Hi...I was diagnosed with AF in February this year and I feel this has really changed how I live my life and I don't want it too. I have had 2 cardio version ..first one lasted 4 days and now into my fourth week of my second. Some people around me say my approach to this has been negative and I dont want this to be the case, but obviously some parts of my life has had to change. I do suffer with depression and dont want this to trigger anything off. I do have family but live on my own my grown up children are very supportive and i work two days a week. I am 67
Many thanks..so many things going round in my head
Liz
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Gavnatoz
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Please don’t pay attention to other peoples’ judgement. It’s your body, it’s your life, and there’s no right or wrong way to live with a chronic health condition. Being diagnosed with AF or any heart condition takes a lot of coming to terms with. There’s no timetable for this. You are just finding your way to cope as best you can. There are no boxes to tick, nobody else’s approval to seek. Change isn’t always easy.
As for self help, again there is no right or wrong way. There’s no “right” diet, there are no supplements that you *must* take , and there is absolutely no compulsion to seek out alternative therapies. Contrary to many peoples’ opinion, so-called “positive thinking” isn’t necessarily helpful especially when it means denying the reality of your situation and forcing yourself into false hope. Balanced thinking where you can acknowledge the negatives in your situation but can still take positive actions in your life is far more effective and helpful
If you have a history of depression then perhaps it might be a good idea to see if there are any talking therapy services in your area. If you are in the UK then you can self refer. Otherwise you can ask your GP to refer you to CBT. Your situation has changed, and if this is impacting on your emotional health then you are entitled to seek help.
You don’t need to make other people feel comfortable just because you have a lot to deal with. They might not “get it” and many people don’t want to hear about other peoples’ health problems anyway. If that’s the case, don’t listen to them if they think that you have to do or think anything. You don’t. You’re not here to please them.
From my own experience, no matter what you do in terms of your own lifestyle choices, there’s always someone who will tell you that you are doing it all wrong. I eat a predominantly plant based diet, for example. But there’s always someone who will bore me about phytates or lectins or whatever the latest bandwagon they’ve just jumped upon. Even so, if I was on the fish & chips and mars bar diet it would still be none of their business. If I want their advice I’d ask, but in reality, they’re the last ones I’d ask for health advice anyway.
Long term health conditions can make us feel more vulnerable so we need to develop strong boundaries as a kind of self defence against annoying people, unsolicited advice and sadly all the misinformation about health (a minefield in itself). But it all takes time and we can only go one step at a time.
Thank you so much for your reply. Reading it helps remind me at the moment I'm on a new journey and like you say one step at a time, there is a lot to get my head round but I know I will.
I also have to add that I’ve learned a lot from the people in this group. They are the ones who know what living with AF is all about and how they have managed it. It’s important to remember that we’re all different in our symptom pattern, response to medication, lifestyle preferences and co-existing conditions. Some people have other challenges to deal with whereas others have lone AF and are otherwise extremely fit and healthy. There’s no single correct medication, no one true diet, no perfect exercise routine, and we all have different family/partner set ups, which can mean different levels of support (or stress), lots of variables. And if you are overwhelmed and want to binge watch a box set and eat an ice lolly, sometimes that can be self care from time to time. There’s a lot to manage and the trick is to make a good lifestyle a matter of routine, in a way that’s manageable and sustainable, and there has to be a bit of enjoyment in it too.
" There has to be a bit of enjoyment in it too". Couldn't agree more. There is far too much health puritanism around these days and for many afibbers this will increase anxiety not diminish it.
Same as sassy59 i want to thank you for your reply.
Ive had periods when treatment for AF has been really tough going and I got pretty tired of managing other peoples expectations and sometimes rediculously ill timed and out of touch optimism... which felt like a denial of what I was going through.
Ive had 4 procedures this year, none with any success and each time I had to try and find a balance between friends and family...and sometimes medical staff's over positivity, the negativity that comes with the territory of previous failed efforts and my general realism with a fair pinch of hope.
I found it quite tiring. Your post reminded me of that and it felt really validating.
I also relate to your balanced view that there is no ONE way through this or ONE way to adapt your lifestyle. Its very personal. I agree and hope the original poster and others also gain from that perspective.
that is such a true reply. it made me cry but in a good way knowing that someone understands just whatnwe can be going through. I've tried many cocktails off meds which hadn't worked now I'm down for an ablate and pace and I am very scared as it is very final. I've been trying to tell myself get on with it but that isn't reality. your post has let me breathe a bit. thank you
Many of us when first diagnosed with AF felt exactly like you do, wondering to ourselves why me! On my diagnosis 17 years ago. I was offered pills to take every day. I was puzzled, but I may never have any more attacks I said. I agreed to take them just when I did. I was in headless chicken mode and when they said I needed an ultrasound of my heart, and it would be in a few months' time - my goodness did I cluck and paid to have one privately two weeks later. It was the biggest waste of money ever - my heart function was fine. Just a minor leaky mitral valve which lots of older people get as they age and is of no concern.
Unlike Autumn leaves, I found that what I ate could cause AF attacks. This was mainly artificial sweeteners. I was overdosing on them, had them in my tea, coffee, my fruit yogurts', chewing gum (after lunch) and the lemonade I drank. There was I thinking I was being healthy and staying slim! I helped run a nursing home and had my lunch there every day, my boss called me the chief tester. Then I noticed I was getting attacks every time I ate apple crumble. I went to see our cook and asked what was in it, just these apples she said - showing me the tin. I looked and there were no additives there. A few weeks later she came to my office and said I've just thought what it is, I put artificial sweeteners in the custard, so that it's suitable for diabetic patients. Well, there was the mystery solved. I can assure you that artificial sweeteners were a sure trigger for my AF.
I now try to eat natural foods all cooked by me and avoid eating any that contain artificial additives of any sort. It has certainly made a big difference to my having AF attacks.
It is a shock when you are first told you have AF, but you will come to realise that although attacks are a nuisance, they are most highly unlikely to kill us. There are far worse things we could have had like cancer, Parkinsons, MS, Motor Neurone disease, we have all our limbs and our sight etc.
Keep writing here with every query that comes into your head and we will do our best to help.
We all live with what is our own personal "normal". A new diagnosis means adapting to a new you. This may turn out to be just as good as the old you. The fear of depression is understandable and has already been said help talking through things may prevent a spiral.
We are atrial fibrillation twins - I was diagnosed in February, and also 67. (For one more week anyway!)
I have some phases of feeling very sorry for myself, and a little guilty at the same time as it doesn’t seem as bad as other conditions. For me it’s the unpredictability of when an episode will set itself off. Then the worry that it will spoil something I want to do. Though if I’m logical, anything can get in the way of things and we just need to get on with it.
I’m on the waiting list for a catheter ablation - so that’s another uncertainty as to when it will be. I suppose that I need to just plan ahead, while knowing that things could be a bit disrupted, “The best laid plans of mice and men…” springs to mind!
Thank you....even more of a connection as I am also on the waiting list for an ablation. I do agree its the fear of something triggering it off...but like you say there are worse things. Hope you keep well.
Others have said it so well, but here are a few extras that might help:
- AF won't kill you, but it can make you feel like it will. This feeling is produced by a kind of anxiety that develops naturally when the heart's rhythm goes awry. It's a kind of "shock" response that can bring on chronic over-breathing, a silent effect that can easily create a cascade resulting in "panic" and feelings of "impending doom" developing. Long term anxiety can then easily trigger depression, which is hard to shift, although it always does lift of its own accord eventually, once the mind adjusts to the new state. One way to help this more quickly is to, whenever possible, get reassurance from your doctor that your heart itself is sound, apart from the electrical disturbances that cause the AF. An echocardiogram or other scan, such as a stress cardiac MRI are best for this.
- The AF itself, even if it becomes persistent, is far less troublesome to your health than the racing heart it can produce (i.e. a resting pulse greater than 100bpm). This can often be controlled by taking beta-blockers, with an extra one taken when needed. Your doctor is your guide here.
Bless you. You are entitled tp feel a bit negative after having all this rubbish happen to you. Its a shock but it can be sorted out. Find out all you can and ask us as much as you like xxd
You have had some extremely sensible replies so far so i won't embroider them, but bless you, we've all been where you are and we're all here for you. Best wishes.
I developed persistent AF about 5 years ago. Had 2 failed cardioverversions and six months of a very toxic drug but nothing help so I ended up with an ablation. Luckily my consultant took his time - 5 hours - and his attention to detailed paid off as I have had no problems ever since. I had had eighteen months of stress prior to this and am sure that is what triggered it but my consultant refuses to believe this. I think we all have our own triggers and hopefully you will find yours. I might get AF back one day but am 4 years free now so remember it doesn’t necessarily have to last forever. Good luck.
Hello lovely lady. I have read your post and all those who responded. Well i cried...my heart (no pun intended) went out to you because as others have said , i understsnd where you are coming from. The amount of support and care that came from the guys on this forum is ,as always, stunning . Great responses and i hope you feel more reassured and calmer because of them. Im having a 'bad' day today and reading this post has helped me so thank you for your post and all the guys who posted their thoughts to you. Xx
Stress can be hard to avoid a lot of the time which doesn’t help the condition but try to take a day at a time. On good days do as you please and on not so good days be kind to yourself and even reach out on here as people will lift you back up as they know exactly what it’s like.
Food wise my only tip as to what does affect me is too much salt and I’ve given up alcohol as that did affect my symptoms but again everyone is different. I also have lost some some weight and still have more to go - it’s not really affected the arrhythmia but has help in other ways. Oh I also use only decaf tea & coffee which I feel helps. You may not need to lose any at all and it shows that we’re all different and just need to find out what works for ourselves.
It’s hard when people are critical, and when it’s a bad day it’s even harder - try to just say “thank you, I hear what you’re saying, I’ll take it on board”. Then divert to maybe “anyway how are you?” So hopefully that shows you’re not dismissing them, you’re hopefully ending the topic until you address it yourself and by asking how they are maybe covers that you feel maybe overwhelmed by the way they are being at that time. When they leave just know it’s not that they don’t care it’s just they don’t understand and don’t know what to say, they think just telling you to think positive will sort it which then makes it easier for them to not worry because you’re ok.
I am also a AFib newbie and you have done what I did, which is to reach out on this great forum for support. Honestly I was so amazed when these lovely people not only responded but also gave me such useful thoughts. It really helped me at the time when I was scared and confused. I am still scared and confused but feeling less alone because of this forum. I feel now I am a member of this club, which helps with the positivity. I am also waiting for my echocardiogram and trying to avoid too much stress and eat more healthily. Every little helps hopefully!
Hi! I was going to write you a long message, but then I read all the replies that you have got so far and they’re so brilliant that I don’t think I have anything to add now!
I will just echo what someone said and use this site whenever you feel the need. Like you AF has had a big negative impact on my life…
I got tired with all the friends asking so many times why this has happened to me and suggesting all the things that I may have done (or not done!) to bring this condition upon myself! They found it very hard for some reason to accept that AF often just happens.
Unfortunately for me, I do actually know why now (it’s due to another more serious I inherited heart condition) so at least that’s answered them!
I really understand how you’re feeling and hope you can stay in rhythm for as long as possible!
remember Gav, firstly, its not a death sentence, its not nice , but if your on treatment hopefully you can learn to live with it, ive been where you are, as we all have , you will get some good comfort on this forum.
I felt just as you do when I was first diagnosed, it was going to change my life or so I thought! Although I'm getting on for 80, I live a very active life, my husband and I are long distance walkers, gardners etc and I thought no more holidays, definately no more abroad, even though my daughter lives in Spain, I would have to be near a hospital at all times! She encouraged me to join a group and at first was very resistant, I didnt want to listen to more illness, no that wasn't for me, but very reluctantly I did join this group and have found it so helpful in many ways. I hope you will soon feel much better about everything, we are all in similar situations and can help each other when we feel a bit low!
Brilliant response from autumn leaves. My experience is lack of understanding from others. If you look well which everyone says I do, people think you are ok, so when you turn down invites to do things cos of tiredness, medication, etc people can see you as unsociable/grumpy. I think its hard for other people to understand how we are affected and they want you to get better. So if you have a good day the expectation can be that you are getting better and tomorrow will see further improvement, whereas tomorrow could just be a reaction to doing too much today. So look after yourself and try to find levels which are comfortable for you, its managing it everyday scenario rather than 2wks and I will be cured
Hi...I can really relate to your comment re people saying I'm being grumpy and not much fun.. especially as the person involved is my sister...she says my approach is negative and its not going to kill me then relays people she knows that are living their life to the full. Her comments do hurt....I have been positive in the past about serious illnesses I have had.....so I know I will get there with this one.
I have a sister who is totally unsympathetic and the only way I can deal with her is to minimise contact with her. She’s always falling out with someone. The last falling out was with her daughter’s partner when the birth of their first baby was imminent, putting her daughter in a horribly stressful position at a very significant time. Some people create so much stress and that stress will only make any health condition worse. It’s like yet another coping strategy to learn - learning to deal with difficult people!
Liz …….things do have to change somewhat of course , but bear in mind there apparently are thousands of people walking around with AF who have it and and are totally unaware ….just getting on with their lives until it is recognised by a GP during some day to day examination.
Depending on how it affects you will depend on what you can and will do ! Some people’s symptoms are very mild and some are more debilitating. Keep reading this site and ask questions but certainly don’t expect “the worst” because it is entirely treatable.
Try to be positive and plan your activities around things you can do and enjoy but be prepared to go at a more “considered “ pace . I would rather have AF than a lot of other far more worrying conditions for sure ! Focus on the positives like seeing the sunset and rise again every morning 😍
Hello everyone, this is my first post and don’t want to prattle on too much but after reading Liz’s post it prompted me into finally joining in. I too was diagnosed in February and have to say it’s been a godsend finding this forum and reading all the posts since then which brings so much advice, help and even smiles. I am an over thinker by nature and the things that can pop into my head can cause my anxiety levels to take off. I think half my bother is being sent away with new tablets (in July it was the Digoxin) by the hospital and a shake of his head when I asked about a follow up appointment to check on the new meds. I can’t understand why you wouldn’t be checked up on after being given new heart medicines to see if they are doing their job
My one question for now is though I understand that afib can be fast heart rate, irregularity of the beat or both - why am I only on medicine for rate? I am on 10mg of Bisoprolol and 125mg of Digoxin as well as Apixiban? There may be good reasons but armed with some wisdom from fellow sufferers can give me a route into asking the right questions via the gp if I need to.
Thank you again to you all for your much valued help and advice- you’ll probably get sick of my questions now I’ve plucked up the courage to post 🤗
Hi..... I'm so pleased my post has helped you to make contact on here....I was going to write my post all down on paper but nobody would have seen it, only me, im so pleased I posted it all on here.
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to reply.
Lol! In hindsight I probably should have done my own post but that’s a novice for you. Still your post has warmed me up a wee bit to get cracking and join in so thank you 🤗
Hello Alisablue, probably best if you post your question(s) separately in your own thread so you can have the benefit of mutiple responses from the caring and knowledgeable people in this group
Regarding the use of antiarrhythmics it would be relevant to know if you are in permanent/ persistent/ paroxsymal afib as this will make a difference. Definitely if you come in and out of afib this is something you should discuss with cardiologist or electrophysiologist (preferably electrophysiologist). Chat soon
In the few weeks, since I joined this forum, I have found it to be extremely beneficial, the positive comments you have received bear this out. The key things for me are - There are many thousands of people who are affected to varying degrees, but we all share a common condition. The majority of those thousands are interested in you and your story and are genuinely looking to help you with guidance and information for no form of 'reward' Importantly there is the accumulation of medical procedures and results. Last week I had a follow up with the GP (requested by me) after being 'signed off' 18 months ago despite a CV that only lasted a couple of weeks or so. I believe I was able to hold a much better discussion and shape the plan using the knowledge I had gained from the forum. So, I really hope your second CV with 'stick' and you are able to live your life without the negative changes, there will always be another solution to any problem.
Yes, it does change your life, whether you want it to or not, it's just the way it is. What is it about your life that you can no longer do? Maybe there are some changes you can make to adapt more comfortably.
Yes, it can take time to adjust. I had a very difficult time accepting the dx of heart failure when I recv'd it two years ago, and have come to terms with it by realizing, that's just the way it is. I am 70, and the other day while in the hospital for episode #17 of afib, I was still having trouble accepting the word "failure" after cardiologist had left from seeing me, and then, I thought, for gosh sakes, I'm 70, something is bound to be failing by now. If you're able to work 2 days a week, you're doing darn good. I could not work at all 3 years ago.
Hang in there. You'll be ok. Keep in touch with your medical team and always ask them questions about things you're not sure of.
Gavnatoz, hope all is well. I am 67 also just had my first cardioversion yesterday for atrial flutter I have had for two years. It was easy and seems to have worked for now very grateful. Yah depression, self-doubt, blaming myself all stuff I have gone through we this. But stay with the positive people and thoughts and do your best to avoid the rest. Like the folks here, so helpful! I just have an arm bp monitor at home, other than checking my heartbeat rate how can I know if the cardioversion is holding other than symptoms which are not so obvious for me unless I exercise. Thanks everybody.
Thank you for your kind words..my first CV only lasted for 4 days and I knew instantly I had gone back into AF..was so upset by this but didn't realise this was common...you will know if yours does the same...but fingers crossed tightly it wont.
Sorry to hear about the anxiety Afib makes on you. Well, you are not the only one obviously. Afib is common among those with maturing age and you seem to be no exception. Though I am considerably younger than you I have walked the way before. I was through medication for two years, and then ablated 5 months ago. I have not read what others said but, here are my observations,
Afib may be anxiety related (there are some studies on this) and it definitely leads to an anxiety, though doctors do not focus on this aspect much they focus on treating the symptoms
Drugs may or may not control it, in many cases they don’t and most end up with one or more ablations
Afib is miserable but in no way life threatening, and everybody can adopt somehow , mostly with the help of medical procedures
Best and true advice is you EPs advice who is in a position to monitor you medically, others (like myself) may give you an idea , hear , think on it, but only do what the med professionals want you to do.
That said,
Be positive (you MUST be positive) but follow your condition very carefully and in a discipline, positive thinking can not change material conditions that exist independently but may alleviate you much.
Take all the medication timely, follow doctor advice in entirety and also hear alterative doctor opinions if you can, this may help your anxiety a bit.
Stay active, do not gain weight, stay away from smoking-alcohol-heavy food-exhaustion. And do not be rude to yourself, you will see Afib spikes with sorrow.
MOST IMP, find a way to deal with depression and anxiety, both your perennial anxiety and the anxiety over your current afib problem, otherwise not only the atria but gradually rest of the heart and body would succumb to depression.
Accept what you are in, you have afib, but it is not the end of the World, it is a disease with considerable high levels of successful treatment, but a condition you would probably have from now on.
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Atrial Fibrallation of SVT
Bisoprolol, Sotalol and Coronary Artery Disease.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension 
Radial Artery Line
TIAs and Stroke :AF and Carotid Artery Stenosis (CAS) : Anticoagulants (AC) plus Aspirin
