Well,thoroughly depressed! Was rather freaked out by the discussion on stroke risk peri ablation earlier,as were others waiting for ablation...now just read We are at high risk of Alzeimers and dementia! At least there may be something we can try and do to possibly avoid...
Boiler blew up..literally.
Downstairs toilet blocked...
Dropped 2 pint carton of milk in kitchen
Also my beloved dog has months to live,just been told today.
Fed up with it all tbh! Xxx
Ah sorry to hear about your bad day. Especially your sad news about your dog.
Sounds like things can only get better 🤞
All the best x
Oh no, dear Wilsond, I'm so sorry to hear about your worries and run of bad luck. And I know how heartbreaking it is to get that sort of news about a beloved pet.
Maybe you could have a chat with your GP or cardiologist/EP about the stroke risk ... hopefully they will reassure you. I suffer from awful health anxiety and fear of the fear. I know it's sometimes hard to overcome those worries on your own.
Sending a big hug. Here for you if you want to 'chat'.
Lots of love
Hilary 💐 xx
Got to be uphill tomorrow? Except for the dog 😢 XX
Boiler,toilet and milk stressful definitely but all fixable...But sad news regarding your beloved dog is heart breaking I am so sorry...
Cx
I was waiting to see how long it would be before we would have to pick up the pieces! Can’t help with boilers or toilets and really sorry to hear about your dog......always a big softee about anything covered in fur! Hopefully you can keep warm until the plumber arrives and if you haven’t got another loo, that you have a sympathetic neighbour! Don’t know enough to help with the dimentia dimension but regarding the stroke risk during and after an ablation, we need to get things into perspective. It has always been known that both CV’s and Ablations increase the risk of stroke. The recently referred to American papers are of course interesting, but most of us prefer to take heed of the advice and recommendations of our EP’s who not only know how our individual medical history, they also know what to do to minimise the risk during the procedure. Perhaps more importantly, they know exactly what needs to be done instantly to minimise the effects of a stroke in the extreme unlikely event one occurs. Also, God forbid, but if I ever have a stroke, I want to have it in a Cath Lab in a Heart Hospital.
In my view, it was unfortunate that this issue was raised because whilst it might stimulate some erudite discussion for the benefit of the few, it brought no value to the majority of forum members, just fear.
Now go wrap yourself up with a duvet and a bucket, hope your dog remains comfortable......
Ditto here! Hugs💜
I wonder why if there is a risk of stroke the few days following ablation that the procedure only requires an overnight stay and not a few days in hospital until the 'danger' period passes?
Oh thank you Flapjack!everything got to me yesterday after the vet visit...
You're right on the information .
Boiler chap on way today.
Upwards and onwards eh? X,x
So sorry about your dog. I have a cat living day to day as well with no hope of more than a few of those so big hugs from me. Sod the rest of it. Not important at all.
Sorry to hear about your dramas, especially your dog. I ended up in hospital with Atrial Flutter a week after our 17yo dog died last year. I think it was the last straw after a number of stressful events. Look after yourself.
With regards the dementia risk, being on anticoagulants apparently reduces the risk.
healthline.com/health-news/...
I have anxiety about this as well. 
Isn't the risk of dementia higher if one only has a stroke? I'm sure there's more on this in the article you posted however im too anxious to read. Not having a good day today
Somehow I missed that unfortunate thread until I read you comments. It is apparent from what I read that much of the information was quite old. In the AF game even a year can make a huge difference and we must all know that "facts" have a finite life.
I know that at least three or four years ago EPs started not to stop anticoagulation prior to ablation and mantain it throughout rather than bridging with heparin. In addition there has been a move towards greater use of TOE before procedure to check for any clots. In my day I only ever had TOE before a cardioversion after I had unwisely stopped warfarin. One good reason never to stop anticoagulation again.
I must also mention that a leading UK EP once told me that complication rates in UK were far lower than in some parts of the world (No names no pack drill) perhaps due to the less money oriented medical system we have here.
Tomorrow has GOT to be a better day..... xx
Sorry to read of your 'doom' day, but more than anything so sorry about your dog.
I'm with Flapjack ........... big softee for furry pets. We have a rescue cat, who we've had for 10 years and she is at least 10 years older than that, making her 20 plus, she has mislaid a fair few teeth and is now hyper thyroid too but she is a fighter (in more ways than one) .... try giving her a pill 
.......... so we have to give her liquid medication with food and although the bit of paper in the packet says don't - we do it anyway - and it is controlling her HT ......... but we know that her 'sunset years' are with her.
So sad for you.
May the force be with you.
John
My daughter buys tubes of pate from a pet shop. Her cats swallows pills no problem. Thinks it is a treat. Xx
Thank you John,yes very upset. He is not in pain ,taking tramadol and is in blissful ignorance. I don't fancy telling his master my son,who has had him since he was 17, he's now 29. He will be worse than me.
We do love our pets....xx
Sorry to hear about all your problems. I really know how you feel. Things must change soon for everyone surely. I have just woken up and wonder which bus is going to hit me next. How old is your dog? It brakes your heart when they are ill. I have had 5 furry friends during my life time. Try to make the most of him while he is still here. I know easier said than done. As you know I am recovering from a stroke. It can happen in our condition anytime. But we fight on. Who knows what tomorrow brings. My shower was blocked a couple of days ago. God bless my gardener, he unblocked it. Plumber never even answered my text. Sending you big hugs and lots of love 🤗🤗🤗🤗💕💕💕💕 Rienij.
Thank you Rienij,just had enough yesterday! Monty is 12 tomorrow. I have got to give him injections from the vet as it's difficult to get him into the surgery,which may help him
For myself I am usually cheerful,but when it's my husband children or dog really gets to me!
Better day today......boilerman here soon hopefully
Thank you and hope you have a good day too you deserve it! Xx
Sorry to hear about your bad day.
Regarding risk of stroke I have had PAF for over 25 years and as you know I have also had 7 ablations. I have had to take on board the increased risk of AF but despite suffering depression about it all from time to time I have managed to not dwell on something I it is difficult for me to influence.
Regarding the risk of stroke during the ablation procedure my hospital has always continued my Warfarin and as time has passed for the last 4 ablations I had they performed a TOE scan immediately prior to the procedure after I had been anaesthetised.
I hope you have a better day today.
Pete
Thank you Pete. Just had enough yesterday xx
Hi Pete - we’re all the ablations for AF and in the left atrium?
I have had one for Atrial Flutter. I had had AF for about 15 years by then so it should have been for AF but the EP detected Flutter too and decided that he would address that first. As soon as the procedure started I went into AF (LOL).
This was followed by 5 ablations for AF.
The following the last ablation I developed Atrial Tachycardia within a few weeks. Therefore the last ablation I had was in August 2017 for AT.
Since then my heart, whilst by no means perfect, has been behaving itself much more than before and I only now get the odd short episode of AF which I am so far able to treat with PIP Flecainide.
Never give up I say.
It is not a case of ablations being unsuccessful it is a case of there is only so much they can do each time. Most of the time the first one is the successful one, hence we do not have many on this forum who have had a successful ablation. Those folk have gone away and got on with their lives.
Pete
Thanks Pete. I’ve had 3 and maybe heading for a 4th. First two were for Tachycardia and third was for Flutter and AFib.
So right Pete,
My first ablation lasted 9 years. I only discovered this forum when I developed paroxysmal flutter 15 months ago.
The AF free years were woth the small risk. I'm waiting for an ablation which, I hope, will fix the flutter.
Sad about your dog Wilson d: I bet you've given him a fabulous life. Thinking of you. Just seen that you cracked the home injections. Well done! The first one must have been a real test.
Janx
Oh bloomin' heck. You've had a day of it. Dogs grab our hearts with both paws and I'm so sorry the news came at such a bad time with other rubbish going on. Bob D as usual has spoken wisely. Anxiuety does not change what will or will not happen. I'm not sure how I have the nerve to write that platitude as I am the world's worst. I still feel statistics help professionals with decisions but not us as individuals as there are always some that buck the trend and that may well be you or me.
Oh bless you. Not sure about bad news coming in threes; sometimes it seems to just keep rolling in. Most of it you can do something about with the aid of friends/tradesmen so they will soon dissappear! Four legged friends are a different kettle of fish. Unless you have had a cat or a dog you can't possibly understand the grief associated with them getting ill. Lots of cuddles is all I can suggest. X
Yes being ruined even more than usual....thank you xx
Not much of a doctor im afraid but ive repaired a few boilers in my time. All is not lost
Hope so!coming today xx
Yes I know that feeling very well.
My 86 year old mother in law has recently developed no short term memory. She needs an urgent hospital procedure, so urgent the problem was only suspected in the past 3 weeks and they wanted to do the procedure yesterday.
We live 75 miles away and we took her for a pre-op appointment on Monday.
At the appointment they told her what would happen and on hearing that she was very very rude and to cut a very long story short she refused to have the procedure walked out and it was all cancelled.
We discovered yesterday that despite the hospital being aware of her memory problems they phoned her direct yesterday. We have no idea what was said as she forgot everything except that she has now been told that the procedure has been rescheduled for Monday.
We have to now find out what they said and why she changed her mind.
It is so stressful as we are in the midst of trying to put a Lasting Power of Attorney in place but events have overtaken us.
Pete
I am so sorry. I have been there with my mother and it is incredibly stressful. You just have to take it one day at a time. Good luck.
When a beloved pet comes to the end of its life it is incredibly sad but that too has to be got through somehow. As for the other problems you are well on the way to sorting them out and they are merely short term and easily dealt with although horrid at the time.
The long term threat of dementia etc is something that hangs over us but I think the only way to look at it is to be grateful that we are OK now. The threat is for the future and we have to make the most of what we have now and as I said before take one day at a time and enjoy one day at a time. TRy taking time out to count your blessings and I think however black things seem to be your blessings are multiple. Listen to some nice uplifting music. Put on something funny and watch it. Read an amusing book.
Reaching out to people as you have done is very cathartic and you know you are not alone.
Its very difficult looking after elderly parents,as well as having our own health worries. My every sympathy to you all xx
Yes you can say that again.
I think all of us on this forum only tell a small percentage of what is troubling us. This is quite correct as after all it is a forum relating to AF.
However, as many of us relate to each other sometimes we rant and rave on here about other things that are happening.
It is so good when everyone rallies round to give support.
Hope you are feeling a bit better today.
Pete
Thats right Pete. I really appreciate this forum on several levels.It was lovely to read the messages I got.
Yes,much better.Toilet working,boiler almost fixed,waiting for a part..
Pooch being spoilt and i gave him his injection no probem,which I was dreading doing!
Thank you again ,and take care yourself too xx
Oh bless you, that's a complete stress overload and I don't blame you one bit for being fed up!
As for your darling dog, well honestly, I could cry with you as that's a heartbreaking thing to be told. You know, it is right and totally natural, to feel upset about things like that. Try not to let your dog sense how sad you are and give your 4 legged family member a happy atmosphere for the rest if it's life.
Big hug to you my friend.
Jean x
Thank you Jean! Better day today.... Pooch is lapping up the extra cuddles and bits of chicken......he's in blissful ignorance... Thank you for your kind words and thoughts xxx
Well firstly I'm sorry if I contributed to stress with my question, there were things I saw early on in posts that I didn't understand or was concerned about too. However they didn't make my boiler blow up though.
Hope you didn't cry over the spilt milk and whoever blocked the toilet is feeling OK..... but the most gutting news is your news about the dog - having been there myself it's a horrible feeling.
Things can only get better and we can be your support (or terrorise you) when needed !
Jedi,please don't think I was having a dig....we all need to know these things....just everything got to me yesterday . New day today....we are all blaming each other for the lol incident!!haha! Pooch is snoring away....his master,my son ,is back home temporarily ,unfortunately in some ways as he is really upset.
Heyhum..New day.
Hope you are resting as much as possible with little ones. Take care ,and thank you xx
I’m so sorry to read about your beloved dog - the pain and shock of that news surely was the last straw to focus other problems. It’s good that he has no pain and has a loving family to care for him. We had five weeks with our last collie, knowing what was ahead - it is difficult and heartbreaking and the only advice I can give is to focus on each day, rather than looking and thinking ahead.
Big hugs and much empathy xxx
Yesterday there was a big scare story on the BBC about gum disease giving you Alzheimer's as well!
If you worry about every headline/study you will be made ill anyway, so there is no point. A lot of the studies get contradicted by the next study anyway!
All you can do is deal with what you have and if you have decided on an ablation and that was the good plan made with your medics, then follow on through with that plan and and get it done.
Best wishes and good luck with this.
What an awful day - and no wonder you were fed up. But thankfully, your household problems are getting sorted out. I too, worry about the dementia and Alzheimer's risk. I was talking to one of my closest friends about it and she said 'It might happen, but it might not. Why worry ahead of time? It is like paying interest now on a loan you might never take out'. That made such a lot of sense. I take all steps to look after my health and I make it my business to know about latest treatments and medication and appreciate all the help and advice on the forum. But I completely avoid articles and posts about dementia and the like because there is absolutely nothing I can do to avoid getting it. And my dear Mum died three months ago at 97, heart completely out of rhythm, but as sharp as a tack until almost the end. Her death certificate said 'Extreme old age' (in addition to another condition unrelated to the heart).
So very sorry about your little friend. Nothing I can say will ease that pain, I know.
Sending hugs and strength x
Oh thank.you for your lovely response. Sorry for your recent loss of your mum.it gave me great comfort to read of your mum at97 heart out of sync. But still going! Inspiring.
I appreciate your support. Furry friend is comfy and not in pain. Being spoiled,which he thinks is very good.. Xxx
On the day of my ablation they read a long list of risks and percentage chances. Then I had to sign the consent form. Making the decision to have an ablation is a big step compared to living on drugs or just living with AF if CV does not work. To those who have not yet made the decision I would say only consider ablation if you are sure it will improve your QOL and then be positive about the result and do not stress about the risks.
The AF journey is a tough one so stay strong and positive and get support on this forum from fellow sufferers who understand what you are going through.
Sorry to hear about your dog. Hope things get better for you soon.
Very down 
I turned down an opportunity.
12 months post ablation - Good News and a bit of a dilemma
Does a heart still remodel if medications stop AF completely?
Post-op and a bit scared...
