AF question

[Ramblingross]

Can someone explain what it means when they use the term that you're either in AF or not?....

[jeanjeannie50]

Some people are in AF all the time, while others just get attacks of it and then may go weeks or months before having any more (that's called paroxysmal atrial fibrillation or PAF for short).

Usually the people who have the attacks that occur from time to time suffer more as when you get AF all the time the body gets a chance to adjust to what is happening and you can feel quite normal.

So when someone says you're either in AF, or your not that probably relates to those who just get sporadic attacks. They suddenly notice that their heart is beating fast and often feel quite ill as well.

Hope this is clear for you? Let me know if it's not.

Jean

[Ramblingross in reply to jeanjeannie50]

I was diagnosed in October it all happened out of the blue..no palpitations...I'm on Rivaroxaban...couple of nights have woken to heavy heart beats it seems in my ribs...soon goes and l feel fine..it's just a bit frightening at the time....

[rosyG]

I would understand that to mean your heart rhythm is either normal ( sinus rhythm ) or you are in AF with an irregular heart beat- distinctive ECG without p waves etc

[Ramblingross in reply to rosyG]

I had my first 6 month check up with stroke nurse that said l wasn't in AF....think I'm gonna be one of those that goes in and out of AF altho as yet I've no idea when and if I'll be in AF...

[Hidden]

I was in AF all the time and I can tell you I did not have a pleasant time of it. I would say that I spose I did get used to it and adapt but I was always aware of it. Not nice.

So yes, no attacks for me, it was all the time.

I had a CV in January and been in NSR ever since. I’m still on the drugs though. See my cardiologist in July.

[Ramblingross in reply to Hidden]

Hiya...so are you now out of AF all the time now?...

[Hidden in reply to Ramblingross]

Yes.... in rhythm.... but who knows how long it will last! I’m hoping I’m the one who it works for good on!!! 😂

[Ramblingross in reply to Hidden]

What are the abbreviations CV and NSR?.....

[Hidden in reply to Ramblingross]

NSR- normal sinus rhythm (that’s what they call it when your heart is beating correctly)

CV- Cardioversion- I had one on Jan 17th.

[Ramblingross in reply to Hidden]

I hope it works for you..fingers crossed you.ll be fine...

[Ramblingross in reply to Hidden]

Hiya Blackcrow1..I've not been on for a while for different reasons..how are you getting on lately?...

[Hidden in reply to Ramblingross]

I’m doing good thanks.... still in NSR ❤️❤️ How are you?

[Ramblingross in reply to Hidden]

Hiya Blackcrow1...l sent you a reply last night but l cannot see it...if you haven't seen it then I'm not returning my messages correctly.....can't think what's happened as it's simple enough....I'll reply again if you haven't read it....sorry....

[Hidden in reply to Ramblingross]

No I didn’t see it?

[Ramblingross in reply to Hidden]

I've found the message l sent last night and it was sent to Paulbounce and not you so l do apologize for that..but at least I've found it..lol...

I had a 24 HR heart monitor on couple of weeks ago but not heard anything as yet regarding the results...some of my meds have been changed or moved around but I'm feeling ok and my BP has come down...how are you doing Blackcrow1?....

[Hidden in reply to Ramblingross]

I’m good thanks. A lot better than I was!!

[Ramblingross in reply to Hidden]

I'm pleased you say you are better than you was...have you had a set back?....l do hope you are feeling well....

[Hidden in reply to Ramblingross]

A lot better than when I was in AF all the time. I’ve had a stomach operation since and had to stop Apixaban.... that was scary but I’m back on it now. All good. ❤️❤️

[Ramblingross in reply to Hidden]

I'm pleased your feeling better...does your heart beat quicker all the time when your in AF?...mine isn't beating quicker it just feels it beats harder..my specialist said that's my AF....l feel it on an evening at times but not all the time....I'm now on Bisoprolol instead of Atolonol and l take it at night...my BP seems lower this last few weeks....hope you carry on improving after your op....goodnight....

[Ramblingross in reply to Hidden]

Hi BlackCrow1...I've not been on for a while are you still doing good?...

[Hidden in reply to Ramblingross]

Yes, great thanks. How are you?

[Ramblingross in reply to Hidden]

Hiya BlackCrow1...I'm doing fine really..no probs....those heavy heart beats l was feeling in my left ribs seem to have left me...haven't felt them for a while..but l do feel like l have those little flutters that I've read about on here.. especially when l wake....I'm seeing my stroke nurse in a few wks as it's coming up to a year (Sept) that l was diagnosed with AF....how are you doing?...hope all's well....

[Thomas45]

I had Paroxysmal AF, that is episodes of AF from time to time. These episodes would last for up to 19 hours each time, but some people have much longer episodes. Before I was on medication the episodes could occur as much as three times a week or as little as once every month. Once on the right medication for me, Flecainide, the episodes were once or twice a year. After twenty odd years I was found to be in permanent AF, so as my heart is no longer beating fast I do not need medication to slow my heart down.

Unfortunately while under general anaesthetic in hospital for an operation to remove my appendix my heart rate was much faster. A well-meaning hospital doctor prescribed a beta blocker to slow my heart down. I had very rare side effects from the beta blocker, including a very bad asthma attack which put me back in hospital, only for 2 days, and worse than that it caused chronic urticarua which I still have 13 months after the beta blocker was stopped.

[Ramblingross in reply to Thomas45]

Hi Thomas45...just read and re read your message..it's all very confusing so l hope l can learn...my impression of being in permanent AF seems to say that heart rates are permanently fast?..l read on someone's post that taking Atolonol on an evening slowed down her heart rate...l mentioned this to my Dr yday if l should take it at night instead of my usual am ...he not only agreed but has changed me onto Bisoprolol to be taken at night...trust you are keeping well?....

[Thomas45 in reply to Ramblingross]

No, my heart rate is within normal range, around 93 beats per minute, sometimes slower. Yesterday I had a colonoscopy and the monitor showed my heart rate between 85 and 99 bpm, which is normal. I am not on any medication for the AF, but I take Warfarin to anti-coagulate my blood. The colonoscopy was a follow up to having a benign polyp removed from my sigmoid colon 3 years ago. I was told not to stop the Warfarin as it was a diagnostic colonoscopy. Unfortunately they found 4 new polyps so I will have to have another colonoscopy to remove them. I will have to be off Warfarin for that procedure. The worse bit of a colonoscopy is the strong laxative, and the bland diet from 3 days before.

[Ramblingross in reply to Thomas45]

I have had 4 colonoscopys...had polyps removed on 2 of them both ok....not a nice procedure but very worthwhile...as for the solution that's given us yuk....it tastes like water from a fish tank but l believe I've found the answer....l dilute it with Robinson's Lemon and Barley ...it makes all the difference and makes it drinkable...any undiluted squash would do...ps...my polyps were always removed at the time....but then again l wasn't on Rivaroxaban.....

[Paulbounce]

A-fib either hit`s you or it doesn`t. That`s not a very helpful answer I know. I`ll try and explain a little more

It really affects some people but others don`t even know they have it. For some people an attack can last for a short time - for others it`s there all the time. For me - give me permanent a-fib anytime. When it comes and goes seems to be when it really kicks in. If your in permanent you are likely not to even know you have it. In the UK there are most likely 100`s of thousands of people walking about who don`t even know they have it.

I would say I had it for two years before it was picked up. How do I know this ? I had a blood pressure free check in a pharmacist around 3 years ago. The guy said you have an irregular heart beat. I didn`t pay much attention. Two years later it was picked up.

I`m in persistent a-fib now. Have I any problems with it ? None at all. If anything worrying about it but that`s it. Sometimes a bit breathless but not to bad at all. Please don`t think though that it can`t really hit you. For many people it does.

Now I`m booked in for another CV May 11th. Then I`ll be back in sinus (fingers crossed). For me the deal is - get me back in sinus or leave me alone. I`ll never be PAF - that`s the way my heart is. One way or the other seems to be the better bet IMO.

I think we are all different. What might be right for some, won`t work for others. It`s best to speak to your doctor and decide what`s right for YOU.

Good luck with it all Ramblingross. I`m sure you`ll be fine. My advice is to keep up with new procedures and ask questions when you see your cardiologist.

I have a memory a sieve ! It`s always a good idea to write things down before you visit. I do - that way I don`t forget all the important questions heheh. It`s quite funny TBH. A good part of my last visit with my cardiologist was taken up talking about Saint Petersburg in Russia. His daughter went recently and I was there before Christmas. It just moved on from there - we even got on to Trump !

All my heart questions were forgotten

Best,

Paul

[Ramblingross in reply to Paulbounce]

I've just sent a reply but to another person Paul...ooopps...hope you can see it...

[Paulbounce in reply to Ramblingross]

Hi Ramb.

Sorry can`t see it ? Can you copy and paste the link ?

Thanks

Best,

Paul

[Ramblingross in reply to Paulbounce]

Sorry Paulbounce l can't even see it?...l will try to post it to you tomorrow......

[Ramblingross in reply to Paulbounce]

Evening Paul...can't see the message that l sent yday but quite a bit has happened since then...l had a word with pharmacist about my heavy heartbeat l had last WK..she suggested l go drs...l got in on an emergency..he was a duty Dr and suggested an ECG next Thursday and a referral for a 7 day monitor..swapped my morning Atolonol for evening Bisoprolol...at last someone is listening...

[Paulbounce]

Hi Ramb.

It`s great to hear things are moving forward and some process is being made. The ECG and 7 day monitor should help them decide a treatment plan for you. The Bisoprolol certainly seems to help with rate control.

Looking forward to hearing how it all goes. Good luck

Best,

Paul

[Ramblingross in reply to Paulbounce]

Thank you Paulbounce...I'll keep you informed..it just goes to show keep at em....

[Ramblingross in reply to Ramblingross]

HiPaulbounce...so sorry for delay.how are you?...l had a 24 HR monitor on but up to yet not heard anything from about 2 wks ago..also went to Duchy hospital for 24 HR one and specialist didn't think l needed one..in fact he wondered what l was doing there...I'm very well in myself as my BP was 126/68 and collestrial down to 4-8....taking the Bisoprolol has settled down and I'm now on 5 mg....bit iffy at first with thick fuzzy head...lost a bit of weight but need to lose more....

Are you still feeling pretty good..

[Ramblingross in reply to Paulbounce]

Hi Paul...I'm back..l lost connection on here but l have sent you a message ten minutes ago ...I've just re read our last message and it reminded me l was having the heart monitor on...had the 24 HR one and still awaiting results...my cardiologist decided l didn't warrant the 7 day one..hope that's a good omen....my results should be back soon as it must be about a month now..hope you are well?...

[Paulbounce]

Hi Ramb.

It sounds like things are going well for you - great news. I hope the results are OK. I`m sure everything will be good.

I`m fine thanks. Had my CV two weeks and am in sinus. Fingers crossed it lasts !

Have a great weekend.

Best,

Paul

[Ramblingross in reply to Paulbounce]

I do hope you carry on feeling well...I'm thinking that by being in sinus means your heart rate is stable..forgive my ignorance but l am still learning....

[Paulbounce in reply to Ramblingross]

Thanks Ramb. Heart rate is very stable (at the moment!) and I feel great ty. Fingers crossed it lasts a bit this time

I`m learning something new about afib everyday too so don`t worry. I think my cardiologist is too - at least I hope he`s keeping up to date heheh.

Good luck with your results.

Best,

Paul

[Ramblingross in reply to Paulbounce]

Thank you Paul...my concern was feeling my heart beating heavily in my ribs altho at the right rhythm...my cardiologist said that's part of my AF...apart from that which l usually feel periodically in the evenings l have no other symptoms....pleased you're stable..long may it continue...

[Paulbounce in reply to Ramblingross]

Sure Ramb - I think we are all `over` aware at times about our heart beat. It`s normal if you have had afib.

Even though I`m in sinus I`m still nervous about sleeping on my left side. If I do I think it`s beating heavily too when it`s not. It`s a normal response for most afibbers I think. Beating the mental side of it is just as important as cracking the physical side.

We`ll get there

Best,

Paul

[Ramblingross in reply to Paulbounce]

Hi Paul ..you are so right..don't think we usually feel our hearts beating until something like AF occurs..we become overly aware....l sleep on my front...l change from left to right sides...not sure it does any harm except one's heart beat is more prevalent....couldn't sleep on my back if l tried....keep doing good Paul..all the best....

[Paulbounce]

Thanks Ramb - you take care too. Please let me know how you get on when you get your test results back. I really hope it`s a good result for you

Enjoy the bank holiday weekend.

As always

Best,

Paul

[Ramblingross in reply to Paulbounce]

Thanks Paul...l certainly will let you know...have a good bank holiday also...😎..

[Ramblingross in reply to Paulbounce]

Hi Paulbounce...saw my Dr today with my 24 HR heart monitor results....wish I'd have asked for a print out but didn't think at the time...but he said everything looked fine and nothing to be concerned about....trust you are well and no further problems?....

[Paulbounce]

Hi Ramb.

Great news. I bet you are very relieved ! I`m pleased they turned out OK for you.

Everything is good with me thanks - the CV is still working 3 weeks on

Best,

Paul

[Ramblingross in reply to Paulbounce]

Hi Paul...so pleased for you that you are well.....l called in surgery today and asked for a print out of my heart monitor reading....all 11 pages....I'm not medical but reading when l had my heavy heart beats showed no change in heart rhythm....being as I'm feeling well I'm not going to worry about what could be.....take care Paul...continue feeling well.....

[Paulbounce]

Brilliant Ramb. So pleased your rhythm is stable. I`m still in sinus so it sounds like we are both doing well.

Long may it last

Have a great weekend.

Best,

Paul

[Ramblingross in reply to Paulbounce]

Hi Paul pleased for you..long may it continue....carry on doing what you're doing....while ever I'm feeling well l will do the same...best wishes Paul...

[Ramblingross in reply to Paulbounce]

Hi Paul...I've not been on for a while...I'm fine...just wandering how you are and how you are doing?.....

[Paulbounce]

Hi Ramb. I`m good thanks - all is going well. Met with the cardio a few weeks ago and all OK. The CV and Flec seem to be doing the job at the moment. Back in Bulgaria for a month or so

How are you ? Still OK ?

Best,

Paul

[Ramblingross in reply to Paulbounce]

Good morning Paul...pleased to hear you.re doing well..that's very good news...l suspect you're on holiday?...enjoy!....

I've nothing to report really...although l think l have put a name to what l occasionally feel and that's "flutters"...didn't know at lst what it was and now l do...apart from that I'm fine...Consultant didn't seem concerned after my 24 HR monitor so didn't continue with the 7 day one....don't know if that's good or bad although I'm bordering on good..what's your take Paul?...enjoy Bulgaria...

[Paulbounce in reply to Ramblingross]

Hi Ramb.

My take ? I would say it sounds good I`m sure your consultant would 'dig deeper' if he thought there was cause for concern. The important thing is to keep your eye on things and make sure you have fairly regular check ups. Have you got a monitor too - the Karda for example. Might be worth thinking about.

Bulgaria is fine. It`s meant to be work but I`m still in holiday mode at the moment !!

Enjoy your day Ramb.

Best,

Paul

[Ramblingross in reply to Paulbounce]

Hiya Paul...pleased you're doing well...sounds like you are doing ok in Bulgaria...how does this Karda work?...not sure what it does and would it be of any benefit to me?.....my only down side of having AF at the moment are the flutters l feel mostly first thing in the morning just waking up.....other than that I'm feeling fine....

I'm still interested to know how it works and the possible benefits...

Thankyou Paul....take care...

[Paulbounce in reply to Ramblingross]

Hi Ramb.

The Kardia gives you an ECG reading on your phone or tablet. You can record the the results and show them to your doctor. They are worth having if you have activity that not's picked up during your ECG at the doctors.

If you Google 'Kardia heart monitor' you will be able to read about it. It`s certainly worth thinking about although they are not that cheap. Depending on your budget I would certainly think about it though - you can check anytime your heart beat and if you are in afib.

You take care too Ramb. Lovely to hear from you and to know things are going OK

Best,

Paul

[Ramblingross in reply to Paulbounce]

Hi Paul....I've seen what some who have them have to say....I'm wondering if one spends a lot of time analysing the results that may need chasing up with the Dr......touch wood I'm not concerned at the mo mainly because my consultant wasn't..my Dr also.....so until such times that im worried about anything think I'll just carry on doing what I'm doing.....

I could imagine that they may be a great asset for showing problems that are difficult to monitor without one....has yours been an asset to you if you don't mind me asking?....if you're feeling good Paul just carry on doing what your doing and good luck to you l wish you well.....take care....

[Paulbounce in reply to Ramblingross]

Hi Ramb.

I use the Beurer. Its the same sort of thing but you don`t have to do the full ECG on your phone, as it has a display that tells you if you are in afib.

Have a great weekend

Best,

Paul

[Ramblingross in reply to Paulbounce]

Thankyou Paul...think l may take a look and see if one could be of benefit...I'm not as savvy as you are with technology....take care and have a good week end also....