Big thank you and things that help

[Rainfern]

There's a few things that have really helped me get on with life regardless of worry about AF and its symptoms. First it has to be this forum which has taught me there's a lot of people much worse off than myself who are always willing to offer support, advice and companionship which is just hugely heart warming. And all helping one another get on with the life we've got!Thank you so much.

Despite having a GP who didn't so much as hand out a booklet or suggest lifestyle changes and with whom I had to put my foot down for indicating AF is "an inconvenience of aging", I have been on a massive learning curve thanks to you all, and to the AF Association.

Another thing that's helped is discovering acupuncture, thanks to York cardiologist Sanjay Gupta who has a You Tube video on the benefits for AF. I've now had 3 sessions and find it not only makes me feel super relaxed, but seems to give my heart strength. There is very little scientific research in this area, but I did find a study showing acupuncture following ablation appears to reduce reoccurrence. so I just wanted to share this.

I'm half way through the dangly wires business of 7 day monitor. At least now I'm under a cardiologist with expertise in electocardiology - if that's the right word. Wether he decides to fit me in for an appointment is a different matter, but meanwhile Spring is round the corner and there's a world out there! Thanks again everyone and best of health.

[Gumbie_Cat]

I am wondering if I will get an appointment for another ‘dangly wires’ monitor. Though I will add ‘itchy patches’ to the description 😂 I reckon I’m getting sensitised to all the sticky bits now - even the tiny wee round plaster after blood tests.

[Rainfern in reply to Gumbie_Cat]

Yes, am adding itchy patches! Only a couple more days to go....!

[Gumbie_Cat in reply to Rainfern]

I am just itching for an appointment now 😂 Though I don’t really need the monitor to tell me that I’m in AFib all the time right now. I’m thinking that they must need to do one before the three month post ablation check. Spring is indeed on the way though. The crocuses are appearing in the park, and I’m looking forward to ‘blossom watching’ in the Botanic Gardens before long.

[Rainfern in reply to Gumbie_Cat]

Yes me too - looking forward to blossom watching!!And going outdoors without layers of thermals!

Good luck with the appointment and post ablation check.

[BobD Volunteer]

Lovely post Rainfern. Accepting our new norm is a huge step forward in this AF journey. I maybe haven't said it for a while but AF is a long journey but there are some great travelling companions here. (A bit like Canterbury Tales!)

[Rainfern in reply to BobD]

Thank you Bob. "accepting our new norm" really says it. And yes, great travelling companions!

[Afibflipper]

Hi Dangly Wires - oh I mean Rainfern! Totally agree with you that this site and all the wise people on here give us strength to carry on. I joined last March, terrified I’d reached the end of my road, and like CDreamer said, feeling that only drugs would keep me alive. I was given one & informed this has terrible side effects for some - I took it for 4days and in the first 3 I had decided that those side effects would probably affect my other conditions & be worse to live with than waiting it out (thinking I’d die I felt so so ill). I actually told my family I can’t take it just to live longer but be more miserable! I actually said if I get another chance at life with something else I’ll take it - the 3rd day I was getting side effects already, day 4 quite severe at which point I stopped it. I have many reactions and allergies to which I called the GP and said that’s it no more!

I chose a new cardiologist EP, and he’s been great, yet another rollercoaster ride ensued but he & everyone on here kept me going, terrified of a 3rd ablation they got me to a place that I got on that table very calm and collect. Following the ablation the road has often felt as bumpy as a jeep ride with no suspension - but, I am coming out the other side again hopefully so I also salute & thank everyone on here for their knowledge and support.

Good luck Rainfern with those Dangly bits and hope we skip into spring (and of course the same to everyone else on here) xx

[Rainfern in reply to Afibflipper]

Thank you Flipper. I'll be glad to be shot of the dangly bits! You've been through quite a journey there - a huge amount to contend with and hopefully you're now getting the healing support and treatments you need. I'm wondering how you got to choose a new cardiologist EP - did you have to go private?

[Afibflipper in reply to Rainfern]

Just seen the respiratory consultant - confirmed I do have the hypersensitive cough. Since the change of inhalers a month ago he says it is definitely asthma (wasn’t convinced initially as I’d been using so much Ventolin with very little response but the fact that I have responded to these shows it’s asthma. Lung function increased dramatically. Review again during hayfever season. Now have to see what cardio EP says next week. I did go private yes with husbands work health insurance and as I say he’s been excellent so far. With private you have to research your consultant as GP won’t recommend anyone. Hoping you get positive feed back soon x

[Gumbie_Cat in reply to Afibflipper]

So glad to see that your lung function has improved!

[Afibflipper in reply to Gumbie_Cat]

Thank you Gumbie_Cat, looks like things are finally looking up, get the ticker sorted asap and then hopefully all systems go x

[Easternmost]

Excellent post, thank you.