Finished my walk in Sweden

[Longdistancewalker]

Quick recap: I posted earlier this month about a brief AF episode I experienced whilst on a long hike/pilgrimage in Sweden where my pulse rate was irregular but not very elevated. The episode ended after about 30 hours and I continued my walk.

I just wanted to update the forum and say that I finished the hike of over 500 kms and am now resting Trondheim in Norway before returning to Canada. I had no more episodes of AF (that I could tell) and even noticed my ectopics were much more infrequent as the hike progressed. It really does seem, at least for me, that steady exercise can help with with the burden of PAF.

I would also like to say that despite this frustrating condition life really does need to be lived and we can’t let it control our lives and limit our opportunities. Travel is important to me and I was afraid that this condition would severely limit my ability to enjoy it. I am happy I was wrong.

[Mumursa]

My trip from Oslo to Tromso earlier this year was by plane and car. That seemed quite an adventure at times with the weather we had, so when I saw the walk you were proposing I was a bit concerned for you tbh!

So ‘ Congratulations’, I’m really pleased it went well for you . I’m impressed, both at your achievement and your determination to overcome the challenge you had. You’re right, it’s taking on interesting challenges and keeping ourselves fit that keeps us going!

Wishing you all the best for your next trip!

[lovetogarden]

Wow! What an amazing walk that must have been, such gorgeous scenery. Well done! Glad you were mostly ok the whole time. Quite an accomplishment!

[Ppiman]

Well done. Sweden is a fine country and people. I expect you enjoyed it enormously!

Steve

[jnbee]

Very interested to read your report of hiking in Sweden. I am going to Nepal in November for 2 months & will be trekking mainly, staying below 3,500 metres from now on (no more 6,000 metre peaks for me I'm afraid).

I am hoping that the slow steady rhythm of long distance walking will be beneficial for my heart and so I was interested in your comments regarding that. I appreciate it may not be so but slowly meandering through beautiful forests breathing in the filtered oxygenated air, sitting by waterfalls, enjoying the tranquillity & stillness that mountains offer will definately be good for my soul!

Feeling very well now. Having a few ectopics & possibly the occasional beakthrough of Afib. This forum is helping me come to grips with this complex condition & I am very grateful for all the useful information I have received so far.

I was diagnosed with Afib in early March & had an ablation in July. I am 74.

Keep walking I say !!

Cheers. John

[Longdistancewalker in reply to jnbee]

Best of luck with your upcoming hike! I found that staying well-hydrated, taking hills at an age-appropriate pace and eating moderately really helped. On days when I found myself thinking about my heart too much (after a few ectopics etc.) popping in my earphones and listening to music seemed to distract me. Also, given the bisoprolol that I take, it was almost always exactly 5 kms before I felt completely warmed up. I learned to not push it for this first hour.

[Tryfan]

Congratulations on your worthy achievement. You give encouragement to us all.