AF

[Beeflower]

Hello I’ve just been diagnosed with Af it’s very scary and I would love to know how people cope with it

[Finvola]

Hello Beeflower and welcome. Diagnosis of AF is scary and is usually gives us quite a jolt. The important things are to realise that it is possible to cope, get a treatment plan and to live a practically normal life.

Anxiety is the greatest enemy at the start - worrying when and if it will start - we've all been there. First thing is to inform yourself as much as possible about the condition and you will find a good link on the right of the screen from Flapjack 'Useful links for Newbies and Oldies'. Read as much as you can and ask any questions which crop up.

A treatment plan is next - usually we try to see a cardiologist as soon as possible or even better an Electrophysiologist (EP) who specialises in heart rhythms. There are tests to be done to determine your heart health and identify the arrhythmia. All of this takes time unfortunately - more so now with COVID causing so many delays to normal medical functions. I found the weeks after diagnosis were the worst - I feared I would die, faint, disgrace myself during an episode to the point where I wouldn't go out alone. This does pass, especially if you can do 'normal' things as often as possible. Slow, deep breathing helps to calm anxiety as do Mindfulness and hobbies.

The main website of the AFA is a great resource for leaflets and general information on how we cope - heartrhythmalliance.org/afa.

Any questions - ask away, someone will be able to help.

[Beeflower in reply to Finvola]

Thank you so much it’s been a great help already .

[Buffafly]

Hi and welcome! We can be more helpful if you give us a bit more info, like how were you diagnosed and what type of AF is it (if you know). And what do you find scary? The most important thing to say is that most people do learn to cope but it takes time.

[Beeflower in reply to Buffafly]

Hi I got taken into hospital last Monday my heart was going mad , they said it’s the top part of my heart causing the problem they have put me on beta blockers (Bisoprolol) 1.25g and blood thinner (Apixaban) 5mg that’s all I know at the moment

[Buffafly in reply to Beeflower]

Hopefully your heart has calmed down? If it was beating dangerously you would have been kept in. The Apixaban is to help prevent stroke which is the immediate danger with AF, after that it’s a question of tweaking meds and changes in lifestyle if necessary 💜

[Beeflower in reply to Buffafly]

Yes I was in for two days x

[100h]

Hi and welcome!Yes it certainly is scary at first and does take a little while to get used to the diagnosis. As others have said, that feeling will eventually subside, and one of the best ways is to learn as much as you can. Ask lots of questions and pop in here whenever you need to.

I don't post much, but I've found this forum to be such a big help.

All the best!

[Beeflower in reply to 100h]

Thanks

[bassets]

Hi, your replies are spot on here. Af is something it takes a while to get used to but you will become accustomed to the idea. I am still finding it scary at times, but you will hopefully get a plan sorted out eventually as I did and everyone else does. In the meantime, try not to worry too much as that won't help. Keep on keeping on and good luck.

[Beeflower in reply to bassets]

Thank you

[Beeflower in reply to bassets]

Thanks

[Mugster]

Hi BeeflowerI too was put on Apixiban and Bisoprolol.

Very few people have any problems with Apixiban, but Bisoprolol can have side effects. For me it was leaden legs. However 1.5mg is the lowest dose you can be on. At one time they increased mine to 10mg . Increasing the dose reduces your Heart rate, so it is worth monitoring your HR and beats with an app, blood pressure monitor or Kardia machine to get your dosage right.

Also there are alternatives if you suffer side effects.

Also do you know if you are in permanent AF like me or does it come and go? When trying to identify what triggers it is helpful

[Beeflower in reply to Mugster]

I think it comes and goes

[wilsond]

HelloYes it's a shock to get diagnosed ,especially when it's our heart that is involved !

I was quietly terrified at first but now 8 years on I have ( mostly) got over that fear and dread .

I think ' this too shall pass' when I get something going on.

I know I am medicated to greatly reduce the risk of stroke.

I am medicated with rythym and rate control ( I have AFib and A Flutter)

I am under the care of an excellent Electrophysiologist

I have looked closely at my lifestyle and nutrients

I take magnesium and q10 supplements ..recommended by many.

I try to reduce stress and anxiety symptoms if the occur with music ,deflection such as audiobooks ,walking in the woods or garden.

When I start to get the heebie jeebies I tell myself all the above.Usually works.

Main thing is AF itself is not a killer...

Reading the patient leaflets on here is very useful ,and of course our lovely crew on this forum ,always someone awake as it's international .

I'm sure you will feel better when you get a treatment plan and get over the initial surprise and fear

Best wishes xxx

[Beeflower in reply to wilsond]

Thanks

[Beeflower]

Thank you

[Cigarboxblues]

You’re in the right place for an answer to any question you might have but remember we are all survivors not doctors. We all have a bit to give in any assistance you need but nothing beats the clinicians looking after you.

There is no such thing as a stupid question.

Ask away 👍

[Beeflower]

Has anyone else got a very low pulse rate since been put on beta blockers and blood thinners mine went down to 44 is this to low

[Janith in reply to Beeflower]

Mine goes down very low as well ... starting at 4:00 pm (for some unknown reason) and I get really COLD! Then we have din and I still feel kind of chilly ... take a hot bath ... then I'm fine for the evening. It's a pain and I know that it is from the afib meds that I am taking that lowers my blood pressure too much. I am also very strong on exercising which lowers the heart rate. The forties is okay for athletes ... but a little low for us probably??? However, I feel very healthy and strong and perfect otherwise.

[walle99 in reply to Beeflower]

Hi Beeflower, I have had mid 40s and felt fine along with a blood thinner too

[Janith]

When I was first diagnosed with afib approximately four years ago, I have never been so terrified. I was alone. My husband was in Europe. I drove myself to the emergency room ... five minutes away ... and they said very casually "oh ... you are simply in afib" ... I thought, "what in the hell is that?" It kept up for approximately five hours. They gave me all of these tests and meds and etc. I was released after five hours and saw a cardiologist who prescribed Sotolol. I have had maybe four episodes since then. Always head off to the EM and once I had a cardio version. It is a very scary condition because of the surprise aspect. One never knows when it will strike. I stopped alcohol ... deep breathing ... lots of magnesium ... healthy diet ... never eat excessively (a trigger for me) ... watch your weight ... I'm skinny ... and just be careful and you will be fine. The 'condition' is a very annoying inconvenience! Best, Jan

[Beeflower in reply to Janith]

Thanks x

[Beeflower in reply to Janith]

Thank you it is very scary x