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linesteps1

Linesteps profile image
10 Replies

I think I have come to a momentous decision !

after driving myself mad trying to work out when AF strikes I’m completely ignoring triggers !!!

I have stopped drinking ! Lost weight , excersise every day eat well and still it strikes ! I even asked my Arrythmia nurse what would happen if a just had a few alcoholic drinks , her response heart would probably just be faster ! Not thinking of whether AF is vagal or not it’s AF what’s the point ! Will completely ignore irregular heart rate unless it goes particularly fast , I’m scared it’s starting to control me and I won’t let it ! Rant over thanks

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Linesteps
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10 Replies
Cavalierrubie profile image
Cavalierrubie

Are your electrolytes in sync? My AF became much better when l started to take vitamin supplements, especially vitamin B and l was border line vitamin B12. From my own experience it is vital with this to get sufficient nutrients. Magnesium is essential too. We are all unique and it takes time to find what helps you personally. Take care.

Bagrat profile image
Bagrat

Sounds eminently sensible to me. I have blamed a sugar rush for my AF kicking off ( admittedly hours later) then I noticed if ankles swollen one night often had short run of tachycardia next day but then often don't even look at my ankles!! Have given up alcohol but one glass of anything never used to make a difference!!You'll learn what works for you ( except when you don't!!) so good luck and KBO

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer

Good decision - stressing is by far the biggest antagonist. Triggers are incredibly mercurial and AF is so individual.

Jalia profile image
Jalia

Absolutely agree! I've slways thought that stress and tiredness were my triggers but I'm still standing after untold amounts of stress these past few weeks. If it happens then I'll deal with it. I normally have only 2 episodes a year but they are the full monty, ending up with 'emergency' dccv. Not due another one until Christmas 🎄 😀 !!

Singwell profile image
Singwell

Well done! Don't let AF control your life. Enjoy the spaces in-between. It took me a while to get there...

secondtry profile image
secondtry

I would also take up something new you have always wanted to do...that should help distract the mind and balance up your outlook.

KMRobbo profile image
KMRobbo

Good call. I never found any triggers either. Suspect stressibg about the attacks causes more issues and solves nothing.

Thomas45 profile image
Thomas45

After several years I identified 2 triggers of my AF, coffee, but not caffeine, plus soya products. I've a avoided them, apart from soya lecithin in dark chocolate, for the last 16 years, during which time my AF has gone from Paroxysmal to permanent, but asymptomatic. What's helped most has been to lose weight. Also avoiding large meals, and changing my diet to vegetarian with fish, but no meat. To be absolutely truthful I have a warm Gregg's sausage roll about 7 times a year.The only medication because of AF, that I now take is an anticoagulant, Warfarin being my choice.

Linesteps profile image
Linesteps in reply to Thomas45

I felt positive I could just ignore my AF yesterday and I have tried , but I feel washed out and light headed even though rate isn’t really that fast 75/90 but fast for me with SR 65/70 normally . I m really naffed off today more so cos I feel like I’m just waiting to go back into SR all my life !! I feel like an old woman . I’m on a self referral pathway to the EP so going to make an appointment ti speak to him when that will be !! The Bisoprolol is there waiting to be taken but I’m holding out for the time being waiting for an echo .? Flecainide , sorry for miserable message thanks for your reply

Cavalierrubie profile image
Cavalierrubie in reply to Linesteps

It’s early days for you yet. I thought my life was over when l was diagnosed with AF but l couldn’t have been more wrong. When you get stabalised and find your unique regime you can have a good quality of life. I am thankful mine was found as many people don’t know they have this and end up having a stroke. AF is not life threatening so l am also thankful that it is not a more serious condition. In time you will accept this more and just get on with it. Don’t let it define who you are. It won’t be as bad as you think it’s going to be. Xxxx

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