through such a stressful time, but like you, just kept going to support him as much as I could. It was only much later after he died, and all that that meant as well, that I realised how exhausted I had been. I think you would be better speaking to your cardiologist than the GP. The cardiologist will have a much better insight into what you might try and would probably get you signed off work for a while too. I had time off work to cope with it all. Have you tried Magnesium citrate? This may help, it does for me. Sending you loving thoughts.

dedeottie profile image
dedeottie

Hi Gwyn. What can I say except that we are all here for you whatever time of day or night you need to talk.

Bless you. X

12cupcakes profile image
12cupcakes

i am so sorry that you are having such a difficult time. I agree with everyone above about you need support to help you with this difficult time. You need a hug and everyone is here to support you. So I am sending you a giant hug and positive thoughts. I am here if you need me 😘

Janith profile image
Janith

I cannot imagine your plight. Go on line and research “How to stop afib at home ...”. If you pray, talk to God ... remember he hears all our prayers ... when l first read your post ... the word PRAY immediately crossed my mind. It was almost as if l heard it. Start talking to God ... share with him your fear, your pain, your concerns. Do this every night before falling asleep. He will talk back to you in you mind. Thank him, love him ... l wholeheartedly promise you that he will help you! You will see this!

1Jerbear profile image
1Jerbear in reply toJanith

Amen to that Janith, in the mean time we can ALL pray for our sister Gwyn and for her healing and also her husbands . we know God listens to prayers and we know He can heal us .

Janith profile image
Janith in reply to1Jerbear

The power of prayer is awesome!

MRockwell profile image
MRockwell

Hi Gwyn Hope you are not on amiodarone as this med has many side effects including lung liver and eye damage, thyroid problems.

So very sorry this is all hitting you at once, ,, an ill spouse is so painful as you often feel helpless to make things better for them,,wishing you both some peaceful less stressful days soon,, take care of yourself,rest when you can and take each day one at a time,,,wishing you well !

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