Working with paroxysmal afib

[Arctic2020]

Hi I’m a nurse recently diagnosed with p afib and have very symptomatic attacks sometimes lasting hours. I’m wondering how other people who have jobs where it is hard to function deal with this? I am currently off for a few weeks and am afraid to go back.

[BobD Volunteer]

I'm not trying to belittle your situation but many people are in permanent AF and live normal lives with normal jobs. That said when it is paroxysmal it can be more difficult to accept but in time you will start to understand your limitations and abilities when in AF.

I remember an EP ( who himself had AF) at conference a few years ago telling of how he went into AF half way through doing a PVI ablation on a patient and he didn't just pack up and I remember some years ago changing the engine and gearbox on a rally car in the depths of Wales whilst in AF . You get through it when you need to. The aftermath is usually the worst bit when the total fatigue sets in.

With your job, (not uncommon on this forum) others may contribute but my best advice would be to speak to your HR and Occupational health people about a strategy to help you as you start your AF journey.

[Hidden]

I , like you, have PAF and Im very symptomatic. My longest went 12 hr. I am a retired RN now, was 62 when a fib hit, and was working as a home health nurse. My a fib also had RVR( rapid ventricular response, so ekg showed my atria going at 200 but ventricles trying to keep up at 400( or vice versa, crazy town ) so episodes left me with low blood pressure, all I could do was take my pills and lie down. Fortunately when trying to work, I didnt have any episodes during work. I decided to retire early at 63 because my meds were making me dizzy off and on. Since Ive retired, Ive lost 45 lb, learned relaxation techniques, much less stress. Im broke, but it was worth it, lol. Ive not seen any a fib for almost 2 yr. Im in the US

[oliviab9]

Hi I am also a nurse and I work full time I would have PAF attacks lasting from 4-36 hours I have spoken to my manager and occupational health and it is ok for me to have day off or go in later in day if I feel up to it . Have to say they have been very accommodating . Would ask for icc health referral if you work in NHS.

[Polly159]

Not an easy situation. I'm a Parish minister- had afib for 2 years. At its worst (3-4 episodes a week lasting 2-4 hours with subsequent exhaustion next day or 2 days. There were times there was enough flexibility in my week to 'juggle' work and rest. I used up holiday times and, like you, took sick time and also had compassionate leave. There were times too, I had elders in the congregation standing by to take over at the last minute if need be and, unfortunately there were cancelled/postponed meetings and for a while it was simply work, Afib, sleep. Not an ideal situation at all. We got through that it, but I eventually realised it was unsustainable, so instead of working a few years past my retirement, I decided to leave in April this year (just a few weeks after my 'official's state pension date.)

Afib being afib - have had no episodes for 3 weeks! Ablation scheduled for June sometime.

Everyone's circs are different. I'm sure there was a nurse on here (probably more than one) at some point - maybe you can search posts. (Not 100% sure how to do that, but someone on here will help)

All the best

Polly

[nikonBlue]

Hi,

I'm in the same boat so to speak as I have PAF. I work p/t with kids! Yes, noisy and exhausting anyway so adding an episode of AF, it can be well pretty damn hard but I've never been 'off' work and like others have explained how I feel at the time and they are very accommodation. I've learned a bit of controlling methods over the years, e.g. breathing, drinking cold water as soon as I feel that first beat etc.

I saw my cardiologist only on Monday and he has recommended an ablasion (eeek!) and will be discussing with the team in Edinburgh. In the meantime, I've to have yet another event monitor for 2 weeks, lordy that's a long time.

I get my state pension next month and have decided to retire from work as some days it is just too hard and I feel I'm not longer fit enough to do my job properly. Medication for breast cancer (2015) adds to the sheer exhaustion I feel every day.

Feel better soon

Blue

[Arctic2020 in reply to nikonBlue]

Thanks take care

[Fred77]

Hi use to be a nurse, one time

I passed out at work. Never went back.

I don't have P afib , but IST before meds suffered many sncopies .

Also have early LAD stenosis.

Hope things get better for you,

You find the right meds to treat your condition.

[Arctic2020 in reply to Fred77]

Thanks take care

[Marytew]

Hi, look up the posts of 'jedimasterlincoln' on this site as you may find these of help because he is a frontline NHS employee who has posted about working, and also returning to work, whilst being affected by AF.

[Arctic2020 in reply to Marytew]

Thanks

[Bee-Honest]

I had to retire at the age of 51 due to PAF. Took a while to diagnose, I would wake up for work and not be able to lift my head off the pillow, felt exhausted, had to take a day or two off sick. When I saw my GP, a few days later I was fine and other than being on medication for HBP all was good. He thought I had a virus etc. (or even my age, I am a women) This happened over a period of 6 months, until one day I took unwell at work and couldn't climb some stairs I was so breathless and dizzy, I ended up in A&E and was diagnosed with (fast) PAF. Intravenous Amiodarone put my heart back in SR normally within 24/48 hours. 5 days of tests confirmed my heart was going into AF when I was sleeping, hence the morning exhaustion. Regular episodes over the following year resulted in me retiring, I could no longer cope with my demanding job which included lots of travel, meetings and considerable pressure. At the time I was told that neither Cardioversion or Ablation would work for me. Episodes now (17 years later) are approx 2/3 per year. I know my limitations, take my prescribed medication Flecainide, Losartan, Atenolol, Apixaban ....

I had not planned to retire so early, and had difficulty getting my head round it and having to make lifestyle changes etc. but glad I did.

Take advice Arctic 2020 from the professionals but also think about your future quality of life.

[Arctic2020 in reply to Bee-Honest]

Thanks so much

[CDreamer]

Hi - I think nursing if you are doing 12 hour shifts & on a ward doing hard, physical work with patients maybe a challenge - depends how understanding & flexible your manager will be.

Jedimaster has had a long AF journey back into work on a ward - you may find his posts illuminating of the trials & tribulations of working in the NHS with AF, assuming you do.

Personally there is NO way I could do anything physically but I could work the majority of the time - but it was sedentary.

Everyone’s AF journey is unique and AF does challenge your life choices at times - but that’s not always a bad thing.

Know that stress of any sort will be the biggest antagonist for symptoms when in AF.

[CDreamer]

See jedimasterlincoln

[jedimasterlincoln]

Sorry I've been off grid for a few weeks, how are you getting on?

[CDreamer in reply to jedimasterlincoln]

Just back from hols in Maderia - got stranded when flight cancelled cos of Storm Denis - but what a place to be stranded! Feeling better than I have for months. How about you? X

[Arctic2020 in reply to jedimasterlincoln]

Hey I was trying to look you up. I’m returning to work next Tuesday only 30 hrs every 2 weeks and only 8 hr shifts I’m nervous as my first bad attack happened Boxing Day at work my doc increased bisoprolol to 10mg and so far so good

I wimped out of a nuclear perfusion test that I now have 2 rebook thanks 4 responding

[jedimasterlincoln]

If you click on my profile there are lots of work dramas and back to work regimes littered in my updates when you go through my old posts. Happy to support where I can.