AFIB Fatigue?

[Dixidude39]

I have AFIB, first detected 10 years ago. I have a Medtronic non-defibrating pacemaker. I no longer have my bladder or right ureter and kidney due to cancer. As for AFIB, I am asymptomatic. Periodic AFIB checks indicate I am in AFIB about 20% of the time.

I feel fine ... EXCEPT I need a 30-minute afternoon nap. I'm 80 years old. I'm curious to know the cause for needing the nap (my age, the AFIB or the fact I have only 1 kidney)? I am on a plant-based diet. Only 30% of protein needs filtering by my one kidney, compared to 80-90% required for animal protein.

For those of you who have AFIB, and are age 60 and above, is fatigue something you experience? Thanks.

[jeanjeannie50]

Yes, fatigue in the afternoons is a major symptom for me. However, I usually find that the more active I am the better I feel. I think with the lock-down we all haven't been out and about and as active as we used to be. My age is 69.

Jean

[Dixidude39 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks Jean.

[Dixidude39 in reply to Dixidude39]

P.S. I have noticed this phenomena as well. When I get out of my "reading" chair and move around, this too lessens the need to nap.

[Buffafly]

I’m 75, if I don’t have my afternoon nap I pay for it later. My husband (84) is the same though he is very fit and active.

[Hidden]

Funnily enough I put it down to an under active thyroid. Sometimes I just have to leave the lunch table and nap, other times I can get to 6pm. I’m 76! Di

[irene75359]

Just 30 minutes?! I can happily sleep for an hour and a half in the afternoon and I am 69. I don't every day as it is too disruptive, but then I am flagging after my evening meal. I am active, and try to power walk 4 - 5 miles a day, but I still don't think that I should be that tired. Maybe I am taking after my father, who used to fall asleep at the breakfast table, bent over, his nose touching the table cloth!

[Dixidude39 in reply to irene75359]

WOW, Irene. Power walking 4-5 miles a day! You must be "fit as a fiddle."

[bassets]

Hi, I was diagnosed with Afib last October and have been having a rest in the afternoon since then. I've never slept in the afternoon before this was diagnosed, but I really need it nowadays. When I was in hospital and given my medication I was told it would make me more tired, so I suspect it's that. I'm 67. Enjoy your naps !

[CDreamer]

I think you are doing really well. I’m with Irene - 90 mins rest/sleep after lunch and in bed by 9.30pm these days! I’m also 69.

[Hatten28]

Hello to you, I am also 80 years old, have had Afib for approx 20 years.

I had a pacemaker inserted in 2004 since then apart from occasional bouts of Afib, which are extremely tiring, like you I constantly feel fatigued, and now I have the occasional nap or two, not deliberately it just happens

Was in the process of being checked for reasons of tiredness when the virus struck I broke my hip, and everything is at a standstill.

Waiting to see cardiologist.

I have been taking sotalol for at least 20 years and was told these make you tired

You have a lot of health issues to contend with, but seem very positive with your lot. I would not worry about having a nap it’s probably doing you good.

Good luck to you x

[Dixidude39 in reply to Hatten28]

Thanks, Hatten28. Is sotalon a drug prescribed for those of us who have AFIB?

[Hatten28 in reply to Dixidude39]

Yes it is prescribed but I think not so often lately.

There are lots of different drugs now, so you need one to suit you,

Your cardiologist will advise.

[Auriculaire]

After lunch naps are normal in lots of countries. I think they are compulsory in nursery schools here. I have had an afternoon nap for years especially in winter and never worried about it. 30 mins is not very long.

[Dixidude39]

Thank you all for your responses. Having an irregular heart beat (AFIB) appears to be (based upon your comments) the source of my fatigue. Several of you have also pointed out that exercise can be a good remedy.