CONTINUING TO IMPROVE AFTER ABLATION

[Shcldavies]

Those that have read my post know that I don't do soft issues and try to keep to the condition itself, I have however read many of your soft posts and must admit felt better for reading them as your such a nice bunch on here. So decided to add a soft post.

I retired 3 years ago mainly as my condition was getting me down and became embarrassing. Following a long recovery after my ablation in February I feel really well (still some very occasional minor ectopics and runs of tachycardia for up to 5 seconds), but well enough to want to go back to work (cannot believe I actually want to go back to work at 65). I have now got a part time job (3 days a week) starting Monday. This has made me feel really good and looking forward to the future. Still have some apprehension on having an "attack" at work but get consolidated by knowing that I have not had an attack since the ablation. I am very lucky to be in such a good place but I think I will always have that cloud of having another "attack" hanging over me for some time.

[CDreamer]

Excellent post, well done.

I do think we need a purpose in life and for many, work can give that purpose in life and stop you thinking about yourself all the time. I think as long as the purpose and the benefit exceed the stress you will great!

I do think this type of ‘soft’ post is encouraging to those who are not well at all and cannot see that changing so seeing that things can improve, that it sometimes takes time and patience gives hope and as someone said recently - never give up on hope.

My husband is 85 and sings in a local choir which raises money for local charities, is a Guide at our local RNLI station and a NCI watchkeeper. Last year he was in persistent AF with aortic stenosis. We have recently taken up lawn bowls, just planned a holiday in Madeira and looking forward to several trips to London. I feel a wimp in comparison!

We need to get out and live and live well!

[Shcldavies in reply to CDreamer]

Yes well said thank you

[Hidden]

Welcome to the world of work! I tried retirement, we didn't get on, so I went back to my job, bus driving. Despite my AF, well controlled at that by and large, I continue to pass my DVLA medical, keep my bus licence and continue working.... doing a 6 day fortnight. I'm now 75.

John

[Shcldavies in reply to Hidden]

Thank you and well done you. You must be feeling good to continue working, perhaps its a good indicator of how healthy we are!

[Hidden]

Encouraging news, long may it last!.....

[Shcldavies in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, we all go through an awful lot, so it is good to come put the other end (at least for now).

[Kellyjelly]

Hello, I am so happy to read this post! I’m so pleased that you are feeling better and have decided to take on a part time job. You had your ablation before me and were a great help with your weekly updates, our recovery was very similar and looks like it continues to be. I wish you all the very best with your new job, take really good care. 😊

[Shcldavies in reply to Kellyjelly]

Hello, thank you, really glad to hear you are also recovering well, the only down side now is that I alway have a concern that it will return - long may I have such a worry. I am convinced that eating healthy and taking magnesium has helped a great deal in my recovery so look after yourself and continue to recover.

[Kellyjelly in reply to Shcldavies]

I have that too, although it has changed from feeling anxious every time my heart misbehaved to starting to tentatively believe it won’t progress to all out chaos. Like you I have short bursts of tachycardia, they are quite frequent and odd bumps and thumps. The difference is now I’m much more confident and I have become used to the way my new ablated heart seems to respond to things. I have lost quite a lot of weight and I’m certain that has helped, I’m much more careful with my diet and I don’t drink at all. I haven’t exercised properly yet but I am going to return to swimming next week, I had to stop my daily swimming quite a few years ago because it became a trigger. I am quite anxious about going back but I really want to try.

Let’s hope that we both continue to feel strong and well and our heart problems are a thing if the past 🙏

[Shcldavies in reply to Kellyjelly]

Yes lets hope its all behind us. Don't forget to take it easy when you first start swimming again, build up very gradually and don't be surprised if you think your not as fit as you thought. You have ben through a lot over long time and it will take time to get back to "normal". Good luck.

[Gowers in reply to Kellyjelly]

How is your recovery going - hope you are you feeling better now?

[Kaz747]

Well done! I had times during my year off when I wondered if I’d ever get back to work. I’m loving my 3 day working week. I originally spoke about starting with 3 and maybe going to 4 but I think I’ll stick with 3. It is nice to be part of a team and contributing to society again. Enjoy your new job!

[Shcldavies in reply to Kaz747]

Thank you, you will know how good it feels to be nearly normal again - better than winning the lottery! I followed your posts when you returned to work and was inspired by your attitude.

[Kaz747 in reply to Shcldavies]

Thank you. Normal sinus rhythm is wonderful ❤️

[wilsond]

Best of luck! I too left full-time work ( well,truthfully was ' encouraged' by my employers!) However ,AF and Fl much better and am working one day per week at Senior living complex running activities. Really enjoying it. Maybe it helps knowing there are nursing staff to hand!!

I wish you good luck xx

[Shcldavies]

Thank you, it is really good to come from all those depressing posts we made to the positive ones we make today