Some advice please.....

[Ashburton51]

My AF started again in February two and a half years after my second ablation. The first one didn't work. I have to say I was expecting the ablation to last longer than it has. I went to my GP who I have to say has been brilliant and he referred me back to my consultant. In early June I started to have the AF episodes 2 -3 times a week. I went back to my GP who has contacted the consultant to escalate my appointment. I also went to A&E this week so that I could get an ECG showing the AF so that it could be passed to the consultant.

But the advice I need is - I am now so depressed with the situation. I have had to cancel my holiday because of feeling so tired and having no energy whatsoever as well as cancelling normal everyday things. Have any of you felt this terrible depression and if so how did you overcome it? I am normally a very positive person, with my cup half full, now I am so tearful and just don't know how to get through the day. I know my family are also concerned because it is so unlike me.

I would really appreciate our advice.

Gloria

[Hidden]

Hello Gloria, it sounds as though you responded quite well to your second ablation so it makes sense to see your consultant, if there is a delay, maybe a private consultation would be worth considering particularly as he/she would have access to your history. Try not to despair, maybe ask for a CV or being prescribed a PiP, but it’s very common for folk to have three or more ablations….

[Ashburton51 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Flapjack and for the reassurance that 3 or more ablations are possible.

[rosyG]

I understand as had similar feelings when my knee backtracked a lot after surgery- also the last year has taken it out of us all even if we don't fully take on all the implications. Concentrate on fact you probably only need a little touch up when the scarring has healed and is letting in a little signal- you will get this sorted- keep pressing for appointments If you can get a Kardia (£99) you can send recordings of your Af to your doctor.

[Ashburton51 in reply to rosyG]

Thank you Rosie, hopefully a third ablation will do the trick

[dezi in reply to Ashburton51]

What medication are you taking? Have you started taking anything new in the last months or going back on rate control medication you may have come off after your ablation?

[Ashburton51 in reply to dezi]

I am taking Apixaban twice a day and not on anything else. I wasn't put on any medication after my ablation apart from the Apixaban. I don't drink alcohol or caffeine and eat a very healthy diet so there doesn't seem to be anything that has triggered it.

[dezi in reply to Ashburton51]

Well that’s a few things discounted then. Can you e Mail your Kardia readings to either your EP’s or his secretary and get some advice? Take care.

[Ashburton51 in reply to dezi]

My GP has emailed the ECG to the EP which I will follow up with his secretary during the week. It's all very frustrating but hopefully I won't have to wait too long for an appointment with him

[12Potter]

I’m not surprised you feel like you do 😳. I think everyone has been or feels same with AF. It’s just so debilitating ….. but as with anything that affects the mind WE are the ones who have ownership. Personally I feel it & sit with it. I cry, sleep, go quiet, or scream, withdraw, feel angry, fed up whatever I need to feel in that moment but then I draw a line. Then I take baby steps, small accomplishments “for me”, always go into nature, read up on how the mind works, meditate and before you are even aware, you’ve shifted the balance. That’s a great start to where you want to be. If you’re usually a positive person you will naturally find that level again - in time - no pressure. Be kind to you & find your happy. You’ve got this 😀

[Ashburton51 in reply to 12Potter]

Thank you so much for your very wise words. I absolutely know that our thoughts control our lives, I have just lost that connection at the moment. However I am sure I will get back there eventually. Thank you

[12Potter in reply to Ashburton51]

I have no doubt you will - the fact you have the strength to write on here says so much about you. Connections are always there. 😁

[Ashburton51 in reply to 12Potter]

Thank you 😊

[lovetogarden in reply to 12Potter]

Such good advice here. I’m also at a point of feeling very depressed and disappointed. 3rd ablation last summer made some progress, but I’m now having more frequent tachycardia events and feeling exhausted from the meds. I get very little done in a day and that’s not me! But I’m trying to adjust to getting less done, my reward is lots more time to read!

Long ago, during a rough patch, a counselor had me make a list of little things that make me happy and said make sure to do something in that list everyday. That still helps me. Pick a few flowers, or buy some. Treat yourself to a bit of favorite food (unless it triggers afib! 😂) take a short walk, visit w a friend. Etc. Being grateful for tiny things. And getting whatever medical care is needed. ♥️

[Ashburton51 in reply to lovetogarden]

Thank you! Your councelor has given very good advice and I shall take it on board. Everyone that has taken the time to reply to my post have been wonderful and all the advice has been really helpful. It is the lethargy the follows the episodes of AF which are also difficult to cope with. At least I am an avid reader and therefore can loose myself in books!

[Ashburton51]

Thank you John. You hit the nail on the head about not just existing because I think that is the space I am in at the moment. However your reply has been very helpful in putting things in perspective - thank you!

[SuziElley]

Hi Gloria. So sorry you’re going through the mill. Good advice below about maybe considering a private consultation. That can sometimes bump you up the list a bit for any procedures. With regards the depression, a difficult one. I know when I was first diagnosed I cried every day for a fortnight. Thank goodness for an understanding hubby! I see you’re from Ashburton? Maybe get out onto the moors, somewhere nice and quiet, trees, river….. Take a camping chair with you. Let the rest of the family go wandering while you sit somewhere peaceful and just breathe. A change of scenery can work wonders. Some lovely spots near you as well. Take care xx

[Ashburton51 in reply to SuziElley]

Hi Suzi yes getting out in nature is very healing and I actually managed to go for a lovely walk today. I am no longer in Ashburton but Shrewsbury in South Shropshire which is different but equally as beautiful. Thank you for your kind words xx

[SuziElley]

Just take care and take things slowly xx

[Mike-tyson]

Are you on any medication to control it. I have same and I am on Bisoprolol beta blocker and Degoxin which have side effects but controls the problem 😊

[Ashburton51 in reply to Mike-tyson]

No Mike I'm not. All the beta-blockers I tried didn't work and gave me side effects so I only take Apixaban twice a day.