Regaining energy - boost or rest?

[Polly159]

In days gone by (ie pre-AFIB), when energy levels were low - as after Christmas rush and food etc., I would rest a bit, but mainly buzz about and build up my energy levels and back they would come. Now (PAF about twice a week) the 'buzzing about'/moving/working/exercising doesn't seem to work. It seems as if I can only wait until the energy comes back. Anyone else find the same thing? (Could be, of course, just too many birthdays!)

[jeanjeannie50]

Hi Polly

That's typical of how people who experience frequent AF attacks feel, totally worn out! I'm afraid there really isn't any quick fix. If your heart races for say 4 hours at a fast rate, you will feel like you've been running/exercising at and above your maximum heart rate for that period of time and the body and heart will need to get over what it detects as abnormal exertion.

From my experience of almost 15 years of AF, I wouldn't push yourself too much during this period and only do what you feel up to. This doesn't mean to say that you have to lead a dull life, just have very short excursions out. I would drive to a larger town and probably just visit one store and then go home. I'd also walk down hill into the small town where I live and then get the bus home. You can meet friends for coffee or lunch out, we still need mental stimulation, but buzzing around - sorry that's out until you can have longer periods between your attacks!

You may want to see your GP or heart specialist regarding different medication, which may help prevent you having AF twice weekly.

Jean

[Polly159 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Many thanks, Jean - good to know and sensible ideas. I tend now to do tasks, shopping, housework, exercise etc for short times then rest. It's just, on ioysky frustrating having to change 'lifestyles', but as you say that's the nature if AFIB.

Thanks Take care Helen

[Polly159 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

're medication' I'm on amiodarone awaiting ablation in about 6 months. Episodes seem to be easing a bit, but any extra activity still brings them on.

[Mari4325]

Biprolol has pretty much taken all the buzz out of me...I stay tired all the time. I know a lot of this is the medication because I didn't even know I had AFib until I went in for a series of tests and my energy level was 100 per cent higher...

[KMRobbo in reply to Mari4325]

Swap away from bisop to another drug?

Horrible stuff bisop. ( for some, me includes!) There are other beta blockers and also calcium channel blockers!

[foxglove in reply to KMRobbo]

Hello, sorry to butt in , I have been on bisoprolol and finding it didn't suit. Taken me a lot of time to persuade doc. to change Now been prescribed carvederol and wonder if you (or anyone on forum) has experience of this drug? Thanks

[KMRobbo in reply to foxglove]

No sorry

[Polly159 in reply to Mari4325]

Thanks, Marie, yes, although energy levels are not brilliant now, they were much worse when I was on Sotalol. I suppose I just need to get used to living life in the slower lane.

[Polly159 in reply to Polly159]

Bisoprolol didn't affect me at all - for good or ill!

[Polly159 in reply to Mari4325]

I found that, too, with Sotalol, was glad when I was moved from that to amiodarone, in terms if energy anyway.

All the best.

[Bagrat]

I too have the too many birthdays to add to the mix. Although I don't have overt episodes now, I have times when I know pushing myself just doesn't work. Often 20 mins with my feet up ( literally) is enough to recharge battery. Alas the five minute walk to shops in town now takes a bit longer too.

[Polly159 in reply to Bagrat]

Thanks, Nagtat. Good to know it's not just me!

[jedimasterlincoln]

With 25+ PAF attacks of varying intensity each one has taken me a week or more to build back up to previous levels of energy.

The last one was by far the least intense and still needed a few days to feel like my old self again.

All the previous ones were debilitating, and all ended with a cardioversion (maybe one/two reverted without intervention but it was rare) - because of this I needed a week/10 days before I felt I was able to return to "normal" activity like work and regular school runs (2 miles a day) without risk/exhaustion.

It is like starting again, so its also similar when you've had a short period of larger level of activity compared to normal.

[Polly159 in reply to jedimasterlincoln]

Good to know, jedimaster. I still always think 'a day's rest will do it'. But post Christmas, here we are on the 5th Day of Christmas and still no energy to do planned visits to people and household projects. As you say, recovery seems to take longer, just a question of accepting that.

[Ecki]

Not really relevant to your OP except to say there is no such thing as too many birthdays. No matter how many we have had, it will not be enough.

[Hidden in reply to Ecki]

I was thinking that same thought!

[Polly159 in reply to Ecki]

Agree! As my late mother used to say, those with more birthdays live longer!

[ETFCfan]

I am in permanent AF and yes do feel exhausted a lot of the time. Always wonder if it’s the 10mg Bisoprolol dose or the AF? How I manage is to pace myself is wake up full of energy and buzz around till I start feeling tired. I then rest until refreshed and go back to what I was doing. Luckily I’m retired so can do this, also I still meet friends for lunch, go out a lot but again pace myself. Don’t do big stints of anything without a good rest. I sometimes feel I should push myself more but know it’s not feasible.

[Polski in reply to ETFCfan]

It may well be the Biso. Do you really need so much? If it was me I would disuss it with my GP, and push to try cutting it back, or even changing it for something with fewer side effects. AF is enough, why suffer with possibly unnecessary exhaustion as well!

[ETFCfan in reply to Polski]

Thanks, the Electrophysiologist said he needs to keep my heart rate down but it’s still upwards of 85 bpm. Ha offered another ablation which I’ve decided to go for in the hope I can cut down the drugs after like I did before.

[Polly159 in reply to ETFCfan]

'Pacing yourself sounds good. I think, probably my main problem at the moment is in terms of managing my expectations of what I am sometimes able to do (or not do.)

Take care Helen

[Polly159 in reply to ETFCfan]

Yes, sounds very sensible. Helpful to know that 'energy recovery' can be days not hours. I'm finding it hard getting used to feeling 'fine' for a few hours then the energy draining kicking in. I think what I do ('wrong!), is, when I'm feeling good/energy rich, I plan out my whole day based on tharcthen feel disappointed when I don't have the strenght to carry out the plans. A case, probably of living more moment to moment and not getting too far ahead of myself on any one day or series of days. Take care Helen

[Polly159 in reply to ETFCfan]

Thanks ETFCfan. Sounds like a good approach. I'm still working at the moment so I find I have to try to almost 'pre-plan' rest times into the day/week which sometimes means rescheduling meetings etc which I hate doing. Four months time, though I will be retired, God willing, so should be easier.

All the best Polly

[ETFCfan]

It will be so much easier for you when you are retired, no need to feel bad about rescheduling etc. Enjoy your retirement x

[Ianc2]

You didn't say you are about to win the lottery. You will be telling us next that you are about to go off and soak up lots of vitamin D, enjoy being waited on hand and foot, being forced to inspect your pillows very scrupulously before rising and joying a leisurely shower as the sun floods in. You won't enjoy it you know. Put your name down for a further five years.

[Polly159]

No lottery on the cards(!) - and vitamin D in tablet form! Another 5 years? Mmmmmm.....