Anxiety

[Juliamahoney240576]

Hi, I think I know the answer to this but am suffering with high anxiety at the moment. I had an ablation on 19/01/18 - 17 days ago. I am experiencing palpitations and ectopic beats pretty much everyday and they can last all day. Is this a normal thing after ablation? Thank you

[rosyG]

I think you can expect this for a few moths- those who've had ablation will post with their experience- try and relax...let us know how it goes.

[Juliamahoney240576 in reply to rosyG]

Thank you rosyG I think this is normal but my anxiety makes my mind overthink. 😩

[pottypete1]

Early days, you need to give it a while.

I am now 6 months on from having my last ablation and things have settled down.

I totally understand your anxiety it is natural but hopefully as time passes it will all just be a bad memory. Time is a great healer.

Pete

[Juliamahoney240576 in reply to pottypete1]

Thanks pottypete1 I hate all the anxiety it brings. Can't wait for it to be a distant memory. 😁

[BobD Volunteer]

This is quite normal. It will take three to six months for things to settle down and the heart to fully heal so don't waste your time worrying please. Learn to relax and breath slowly and deeply. (see deep breathing in search facility).

[Juliamahoney240576 in reply to BobD]

Thank you bobD it makes me feel better to know this is a normal process of healing.

[Hidden]

absolutely Julia, it's just a shame many of us are not told this on discharge. You may also experience some severe headaches (migraines) too, so try not to worry.

[Juliamahoney240576 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you FlapJack. Yes I have had the migraines as well. We all suffer enough having af let alone all this other stuff as well. 😩 causing anxiety. X

[Hidden in reply to Juliamahoney240576]

Deeeeeep breaths!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[doodle68]

Hello Juliamahoney reading your posts above I am not surprised you are anxious , just keep telling yourself 'this time will pass, and it will all be worth it'

[Hidden]

Hi Julia

You mentioned you have had problems with anxiety in the past. Did you medicate for it or practise relaxation techniques?

The reciprocal effect of anxiety on AF may negatively impact your recovery.

Perhaps talk to the arrhythmia nurse and your GP sooner rather than later.

You're not overdoing it physically are you?

[Juliamahoney240576]

Hi oyster. Yes I have a long history of anxiety and I am on Setraline which is an anti depressant. That's what bothers me as I am aware that anxiety can make my af worse. I don't think I'm overdoing it as such. I just need to try and be calm. Thank you

[Hidden in reply to Juliamahoney240576]

If you are on a rhythm control medication this could be problematic with Sertraline. I would not in your position assume that being calm will resolve this situation. As before I suggest checking with your GP and arrhythmia nurse.

[Mike11]

Totally normal. (When the weather allows) go for a nice long but slow walk. Does wonders to help heal the heart and calm down ectopics.

[Juliamahoney240576]

Thanks Mike11 not today it's snowing here but I will do that on a nicer day. Xx

[Jb67don]

Hi there. yes you will experience these palps and ectopics. give your heart at least 6 months to heal. it really can take that long. try to stay calm as you know af itself will not kill you. anxiety can bring on ectopics as well. it will pass. hope you feel better soon.

[Juliamahoney240576]

Thank you. They have been ok for a few days just the odd bout each day but today they have been really bad again had them all day and they have been quite strong. I take it strong and all day palps are a normal thing as well then? I do keep telling myself it won't kill me but it is very hard. Xxx