Tiredness and AF

[Hilianna]

Thank you to everyone who responded to my recent post. I recently saw the cardiac nurse who very firmly assured me that my AF is not the cause of my tiredness. All tests indicate that my heart is functioning well and that the AF is not significant enough to affect me in this way! I asked her about seeing an EP. She did not say no, but was very adamant that it was not needed. So, back to my GP with my woes. The nurse suggested I check if I have sleep apnoea - presumably there is a machine that can be used for this? I am trying to energise myself to be more active, but it is not easy when all your body wants to do is rest. My legs are like jelly at times and all my limbs are so tired, even though I am sleeping better than I have for years. Now the battle of getting a GP appt......

[BobD Volunteer]

Frankly I do not agree. Fatigue is a common side effect of AF.

[Hilianna in reply to BobD]

I fully agree but the nurse does not think my AF is significant enough to cause it?? I feel like an engine that just cannot function properly anymore. I have reduced so many activities in my life that appeared to be linked to AF and now lead a much quieter life. But this tiredness still dominates what I can do. Does age play such a big part in this slowing down?

[Buffafly in reply to Hilianna]

Not necessarily, my husband was like the Duracell bunny at 84, then had a couple of mini strokes and then bowel cancer, now sleeps 12 hours at night and during the day as well. Get your GP’s attention somehow and in the meantime think if you have any other symptoms, changes in body functions etc to report ❤️‍🩹

[excel1234 in reply to Buffafly]

My husband is STILL the same, now the GP has put him on yet another med Doxazosin (never heard of it) as his BP is up to 182/112, he takes Digoxin for AF. I don't know what to do any more.

[Hilianna]

Thanks, will try!

[Hidden]

Hi,

Your Cardiac Nurse isn't fit for purpose. You may care to read some of my latest posts on a very similar topic regarding Bisoprolol. That said, my latest ECG ( 10 years after my original) says quite clearly that my left atria is still damaged and in the same state as it was originally.

Mind you for me ............ my big issue is that Bisoprolol is putting me into the land of " Zombies and the living dead".

Good luck trying to chat to your GP. I've given up with mine, as much use as a chocolate fireguard.

John

[Fullofheart]

Hmmmm. Fatigue is a well known symptom of AF and very common side effect of the meds they put you on.

[wilsond]

Please insist on speaking to the actual consultant not the nurse.

.With all due respect he/she is not the trained professional and not qualified to make a diagnosis themselves. I'm not dismissing their own skills but that is above their pay grade.

As others have said AF essentially means our hearts are often less efficient at providing the 'fuel ' for the body machine,and so it follows that fatigue is the result, as well as the effect of medication. Different people have different experiences of the symptoms of AF,which is well recognised qbdcshoukd have been by your nurse,in my opinion!

All the best

[Carrie27]

What hogwash. Fatigue is quite definitely a side effect of AFib. It was actually visiting my GP due to feeling unbelievable fatigued after a bout of flu that led to my being diagnosed. Since that time, and following 2 failed ablations, I now have persistent AFib, but there was a short period when, whilst they could not control the rhythm, they were managing to control the rate really well. During this time I would have periods of normal sinus rhythm and how I would know when I flipped into sinus rhythm was because I would suddenly feel energised and, conversely, would know I was back in AFib as I would hit a brick wall of fatigue.

[Ppiman]

It sounds like you have a good nurse and GP and a sensible approach. I’m 68 and can feel too tired at times for what I’ve done and my heart speeds up much too quickly and stays there a bit too long - but I also sleep badly. I do think the racing, palpitations and AF can cause this as a friend, now 88, has permanent AF and gets the same, as does my son’s colleague, at 76, and after I think six previous ablations. Of course - none of us are getting any younger.

Steve

[Tomred]

i feel like you 90 per cent of the time , drained, i personally relate it to afib.

[Snowgirl65]

I was wondering if a change in diet could help you, i.e. add more protein and less carbs. I find myself sluggish the day after indulging in potato chips (your crisps in the UK) or sweet bakery items, so I try to avoid both. There's a marked difference in my energy level when I up my protein and vegetable/fiber.