Atrial Fibrillation

[Iamsofedup]

I am 33 years old and was dignosed with Atrial Fibrillation on 1st aug 2020. I have 3 amazing young children that all need me very much and I would love to see them grow up.

Since being dignosed I have become so scared and anxious that i am going to die soon. If I have a slight pain in my chest, or the odd flutter in my chest, my whole body goes into shock and panic.

I cry in secret all the time and feel so alone.

My cardiologist attempted cardioversion but after 3 failed shocks gave up and turned to medication. I have had an EP study with the hope of an ablation on the AV node. The EP study revealed that no ablation was needed but i do have a common atrial flutter.

My cardiologist has now decided I should have a pulmonary vein isolation and ischemic ablation.

I was to scared to accept the treatment as i do not know what it involves apart from being the left side of my heart. Now I fear I may have made a silly mistake.

Has anybody else been through this?? I feel so alone and dont know what to do anymore. Life seems no longer enjoyable.

[Hidden]

Hello

I have not been through what you have but had to reply as I felt so much for you and I do relate to the anxiety and crying and I would say this would be normal for anyone as well as the fear you are feeling

I would make a list of everything you want to know about the procedure the pro's and con's and ask to be referred back again we have a right to change our minds just simply say I was in to much shock to make a decision and I have questions to ask so I can make sure I make the right one

Today though they are so advance and what they can do is fantastic so much so they give people years and years to continue enjoying their life and families and there is no reason I can think of why you cannot be one of these people

Those with more knowledge will be along to give you better advise I just wanted to let you know you are not alone and you have this Community now to help you get through whatever you go through and the members will give you all the support they can x

[Hidden]

Hey, I know exactly how you feel regarding being scared and anxious it's awful I went through a stage where I thought I was going to die and was so frightened of going to sleep, I even went to sleep in my clothes sometimes because I thought I'd have to phone an ambulance in the middle of the night! Have you got family, friends you can talk to? Or even try some therapy that's helping me at the moment.

You will get through this! it's always a shock at first believe me. Don't ever give up x

[lettingoffsteam]

Hi there, have you found the AF association page yet? If not you may find it useful. There are people there who have lived successfully with AF for decades and are now what you might call older. Another thing, atrial flutter and the pulmonary vein are on the right side of the heart and are not AF. Another group you may find to help with that are the Arrhythmia Alliance.

Are you on any meds and do they help? I have some arrhythmia and take propranolol which helps me.I have also cut out caffeine and try to avoid processed foods.I don't drink but I'm told that's a trigger too. Hope you get answers soon.

[CBH192]

Hi ☺️ I am 30yrs old with a 3yr old and currently 36wks pregnant. Although my heart situation is different from yours (emergency open heart surgery in May) I completely understand your fear, panic and worry for your children etc. I felt the same after surgery, terrified of dying and didn’t feel like I could look to the future! My cousin said to me one day, just take one day at a time. Enjoy that day and try not to worry about the next one until it’s there. And it’s really helped me, I go to bed at night and think that’s another day done and do you know what? I was ok! If your cardiologist feels this treatment may help, go back to them and get some more info and then you can make a decision. It is scary facing treatment, but you can get through it ☺️

[Loveswimmimg]

Hi, I am 69 and had a pulmonary vein isolation in April and I’m pleased to report that I’m still here and now AF free! Please try not to worry, AF is not usually life threatening and you can live with it for years, even without ablation. You are quite young and I think it’s normal to worry if you have a young family, but these treatments are usually quite straightforward and often very successful so I think you can look forward to many years seeing your family grow up. By the the way, the pulmonary veins are definitely on the left side of your heart. Atrial flutter is not the same as AF, so maybe you need to get some more answers from your consultant about exactly what your condition is and to explain the treatment to you. This will help you to feel more relaxed about it. Meanwhile, while you are waiting for the procedure, you can make a few lifestyle changes which may help - avoid caffeine and alcohol, drink plenty of water and get plenty of sleep. Maybe try some yoga or meditation to help you relax. Most of all, enjoy your normal life as much as possible.

[lettingoffsteam in reply to Loveswimmimg]

I stand corrected on the pulmonary vein....sorry.Atrial flutter is more right sided though from what I've read.Pleased to hear how successful your treatment has been.

[alheart]

HiI had my AVR in 2015

Had pulmonary vein isolation THIS May and it has been amazing

I wish they had done it 4 yrs ago!

I feel so fit and am. Able to do so. Much more with my life

I have lost 3 stone as well (cutting down on quantity and upping exercise)

So I would definitely go for it

Nothing to loose and everything to gain

[Pinnie7]

Hi! I am double your age and was diagnosed with A fib 2 years ago… I was devastated as my first grandchild had been born a couple of months before.I too had silent weeps scared I wouldn’t see him grow up.

I have had 2 Cardioversions…. Second one worked but only because I have been taking Amiodarone…. Which I hate. Awaiting an ablation in November.

I often wish I had just stuck to medication and not gone down the intervention route.

I have been told success for my ablation is 50% as I also have an enlarged heart. Feel I’ve gone to far to turn back.

Most of the time I try to be positive but still get weepy ! I have had 2 more grandchildren since so got even more to live for .

Please try to be positive… try not to dwell too much … your time with your children is the most important thing…and my doctors see no reason why i shouldn’t have a normal life eventually…. ( apart from the blood thinners of course)

Keep in touch. X

[Madyy]

Hi iamsofedup

I had AF after my AVR

it’s so distressing it’s like to me yours might be different…someone holding your heart and moving it back and fore I was given a fishy drink in hospital I think it’s potassium and a tiny pill in two years I have had it two other times I take a banana now ,I feel for you, I’m no expert on A F I’m post to say I feel for you, but these Drs know these conditions and my Dr said to me A F is fixable easy for them to say I don’t know if it is or not to do with low Potassium for me it was maybe, but your anxiety I really know about that Please know we all feel for you, please post up I hope you are well at the moment just wanted to wish you well

[thehypnotist]

I was diagnosed about the same age and they FORGOT to treat me until my late forties!! However, I’m 69 now and not too bad with it really!! Chin up and try to remain positive😊