Dealing with my first AF episode since diagnosis 6 months ago

[kkatz]

I have posted a lot in the last few days about various problems this week and can only say thanks for all the help.

So the thing is how do I deal with being in AF at the moment. For those who have not read or connected the posts here is a quick summary.

I have had a virus which has gone to my chest. It is a sit and wait that out as I have problems with antibiotics.

After a panic about BP readings it would appear BP ok. Pulse not very high but irregular. My BP machine shows irregular HB & doc confirmed this,

2nd day AFIB.Main symptoms are dizziness & wobbly legs. I feel fine sat still doing nothing .

The only medication I take for the afib is Adizem & Edoxaban & would love it to stay that way. Having been knocked out by the virus I have done very little for a week but I need to get on with my life. Got an important Bowling match tomorrow night that I must take part in . Do I rest till then or do I just say bu**er it & carry on as normal.

As regards going forward when do I need to seek further treatment for the AF.

I know this is all individual but advice helps so much.

Thanks in advance.

Kathy

[BobD Volunteer]

I changed an engine and gearbox out of a rally car in the middle of Wales whilst in AF once but I play skittles not bowls so can't offer any advice other than do what you want to do. We are all different with different levels of acceptance and determination. Just be guided by how you feel. The excitement of the game may be good for you.

I suspect that the virus is making you more ill than the AF. A wise old doctor once told me how to tell the difference between a cold and flu. He sad if you look out of the window and see a £20 note in the street. with a cold you go and catch it with flu you cant be bothered.

[kkatz in reply to BobD]

I guess it is a cold then

[Polski]

Take it gently, so as to preserve your strength (never underestimate a virus: just when you think they've gone and start doing things, they jump back and hit you, and knock you out for a few more days!), but remember that your anxiety as to whether you will manage the bowling will make you feel worse. So trust that when the moment comes the anxiety will disappear and the adrenalin will kick in and you will be totally occupied in the event and be fine - until it is all over. Then plan to go home, retire to bed, and nurse that virus for a few more days! Loads of vitamin C should help!

(PS Wait until you have forgotten about having a virus, and then assess if you need more help with the AF. That way you'll know you're treating AF, not a passing illness which will be ancient history in a few weeks.)

[EngMac]

When Polski says loads of vitamin C, this mean 10 grams the first hour, 10 grams the second hour, and 10 grams the third hour. If you get diarrhea, then you have taken too much and need to reduce the intake a bit. Then you may be able to reduce the amount a bit until the virus is beaten. Don't take chewable vitamin C since it contains artificial sugar. If you can find powdered sodium ascorbate, this will be better than taking a lot of pills. You need to keep the level of vitamin C high to kill the virus. If you have kidney issues, you may not be able to take this much. Look up Dr Sarah Myhill in Wales or Dr. Suzanne Humphries in the US to research vitamin C.

[Janith]

I have had two afib attacks in one year ... the only event that l had in mind at the time was a trip to the emergency room. I would forego bowling until you are 100 percent recovered! But that’s just me!

[kkatz]

Update folks,

Thought I should try doing something in the morning to test the waters. Go to town & visit 2 shops & come home. Only some aromatherapy oils I need.Turned into 3 shops & how I got home I dont know. By third shop I nearly passed out & took three stops hanging on to lampposts to get 5 minutes to my bus stop. Lots of deep breathing & resting & I made it home. Of course my captain was not impressed at me dropping out but the team still won by 2 points. The silly thing is about from the cough I am fine if I sit still. Still in AF though.

Patience Kathy!

Thanks for all the help folks.

Kathy

[kkatz]

Update folks. The af dissapeared when the virus cleared up. 7.5 days in total.Thanks for all the help.