I had a crappy week this week - work and domestic hassles abounded. So yesterday afternoon I took my beautiful wife to our local pub and we had a few drinks. Then we enjoyed a lovely Chinese meal with the family. Every AFib rule broken and yes, I had an episode. But instead of fighting it and becoming anxious, I relaxed, took my extra flecanide and let it happen. Mild irregularities, low HR, asymptomatic and over in 2 hours. A full night's sleep followed now we are off to the beach for an early morning walk with the dog. Sometimes I think AFib is in part a function of my own internal negative obsession with our condition and my focus on the worst outcome. Lets all have the best possible weekend - take our tablets and relax responsibly. AFib isn't going to kill you - don't let it run your life.
Love you all,
Kenny
Written by
Kennyb1968
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A happy weekend to you too, Kenny, and thanks for the morning words of wisdom
I 100% agree - this condition can become a real negative feedback loop with the anxiety and hyper focus. Life, as you say, is for living so let's live it to the full. This moment is all we have.
I often say that we need to enjoy life and stop focussing on AF . It is a fact of our lives and we don't need machines to tell us we have it.
I once told the story of driving from North Devon to Usk in Wales to change the gearbox on a rally car with my youngest son who at the time could not drive. I was in AF with a rate wrong side of 150 the whole day but we survived with a lot of wee stops and drinking of water.
I also did a post a few years ago about how varied is our ability to cope either with the stress of having AF or our ability to live with it.
Joining the S*d It club and getting on with life is the single most important step in coping with this mongrel condition. Well done!
(I must stress that I would never condemn those who haven't joind the club yet but do please keepg trying)
That's certainly the way to cope with it Kenny. Unfortunately, it took me many years before I could relax and ignore an episode. Now I'm in constant mild AF, it's no problem.
I agree Kenny and learnt to live with my P-AF and the long episodes of 15-20 hours which I have on average every 8 days. Not every episode is the same, some are more symptomatic than others and on those occasions I can do very little but potter around slowly waiting for it to pass.
I recently went on holiday to Wales with my family and went into AF the second day missing a fishing trip .My eldest grandaughter aged 12 (going on 18) stayed with me and confessed she hadn't really wanted to go fishing with her 4 siblings anyway so we spent a quiet morning chatting and preparing lunch together.
I no longer fear episodes of AF or having my plans disrupted, there are worse things in life.
Yes I think most AF is caused by the several points you made and others ie not just one cause and the causes vary in degrees between individuals. The important bit is how you restore 'normal' life, this is very individual but can be achieved!
You don't know how much this post has lifted my spirits. PAF since 2019, and the fear of an episode kicking in has slowly taken over my life. Your positivity is infectious. Your words 'I think AFib is in part a function of my own internal negative obsession with our condition and my focus on the worst outcome' sums it up for me, but reading all the posts on here of folk in similar AF predicaments as myself, and simply getting on with it and living life, is the kick up the proverbial that I have needed. Thanks Kenny (and all fellow a fibers on this forum) 😀
You're so right. We have to get on with our lives - we have it, but AF doesn't have US! Takes a bit of time for most of us to get there I think. Also, for those of us who started their AF journey during or close to the pandemic, I think its been especially hard. Personally I no longer felt 'safe' and that wasn't a comfortable place to be. But with each small step towards a more normal or new normal way of life we can enjoy gives us confidence and the courage to continue. Have a lovely Sunday!
Yayyyyyyy Kenny. We all deserve time to enjoy our life and not just deal with the bad stuff. Hope you and your wife have an awesome weekend. Cheers to you and your fantastic attitude 🍸 🍾 🥳 x
Thank you, Kenny! Couldn't agree more... I've noticed, the minute I turn my attention to something or someone else that absorbs me and really changes my focus AWAY from the crazy rhythm--I'll suddenly convert. Here's to life, and a happy Sunday for us all!
Reading your post & all the replies has done me the world of good! Thank you. I’m working really hard to join the S*d It club, not quite there but getting closer 😀
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