I do not post on here very often but do need some help in coping with my af. It doesn’t occur that often but when it rears its ugly head, I am thrown into panic zone and then suffer with extreme anxiety for a few days. An episode started yesterday evening and manage with difficulty to get upstairs to bed. It’s fine when in bed but on getting up my heart is irregular and I feel will beat very fast if I try to carry on regardless. I would love to know how all you others cope with this. Do you just walk around and sit down if needed. I know we are all different . I can’t just stay in bed. I know it’s not life threatening but my goodness there has to be some way of carrying on surely !And what about you people who are in af all the time. How on earth do you cope? I would be so grateful if anyone could help. I do have awful anxiety and know this doesn’t help.
many thanks.
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Lovefrance
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It can be and is sometimes very difficult. Personally I try to do a bit of deep breathing. My method is 4 in, hold for about 4, and out slowly and lettingthe abdomen rise and fall. I also have essential oil of lavender and breathe that in and sometimes put a very small bit on my inner wrists. I does help a bit. But one thing is for sure that that is asking about it on here. They are all very supportive. Good luck.
Most of the time especially if I am stressed although it can be supra ventricular ectopy or unclassified. It can revert naturally to normal sinus rhythm sometimes.
I can totally relate to the anxiety it happened to me every time.
If you are under an EP then talk about solutions and medication. There are ways to improve your quality of life.
In my experience the best remedy for the anxiety has always been meditation. If you are computer savvy look at YouTube - there are numerous free meditation sites.
When I had bad Tachycardia, one day I just focused on not letting it beat me, it was not easy but by relaxing with meditation I found a way to minimise the anxiety.
As you probably realise there is no magic bullet but I hope what I have said helps a little.
I am so fortunate because after 35 years of AF and 7 ablations I have now been 20 months free of AF, don’t give up hope of finding a solution.
Thank you for replying Pete and glad to hear you are okay. I do try to stay strong and do some meditation but probably not enough. I will do more and not just when I have an attack. Thank you again.
I’m sorry to hear how you’re struggling with your AFib episodes. I’m an anxious type, too and when my AF was paroxysmal I used to find it very hard to deal with. Ironically, it’s much easier now I’m in persistent AF. I take Verapamil for rate control but otherwise lead a normal life.
Are you under the care of an EP at the moment? I just wondered if they might prescribe an anti-arrhythmic for you to take as a pill-in-the-pocket for when you have episodes. That might help you revert more quickly. Alternatively, a beta-blocker perhaps, to help keep your heart rate down during episodes, if that’s what is needed. Before I started medication my heart rate would be up in the 180s during episodes which was a bit debilitating but the meds now keep my rate between 70 - 90 for the most part, unless I’m being particularly active!
As Pottypete has mentioned, meditation is a very useful tool to help with the stress and anxiety and certainly anxiety is great at making everything feel much worse than it would otherwise be! First, though, I would suggest you need a good conversation with an EP to find treatment options that will help you to cope with your symptoms during these episodes. Once you are armed with a plan of what to take when AFib strikes, I think it will help your anxiety during these events.
Thank you Three cats for taking the trouble to reply. I do have a pill in the pocket, Flecainide. I also take Bisoprolol daily. I am in the middle of moving house and think I maybe have done too much in the last couple of days! I now live in France and although it is much quicker to see a doctor, not speaking the language very well and leaving behind a lovely consultant has not been easy! If I could turn the clock back a year, would I have moved from Norfolk? Probably not. I guess I felt safe there, although I know the NHS is struggling. But again thank you for your comments and it’s nice to know people care. X
Goodness Lovefrance, you have been busy and are truly living up to your username 😊That’s a big upheaval but what a wonderful new adventure. Good for you in going for it! I can well imagine you do feel a bit doubtful at having made such a big decision but I’m sure you will soon settle into your new life and will quickly hone your language skills. In the meantime, it’s good to know you have Flecainide as a PiP and Bisoprolol too, to keep things in check.
Thank you so much for your reply. I don’t feel so clever now! I do wonder what the hell have I done! I don’t speak the language and am dreading going to hospital if this episode doesn’t settle down. I know anxiety plays a big part in this and at the moment it is through the roof. Thank you again. I’ll keep plodding on.! X
Hi Lovefrance 🙂 I started out with only occasional episodes of P-AF and think I managed to keep it at bay with lifestyle changes . It has progressed slowly and steadily .
I have always been very symptomatic during episodes breathless and crawling around feeling like death the stairs presenting a challenge .
I used to lay on the floor during episodes and to do slow belly breathing to help my heart by providing a good supply of oxygen and to calm my anxiety, I also listened to the radio as a diversion.
As the episodes got longer I still used the breathing and tried to do a few little tasks slowly sitting down when necessary.
Neither rate or rhythm control medication has worked for me . If I could go back a couple of years I would have an ablation at the first opportunity rather than wait until AF has progressed too far. I have just had an ablation and am waiting for it to work .
Hi doodle. So sorry you too are suffering. I know the feeling, trying to get around and crawling up the stairs. It’s so frightening. I have had two ablations which didn’t work for me. I certainly hope you have some success with yours. Trying to take one’s mind off of it is a real challenge. I worry about how long will it last and will it actually return to normal. Just going to the loo is a struggle. Do I really want to live like this? Thank you so much for replying. It’s a comfort. X
I am so sorry to hear this. You have brought me to tears.My worry is when will this episode stop and will it. Then I fear every day, wondering if I am going to get another one. What a life. Everyone says keep strong and positive. I have never been either of these things and am so pessimistic about everything. One thing I do know is this site is such a comfort. There is always someone on hand who will talk and try and calm things down. For this I am very grateful. We must help each other I guess. I always used to walk for half an hour around my garden and now as you say just getting up the stairs is such an effort. It’s lovely to talk to you and I would like to think we can talk when it all gets too much. best wishes. X
NLGA I am now 80. I have suffered from AF for years. It was very well contained by 300 Flecainide a day until AF started to break through again. Last year I had a pacemaker fitted and an av node ablation. Now, I can’t feel the AF although in it 100% of the time. Building up to walking five miles and talking at the same time.
Please do not fear getting older with AF. With the proper treatment you’ll be fine
Hi Hylda. Yo seem to be getting on with your life and coping very well. Yes,I do need to be getting on with some French lessons. The trouble is it goes in one ear and out the other! Not enough practise I hear you say and of course you are right. I must do something about this. I also have a pacemaker think that helps to keep me sane. Do you actually walk five miles? If so, well done you. I used to walk for just half an hour daily and found that was enough for me but since I have moved, I haven’t been persevering. It is something I will get back into. We all like to feel we are in control of our lives but sometimes it’s not that easy. x
My French is ok, kept a yacht in Cherbourg for eight years, but trying to teach myself Spanish for last two years with Duolingo. Like you in one ear out the other.
Did they never suggest an AV node ablation to stop you feeling the AF?
I have had ablations but they don’t seem to work for me. Will look at Duolingo. I need to do something! A yacht in Cherbourg sounds good. Am guessing you don’t have it now. Good for you learning Spanish. You must now be pretty good at it by now! Thank you for your reply. Take care.x
Oh I see what you are saying. Yes, it’s so frustrating. I get by with my hairdresser and we have quite a laugh about it. She is trying to learn a bit of English too. We all get by I guess. x
I always put things on the stairs that need to go up and so whenever my husband or I go up we take those things with us. We have trays with a handle and they stay level. I put a lot of things I need both up and down on them so that various bits and pieces are always in the right place.
Would you consider the mini maze? There's definitely someone or a few on here that have had it and it seems very successful.Other than that isn't afib rvr horrendous. I'm lucky in that my ablation has me in nsr nearly 11 months. Huge stress in my life at the moment and definitely can feel it in my heart. Cut out sugar this week, hopefully that will help. But in an episode, I did the bare minimum to keep going. If you can have an alternative sleeping area downstairs that will help. If you can't do stuff, don't worry about it. Life is too short to be worrying about housework. Mind yourself. Are you taking magnesium taurate and coenzyme Q10? The Q10 shouldn't be taken with warfarin. Obviously check with pharmacy first. My doc prescribed anxicalm (diazapam, valium) for when my anxiety got bad when I was getting episodes. I found that the anxicalm seemed to shorten the episodes.
Hi and thank you for your reply. Or thought about the mini maze. Will look it up. I take Citalopram for my anxiety. Not taken Q10. I take blood thinners.I’ve heard about magnesium. Think I might look into that. So sorry about your stress and do hope you get through it. We all suffer one way or another and this place is a great comfort.Please take care.x
As long as it's not warfarin Q10 is ok. And there are others on here on warfarin who take it and manage their own INR. Magnesium taurate is recommended by prof Sanjay Gupta London cardiologist and afib expert. I buy both off Amazon. Thank you for your kindness. Hopefully you'll get it sorted soon. Btws q10 had major ectopics sorted in a week after my ablation. Definitely a game changer.
Hi there, sorry you are experiencing these horrendous episodes. I am like you, very symptomatic and always waiting for the next one to strike! Mine go on for around 36 hours every time so I always know I am in it for the long haul. I get anxious like you and it's a classic symptom of AF or so my EP tells me 🙃I sit my episodes out but it isn't easy. I take Sotalol x 3 a day and apixaban. Waited over a year for an ablation which was scheduled for the 24th of November (had only a couple of weeks notice) and postponed as I am off work with stress and anxiety due to looking after my 95 year old mum and a partner going through radiotherapy at the same time. I have now been told that because I 'postponed' I have been removed from the waiting list...thanks NHS 😡
Just something to be mindful of, I was on citalopram and my EP wanted me off it as it can interfere with the heart, not advised he said
Hi. I am so sorry you have all this upset. No wonder you suffer with anxiety. Yes, 36 hours is a long time for you to be suffering. I have had a couple of ablations but didn’t work for me. I hope you have more luck! That’s shocking , removing you from the waiting list. You must be so fed up. Someone else mentioned Citalopram. I have taken it for a number of years, but it is bit of a worry. Thank you for your reply.Good luck.x
Absolutely agree with you. I live in constant fear of it and unless you are a really positive person, it’s really difficult to go about your normal routine. I am certainly not strong where this is concerned. I don’t feel like going out in case something happens so I miss out on the little things like going out for a coffee with friends and only feel safe at home. Frustration and fear. You hit the nail on the head. This is exactly it. We can only live in hope that we don’t have too many episodes I guess. Good luck.xand thank you replyin
Please, please get on with your life. Go for coffee, your friends will understand IF it happens. Please don’t let AF rule your life. Try and make the most of every day xx
Thank you Hylda. I know what you are saying and I will try and be more positive. That I am not. But of course you are right. I admire you for your positive outlook. Yale care. X
Good for you. Hope you enjoy it! While you are there it will perhaps give you time to think about life, the universe and everything! Wish I was coming! x
Hi, I have PAF and when I've had a few months of feeling ok it's always very depressing when an episode happens out of the blue, always in the early hours of the morning, my heart hates me sleeping. I get up have a glass of cold water to hydrate, ice my face or wear a cold eye mask. Then I do slow deep breathing for as long as I can, Valsalva method can help. It's hard to get back to sleep as I can hear my heart pounding in my ears too. The last time it took 2 hours for my heart to calm down, the next day I always feel terrible. I hope some of my tips help.
Hi. Thank you for replying. I have not tried the Valsalva method but will do. I do drink a lot of water but have not tried ice or a mask. All of these are certainly worth a try. I always feel awful the next day too and have to take it easy. Yes, it’s depressing when I can go for months and suddenly get an attack. It knocks me back to being anxious. Many thanks for the tips.
I hear you, I am in permanent/ persistent AFib for three years now, I have to keep telling myself not to be anxious! I have good days and bad days, in that I get so tired. Did get to see my cardiologist and he didn’t seem to be worried. He put a monitor on me for 24 hours, but have no results as yet. I am 89 , was very active, but find myself doing less now. I think the best thing for all of us, is to live a very positive life, and keep on trucking, as we have to live with it. I do enjoy this site, as I know there are many people out there with the same problem and we all seem to react differently! Good luck to you Lovefrance and live life to your fullest, enjoy each day, that’s what I try to do!
Thank you for replying Myra. Yes indeed we have to be strong and get on with life. At the moment I can just about make it to the loo. I have been like this since Wednesday evening. I’m praying that this episode will stop soon. I am dreading going to hospital. I am glad you find the strength to not let this beat you and wish you all the best. X
Thank you Debbie. Yes, I am in bed at the moment. It’s awful isn’t it. I am now living in fear that it won’t go go back to normal. It’s been like this since Wednesday evening. Do your episodes last very long. I don’t want to go to hospital with it.
Mine last anything upto 20 odd hpurs and luckily stop on their own.but its terrifying to me and scared each time may have to go a& e. Are you on blood thinners? What do you take ? How ofyen are you going into A fib? Im sad for you.so scary and debilitating for you😪
This last one started Wednesday evening and thankfully stopped this afternoon. Panicking now in case it starts again. It’s been months since I had one but it still throws you doesn’t it.I take Rivaoxaban as a blood thinner. Not sure I spelt that right! We need to be stronger and learn to accept these episodes but it’s not that easy is it? Thank you for your kind words and take care.x
I have PAF and had episodes go on for over a week with afib being intermittent. It makes me tired and anxious. Once I went to hospital for scheduled cardioversion., but was in NSR when I arrived...
gosh that’s a long time to have episodes. I always wonder when to go hospital. I guess when your heart beats so fast like mine did a year or so ago. Over 200bpm. That was scary. Bur I guess most people just get on with it. It certainly takes it out of you. Hope you are okay at the moment. Thank you. x
If you have moved anywhere near Bordeaux, I understand they have a world renowned centre of excellence there.
Dealing with the accompanying anxiety is not an easy one, I still have a residual significant level even though I have been AF free for years. We are all different of course, however I have reduced it through learning a lot about AF so you feel more in control and can question the medics, taking up a new hobby/changing routines, breathing slowly on a regular daily basis, enjoy your work/activities but don't do too much and not forgetting the spiritual side in my case prayer and more interaction with Nature.
Lastly, those episodes need to stop as they and your anxiety will only get worse, so fix a private appointment with a trusted cardiologist asap and include on your discussion list the pros and cons of taking Flecainide daily - 200mgs worked for me with no identified side effects so far.
Thank you for your reply. I live in the middle of France. Bordeaux is a fair distance away. Have you had any dealings with them? Prayer is something I’ve always believed in and pray every morning. It’s a great soother. I do take Flecainide as a PIP. The consultant here is very anti but I still use it. I will make an appointment with the cardiologist here. The one thing in France is it is easy to see someone! But I am questioning my move. I had a good set up at Papworth. I am pleased for you. You seem to have got it sorted. Many thanks. X
No dealings with Bordeaux just read about their expertise. I believe Flecainide is less prone to side effects if you have Lone PAF ie no known heart or othe vital organ defects. My cardiologist started me on 100mgs, still too many AF episodes, so I requested we try 200mgs first instead of an ablation, which has worked for 10 yrs, mind due I have made a lot of lifestyle changes in particular stress reduction. He did not favour PIP as he said the heart requires stability and PIP was too much of a roller coaster. Good luck.
Thank you. I Bordeaux is about four hours from here. But still manageable. They don’t much care for Flecainide here but I took one this morning and it seems to have settled me. I am loathe to give it up. My surgeon at Papworth prescribed it and he wasn’t concerned. Many thanks .x
I am so happy you mentioned prayer, that is exactly how I get through these episodes, I give it to God, tell him it is not mine, really works. I live in Canada
This has always been a part of my life Myya. I don’t go to church but I do pray every morning before I get up. Not just for myself and I feel it’s part of my life. We are all different aren’t we. Whatever we need to get us through. I am not computer savvy. But I just can’t believe I can speak to you all the way in Canada. What a long way we have come! Take care and thank you. x
Just sending you the biggest hug I can....I found icy water and deep breathing helpful. I'm currently Afib free but still recovering from heart op.... Taking longer than I'd anticipated. The body has its own time clock!! Lol....
I took a flask of icy water with ice cubes in it to bed at night. Flask to keep it icy cold & so I could stay in bed! Distraction really helped so Radio with a drama or discussion or TV. Or playing a game on my mob. Deep breathing also helped and distracted me as felt I was doing something. It IS horrible......
Your new life sounds amazing. I love France too..... Have you tried using Google translate on your mob with the Doctor? It does verbal as well as written text. Might help with the language barrier & get you over that hurdle. From what I've heard the French medical system is in a much better state than here. The NHS has crashed & any medical problem I'm having to largely self resource. My GP Surgery is overwhelmed & are contactable only through the NHS app. Quite scary tbh, especially just after my op. The private sector is incredibly busy and there are significant waits for that too as many are having to turn to private for help.
Am sure settling into a new country though lovely is probably adding to current stress levels but moving always is.... &, that's not great for Afib.. But as you settle so will your heart. Sorry that sounds glib.... Not meant to be. Lol.... Xx
High wavy lines. You sound like a very positive person! Wish I was. What heart op did you have. You are on the mend now . These things take time. I was told it takes a year for your body to get back to normal. I had a mitral valve repair about fourteen years ago. That was when the af eventually kicked in. Yes, the medical system is much better over here. It takes no time at all to get an appointment and yes, I do use google translate. anxiety is awful and greatly impacts on af I am sure. I do meditate. I was reasonably fit when in England but excercise has gone out the window and I must start Again. How lucky am I, living in a lonely country with a lovely house and garden and friends but when an episode kicks in, it knocks me back. You know only too well. Please take good care and a big hug from me too! X
I am generally a positive person but believe me am no different where my heart is concerned. I become anxious when it kicks off! I had a mini-maze op two months ago. Was hoping for a much quicker recovery but am clearly on a slow course, improving with lots of bumps. Yesterday I drove my car to a lovely craft shop in the Peaks. About 30mins each way. My chest felt sore on the way back. Looking back probably safety belt pressure? but had to take paracetamol after I'd done a Kardia check which said nsr..... As my thoughts were am I having a heart attack!!Health is everything really.... When it plays up I just don't believe anyone isn't anxious.....
Maybe you are being too hard on yourself and are not as negative as you think or you would not have made the move to a foreign country, have made good friends and bought a lovely home?
Well done you for getting out and driving your car! That’s progress. I suppose I really didn’t think much about moving. I said it to my husband when I was having a good day, knowing how desperately he wanted to move. We put our house on the market and it sold quickly. Before I knew it that was it! Looking back now, I probably wouldn’t have done it. I think it would be grounds for divorce if I returned now!Please take care and continue to recover.x
I've used when my heart races but not in Afib and it does work as does a hard strong cough. However if icy water is a trigger for your Afib it's probably best you avoid that trick! Lol....
You have received many replies. This is what I have gleaned from my reading, but you likely know it already, in which case, please ignore my post.
In atrial fibrillation, when the upper two chambers of the heart quiver instead of rhythmically contract, the effect on the ventricles, and thus on the volume of blood being pumped to the body and lungs, varies between individuals and even between the same person at different times. Between a fifth and a third of sufferers seem to cope well and report no symptoms while the remainder suffer variably with feelings of palpitations, chest pain and reduced exercise tolerance. Added to these physical symptoms is varying levels of anxiety, which can peak with feelings of panic and sensations of impending doom.
Although in AF the rhythmical atrial pumping ceases, suction from the ventricular contractions, along with the effects of gravity continues. I have come to think that the varying symptoms felt by individuals must be related to how well their ventricular output is maintained while in AF. Also, it’s so that different people start with varying initial levels of heart output, or ejection fraction (EF), and with AF variably reducing this, further differences in symptoms will occur.
Overlaying all is the mental reaction to this. I don’t know how many people feel anxious when in AF, but many seem to and I certainly do; indeed, looking back to when I started with a fast arrhythmia (atrial flutter rather than AF) in 2019, I am unable to disentangle the effects of anxiety from the effects of the arrhythmia, but I was largely incapacitated. I have read that in the US, it is quite common to take a fast-acting anti-anxiety drug as soon as the AF begins and that this helps some people a great deal (alprazolam is the drug, unavailable in the UK, and from a group called benzodiazepines that are often shunned by GPs for fear of dependency forming, which can, it seems, affect up to a third of takers).
Thank you for replying. I do understand what you are saying. And take Citalopram for my anxiety. I’m sure it helps. I get very fearful and dread the episodes. I do wonder how I would feel if I didn’t worry. But I live to worry I guess! Not good. Meditation helps and of course good eating habits and exercise, which I must admit needs to be addressed. Again thank you for your help. Food for thought.x
It’s interesting that you mention citalopram since I read there’s recently been some important questions raised about how this family of drugs work. It seems that the accepted ideas are all likely completely wrong and that no one now quite knows what effect they have in the brain. At least for you it seems to be having a good effect.
About fifteen years ago, after a long run of family tragedies, I was also prescribed this drug. Sadly, it had the opposite effect and sent my anxiety and insomnia levels through the roof, adding in a range of other side effects, some very long lasting. I felt very let down by it as I had such high hopes. In the end, like you, I’ve found ways of coping and life goes on well enough, but it would be really special if some treatment were available for those occasional times when a bit of peace would be just the thing!
How right you are Steve. A bit of peace. How wonderful that sounds instead of all this worry. We none of us know what effects all these drugs have on us do we? I suppose if we start to worry about that, we will be in a sorry state! Take good care x
As you might guess from my moniker I live in France too. You might like to reassure yourself that at least here you will get any medical treatment you might need much more quickly than in the UK. Last week during an afib episode I started having vertigo. The next day even though I had reverted it got worse and fearing a TIA I went to my (very small) local hospital. 5 hours done and dusted in Urgences- examination , blood tests ,ECG and cat scan and all lying down comfortably the first couple of hours in a one person " box" ' that's what they call the room where you get examined and it's a proper room not just a curtained off cubicle.
I cope with my episodes ok normally. I am not too symptomatic and I have found with time I have learned to accept it as more of a nuisance. I take extra Nebivolol as soon as it starts to bring my heartrate down . Depending on the time of day I try to carry on as normal. I can cook, wash up and even do light housework but have to move more slowly. It has happened on holiday and I have been OK. I take magnesium supplements and I am sure this has helped a lot with the anxiety I once felt. I think it is as a result of calming the anxiety that my episodes have become easier to bear. I manage to sleep if it happens at night but not well- getting up for loo visits doesn't help! If your episodes are only coming every few months it is really your anxiety that is the problem and there are ways of overcoming this like meditation and deep breathing. Also look back on your past episodes and see that nothing really bad has happened to you. Tell yourself that you are not going to let this condition rule your life. Work out your afib burden. I have had 11 episodes so far this year but I reassure myself that my burden is still less than 2%. I have never taken Flecainide but I gathered from Lilypocket who lives here that they don't prescribe it as PIP here and only give Flec in a slow release form on a daily basis.
You really need to get to grips with the language. Lots of doctors and nurses and even some of the auxiliary nurses speak some English but in not being able to communicate properly in French you will make their job more difficult. Do not assume like lots of English people who come to live here you willl just " pick it up" . That only happens to children who have to go to school and be surrounded with it for a third of their day. . You could use your time lying in bed during an episode to leaf through a French magazine or listen to the radio! Bon courage!
Auriculaire you are so right. Years ago as a teenager I stayed with a French family for several weeks several times. They spoke only French. I'm not a linguist but my French improved dramatically and I knew it was working well when I started dreaming in French. I did have to ask people to speak slowly. Sadly I didn't keep it up.... Shame.... Much of my French is now lost.Not enough importance is placed on learning a second language from a very young age. My next door neighbours child is bilingual a friend of mine grand children are bilingual speaking both English and French fluently. The advantages are enormous.
As for the variety of how people cope with Afib it is really interesting and I agree I think it does also depend on how much other heart problems are there on top. Given the wide variation in how we all cope there has to be more at play then outlook. So Thankyou for posting this.
Dreaming in French is a sign that your brain works in French as well as English . Your French would come back with a little work. It is still there just waiting to be resuscitated! I learned French and German at school to "O " level. At one point my German was quite fluent after working there for 6 weeks when I was 17. Then I did not use either for years. When we decided to live here we started preparing years in advance by going to French classes in Brum. What I had not used for 25+ years came back quite quickly. I forced myself to read in French - very tedious at first constantly using the dictionary- and we got a French channel on Sky. Little by little we improved so that when we moved here 22 years ago we could cope. Now we are fluent - I would not describe myself as bilingual really as I will always be able to express myself better in English but my brain works in French about a third of the time . Never have resuscitated the German though! I think the nasty symptoms of afib are often amplified by anxiety and that leads to a vicious circle. Getting on top of the anxiety often helps the symptoms but not for everybody.
That's amazing.... How incredibly clever. Just shows it can be done. Yes anxiety for me is an add on... I try to live in the moment & scotch what ifs. I'm NSR at the moment... What a joy thatbis.... but there maybe something else going on.... Or hopefully not!! 🤞🤞
Dreaming in French! Wish I outdoor do that! I should make it a mission to start learning and getting on top of my anxiety also. I definitely need to do that. Thank you and keep dreaming! x
I was first prescribed Flecainide to take as a “pill in the pocket” when I had the odd episode and it always ended episodes in a few hours. If it was still over 140 bpm twenty minutes following taking the 100mg of Flecainide, I was told to take a 1.25 mg Busoprolol pill but this was only rarely needed. Also, I was advised to rest until the episode stopped. Breathing exercises and meditation help too. Now I take Flecainide regularly twice daily I hardly ever get episodes but sadly they do increase the fatigue I’ve also developed but at 79 I’d had many healthy active years already and my husband cares for me now.
Good that you have a lovely husband who cares for you. I do too, although they don’t really understand what it feels like to be in AF. I think all these drugs slow us down. Some more than others. That’s the price we have to pay. I agree that breathing exercise and meditation are a help and I need to give myself more time to do these. Although I can do these when in bed recovering! Thank you for your reply and please take care.x
Yes,I spend time in bed when I have it! Some people I gather can move around and just get on.But I’m afraid I am not one of those. I wish I was. Hope you are okay at the moment. Thank you and here’s to surviving! x
The lowest dose (1.25mg) of Bisoprolol was too much for me! I take 100mg of Flecainide twice a day now which works very well at preventing episodes of AF but comes with added fatigue. I developed chronic fatigue at around the same time as the paroxysmal AF!
Gosh, that’s not good, having to cope with that as well. I have a friend who has chronic fatigue and some days she just cannot get out of bed. I do wonder about the Bisoprolol. I only take 1.25mg and as I say I get very tired. I have Flecainide as a pip.I may have to look into changing. But now I live in France, although the doctors are great, I don’t have the relationship as I did in England. I can still see my consultant at Papworth. I may make an appointment with him when I am back in England. Hope you keep well. Many thanks.x
That dose of Bisoprolol brought my heart rate down in the 40s and after three days, the pharmacist who had shown an interest when it was prescribed for me, told me to pack it in after three days after taking my pulse and the doc agreed! As they didn’t come up with anything else I saw an EP privately and after he’d introduced me to having a smart phone and a Kardia and I’d sent him an ECG of my heart in AF he sent a prescription for Flecainide to take when episodes occurred as a PIP. As episodes increased it was decided I take it regularly and now that I take 100mg twice a day it has virtually put an end to AF episodes. So no need for anticoagulants any more!
Yes. I do meditation and yoga. Also breathing tech. My anxiety is all about my AF. I live in fear of it, despite being told it’s not life threatening. Moving house is not helping and moving to France! Am I mad?? x
I was told I was not at risk of stroke unless a fast AF episode went on for longer than mine ever were and since I started taking 100mg of Flecainide twice daily, I have only had a few very occasional episodes ended in a few hours with an extra 100mg of Flecainide. It does come with added fatigue for me but that’s better than your situation. Do hope you can stop getting in a state about it and just enjoy what life has to offer. I knew someone who moved to France some time ago but have lost touch with her. I did quite well at French A Level but haven’t used it for ages. Why are you moving there?
We have had a holiday here for six years and have quite a few friends that live here. My husband loves it and we were thinking of moving from Norfolk. I said , joking I will move to France if I can have a Neptune kitchen and a dog! He took me up on it and here we are. We have sold our holiday home and bought a house that I admired in a village five minutes away from friends.Ithas all amenities. The garden is lovely and I know I could be happy here if I could just stop the anxiety. The health service is excellent. I need to learn the language. That’s the key really. I haven’t got the dog yet. But I will when we are settled.! x
Good luck with settling in and learning French - surely you did some at school and used it on your holidays there! And if you get Flecainide prescribed to take regularly you won’t have anything to get anxious about AF wise!
Anything I learned at school has gone out the window.! I will persevere! I will try and get my meds sorted.But as I’ve had anxiety since my early years, Well that’s another story. Thank you for caring. x
I wasn’t great at languages at school - though did get French and German O-levels. Now I’m really enjoying DuoLingo. Not sure how much is sinking in properly, but it helped a bit when we went to Venice.
It’s a fun way to learn anyway, even if it’s just keeping the little grey cells alive.
When my sister-in-law law moved here in 2006 she was entitled to French lessons provided by the state for about 6 months. I don't know if this scheme is still going but they should know at your mairie.
I’m 70 and have had afib for 4 years now. My doctor subscribed a low dose anxiety medicine to help me with my palpations. When I feel like I’m in afib I will take it and it definitely helps. Usually it’s just anxiety and not a fib. I’ve had 4 cardioversions and 2 ablations. I try to stay away from all my triggers of afib, the biggest one is stress and it’s very hard to not be stressed when you have afib. I would suggest don’t over exert yourself. It’s hard not to when your mind says you can do this but your body says go ahead and I will put you in the hospital!
I totally agree with you. I probably overdid it a couple of days ago. Lifting boxes, not a good idea. But we think, I can do this and then suffer afterwards.I had two ablations but they didn’t work for me. I don’t think I will have any more. I takeCitalopram for my anxiety and of course the stress is still there. A miracle cure for that would be great! Thank you and take care. X
Yes, I think you are right. I had been lifting boxes for a couple o f days and this may have set it off. None of us want to slow down do we. You be careful. x
Did you know that low vitamin D levels are associated with increased symptoms of depression and anxiety, in addition to arrhythmias like AF? You do seem well-informed about health matters, and may already know your serum Vitamin D level, but if not, please arrange to have this tested. The older population like you and me are particularly likely to suffer a deficiency. (I didn't have a clue until AF was diagnosed) And one good thing about France v UK is that France requires a higher level of serum Vitamin D for an adequacy, and this higher level has been confirmed as appropriate multiple times in research for all kinds of medical conditions. For myself, I supplement with Vitamin D3 + K2 to ensure a Vitamin D level of at least 100-125 nmol/L.
Thank you Bob. I take vitamin D all through the winter. I should look up the dosage actually. I am probably deficient in other things. I do try and eat sensibly and am aware of some foods that are good for me. I take sterol tablets amongst others. Do wonder sometimes how just how good all these supplements are. If we are eating the foods, should we need them? That’s another discussion for the group I guess and would be interesting to see what they think. Thank you again and take care. X
It's vital to know your actual blood level of Vitamin D as a baseline measurement, and then get retested every year to assess how your supplement is working, or not. Otherwise you are just guessing. Some people have issues with absorption of supplements and most absorb less through the skin as we age, and can be deficient even living in sunny climates. My daily supplementation is 4000iu of D3 in a capsule that also includes 100mcg of K2.
As for the value of Vitamin D for multiple medical conditions, here's just one research article ...
Thank you ozziebob. I will have a look at this. What a mine of information you are. Very helpful.I’ve not heard of Medscape before.I think some informative reading is needed. Many thanks. x
I know how you feel! I have AFIB all the time and trying different medications from doctor to be comfortable! I have side effects with a lot of them and I really do have anixiety all the time! I also take a small amount of xanax, sometimes it helps and sometimes not! I also need to know what to do!
Yes, it’s a problem isn’t it as we are all different. I thought about CBD oil. But not sure if that’s a good idea. I don’t want to go through the roof! I wonder if anyone else takes it. I haven’t heard it mentioned on here and would think it would not be a good idea with the drugs we take. Anxiety! What can I say. If we didn’t suffer with that, well we probably wouldn’t be so wound up all the time.If you find an answer,then please let me know! x
Anxiety is certainly a bad part of having a-fib. I've found that trying to carry on with what I originally intended to do, to take my mind off it, seems to make the episode end quicker -- maybe because the mind has so much to do with it. Light physical activity, like mild gardening or routine house chores, sometimes works for me.
I’m glad you are able to do all that Snowgirl. I wish I could. But just getting up and walking feels like I am going to pass out.I guess it affects everyone differently . Just my luck! Thank you for replying._x
I didn't know you feel faint when you're in a-fib; that's a different story then. I'd take it easy too and just wait it out. You're so right that it affects everyone differently.
Weak really snowgirl when I get an episode. It’s strange. My heart was very erratic earlier and I could hardly stand up and then later on it was beating very fast and I found I could stand and not feel the effects of it. I had taken a Flecainide tablet earlier. Thank you for your reply. It all helps. Take care. x
When I was first experiencing AFIB I was a walking anxiety and fear machine.? it’s a wonder I didn’t give myself a stroke or heart attack with the fear and worrying I was doing.? But over time I also realised and was told that it will not kill me so stop panicking and worrying.!!
So nowadays I don’t have the dreaded fear and anxiety that I once had when I get a AFIB episode.👍 I don’t like being in AFIB but I’m a lot more relaxed about it now without the fear etc and so it makes it alot more easier to deal with.
Yes Jetcat. I know although it can be debilitating for a lot of us, I know it will not kill us. Learning to accept it would be a huge thing and maybe I could do with some counselling. Food for thought.Many thanks. x
Since I had a mitral valve operation about fourteen years ago. My last consultant was great and I had a good relationship with him. He retired and another took over. The AF is a lot better than it used to be with. The last one was a few months ago. But then the fear returns and boy do I worry! Take care and thank you. x
You’ll get there France believe me. Iv suffered with health anxiety since losing an eye through an accident as a child and I can worry that’s for sure.? When I started with our buddy the AFIB I spent 2 years getting my funeral plans out and altering my music choices for my service after every AFIB episode ? Not that many would come anyway.? It’s a weird thing to live with but it’s better than what some poor unfortunate people have to live with.??? You’ll be ok but you won’t realise that until you’re ready and you know.👍
Oh gosh Ron I do feel for you. My mother lost an eye in her later years. But making arrangements for your funeral. What you must have been going through. It seems you might have come to terms with yourAFIB now and I am pleased for you. You are right. I’ll know when that happens and I pray for that day. Thank you for replying.
I understand. I have been dealing with it for over 30 years, and i remember when I first got it, very scary. Try to understand that in itself it is not life-threatening, uncomfortable, yes, but know that something like 10% of the population of the USA has the same thing! Maybe try and prop yourself up in bed, breath deeply, read a book or watch TV to get your mind off of it as best you can. As long as you are under the care of an Electrophysiologist, you will be fine! And do NOT wait to address the problem, either with medication, or better an ablation, they have gotten SO much better and more effective!
yes indeed. Anything to take ones mind off it. Learning to master anxiety seems to be the order of the day! I’ve had ablations but they don’t work for me. I saw my Electrophysiologist a few weeks ago and he wasn’t concerned. But did wonder why my heart seemed to be having little blips. We found out some appliances in our french kitchen were not earthed and that was the problem.! Stay away from the kettle! Many thanks for your reply. x
I totally relate! I felt like this too for a couple of years. Then I managed better. I did a similar post to your back in April 2020 and got some brilliant- and sometimes hilarious- replies. I'm sure you've got lots of wisdom coming in right now.
At present after my 2nd ablation I only seem to get bouts of tachycardia when stressed. And if I'm on high alert. I never had anxiety before AF but, as Steve says, it's actually very common. My tips are:
Slow gentle yoga moves, sitting pr lying if you can. Breathe with the movements so you can feel more on control.
Listen to slow heartbeat music and start to breathe in synch with it. I use Max Richter's Sleep album. Sometimes if I'm listening on my headphones I'll hum loudly with the slow melody. More than once I've gone into Sinus rhythm after about 10 minutes of that.
If AF comes back into my life, that's what I'll try again. Like you I can't do much. I bit of gentle cooking or instructing the husband to cook, and then sitting quietly after food. Sometimes I go into NSR after a light meal - make sure to have a balance of carbohydrates protein and some healthy fats.
Thank you Singwell. Some good tips there. I do yoga and meditation, although not as much as I should lately, due to moving. But I do need to start again seriously. I’ll try your sleep album too. Anxiety is a strange thing. One can have lived with it for years like me or suddenly rear its head with a sudden onslaught of stress. You sound as if you are in control of your situation and I applaud you for that! Thank you for replying. X
I’m in afib right now. Cardioversion scheduled for Monday morning. My 5th or 6th one. Part of living with this terrible affliction. I feel lousy right now but know I’ll be better in three days. Hang in there. The alternative is lousy!
I agree with MaryCa when she suggested you might research into the mini maze. Re the mini maze, I will post a recent video by the inventor of the procedure Dr Wolf in Houston. If you want to inquire further, MummyLuv might know of its availability in France. I do know however that there are increasing numbers of Forum patients having this procedure in UK (both NHS and private) and in Tokyo (private).
The video is titled "Afib: A New Look at an Old Problem"
Hi Lovefrance, so sorry to hear you are struggling with your AF. Reading through here I'm not surprised you have been going through it as moving is stressful enough but to another country must be daunting too. It sounds like you have overdone things and need to rest! As the others here advise, breathing exercises and meditation is the best way to help when you feel it coming on and if you have medications to take when panicking thats good too. Try taking deep slow breaths to the count of 4 or 5 to fill your lungs and raise your tummy, hold then release slowly to the count of 6 so your lungs empty, and repeat, is a good way to calm your panic. Focus on filling your lungs with fresh air then imagine you are exhaling all the panic and negativity as you breath out. If you can do this several times while sitting quietly and concentrate on willing your heart to be calm too it will help so much. If you can go onto a meditative mode that will help but dont worry if you cant do that yet. It will help you to calm things by simply focusing on your breathing and it helps to be able to do this no matter what is going on around you. I agree with the advice to see a consultant if you continue to suffer with your arrhythmias. Do you have someone there you can get an appointment with?
I get AF most days but simply do the above if it gets too much, I can't do as much energetically as I really want to, or used to, but have learned to pace myself, have a rest day after each day out, get plenty of sleep and keep my blood sugar even throughout the day too. When I get repeated arrhythmias I take more meds and rest. Its annoying but I've learned to cope now and its just my hearts way of saying slow down! I only get rather worried when I'm out and know Im likely to collapse somewhere v inconvenient or my defibrillator fires a shock! If I know I'm going out walking around for a while or doing anything to drain my energy I take extra meds before I start. Shopping trips generally last for 2 shops at a time then sit and rest!
I admire you moving to France, I love France! Plus the warmer weather should help there. I have to resort to using google translate to interpret when stuck! I hope it all goes well for you in all ways. Do let us know how you get on and how things are over there with your cardiac health. All the best in your new home, and remember to pace yourself!
Thank you so much for your long post. Yes, I am sure I have overdone it. Moving heavy boxes is not a good idea! I do the breathing exercise and meditate. I seem to be able to meditate quite easily. Mind you I can nod off any old time! None of us can do what we used to but we think we can and then do too much. I must heed this. This move has spurred me on. I love interior design and having a lovely garden as well excites me. But when I have an episode, it of course knocks me back and because I have anxiety big time, it’s not good. The health service here is excellent and I will contact them if I can’t solve this.Thank you again x
I would like some information please to talk about your AF.
What meds are you on and what is your BP and H/R at rest?
When do you take your meds?
What symptoms do you have?
Me on 24 September I awoke at 2am with a sore head. I went to the loo and back to bed without looking in the mirror. At 5.30 I awoke again, didnt make the loo and looked in the mirror and jumped into the shower.
I rung 111 (NZ) and got a bag ready, settled my dog into the front unit and tried to talk with difficulty. My 2G cell didnt tell St John where I lived but going back into the main house, using the homephone did place me at home.
Helicopted down to Whangarei at our base hospital I was in intensive with buzzing monitors every AF attack. I was classed as 'rapid and persistent AF'.
Later into the stroke ward with 3 men = 4 beds.
On the 4th day the neck scan showed a shadow on my thyroid. The carotid arteries were clear. The MRI showed a left frontal lobe embollic lesion from an embollic clot. An Ischaemic Stroke affecting my right side of my face, right hand, speech.
I had a speech therapist and a rehabilitation therapist. I was told to sing. And put hoops over stick and pick up matches.
Transferred to the local hospital, and home at a week. This local hospital put up my dose of PRADAXA from 110mg to 150mg both were x twice day. I didnt want Metoprolol because the last experience in 2008-9 left me breathless.
No I was to have Metoprolol.
I struggled 1 year 4 months as no Dr would change it.
I demanded a change to a public H/Specialist. She changed me to Bisoprolol. H/R Day went down from 187 bpm to 156 still not controlled. Night was always 47 avge bpm.
At 2 years 3 months on advice of my locum who had had AF and an ablation in Aussie to visit this Chinese H/Specialist. He put me on Diltiazem CCB and it changed my life. In 2 hours my H/R went down 105bpm.
NZ Heart Foundation nurse helped and I followed her advice to have my cCB reduced to 120mg AM and reduce my BB Bisoprolol to 2.5mg PM. Must be separated she said.
Now controlled:
110-130. 69 BP
was 88-96 now a year later 60s. I lost 6kg.
What is important is to control BP and H/R.
I dont feel my rapid (now controlled H/R and BP AF) and persistent AF.
My earlier symptoms were breathless on any exertion, sweating and fatigued.
Now none of those but I need to stop whilst walking on elevation.
Just had my right shoulder repair but if I had been over H/R 100 at rest they would have refused.
The ECHO shows abnormal heart valves so no cardiversion, ablation or anti-rhymic meds.
Hi there. Thank you for replying. My HR is set by my pacemaker and BP is normal. I take Bisoprolol 2.5 once a day and Rivaoxaban 20mg daily. I also have Felcainide as a pip. I have just had a yearly check up and everything is okay according to the consultant [ electrician). It seems after much trial and tribulation, you have yours now under control. I think anxiety plays a big part in mine. I need to work on this. I do meditation but not enough and yoga. I do hope you keep well and thank you again. x
I feel a whole lot improved when my h/R Day at rest went down to 60s.
Do switch off anxiety and think you are lucky. I do and I was because the stroke embollic which got me into hospital found I had thyroid cancer whilst doing a neck scan for checking the carotid arteries.
So my triage team know the AF came first because of problems in the thyroid working which gave me the stroke. I was not on any meds.
Your BB Bisoprolol should keep down your anxiety by keeping your adrenaline out of heart muscles. I was on 10mg but it did nothing for my H/R control.
My pacemaker is set at 80. It suits me much better. I would feel quite weak otherwise. I do wonder if anyone else has an 80 bpm. I’m not sure if the Bisoprolol helps with my anxiety or not. I take Citalopram for anxiety. Of course my prayers are said every morning. Take care and thank you for caring. x
Firstly, Afib does not kill you, its not a dangerous rhythm, but it does keep company to some very nasty friends. Firstly see that you are being properly treated and controlled. That is the key to getting on with life and avoiding complications. Many of us, myself included are in Afib all the time, 24/7. My ablation has failed and I don't hold out much chance of my planned cardioversion doing much better!!...I have suffered from terrible health anxiety, but one thing Afib does not like is anxiety, it does not help. Just realise that once under treatment and control you can get on with your life and, as many people do live a long and productive one...I can do nothing about changing my longstanding persistent Afib, so I just have to get on with it!!!....Wishing you all the best
thank you for your reply. It’s always nice to hear when people say it will not kill you! I am told this time and time again. But can I get it into my head! I suffer big time with anxiety. Have done since I was young and the Afib doesn’t help. I need to possibly have some counselling. I do admire people like you who seem to be able to just get on with it. Thank you again and I wish you well.x
By thinking of all the folks who are diagnosed with worse conditions you should grow from it.
I feel whilst there are procedures to tame or eradicate AF they all have a risk and I'm sure something is better than scarring your heart. Cant go back when its done.
I an happy that the 3rd scan shows no cancer left as did the other 2 and I refused RAI (radio Active iodine) and suppression of my TSH. When these treatments are automatically done at low risk I decided to have confidence in my surgeon.
2 years later Mr Gary Clayman (Head of Neck operations) now states that low risk patients should have a choice.
Be happy and the fact that you have a pacemaker you should feel confident.
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