How long is long

[Sfhmgusa]

I had a ct scan of my heart very recently just before COVID , followed by a visit to my cardiologist. I was worried that my afib episodes are getting longer and also less uncomfortable ie “ normalising”

The scan showed a ( very) healthy heart and my cardiologist was very reassuring that afib was not life threatening and after the virus peak etc if I wanted he would do an ablation

But now I am on day 4 of an episode and it has done its usual thing of giving me mild physical symptoms but excessive fear and anxiety. At any normal time I would have gone to a and e but I’m really uneasy about that

My question here is have others had long ( 7 day plus) episodes of afib?

My flecainide seems not to have worked, I am on anticoagulant apixoban and no breathless ness normal b pressure and no chest pain is sitting it out safe do you think?

I have a consultation by phone on Monday with my cardiologist is that too long to wait ?

Thanks I’m getting near breaking point of anxiety not knowing what to do for the best

S

[BobD Volunteer]

A and E is not appropriate now that you have been diagnosed and understand AF a little more UNLESS you have chest pain or difficulty breathing.

You have drugs to help prevent stroke and a mechanically healthy heart so whilst I understand your worry I think you need to work on that as a first step. AF and anxiety do go hand in hand at the beginning but from what you say your AF is not causing you any physical problems other than that anxiety so I'm sure you knw what you have to do.

Deep breathing, distraction therapy (difficult during lock down I know) good hydration etc will all help you cope.

Remember many people are permanently in AF with zero problems provided rate is well controlled.

[Sfhmgusa in reply to BobD]

Thank you that is enormously helpful I really appreciate the speed and content of your post.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Sfhmgusa]

Just lucky I logged on at that moment!

[CDreamer in reply to Sfhmgusa]

I would echo Bob’s comment - if you want any help with breathing - ask - I have some great links + exercises to help with anxiety.

[Hidden]

I was in AF for about 5 months before my first cardioversion. Like Bob says, as long as you are anticoagulated you are protected. Also you need to try and get your HR below 100bpm. I had to take digoxin and 12,5 mg Bisoprolol to achieve this

[Sfhmgusa in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Mike that is a really helpful and reassuring piece of info I sincerely appreciate it

S

[Hidden in reply to Sfhmgusa]

No problem, it's what we are here for.

all the best, stay safe

[Cookie24]

You know afib is causing the worry and anxiety. My longest episode was 16 days. It is difficult.

[Sfhmgusa]

Thanks cookie I have now been ablated and hopefully that will stop the week long plus episodes I was very concerned that I would go into persistent mode and past ablation help in a few weeks. I am now reassured that would not be the case and two weeks post ablation I am starting to feel a glimmer of optimism that the symptoms have been ( at least temporarily) put on the back burner

Steve