Hello everybody

[Enable]

I was diagnosed with afib 6 months ago and am going for a cardioversion next week. I like to travel extensively so it's really set me back. I'm 57 and otherwise fit and healthy

[rosyG]

hi,

It won't stop you travelling- are you anti-coagulated? just that NOACS are easier with travel if you are- although you can self test if on Warfarin while you are travelling. Ian ( encounter) may see this post- he travels all over the world!1

[Enable in reply to rosyG]

Hi rosy. Thank you for your positive info. Because I am in good health generally I am only taken Rivaroxaban before and after my cardioversion which is next week. I dont know what happens afterwards. This is all new to me.

[rosyG in reply to Enable]

Well travelling won’t be difficult !!

[Kaz747]

Welcome Enable to the club none of us intended to join. I’ve had a trying time with AF and other arrhythmias over the last couple of years. I like be traveling too and haven’t been on a plane for 18 months which is so unlike me. I’m planning a big trip to Europe next year though (I’m in Oz) so I’m hoping I’ll be on top of things and the added premiums on the travel insurance won’t be too bad.

[Enable in reply to Kaz747]

Thanks for the welcome Kaz. Travel insurance is another thing that's worrying me too now.

I went to visit a friend in Dubai a few weeks ago and was really worried about flying for the first time since my diagnosis esp as I was quite bad the day before and I'm not a worrier by nature but actually everything went really well so I feel more confident in terms of flying with afib now. I'm having a cardioversion next week but have read so much negative stuff about it not working or only lasts for a short time.

I'm sure you will be able to get on top of things for your Europe trip. Have fun planning.

[Susangibbons in reply to Kaz747]

My extra premiums are around £250-£300 per year, though I have dilated cardiomyopathy as well. I was happy with that. Enjoy europe! 🛩

[Susangibbons]

Hi there, it hasnt stopped me travelling, though does make me tired.

Good luck with cardioversion. Be prepared that it may or may not work.

I knew very little about AFib and just expected that it would work. It didnt and we had to go back to the drawing board. And it was a rough time. But I got there in the end with Digoxin.

[jeanjeannie50]

Let's hope the cardioversion works for you. I'm a great fan of them and have had quite a few over the years. They're very short and simple procedures where you're given a general anaesthetic, have the shock to your chest and for me I'm instantly back in normal rhythm! I can tell you it's the most wonderful feeling. My AF medics have a special little ward set up to do this. Afterwards they like to check that your ok, can eat and drink and will offer you something like toast and tea. You must then make sure that you have someone to drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours and they say not to sign any legal documents in that time.

Wishing you well.

Jean

[Enable in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks jeanjeanie. I'm glad it works for you and I'm hoping for a similar outcome. I'm fit , healthy and active generally so having this is so depressing. Thanks for your good wishes and I'll make sure I dont change my will for 24 hours Haha.

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Enable]

We all understand totally how AF upsets people's lives in so many ways, it's a truly hateful condition! We must never forget though that there are a lot worse conditions we could have ended up with. Given a choice between AF, cancer, Parkinsons, losing a limb etc., I know which I'd prefer. In some ways I wonder if we should count our blessings that's all we have. I guess you've read up on here how changing your lifestyle and diet can really help?

Jean

[Enable in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Totally agree. And about diet I'm just trying to look that up now. Also supplements. I take a b complex and magnesium and have done for ages

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Enable]

Just make sure that in general you eat mostly plant based food and not stuff packed with artificial preservatives/additives. I've cut out wheat and lactose too, but am not fanatical about that. Have big lapses too where I'll buy a pack of sweets and Magnum choc ices, but I try to contain myself!!😒

I don't like taking supplements because of the fillers used in them and try to get all my vitamins from food. I can recommend Sainsburys mixed nuts (not the salted kind) as a snack and also eat a lot of fruit. All my home meals are cooked from scratch so that I know just what's in them.

Good luck.

[Staffsgirl in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Too true. I count myself fortunate in not having those other problems! Count your blessings. Practise gratitude. 🙏

[AFCyclist]

I have flown with AF without problems. Keep well hydrated on the flight. Avoid alcohol. Have your medication in your hand luggage but have a back up in your main bag. Minimise stress, no last minute panic dashes to the airport. I hope your Cardioversion works. I have had 4.

[President2012]

Hi

I have been on warfarin for 18 years. In that time I have been to various parts of Africa 6 times, Australia 3 times, US numerous times, South America, Far East and all over Europe. Never had a problem. The trick for me is to watch the diet with particular reference to Vitamin K. To be fair I am very stable on warfarin and only have my INR checked every seven weeks. Once the timing was bad and I had to go to a local clinic in Australia who checked my INR. I have tried never to let PAF stop me. I have had an episode a few tunes while away. Sorry for rabbiting on. Just wanted to say try not to let it rule you. Good luck.

[Tapanac]

I have had a cardioversion and it was brilliant.

As I wasn't on anti-coagulants at the time they had to do the scan (can't remember the name) where they look behind the heart to make sure no clots. All OK so went ahead with the cardioversion. There is nothing to it. I think I was sedated for minutes that's all, and after brain tumour surgery of 9half hours, a walk in the park.

It was completely successful and had no symptoms whatsoever afterwards and no Afib or atrial tachycardia. I was also put on flecainide which I found a wonderful drug. I went to Madeira with son and daughter in law, then last year Cyprus for my grandson's wedding.

No problems - until I had an ablation. I didn't think I needed it as was feeling so good, but I was in the system and EP thought it better in case the Afib or mainly the tachycardia came back (???). Not been so great since then.

So after all this long message, my answer is please don't worry about the cardioversion and most probably and hopefully it will work for you.

Good luck and best wishes

[Enable in reply to Tapanac]

Thank you so much for your info on the cv. I was hoping to hear of some positive news on it.

Sorry to hear about the ablation. I will bear all you have said in mind.

[Pikaia]

Hi Enable - once you're stable, it shouldn't affect your travelling. I travel extensively with work, giving stressful presentations all over the world and, as long as I take my medicines and look after myself, I don't notice any difference. AF changes your life, but doesn't end it. Sure, you need to make some adjustments (like telling your travel insurer), but then it just becomes something in the background. Hopefully the cardioversion works and then you can just carry on!

[rosyG]

re travel insurance- it will be higher if you are waiting for any procedures and if you have had visits to A and E -in the last year- but otherwise not too bad. My last one was £135. I go online to the comparison sites

[Enable in reply to rosyG]

Thanks so much RosyG. That's so helpful and I really appreciate it.

[Barb1]

I agree with all above having travelled and lived and worked abroad extensively. However for the first time a few weeks ago had to cancel planned USA trip due to travel insurance being around £1500 for a month due to my having a spine op last November. Also tried to get insurance for Cyprus but that was over £1000. Insurance company taking advantage of Brexit I think. So, we are risking Cyprus hoping that EHIC will still be honoured. My bank will cover me but not for any back problems. I Just wanted to warn that at the moment travel insurance can be more problematic. I am sure that things will settle down...sometime! But it is the insurance not the AF that is the problem.

[Enable in reply to Barb1]

Thanks Barb1. Interesting, insurance to the U.S. is another thing compared to most places as you will know. I'm sure your card will be valid as long as we dont crash out on 29th with no deal. Its supposed to be valid for the transitional period and if there's an extension it should be the same. I used my EHIC card for a different health matter in Cyprus 2 years ago and had no problems. I just had to pay 10 euros because it was a Sunday. I had an xray and even the prescription was covered.