Hi, well 3 months have passed since ablation no.3. So.... had one mini run of AF after walking up to Scarborough Castle for about 2 minutes...I have flattened P-waves so it can show AF on Kardia when it's just tachycardia... convinced it was that as reading was so regular...fingers crossed.
So nothing simple, my low heart rate (40/45bpm.)is causing lots of horrible eptopics and generally unwell so there is talk of a pacemaker. I have met a fabulous nurse who has taken me under her wing and had bloods, 12 lead, holter and echo yesterday...all good so far, EF 65% and awaiting holter results. Also, she has referred me to a cardiac psychologist to help with my never ending anxiety and dramatics!
I have neglected everything else and blamed all my breathlessness and tiredness on ticker. Had my bloods done and my B12 was 50ng (normal range 200-1200) apparently dangerously low and having daily injections starting today. The symptoms of low B12 mirror all my tiredness, headaches and wierd sensations. So I'm hoping I will be like a spring lamb after my first injection today 🐑🐑🐑!!
So all in all good news, I'm really hoping the lack of B12 is responsible for my exhaustion and headaches. But I see the pacemaker as a positive thing and if the AF comes back with a vengeance I'm prepared for a pace and ablate. ... not the ideal option I know but I've had 7 years of this, 3 ablations, 18 cardio versions and every bloody tablet possible and I've had enough of it all now !!!!
Love to all xox
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booboo73
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Good to hear from you Booboo and that lack of B12 could be all that's needed to give you more energy! Though I think it may be more than one day before you feel the benefit of the injections.
I suffered with extreme exhaustion and blamed that on my AF, then it was discovered that I had an underactive thyroid (have you had yours checked?). Medication for that gave me my life back! I supplement daily with vitamin B12 too, alongside D3, C, magnesium glycinate and zinc. I have to say that I feel quite well, despite being in constant low level AF.
Hi Jean, yep had thyroid checked and that's fine. It's my fault, I should have kept a check on my bloods especially since my gastric bypass just convinced all symptoms were heart related, never gave b12 a second thought.Glad you are doing well xxxx
Jean, did you find it OK with thyroid meds? I'm borderline hypo and gave been for years but I'd heard that thyroxin is a problem for heart conditions because it increases HR.
Sorry to jump in here. If your thyroxine is at the correct dose, all should be well as it just replaces the T4 hormone your body isnt producing enough of. My endocrinologist monitors me every 3/4 months now, since being on Amiodarone but prior to that, have been on thyroxine for about 15 years with no issues.
You start on a really low dose of Levothyroxine and gradually keep an eye on what your heart rate does. Mine stayed as it was. You get a blood test every 6 weeks and gradually higher the dose until your thyroid levels get normal. My dose is low 75mg, but my goodness has it changed my life energy wise. I've read that a low thyroid level can cause AF too.
After Amiodarone for PAF damaged my thyroid, my GP was watching my thyroid levels and hoping it would go down naturally. He never actually told me any rate numbers and if he had I wouldn't have understood. Then I had a blood test at our main hospital and the consultant wrote to my doc insisting I go onto Levothyroxine. It was at a time when I was feeling quite well, but the doctor who rang me from my surgery (not my usually one) said I needed the drug or I was going to be in real trouble.
Once I'd taken it for a while, my extremely tired periods disappeared and I felt normal again. I've always been a keen walker and if I did a morning walk I would have to sleep in the afternoon. Sometimes I'd be out walking and the tiredness would strike as though someone had just turned on a switch. I'd feel so drained it would be difficult to take another step. and I'd feel like I wanted to lie down right where I was on a footpath. That's all gone now.
If you are getting periods where doing things wears you out I'd just try it.
Thank you. Much appreciated. I had a blood test the other day so will follow through. For several years I suffered from getting cold - sometimes couldn't get warm unless I got into a hot bath! And there were mornings when I just didn't want to get out of bed. But unfortunately I'm a person who tends to push through - probably the reason why I developed AF in the first place! I'm thinking that - now I've had ablation - I should be looking at any other possible factors that might impact on my heart and health generally. It's tricky because my GP doesn't see how hypothyroidism could be linked with AF. Only hyperthyroidism. So I'll have to push on that one.v
I would like to bet you will feel loads better when your B12 is sorted. I had low folic acid at one point and i had lots more energy and less strange feelings once it was back to normal levels. Good luck. Also pleased you are having cardiac psychology support. All these things together aid a better quality of life.
Pleased you have a new nurse in your corner too. Onwards and uowards,
Anxiety is my biggest problem on my AF journey. I have just finished reading ( Listening to via Audible ) " In a Heartbeat -The Ups and Downs of Life with Atrial Fib " by Rosalie Ungar, I don't often recommended books but this one gave me a better understanding of the important of a good relationship with your Consultant and Nurses among a lot of other AF issues: it is American and we know their system is different, but relationships should be the same to some degree. Do hope you get the help you seek.
Yep I really don't know why it's such a negative step....i know it's final and not the best for someone young like me ( I love saying that!!!) but surely it's got to be better than ablations, cardio versions and medications. Hopefully I'm a long way off yet!! Xxx
It sounds like you have a good EP though - from your previous posts - and I think that's half the battle. You want stability and a decent QOL so it's hopefully about finding the best solution for you.
I've learnt so much in the last week. I've had really bad headaches for the last year and so tired, B12 never crossed my mind until my nurse mentioned it, I'm praying it makes a big difference!! Xxx
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3 months post ablation
Pace and ablate - update 3 months on
