Atrial Fibrillation

[SW123]

My mum has been diagnosed with AF. She is on Bisoprolol & Apixaban. She is feeling very lethargic most days and it's getting her down. Trying to speak to a GP is proving hugely difficult!!! And she is waiting for her 1st appt with Cardiology at the hospital. She has always been very active and this problem is huge for her. Has anyone suffered in this way?

[10gingercats]

There is often a cancellation list held by hospital departments which means you may be able to slip into that slot.If you are not too far from your mothers hospital and are prepared to take an appint. at short notice you may get your mother to see the cardiologist sooner.I have done this several times and the hospital is usually very pleased to be able to fill the slop rather than waste it.I suggest you ring the Dept. and ask if they hold a cancellation list.It has worked several times for me and once for my husband in the dental dept. of our local hospital.Mostly you get a days notice but it could be only a few hours.

[Loveswimmimg]

I’m wondering how the diagnosis was made if your Mum hasn’t had an appointment with a cardiologist yet. I have AF and my GP wouldn’t prescribe any medication until the problem had been shown on an ECG which meant a seven day monitor as mine is paroxysmal. I was put on a waiting list to see a cardiologist but in the end I paid to see one privately. I too was then prescribed blood thinners, Rivaroxaban in my case, and Bisoprolol. It’s the Bisoprolol which makes you feel lethargic, and it takes at least three weeks to get used to, after which things improved a bit. I continued to have episodes of AF however and two weeks ago I had an ablation, which I’m pleased with so far though it’s early days. So I would say to your Mum, hang in there and see if the Bisoprolol helps, try to get some exercise every day, drink plenty of water ( very important) and try not to get too stressed or anxious. AF is not life threatening but it can have a big impact on your life. It’s best to cut out or greatly reduce alcohol, caffeine and chocolate ( for some people). I wish your mum the best of luck, hope she gets an appointment soon.

[Loveheart123 in reply to Loveswimmimg]

I'm on the same meds as you awaiting Abalation ... what was it like ....

[Loveswimmimg in reply to Loveheart123]

It was very straightforward but I was very tired afterwards. Two weeks on I am beginning to get some strength back and able to do a bit more each day. I had sedation for my op and there was a bit of pain but it didn’t last long. So far, no episodes of AF but my HR was up for the first week or so and quite a lot of palpitations. This is normal apparently while the heart repairs itself after the op. I’ve been told I can come off Bisoprolol as of tomorrow, although I will do it gradually. Still have to take Rivaroxaban, probably forever. I had a big bruise in my groin but that’s nearly cleared up now. Don’t worry, it is definitely worth doing and a standard procedure for the consultant which they do all the time. Just make sure you rest afterwards, don’t lift anything heavy for at least a week and you will be fine. Good luck!

[Loveheart123 in reply to Loveswimmimg]

Aw thanks for the info ... u rest up and take care xx

[ETHEL103]

Yes absolutely. Bisoprolol started off OK but after a week or so just felt exhausted and breathless walking on flat paths. What worried me also was the very low heart rate during the night. 40. People on here say your body needs time to adjust but 2 weeks was enough for me. On Verapimil now.

[Katlou63 in reply to ETHEL103]

Hello I've been on Bisoprolol for almost 2 weeks and I'm pleased it's brought my blood pressure down but like you, its the low heart rate that bothers me. I'm sure it's fine and the medication is doing its job but I can't help worrying about it especially at night. I'm going to speak to my gp about it this week- see what he says

[ETHEL103 in reply to Katlou63]

My GP was excellent whilst he was sorting out my meds, couldn't fault him but I have to say I have tried to get another call re meds as I am still getting afib and lots of ectopics but haven't been able to get a call back. Receptionist told me to go to A&E if I'm worried. I won't be doing that unless I have to. Very very frustrating at the mo and I have this awful feeling GPS will never open up as before. Hate this system.

[GuyThoma in reply to Katlou63]

After taking bisoprolol my resting heart rate reduced to 44 bpm, and I have been fine for two years ..... Early on I too was worried, but now it seems normal.

[Greenfarm]

I have permanent AF and I am taking Apixaban ( as advised by a stroke consultant - previously on Warferin but couldn’t maintain levels ) After taking this for about a year I started getting episodes of light headedness and fainting and my GP advised I take Bisoprolol, which slows down the heart. I do get very tired - some days worse than others. I’d say that Bisoprolol has had a definite effect on my energy levels. I am 78 and walk at least three times a week, do gardening and sketching and generally enjoy life but I do get very frustrated that I can’t do the amount of things I used to and I do have days when I feel depressed.However I shall continue with the medication as I’d rather put up with these minor inconveniences if it prevents me having a stroke or heart attack. My advice to your Mum is to try to keep up exercise doing what she enjoys and avoid stress if possible - try gentle yoga perhaps or walking. I belong to Ramblers so it’s lovely to walk with other people. Yoga Nidra is wonderful for relaxing. I hope this is helpful.

[PaulGilbert]

Hi. I was diagnosed with AF in March this year and have been pretty much on my own with it. GPs are not doing face to face appointments which isn't helpful. I was referred to cardiology and spoke to a consultant earlier this month. She has said that a cardioversion is the next step for me. I believe that there is cardioversion, ablation or tablets to fix or manage the problem, other than that I am in the same boat as your mum. Hopefully the symptoms are not too bad and bearable until she gets to see a cardiologist.

[JefferyW]

Fatigue is a common side effect of beta blockers unfortunately. Some people find it improves after a few weeks. To be honest drugs control AFib butyour Mum may want discuss other options with her cardiologist including ablation which addresses the cause.