New to Afib and playing tennis again

[AfibofFleet]

I’ve been recently diagnosed with Paroxysmal Afib. I’ve been in and out of A&E, had 2 inversions and ended up on Amiodarone, Bisoprolol and Apixaban after trying other drugs first. I was in hospital last week and feel exhausted. I am wanting to return to doubles tennis (mostly social and league games), which was a big part of my life. Does anyone manage their tennis life with Afib? I attend yoga twice a week and cycle too but have put it all on hold since ending up in hospital again with 180 heart rate when my resting was 45 now down to 40.

Any advice appreciated!

[bennie06]

Snap. I was on the same meds cocktail as yourself, stopped the Amio in March. What i did notice that my recovery time was remarkedly quick and back doing 5 mile walks in no time. From a personal perspective i would go for it but i suggest that you check with your medical professional!! I played racquet sports for many years but unfortunately my enthusiasm waned as i slipped down the league tables with the passing of time!!

Good Luck and i hope that you can emulate my successful outcome.

[AfibofFleet in reply to bennie06]

That’s encouraging! Glad there’s light after Amio and that it all worked out for you. I’ve been told to take it slow.. I’m feeling exhausted all the time but on 3 times a day meds so hope I feel more like myself when I get to once a day.

[bennie06 in reply to AfibofFleet]

Are you in normal rhythm or are you being preloaded with Amio before your conversion? Can take a couple of weeks to adapt to the meds but check with your medical professional if you have any concerns.

Good Luck.

[AfibofFleet in reply to bennie06]

Thanks..I’m in normal rhythm at the moment but it took a Amio by drip backed up with tablets to get me there. Last week I couldn’t have another inversion as hadn’t been on blood thinning long enough so that’s scheduled 1st week of Dec. I wondered if it might take couple of weeks for drugs to settle so probably being impatient and I’ll try to go back to work next week.

No date yet for ablation.

Thanks again

[bennie06 in reply to AfibofFleet]

Bit confused because you say that you are in normal rhythm but you are talking about having an "inversion" (by which i thought you meant a DC Cardioversion). i.e. if you are in normal rhythm you don't need a DCCV?

[AfibofFleet in reply to bennie06]

Sorry yes DC cardioversion. I wasn’t in rhythm when I saw the consultant the night before leaving hospital but it had since returned to normal I think.. I’ve just bought a Fitbit to check what’s going on. So hopefully I won’t need it then, I have pre-assessment next week anyway.

[bennie06 in reply to AfibofFleet]

WOW. That is Sooper Dooper news. Well done.

Hopefully your fatigue will pass with time and you will be back on the doubles court in no time, being in normal rhythm may also help.

Hearty congratulations and Good Luck.

[AfibofFleet in reply to bennie06]

Thanks, I hope so. I sincerely hope you also continue to do well.

[secondtry]

Over exercise may be the issue. I used to get enjoyment from social tennis, cycling, Skiing and running by pushing myself but had to listen to my body after several AF episodes on all those sports. I now do more even exercise without pushing myself, Nordic walking and walking basketball. I would also look at a full range of lifestyle issues as my belief is AF is rarely caused by one issue but a combination of 'bad' factors.

Sorry if this is not the answer you want but I can assure you once you have grasped the nettle of change, life can still be good.

[AfibofFleet in reply to secondtry]

Thanks for the advice, I’ve since cut out alcohol and caffeine but still had a bad AF episode. I think you could be right, that it’s a combination that started it. I hope that just yoga with walking might be ok and give tennis a go in a couple of weeks if the AF hasn’t reared it’s ugly head.

[secondtry in reply to AfibofFleet]

You might also consider talking to a Naturopath; mine put me on a Magnesium compound and CoQ10.