AF at Christmas

It occurs to me that Christmas is potentially a rather risky time for those with AF. It is more likely that people will overeat and overdrink, and it’s probably not as easy to access an ambulance or A and E if that is necessary. Not to mention the stress that is often associated with Christmas. Can anyone think of any ways of making the period less difficult , apart for obvious ones like not drinking too much?

[jeanjeannie50]

I always eat and drink a little too much at Christmas and yes I do usually end up going into AF by the evening. I just don't let it bother me. It's not a day for doing anything too strenuous, so I do some deep breathing, sit with my family, play games and watch some t.v. while doing my best to ignore it. The longer you have AF (I've had it 14 years) the less you feel you need to go to A&E.

Jean

[BobD Volunteer]

Careful planning and preparation is the key. Sprouts are on already, stuffings are all prepared, timings worked out to the second (although that works out at +/- half an hour in practice) and a will to enjoy rather than stress.

If you think you will be ill then you will be ill.

Drink plenty of water, decline politely any alcohol offered and chose a nice small plate so you can't load it up too much. Enjoy your food and company and don't involve those hard working people at A and E through inability to be sensible.

[wilsond in reply to BobD]

Left it bit late for the sprouts Bob!! Lol!

[djbgatekeeper]

Self control is the best advise ... I know it sounds boring but although I love Christmas day I don't eat or drink anything more than any other day. I get my enjoyment from seeing family and friends and still feeling well at the end of the day.

Minimal stress and alcohol free drinks 🤗

[Jalia]

If I'm hosting Christmas day it's not over eating/ drinking which does it for me its the stress, although it's what I call good stress as I enjoy it! ( work that out...)

Having said that I've been in Atrial flutter since early Tuesday morning 🙄😐.....and yes I am the host this year

[GrannyE in reply to Jalia]

I too am hostess. I enjoy Christmas and prepare as much as I can beforehand. Having said that i appear to have gone into A/F again fairly permanently now so just get on with it. No point in bothering anyone. My husband had a knee replacement 5 week ago with kidney problems so I am permanently doing everything. Christmas will be grand. When it all gets a bit much will have to sit down and let things go on round me.

I put my large turkey into the oven on automatic the night before with ice packed round it. It works beautifully. I get up to a lovely turkey smell.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE and enjoy it. Don’t stress about it.

[wilsond in reply to GrannyE]

Best wishes to you and yours too xx

[GrannyE in reply to wilsond]

Thank you.

I wish it would stop raining although I suppose we should be thankful that we are not in that extreme heat amidst all those fires in oz. They would love our rain!

[jedimasterlincoln]

Well this year I'm off Christmas Day and boxing day and not cooking, not entertaining my folks til boxing day and going to my in laws for the first time. So it really will be a christmas off!

Best advice I ever gave in the run up to christmas was don't go out of your way to please people who won't be affording you the same level of worry and consideration. Be honest about what you can/can't afford and don't just buy people stuff for the sake of it.

[Tryfan]

Wise words below. To add - Stress - rest and be quiet when you can, try simple breathing or mindfulness techniques. Eat- portion control, hard I know, but avoid being full and then going to sleep on it. Fluid- avoid too much alcohol. Not a kill joy but its your health, glass of alcohol matched with a glass of water. Above all try and stay calm avoid those situations that you know will stress you, walk away- have fun.

[Polly159]

No wise words just a silly song! (think you can guess the tune.)

I'm dreaming of a calm Christmas,

Where sinus rhythm is the norm;

With no fibrillation, no palpitations,

No missed beats making us forlorn.

I'm dreaming of a calm Christmas,

With just the right amount of stress,

May your Day bring much happiness,

And your heart beat stead'ly (more or less!)

Merry Christmas to one and all

,

[Goldfish7 in reply to Polly159]

wonderful!!! MERRY XMAS|||

[exbcmc]

Great advice👍 Merry Christmas, everyone.