AF Symptoms felt occurs with stress.

[skipabeat]

This is driving me crazy, I have made a connection between intense stress and intense Af symptoms. I also have cardiomyopathy. I am in constant afib, under normal circumstances, and regular stressful days I do not have notable afib symptoms although I am in constant afib. My mother is probably going to die of newly diagnosed cancer. I am now in a constant state of breathlessness with angina like pain. This has happened 2 other times in my life first, when my Aunt (we were very close) was battling breast cancer and my dear grandma was ill and had succumbed to also to cancer that was many years ago. I was hospitalized, converted, and at one point a priest was brought into my room. This happens while they are alive and goes away after I mourn. It is most likely anxiety. Has this ever happened to anyone out there? So sorry for rambling and thanks for listening to me. Debbie.

[BobD Volunteer]

I'm sure that your story is very common Debbie. Stress is often a driver for AF, although for me it was the other way round. When the stress ended, that was when I was ill. As my Grandma used to say "There's non so queer as folk!"

[Bagrat]

I also have bouts of anxiety from time to time and they drive a plethora of symptoms so much so I don't know which are physical from an ailment or generated in my head!! The mind body connection is huge and I find mindfulness and relaxation mp3s a great help

[skipabeat in reply to Bagrat]

Yes, I am a mindful person,but the mp3 player might help. Thank you Bagrat

[swansong75]

I am in my second episode of afib,18 months apart, and I also notice it is worse when I have time to sit and think/worry. When Im active I am fine apart from occasional twinge so I think you are sharing something similar. Im no expert tho !

[7164]

Debbie

You are so correct

My af started after my wife had breast cancer and all the horrible treatment which was stressful. Then she got a brain tumour and the stress that it brought. We then moved house and job!!

I was drinking too much wine and got heavy. Af walked straight into my life with all its horrible symptoms

Good luck

Rod

[skipabeat in reply to 7164]

Wow, you have had a rough Journey 7164 it a curious thing that the heart does not just explode. My heart goes out to you and your difficult time. I always feel so guilty because i feel like i cant be there for them 100 %. Some poeple stay strong, I just become a puddle of debilitating symptons. Are things normalizing for you? Thanks for replying.

[7164 in reply to skipabeat]

Skipabeat

Was on the Bisop for 18 months but it was difficult to tolerate and dropped my bp and heart rate too low. I believe that I have vagal af so perhaps should not have been on it.

Now on Veramapril which is much better. Seeing the EP this Thurs and will discuss cryoablation.

Still getting ectopics and the Af threatens to come on but I try to stop it.

My wife is 4 years post cancer and the brain tumour seems resolved.

All sent to try but stay positive

Rod

[skipabeat in reply to 7164]

So glad your wife is a survivor. Yay! I am going to look into vagal af. I took a small dose of advin is an anxiety pill and for now, my chest feels normal. I normally take one when I am flyng. It feels so good to feel normal. Going to chat with my EP soon and my Cardio Docter soon.

[Buffafly]

My AF was diagnosed when my husband was waiting for a very urgent operation for an aortic aneurysm. I suppressed my emotions and then, in combo with a virus, boom!

[Carmel123]

Yes it happened to me. When I got af and was hospitalised was after my father died, my 90yr old mother was then left to live on her own (she was stubborn and would not live with us) and I was an only child worrying about her all the time and doing a round 3 hr. travelling trip each weekend via bus and train to see how she was and doing shopping for her etc, plus working full time during the week, plus looking after my own family and house. It makes me exhausted now thinking about it. I was always sure that it was stress that brought it on.

[7164 in reply to Carmel123]

Carmel

Are you alright now ?

We have two difficult mums to look after

Rod

[Carmel123 in reply to 7164]

Yes fine now. So far no more episodes in 7yrs. Fingers are firmly crossed. My poor mum died 3yrs after my father, kids have left home so only have my husband to get me stressed now. Only joking!

[skipabeat]

Oh my, that would be a very hard trip. I would not be able to that because of my symptoms. My sister is helping out on my bad days and so far it seems to be working out. I don't know how you did it but kudos to you. Do you have afib now? It is an ongoing thing.

[Carmel123 in reply to skipabeat]

No all good at the moment. Fingers crossed. It's good to have family to help you out. Hope all goes well.

[Cellolady]

Stress is very hard on those of us with AFIB. I am sorry you are going through a rough time now. I have been through several since I developed AFIB over 3 years ago. Do your best to take care of yourself during this challenging time (nice long baths, walks in nature, calming music …. whatever makes you feel good.) I have found that CBD oil can have a calming effect, but be SURE to discuss this with your doctor first! If possible, try to find something beautiful in each day and savor it as long as you can... a beautiful sunset, a pretty flower or bird, a child's laughter. There is always something to remind us of the beauty in life, and that can help us make it through the painful journey we travel when loved ones have a serious illness.

[skipabeat]

Thank you so much for that. I will be reminded that beauty and life do continue and should be overshadowed.

[skipabeat]

not overshadowed...