Any help

[bobify]

Hi ,just asking I have been in permanent AF since April of this year although in and out since last November with me it's mainly the artirial flutters all the time ,no energy, feeling short of breath I am on bisoprolol max dosage and digoxin 62.5 never felt the digoxin was right for me anyway had a cardioversion 6 weeks ago lasted a week came out back into AF with a vengeance ended up back in hospital overnight mainly because they gave me no indication after the cardioversion what to do if it happens they had took me off the digoxin while in a&e they gave me fliconade (sorry if spelt wrong) this made me feel so ill 🤒 then they put me back on digoxin I know feel terribly all the time I am trying my best to keep going every day including work just to keep my mind active how do you cope like this I am on the list for the ablation but that could be 12 months down the line,I have tried various things breathing techniques etc but struggling so much any help or ideas on how to cope would be so grateful many thanks Alan

[jeanjeannie50]

I've had AF for 18 years. Lots of ablations and cardioversions. The only things I can confidently tell you that helped me, are:

To cut all artificial additives from your diet.

Artificial sweeteners were a sure trigger for my AF.

Sulphites (preservatives in wine) was another leading culprit.

Also avoid large meals and wearing anything tight around your body.

Don't sit slouched compressing your stomach which in turn can aggravate your heart.

Don't get too absorbed in something that you unwittingly do shallow breathing for a long time. The heart doesn't like that and may well let you know.

Jean

[bobify in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks for that 😊

[Belle11 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

I cut out wine, but sulphites seem to be a trigger for ectopics for me too, in bacon, ham etc

[bobify in reply to Belle11]

Hi lucky don't drink these days but will look into the diet side 😊

[Rainfern]

Hi Bobify, as you are on a waiting list for ablation the technical term for your condition is Persistent AF rather than Permanent AF which really just refers to an agreement between yourself and medics to forgo any further medical procedures.

Whatever (and sorry to be pedantic!) it sounds like your AF is very symptomatic and I know how awful that can be. It has been a year since my AF (persistent) was diagnosed. I’ve had 2 CVs and last week an ablation which I’m gently recovering from and fingers crossed was successful. If not there is still a way forward if the symptoms continue to have a negative impact on my quality of life.

I tend to be hypersensitive to every symptom and have only been able to fully control my anxiety a. By getting as fully informed as possible and facing my fears b. By paying for a private consultation or two with an EP so I’ve had plenty time to discuss options and get the meds right and c. To link in with all the good people on this forum who’ve taught me so much.

Symptom control has largely been through the meds. I seem to be an old fashioned gal who responds well to old fashioned meds like digoxin, but there’s loads of new stuff out there and you may need to be a bit persistent til they get it right. It could be useful to call AF Association for further advice. Wishing you wellness and patience!

[bobify in reply to Rainfern]

Thanks so much 👍 hope it goes well for you 🙏

[Lambi]

HiI was diagnosed in april this year they put me on amiodarone which quite toxic i believe but has brought me out of a.f i know a lot of people are wary of this but ive had no side effects and feeling good atm maybe worth discussing with your cardiologist as doctor cant prescribe these hope your feeling better soon

[bobify in reply to Lambi]

Hi thanks for that will make enquiries stay safe

[secondtry]

Food & drink is a big one:

Go back to cooking from scratch and avoid all additives instead buy local organic, eat slowly, light and early before 6pm, don't eat again until 8am. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and even decaf & carbonated drinks. Consult a Naturopath/Nutritionist mine recommended a magnesium compound and CoQ10 supplements.

There are many more lifestyle changes, which I expect will come up here if you do a search.

If funds allow I would spend £250 on a private cardiologist appointment to discuss all options as there are many different drugs and opinions; make sure you take a list of questions in, diplomatically run through them and don't leave until you have written down all the answers as you need to build up a track record helped by keeping a diary.

When dealing with medics these days you have to be persistent and insistent without crossing any red lines.

[bobify in reply to secondtry]

Hi thanks funny enough I have started eating more of my own cooking will also look into your other suggestions 😀

[zyxv]

Bisoprolol made me feel like I was dying - maybe try to get a discussion about drugs with your GP and/or Cardiologist.

[bobify in reply to zyxv]

Hi cheers for the reply,I have been on bisoprolol a long time and been fine I have had more problems since being on the digoxin but will discuss things with my cardiologist 😊

[Buffafly]

Make sure you complain a lot! The waiting list is not written on a stone tablet but you will not be bumped up it if nobody knows how much you are suffering 😉

[bobify in reply to Buffafly]

Cheers for that will make a pest of myself 😉

[Alandrea]

Try Sotalol

[bobify in reply to Alandrea]

Hi thx will check this out 😃