Wondering ...

[Janith]

My last afib attack was approximately seven months ago. I feel exceedingly fit and strong. I had a cardio version and was put on a blood thinner. Eliquis. I feel as though my afib has gone bye bye. Query. Is it possible that blood thinners somewhat PREVENT afib? Or is it possible that a cardio version might PREVENT further afib?? Or am l wishful thinking? Which is it..??!!! Thank you!

[BobD Volunteer]

Oh if only!!! Cardioversion is not a cure for anything and anticoagulants (they don't thin blood) merely reduce your stroke risk. It happens like this sometimes if you are lucky. Accept it and rejoice.

[jeanjeannie50]

Jan I think it may just be wishful thinking, but why shouldn't you think that way - you never know! Our minds are really powerful, so I would urge you to keep your optimistic outlook.

Wishing you well.

Jean

[Hidden]

I went for over 6 months without PAF-the longest period without it since diagnosis around two years ago. It came back unexpectedly, possibly because I was a little more stressed than usual and ate some rather sugary foods which I don’t normally eat-of course, I cannot be sure that these caused it. I would say that whatever you do, do not slacken whatever measures you are currently taking to prevent AF from recurring. I was told by my GP that anticoagulants do not prevent AF, so it’s more likely to be the cardioversion which was effective in your case. Basically, AF is a progressive condition, but it might not bother you for years or appear tomorrow- it’s just not possible to predict.

[secondtry]

Unfortunately, you can never be complacent. I had an AF free periods of 3 yrs and then I relaxed too much and gulped down a cold drink..... Many triggers are mentioned on this Forum try and avoid them.

[Jajarunner]

I was four years between Afib, I'm afraid...

But some people never have it again if it had one particular trigger so keeping everything crossed for you 🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞

[Auriculaire]

I had a 15 month period between Oct 2018 and Jan this year free from afib. This year I have had 4 episodes the last 2 only 3 weeks apart. I am under a lot of stress as I am waiting for a hip replacement op and the pain and disability is hard to cope with. My painkillers give me digestive problems and as these have been linked to my afib attacks sometimes ,I have to "ration" them. Being inactive helps with the pain but makes me depressed! It's a vicious circle. I hope your afib free run continues. I found the longer I was free of it the more it receded into the background. I think the first episode this year kicked off after a very sweet (but delicious)apple and mincemeat frangipani I had made for our New Years dessert. My husband benefited - he got to eat the rest of it!

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Auriculaire]

A close friend of mine had a hip replacement 4 weeks ago and I've been amazed at how quickly she's recovered. At two weeks when taking her for a very short walk on the flat by the sea, I had to tell her to slow down. She then decided she only needed one crutch and yes marched along again. Now at 4 weeks she's walking indoors with no crutches (says she waddles like a duck). She's eagerly looking forward to driving again in two weeks and also have her other hip replaced around November time.

[Auriculaire in reply to jeanjeannie50]

That is very comforting. A friend in our village had hers done about 2 years ago and said her only regret was having put it off. My GP told me last December after seeing the xrays that I had no cartilage at all in my right hip and the only solution was a replacement . The pain was nowhere near as bad then. By March it had got bad enough to go to the GP for the letter to the surgeon . Then came lockdown. When it was eased I rang for an appointment and could not get one till 28th August. I have no idea what waiting times are like for elective ops since covid . Now I am getting pain in the other hip. I think I will have to learn to walk correctly again- I have waddled for months!

[Janith]

Good attitude!