This might help some people to know what to expect on the fitness side...
Finally! Some improvement! I had been struggling to walk more than a mile but now I can walk up to 4.5 with rests or 2.2 non-stop!! Legs get a bit jellyfied if I go too quickly but I think that is lack of fitness!
I've been riding my ebike on the lowest setting and have done up to 14 miles like that. I still have to be careful of doing too much on consecutive days so because I have been doing more cardiovascular stuff I have cut back on the weights and pilates but continued the yoga! If I do too much I have days of quite bad fatigue.
Struggled in that heat in August, I'm not usually affected so much by it, but I expect it was all connected.
Sleep is still erratic at times, that may be the amiodorane. I hope to come off that when I have my three month review. I also hope to be able to drink (in moderation) again then as I miss my Friday night wine and holiday cider more than I expected!
Thank you to the person who suggested my tiredness could be the under-active thyroid - and yes, because my ULH (Useless Local Hospital) cut my thyroxine last time I was in (not because it was high, just to make it look like they were doing something I think !) it was too low so that's now sorted out.
I had expected to be running, cycling, hiking and working (fitness instructor) by now, but at least there is now a light at the end of the dark ablation tunnel - let's just hope it's not a train coming - ha ha). I'm reckoning on another 2 or even 3 months before I am back to 100% fitness. I hope so because I need to lose the stone I have gained during all this!
Thanks for all the kind people who encouraged and supported me and those who messagged me with private enocuragement. It was a HUGE help and if I can do the same for anyone please do not hesitate to message me.
May it all go well for all you too
Jaja
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Jajarunner
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All looking good Jaja, long may it continue. It also be good to come off the amiodarone too, especially if you have thyroid issues, all the best,......
It would be good to know a little bit more about you; your age, what you typically did in a day before AFib and what you did with afib but before your ablation. While still licking your wounds you do so much more than most people in our lazy society!
One other question; why do you have an underactive thyroid? Is that related to the ablation? If so, having an ablation is scaring me that much more.
No, I've had an underactive thyroid for years. Runs in the family. It is common in people who have the genetic disorder HHT as I do. Afib is also common with HHT. HHT leads to anaemia and possible liver problems which both can affect heart and thus cause Afib.
Exercise-wise I did a lot but not high intensity eyeballs out stuff. In a good week, I'd run three times, cycle twice, do an hour's weight training, probably an hour's Pilates per week and 40 min yoga most days. I walked about five miles per week too. At work I also taught some exercise classes for the older and sicker folks (like myself!). Holidays were hiking.
However, I also eat a ton of cake (though rest of diet pretty good) and drink though not large amounts. Hence why I've put on a stone when not exercising!!!!
I'm 56, female and have had Afib three times:
In 2015 possibly triggered by the drug, lovenox. Cardioversion after 45 hours. Took one month to recover.
In 2017 after hot holiday! Possibly triggered by dehydration. In Afib 5.5 weeks of which 10 days in hospital trying cardioverting drugs, 10 days as a drug-addled zombie at home, cardiologist changed drugs, collapsed and back in hospital for another 12 days before emergency toe and CV. Took three months to fully recover from that saga. Referred to Papworth for ablation.
Third time, in March 2020 after severe dehydration following a nose op ,(no liquid for ten hours!). Eight days in hospital, sent home again as drug addled zombie, to await cardioversion at local hospital (haven't heard from them since!!!!!). Went private, but he referred me as emergency for CV in April at Papworth, began to recover after one month but then followed by urgent ablation in May! Phew!!
When I'm in Afib I can barely walk or function. Even when pumped full of drugs and in Afib I could only shuffle a few hundred yards and struggled to climb stairs. Unable to work each time, it was dreadful. Even when not in Afib betablockers make me feel terrible so prefer amiadarone really, shame about side effects!
The actual ablation was fine though, having amiadarone fed through a tube in my neck for days was far far more traumatic.
Hope that answers everything and didn't bore you too much!
All really positive, my own opinion is that your heart will take a long time to FULLY recover, I don't know how long, probably different for everyone. Your heart is recovering well and only you know how much to push yourself. The only advice I would offer is be aware that it will take at least a year if not longer to fully recover, make sure you do not affect your recovery by pushing yourself too hard. Two of the (many) things to look for is ectopics or a fast unusual HR, these can be signs that your heart is irritated and to slow down.
Finally! But still being cautious - otherwise I get told off by everyone!! But only coz they care.. and I may be a bit - what did one friend say "well, not stubborn, just..... headstrong"!
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