Please help

[Rachelanx50]

I'm having difficulty posting, not sure if they are sending? Anyway good early hours of the morning to you all. I'm not coping at the moment with panic attacks and anxiety. Iv been ill over the past few weeks due to a dental abbsess that's caused lockjaw and and painful trapped wind. Lost just under a stone in weight anyway to top it all off iv just woke up in AF I'd normally cope with the company of family but unable to do so because of the current situation. I just dont think I can cope with much more xx

[jedimasterlincoln]

IT's horrible when it hits and it certainly seems like it's come in a group of things for you!

Do you know any calming techniques? What do you normally do when AF hits? Are you on any medications?

[Rachelanx50 in reply to jedimasterlincoln]

Hi jedi yes I'm only on Adizem 120mg which I take when the AF kicks in. I just tend to sit and watch tv open all hours on you tube at the moment. I think all the stress and illness iv had over the past couple of weeks has contributed to this attack. It would help if i could have some sort of social interaction but sadly that doesn't seem like its going to happen anytime soon

[jedimasterlincoln in reply to Rachelanx50]

No I agree that is a big thing when its your coping mechanism. Have you tried any techniques to reverse the AF, before thinking about other coping strategies?

I find fresh air is a big thing for me, it might not revert the AF but it helps the mental aspect.

[Rachelanx50 in reply to jedimasterlincoln]

Yes i was just contemplating sitting in the back garden with a coffee. At least it looks like it's going to be a nice day. I suppose we have to be grateful for small mercies

[jedimasterlincoln in reply to Rachelanx50]

I'd try that but maybe without the coffee - some people are very sensitive to caffiene!

[Rachelanx50 in reply to jedimasterlincoln]

Yes I'm one of them jedi, decaf only for me

[4Laur in reply to Rachelanx50]

I hope you’re doing better. FYI: Decaf coffee or tea is processed with chemicals. I had to stop decaf a long time ago.

Only caffeine free herbal tea for me. It’s good with a bit of lemon.

Nothing decaf. Nothing artificial or processed-that can be triggers for AF.

Best wishes🙏

[Rachelanx50 in reply to 4Laur]

Thanks 4Laur. I only have one coffee in a morning then it's water all day and a mug of milk at night. Iv tried lemon tea and found it to be ok but I'm not keen on any herbal teas perhaps I'll give more ago

[FancyPants54 in reply to Rachelanx50]

Herbal teas taste like you poured boiling water onto a paper bag. Disgusting things. Decaf is fine. I've been drinking decaf coffee and tea for 7 years now due to starting AF back then. But there are different methods of removing the caffeine, there's a chemical process (not so good) and a steam process (much better). I did my research and spoke to tea companies and settled on Yorkshire Tea decaf because that's a steam process and I like the flavour. And I use a specialist water processed organic ground coffee through a coffee club, but my instant is Clipper organic coffee. It doesn't say on the jar how it's processed, but their teas are steam decaffeinated and at the time I sorted out what to use I was happy with them.

The last thing we need when we have AF to live with is a restricted diet for the sake of it. If something triggers you then don't eat/drink it obviously and caffeine is a likely problem, but don't give everything up if you don't need too. I still have AF as a condition, caffeine or not.

I hope you are feeling a bit better. Distraction is the best way of dealing with this rubbish interruption in our lives. Reading, art, gardening (light), polishing things, watching things. Music and the radio are also great distractions. Don't keep thinking about not being able to see people. They are at the end of the phone.

[Rachelanx50 in reply to FancyPants54]

Thanks fancy pants, I'll stick with my one cup of coffee and water. I'm doing alot more this afternoon to keep myself occupied but your advice is welcomed ad appreciated thanks again

[FancyPants54 in reply to Rachelanx50]

Try not to focus on it. I lived in AF for 11 months until a recent cardioversion. I got used to it quickly. But if I was tempted to focus on it the stress levels would rise.

[jeanjeannie50]

Hi Rachel, are you. receiving medical attention for your abscess? I would imagine you need antibiotics to clear it up. Have you seen a dentist, there are emergency ones operating. Please dial the 111 NHS no. and seek advice right now, they will tell you where nearest dentist is. Then report back here and let us know how you get on. Concerned for you with so much going on.

Jean

[Rachelanx50 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Hiya Jean. Yes i had the tooth taken out last Tuesday and alarming to me at the time I was told that they don't prescribe antibiotics anymore they say that it's harmless to swallow any pus because your stomac acid kills it this played on my mind so much that I rang 111 again the next day and they confirmed it was right but its dragging me down, very difficult to eat so I'm full of wind that's down to the lockjaw. I'm sure that the stress of it all has kicked this AF episode off

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Rachelanx50]

Oh bless you what a state to be left in. I certainly wouldn't swallow the pus, spit it out. No wonder your AF has kicked off. Have you spoken to your GP. I think I would do that this morning. You could also swish salty water around your mouth. When you say you have lockjaw, do you mean tetnus or that your jaw is stiff? X

[Rachelanx50 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

My gp is a waste of time Jean especially when it comes to AF she basically tells me to ride it out. I spoke to her yesterday about my nerves she's increased my antidepressants so that's something I suppose. Iv been using a mouthwash it's helping a little. The medical yet for the lockjaw is called trismus I'd never heard of it before

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Rachelanx50]

Don't feel alone Rachel, I'm here for you. You will be through this awful period soon and sighing with relief. I'll look up your jaw condition. You say you have lost weight, did you need to lose some or has this made you underweight now? Do you have a blender? Could you puree your food for a while? Jean x

[Rachelanx50 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Your so kind Jean thank you. No I needed to lose some weight so i suppose that's a bonus lol. Yes I've been liquidising meals to a drinkable consistancy

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Rachelanx50]

Sounds like you're doing all the right things. I've just looked up trismus, never heard of it before, I live and learn. I guess you've Googled it too.

How is your heart right now? I guess you know that the calmer you can be, the more likely it will be of reverting to it's normal rhythm. I think I'd sit and watch t.v for a while if it's bad. If not too bad, do your best to ignore it and practice deep breathing just to make sure that your heart isn't protesting that it's not getting enough oxygen.

After 15 years of AF I've discovered that the less attention you give it the more likely it is to revert. If you just sit and think about what it's doing, the attack goes on and on.

Feel free to private message me anytime if you need support.

Jean

[Rachelanx50 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks so much Jean. I'm trying my best to keep occupied not doing to bad. I'm still in AF it's been around 6hrs now but I've had attacks ranging from 3hs to 7weeks. It's arond 80 to 95bpm is that ok??

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Rachelanx50]

I believe that experts generally say that between 60-100 is considered normal. I'm guessing that your taking some kind of anticoagulant?

[Rachelanx50 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

No they said I only scored 1 on that stroke test that they do. I just take Adizem 150mg when i have an attack

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Rachelanx50]

I'm guessing you're under 60?

[Rachelanx50 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Yes Jean I was 53 last week.

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Rachelanx50]

How is your heart behaving now?

[Rachelanx50 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

It's up and down as I'm trying to control the anxiety between 80 and 120 jean

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Rachelanx50]

I've had it like that and it wears you out. I once asked my GP when I should call for help and he said if it goes over 130, if that helps you. You will be fine, so stop worrying. I've been in constant AF since last November and I'm still here to tell the tale. I don't bother to take my pulse any more and just do what I can when I feel up to it. On my mobile I searched for slow heartbeat and I find that listening to that can calm me.

Jean

[Rachelanx50 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thank you so much Jean you have been a real support for me today xx. My husband is due in from work soon so I'm sure I will feel calmer then. I'll keep you posted

[Rachelanx50 in reply to Rachelanx50]

Jean xx thank you so much for your support today you have been a blessing that's helped me to stay calmer than i normally would have xx happily iv gone back into nsr!! God bless you and would love to stay in touch xxxx

[BWS_Boyo in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Jean you’re a blessing. We males can’t empathise the way you have. Thank you. YOU’RE A BRICK 😇

[10gingercats in reply to Rachelanx50]

Not trismus....perhaps tetenus?

[Kevwray]

Rachel - never feel alone , we are all here for you.

I had a similar experience at Christmas and found hot water with dissolved salt really worked & didn’t need antibiotics.

My AF plays up if I’m off colour so don’t worry you are among friends with that too.

Take good care & make sure you do one silly thing per day - sing to a record, dance in the kitchen or make a face with your dinner !! - Kev

[Rachelanx50 in reply to Kevwray]

Hi kev yes I've been doing the salt water method it's easing it a little. Still feeling a little bit bruised but i will sure try a little dance arond the kitchen 😁

[irene75359]

Rachel, I have had a few dental abscesses over the years and even now I remember the pain as though it was yesterday. Once my daughter called the emergency doctor as I developed the rigours and she was terrified.

The thought of you having this for weeks makes my blood run cold, no wonder you are feeling so anxious and your AF is playing up. I had to look up this condition you have too as I had never heard of it. However, and I know this is small comfort, but apparently dental trimus only lasts a couple of weeks. I do hope that everything calms down for you.

Wishing you well.

[Rachelanx50 in reply to irene75359]

Thanks Irene. Yes I've had 2 weeks of hell. Iv decided that when all this Covid 19 is over I'm going to ask my dentist to take all the remaining teeth out. I never want to go through that again. I dont think all the social isolation has helped but i hope we can all get back to normal , company from family and friends is so important when your low.

[irene75359 in reply to Rachelanx50]

See how you feel when the situation is all under control Rachel. It is quite a drastic step having all your teeth removed, and many people really struggle with dentures. When I was having an implant my dentist told me about another patient of his who had eight dental implants and bridges put in when she was 90. When she lost the last of her teeth she couldn't eat or talk with dentures and her social life disappeared. So she took the chance and had this major work done and got her life back. Best of luck, whatever you decide.

[BWS_Boyo]

Hi Rachel, found this piece this morning and thought you might find it a distraction but worthwhile read:

victoriahealth.com/editoria...

A real quality writer with a fine sense of humour - enjoy 😊

[Rachelanx50 in reply to BWS_Boyo]

Aww thanks BWS . Loved it I've read it twice. I think i will be passing it on.

[Flyer2820]

Hi Rachelanx50

Sorry to hear you are having a difficult time. Anxiety is bad for AF as you may know. Have you thought about keeping in touch with friends and relatives with Skype or messenger or even a zoom conference. You need something to keep your mind off your troubles and to stop you feeling isolated. Just remember there's always somebody worse off than you, especially during this awful time.

Good luck and keep safe.

Regards Flyer.

[Rachelanx50]

Thanks flyer2820. Yeah I've been on Skype with family ect but there's nothing like a hug with my grandson, I'm actually feeling a little better this afternoon after a potter in the garden with the dog planting some lavender. So thanks anyway i realy appreciate ypur reply God bless