my afib life

[17011945]

Hi there I am 54 live in New Zealand ,I have had AFIB since January .In July i was made medically redundant by my work as they said my condition was affecting my work .I am on medication and most days i am ok .Sometimes I get scared but i know i wont die.Hello to all with my symptoms i hope you all are coping.

[17011945]

i feel great told my work all about my heart issue to be totally honest but they used it against me i all looking for work at the moment cheers for the reply mate

[CDreamer]

Welcome and I hope that you find the forum of interest. It is unfortunate that your employer used your condition against you when you were open and honest. Some people find their AF is symptomatic and affects their ability to work whilst others do well, it affects us all very differently.

We have a few members in New Zealand who may chip in and give information on treatment centres.

If you haven’t already we suggest you visit the AFA website where you will find a wealth of information on AF and treatments. heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

If you have any questions we have a wealth of experience from knowledgeable people from around the world.

Best wishes

[TracyAdmin Partner]

Welcome to the Forum, I am sure many of the members here will offer you some good advice and support based upon their own experiences of atrial fibrillation, however, our Patient Services Team are always here to help, if you have any questions, would like any advice or information, please do get in touch. Our contact details: heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

AF Association New Zealand webpage: heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

Kind regards

TracyAdmin

[Cavalierrubie]

Hello to you and welcome. I am sorry to read that you have been treated like an outcast with being made medically redundant. That must be very upsetting for you, together with the anxiety of being diagnosed with AF. It is very scary, at first, and l think we all feel the same, but the more you get to know about AF and the support you will get from others will help you on this journey. AF is difficult to detect and lots are unaware they have it, so it is good that you know and can be treated. It is not terminal and you can have a good quality of life. You will smile again, so don’t let it define who you are. Take care.

[jeanjeannie50]

Welcome to the forum and rest assured we know exactly how you are feeling right now.

It's always worrying when we are first told we have a heart that beats oddly. I'm guessing your job may have been a physical one that involved physical energy? Luckily mine was a desk job and that's what I would advise you to look for now - one where you mostly sit.

Take care, we are a friendly group that will offer help whenever we can

How do you feel when your AF strikes?

Jean

[KiwiBlake]

Kia ora

I'm a 52 year old male (soon to be 53). I was first diagnosed about 4 years ago with AF after a long and stressful few days at work.

After approx 2 years on medication, firstly Diltiazem, which slows your heart down (rate control drug), then Flecainide, which is a rhythm control medication, I was put on the waiting list for an ablation. I don't have medical insurance, so couldn't go private. The waiting list (approx 6 months) however gave me plenty of time to get my head around it.

I had what is called a cryo ablation in September 2022. Unfortunately the Afib returned, but 6 weeks ago I had a "touch up" ablation where they used RF (heat). The surgeon found an area that hadn't been done properly on the previous operation. The Surgeon was very confident that he had got it this time, but I need to give it at least 3 to 6 months to be sure.

Anyway I'm in the Taranaki region, just out of New Plymouth. Both my ablations where done at the Waikato hospital.

On forums such as these it is up to you as to how much personal information you want to give out. If you want some one to talk to either by email or by phone, send me a PM (Private message). When I was first diagnosed I had never heard of AFib so was pretty freaked out, but over the course of time I have come to accept it, although it's still a bit of a bugger.

Anyway contact me if you want to pick my brains, or have a bit of a chat.

Cheers Blake

[Czech_Mate]

Hi 🙋As several folk have already said, getting your head around your situation is the most difficult thing about this whole Afib thing. We are all on slightly different journeys, but have all had to come to terms with what's going on with us. What can make it more frustrating is trying to explain how we feel (physically and mentally) to those around us. I've found the support and understanding of the positive people(ignore the rest) on this forum has helped me put things into perspective and help point me in the right direction when it has been difficult for me to do that myself.

I wish you all the best on your journey (and good luck with the rugby 😉) CM

[saulger]

If you can afford the cost of a second-hand car I can recommend that you speak to Lynn who lives in NZ and travelled three months before me to Tokyo to have the Wolf Mini Maze, as performed by Dr Ohtsuka. Lynn was persistent AFib with heart failure and I was paroxysmal with fainting spells due to AFib. The good news is that Lynn in now two years AFib free and walks 5 miles a day and heart function back to normal.

[Frances123]

Welcome to the group. It is a worrying time when you have been told you have something wrong with your heart but rest assured we have all been there and know how you are feeling.

You will know doubt have many questions so please ask all you want. Hopefully someone will have the answer or at least can point you in the right direction to get help.

I am sorry your work has made you redundant. Did they give you a detailed reason?

Take care and look forward to getting to know you.

Frances

[Fullofheart]

I was 29 when I was first diagnosed and have never had any work related issues despite it having a big impact at certain points (and hardly any at others). Over the last few years things got a lot worse so I guess if I was in a different line of work things might have gone this way but occupational health have classed it as a protected characteristic under the disability act. I have other serious health conditions too and I work long hours in a demanding job. I have had to make a few adjustments, but it's manageable, for now.It sounds like you need some good legal advice alongside good medical advice.

The bhf or af website/ helpline might be a place to start. AF does require some adjustments and rethinks but need not stop you in your tracks. Hope you get some good advice.