Atrial Fibrillation after Aortic valve replacement and aorta Aneurysm repair.

[Lisa4]

Hi All

Taken by ambulance on Sunday (26th Nov) as I have Atrial Fibrillation. Discharged Thurs 30/11 on beta blockers and Warfarin.

I am exhausted, in pain and terrible fluid retention. Feel like I’ve gone back to week one.

Anyone else experienced this complication and how did it resolve itself?

Many thanks

Lisa x

[skid112 Heart Star]

Hi Lisa really sorry to hear about your problems. I don't have the same, so just advising lots of rest this weekend, you need to help your body recover. Hopefully one of our lovely members will be along to offer their own experiences soon.

Take care Mark

[Lisa4 in reply to skid112]

Hi Mark

Thank you it’s been a rollercoaster! Hopefully coming to the end and time to heal now.

Lisa

[Fredders]

Hi Lisa, sorry to hear your problems. I had my AVR on 7 November and then had to have a pacemaker fitted on 13 November. Are you on any tablets to relieve the water retention? If not, get yourself to your GP for some. Also you shouldn't be in pain as it will stop you doing the exercise you need to do. Again go to your GP for stronger or additional painkillers, once you're relatively pain free you will feel so much better. I was on paracetamol and tramadol after my first AVR, but paracetamol and gabapentin this time due to some nerve damage.

Hope you get things sorted soon.

Wendy

[Lisa4 in reply to Fredders]

Hi Wendy

Thank you so much for your reply I will get onto my GP to sort the pain relief. I have tablets for fluid but not sure they are high enough again will check with GP.

Interested to hear you had a pacemaker fitted so quickly.

Were you discharged before the pacemaker or was your heart rate irregular straight after surgery?

Hope you are feeling more settled now.

Once again thank you for your feedback and take care.

Lisa xxx

[Fredders in reply to Lisa4]

Hi Lisa

I had heart block following my AVR, in fact one of the doctors turned off the external pacer to see how my heart was working only to find it wasn't and quickly turned it back on again! I was transferred back to the ICU and had the pacemaker fitted that evening.

I'm feeling better each day and slowly being able to do more. I have actually not taken the gabapentin this morning as I noticed I was getting quite breathless and had an irritating dry cough, on reading the possible side effects of these tablets these symptoms are listed. So far I feel a lot better, just hoping the nerve pain doesn't come back, but am seeing my GP on Tuesday for a drug review so may get it changed to something else if the pain gets worse again.

Sounds like it would definitely be worthwhile speaking to your GP, no need to suffer in pain, it won't help you in the long run.

Wendy xx

[Sina-6491]

Hi Lisa,

My AF took around 2/3 weeks to settle after being put on beta blockers. Didn't suffer too long after that with water retention.

I do still have the odd AF issues, but not anything like before beta blockers. I have to say though, never found the AF painful. I agree, I think you should have a chat with your GP, or cardiac team.

Elevate your legs where poss over the weekend. Evan a pillow under you feet in bed helps lovey.

You rest up and take care now, Jo 😊

[Mary_Janet]

Hi Lisa,

Good to hear from you and sounds like you have had a torrid time. We have communicated before, I had my AVR and I developed slow AF a few days post surgery. For me it was not too dramatic and not painful.. I was put on amiodorone and bisoparol . By the time I was discharged (6weeks) later I was on a small dose of bisopolol (1.25mg) . This was stopped at my clinic appointment 4weeks ago. That has been a stressful stage as my heart rate has speed up and as I have told that I might flip back into AF feel on edge about it.

I hope that you have managed to get some pain free rest this weekend and are feeling a wee bit better. You must be exhausted physically and emotionally. When you are so exhausted everything feels worse especially the pain.

Mary

[Lisa4]

Morning to everyone who’s taken time to respond and thank you for your kindness.

I increased my pain relief (within the guidelines). This has helped immensely I have managed to sleep and relax.

The AF is still pounding in my chest at times and I can sit still feeling out of breath at those times.

Fluid is going down pillow under the mattress really helped. Going to my first rehab clinic this morning I’m aware having had the AF I’m going to be in a different position but I’m sure they’ll understand and compensate accordingly.

Thank you all for your words of support.

Lisa x