AF

[Chrisdave]

Hi folks, thank you for the add.

I'm 69 and have recently been diagnosed with AF following a trip to A & E at which I was put on Bisoprolol & Rivaroxaban. I am delving into the implications of taking and affect of these drugs on me.

[jeanjeannie50]

At the top right hand side of this forum you will see a 'Search' box. If you type the names of your drugs into this it will throw up loads of posts where this has been discussed.

Also Dr Sanjay Gupta a cardiologist at York Hospital in the UK has posted some really helpful videos on YouTube . So Google him to find these. Be aware he is not the Dr Gupta in the USA.

Jean

[Staffsgirl]

Oddly, I am in a similar situation: same age as you, and, after emergency admission to hospital, and surgery for something non-related, was found to have AF. Have had no symptoms (other than general need for much sleep). Am now on the same meds as you. I shall read your replies with interest.

[BobD Volunteer]

I think it is more important to understand WHY you have been advised to take these drugs. Knowledge is power so go to AF Association website and read all you can about this mongrel condition and and the various possibilities for treatment. Understand that for many people, depending on age, gender and other co morbidites, anticoagulation is essential as AF makes us five times more at risk of stroke and AF related strokes account for 80% of the least recoverable ones.

Ask us any specific questions and we will try to help.

[CDreamer]

Hi to both Chrisdave and Staffsgirl. Ditto to what Bob & Jean said. Inform yourselves - don’t just take doctors say so without good information.

This is a supportive and informative group and although it can feel very scary, if you have any questions 99% the time someone has been there before you and will help.

AF takes some getting used to and although it can feel very scary it really isn’t immediately life threatening so we have had to get used to treating it as a chronic condition. Lifestyle changes can benefit many, managing stress and anxiety is number one as AF and anxiety tend to hold hands with each other and one will set off the other and vice versa.

Read the threads and do a search as Jean suggests on anything you want to know about - Abbreviations & Accronyms have a pinned post - which is visible from web version but not always the app version of HU. Anything else - ask.

Best wishes

[Hidden]

Hi, welcome to the club that non of us want to be a member of.

Depending on your dose and your tolerance bisoprolol can make you feel very tired and (although most Dr's won't admit) can make you put on weight.

I had problems taking Rivaoxaban (and most of the other NOAC/DOAC drugs) but most people have no issues with taking it and you can just live your life without too many dietary restrictions

[Kaye58]

I have been on bisoprolol for quite some time and have no issues with it. I can’t have the rivaroxaban due to kidney issue but friends wh9 do say it is far less intrusive than warfarin and have no issues with it. I know it’s a big issue to start Meds especially if you haven’t had to take them regularly previously but for the sake of keeping well and not missing things due to AF or the risks or strokes etc it seems a small price to pay I wish you well and hope you find the answers you need

[Chrisdave in reply to Kaye58]

Thanks

[cassie46]

Before I was diagnosed with AF and Heart Failure I was taking no medication, well only for painkillers for joint pain. Thought I was doing quite well for 67. Breast Cancer was also found at the same time so for six months it was chaos sorting out heart problems to get to the stage to breast cancer surgery and on lots of tablets.

Now 4 years later I take 5 tables per day for heart problems and one tablet for the breast cancer, plus some pain medication. Bit of a bind but just get on with it.

Cassie