Is AF a disability

[Rachelanx50]

Hi everyone hope you are ticking along nicely. The question i have is why is afib not classed as a disability?? I am desperate to go back to work but I'm struggling with the tachycardia my pulse is between 90 to 140 bmp it makes me so breathless and dizzy can't seem to function with every day life never mind getting back to work??

[Hidden]

Generally speaking, AF will be disregarded as a disability, because for some people, it doesn't produce symptoms at all and is only picked up when investigations are going on for something else. Which is why it's classified on a case by case basis with those who suffer symptoms left to provide extra evidence that it is causing problems in everyday life. I've just been refused a blue badge whilst given the right to appeal, and in order to appeal I need assessments from not only a GP but specialists. I suppose in some ways this is only fair and, if you are able to show a record of problems, may well receive a 'disabled' classification. However, I think it's particularly hard to expect someone to provide all of this extra detail at the moment with all medical departments squeezed to breaking point by the pandemic, but, as usually happens, little thought has been given to anyone caught in the middle of it all. I can only urge you to plug away at getting all evidence you can that, not only is AF your diagnosis, but that it is causing you fatigue and breathlessness.

[Rachelanx50 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Callendersgal for your reply it's a difficult one to fathom out i understand when some people don't show symptoms and it floors others like me so frustrating

[Paulbounce]

My take Rachel.

I find it hard to walk far down the road at the moment. I'm not lazy but find it hard to get out of bed in the morning. I want to work (anything will do) but I don't think I could it right now. In fact I just couldn't do it. I'm lucky as my work is online put profits have nearly gone. I get breathless just getting up and putting my socks on. I can't even walk to the local shop just now. However saying that I'll do it - positive mental attitude. I'll beat the bas%%t and knock it out. We are both smarter than afib - let's show it's who is boss.

Who will win - I and you. I will - you will too. Come on afib give it your best shot and see who wins. I'll kick afib so hard it won't know what's hit it. Don't let it beat you Rachel - you can do this. I'll say it again for both of us - a positive mental attitude will win everytime.

Paul

[Jalia in reply to Paulbounce]

With respect Paul, I don't think you are being very realistic. There is not alot that positive thinking can do when your heart rate is bouncing all over the place making you breathless and dizzy etc

[Maggimunro in reply to Jalia]

Not so sure about that Jalia. When I used to get SVT with my heart rate going up into the 200’s, I could steady myself down with some yoga-type, mindfulness- type slow breathing exercises. You have to concentrate to maintain this rhythm, so that clear your mind clears and the panic/ anxiety reduces.

[Jalia in reply to Maggimunro]

That's good. Maybe depends on how much stress is involved in the first instance I would think.

[Paulbounce in reply to Jalia]

Fair play Jalia - I know ! Just trying to be positive for the OP. Got the tee shirt and feel like rubbish today. I also feel breathless and pretty rough TBH. Need to go out and shop - don't feel like it but I'll do it.

Enjoy your day

Paul

[Jalia in reply to Paulbounce]

Anything worth trying Paul! Maybe if the fast rate is anxiety led?

I've had a good 6+ months normal rate following last ablation but I have total hip replacement surgery next Friday 😬 so will see how the heart rate goes!!

I should have had this op over 2 weeks ago but anaesthetist wanted me checked out with cardiologist and echo (£££££) before he would proceed. Anyway , good result from echo and as it appears my AF is mainly vagally mediated hopefully it will not be triggered!

[Paulbounce in reply to Jalia]

Sounding good Jalia - I wish you all the best with hip replacement and hope it works out well for you - I'm sure it will.

Good luck and all best with it. Let us know how you get on.

Paul

[Jalia in reply to Paulbounce]

Thanks Paul!

[Auriculaire in reply to Jalia]

Good luck with the hip op. Do let us know how you get on. My heart behaved perfectly for both hip ops .

[Goosebumps in reply to Jalia]

Hello JaliaCould you explain a bit more how an echo cardio gram deciphered that your Afib was vagally mediated( and whatever mediated means in this instance) . thanks

[Jalia in reply to Goosebumps]

Hi Goosebumps , an Echo did not reveal my AF as vagal. This had been determined by my history. Vagally mediated AF is predominantly precipitated by parasympathetic stimulation......known as vagally- mediated AF ,( VM- AF).

Put simply in my case , AF tends to come on at rest rather than exertion or stress. We are hoping therefore that my operation next week will not be a trigger for AF!

Hope this explains!

J

[CDreamer in reply to Paulbounce]

I admire your determination but we have to accept that we all have different ways of being and all are valid.

[Singwell in reply to Paulbounce]

That's tough Paul with the breathlessness you describe. Your positivity is admirable and I hope you find aspects of life to enjoy despite all.

[Paulbounce in reply to Singwell]

Ty Sing.

Best,

Paul

[Rachelanx50 in reply to Paulbounce]

Thanks Paul you and me also so sad that it affects you as it does me. It's hard to be positive but i agree that I do need to try as my cardiologist said to me "when it rears its ugly head think only positive thoughts" I'm working on it

[wilsond in reply to Paulbounce]

Keep your chin up and look to better times ahead Paul. Positive thinking can only help us cope better.

Upwards and onwards...🤞

[Paulbounce in reply to wilsond]

For sure 'our Wil'

I hope all is good with you

Take care and have a lovely day.

Paul

[CDreamer]

I think Callendersgal has summarised my thoughts well.

I think I want to turn the question back - Why should AF automatically be classed as a Disability when many people with AF can continue to function and sometimes aren’t even aware they have AF? I know many people in wheelchairs who are struggling to get Blue Badges, PIP and other disabilities allowances.

I empathise because I know how hard it is but maybe you should see your GP and find out why your symptoms are disabling you so and how your symptoms could be better managed?

Is your AF persistent or Paroxysmal?

[Rachelanx50 in reply to CDreamer]

Thanks Cdreamer. I don't think Afib should be automatically recognised as a disability not at all. I think it should be looked at and how it affects people differently . I'm not sure if it's peroximal or permanent now I havnt been told. I used to revert back to normal rythem sometimes within hours, days or weeks my longest bout was 3 months but I've exceeded that now so I'm unsure if I'll revert back on my own

[Hidden]

Hi,

Not really in my case. After 12 years now I have the demon well controlled via medication and lifestyle changes (diet). I'm 77 and DVLA are aware of my condition and continue to certify me as fit to drive a bus and I put in around 40 hours a week at the moment. More than I want, but driver shortages are an issue down here in Cornwall. In fact there isn't a bus company in the south west that isn't screaming out for bus drivers.

That said about 4 or 5 times a year my heart chucks a wobbly, never severe enough to put me into A & E but often bad enough to put me off work for a few days. I just settle down and monitor it with my BP monitor and my Kardia 6.

Good luck.

John

[Singwell in reply to Hidden]

That's really rather inspirational

[john-boy-92]

There have been some good replies to the question. A Local Authority will determine a Blue Badge by reference to published criteria. I have one because of hemianopia caused by a stroke, that in turn means my Group 1 (car and motorcycle) driving licence is revoked. I also had pulmonary toxicity classifying me as clinically extremely vulnerable. Therefore I have material evidence of a hidden disability. The fact that I have fibrillation / flutter does not count. Proving AF as a disability preventing you from working, would be similar to putting a case for ME.

[wilsond]

It is apparently in Warwickshire,as I have a blue badge.If you are so debilitated, perhaps a review of your care is needed?

Are you under an Electrophysiologist ( EP) as they are the specialists ? Cardiologist knowledge can be patchy!

Some people can wade through AFib but others are floored ,and it's not all in the mindset of keep calm and carry on,but just that the physical symptoms can be overwhelming at times.

If we are dis- abled from normal activities during AFib,and also limited by the uncertainty of when episodes can hit us,then yes it is surely a disability to function fully as people without our condition are.

Such a wideranging condition!

[Tomred]

hi rachelan , im a painter and decorator coming 62 and really really struggling with the job because of af, it sure is a disability im my book ,i honestly feel that every job is my last, but i dont like letting people down that has employed me for years, going forward i dont know how ill cope, but when i tell my gp they respond as if its all in my mind.

[SingingT]

I was told by my cardiologist that my AF was a disability but that I didn’t need to be disabled by it. This was his reason for not offering me follow-up (follow-up might reinforce the disability). He left me in the hands of the pacemaker clinic. 🤷‍♀️

[mav7]

Don't know why AF is not classified as a disability. Seems any heart irregularity requiring treatment would be.

Hi everyone hope you are ticking along nicely

Great line Rachel !

Should be in the HealthUnlocked Classic Section.

🙂

[Rachelanx50 in reply to mav7]

😁😁 thanks mav7

[john-boy-92]

One possible way of proving disability would be a Bruce Protocol test and simultaneously monitoring SpO2 with an oximeter. A follow-up assessment with a clinical physio could determine whether breathlessness is related to your fitness level. You may find that you might get a "social prescription " for regular walking. On the other hand you could be sufficiently fit but your SpO2 is low due to AF or another medical reason.

If you are looking for retirement on disablity grounds or disability benefits / Motability, the bar will probably be quite high.

[N400033]

Hi, I agree with you so much!!.most people do not understand how debilitating it is. When I have an episode, life just has to stop. Can barely walk into the grocery store, and most of the time my HR does not get as high as yours. So I imagine how badly you feel during an episode.