New to AF

[raymondo555]

Diagnosed with AF 2 weeks ago after breathing issues on a plane rushed to A&E, also had Covid. Shortness of breath tight chest I’ve had for a long, long time, thought it was down to being overweight due to unable to exercise properly with very painful arthritic knee joints. Hospital put me on ‘Eliquis apixaban’. My first appointment with GP in a couple days, I have many questions about diet and exercise which I’m hopeful the Doctor will answer, if not this site looks like the ideal place for me to learn a lot about how to approach my future.

[Hidden]

Hello raymondo and welcome to the forum. It’s good that you have been prescribed Apixaban because that helps to protect you from having a stroke which the main risk associated with AF. One of the quickest ways to find out more about AF is to read as much as you can on the AF Association website and if you click on the link below, this will help you to get started. Then ask any questions here, although most members are not medically trained, there is a wealth of experience which they will be happy to share with you…..hope this helps.

healthunlocked.com/afassoci.........

[Desanthony]

Best thing is to start dieting as this will help both your knees and your heart. Your GP should refer you to a cardiologist but ask if he can refer you to an electrophysiologist. You may also be able to get on a phase 3 cardio rehabilitation class - ask your GP, local hospital and also gym if they run one. This will help you get into some very light exercise under the supervision of cardio nurses and physios. What is happening about your knees - are you having any treatment?

All the best.

[raymondo555 in reply to Desanthony]

Thank you for the advice, I will certainly consider and study all you have said, as for my knees I have had several steroid injections over the years and was in the process of virtual physio with a referral for a replacement, but that has to wait now until I come to terms with the AF and Covid recovery.

[Desanthony in reply to raymondo555]

You’ve got a lot on. All the best.