Atrial fibrillation -left in limbo

[El-P]

After 3 breast cancer operations, In late May have gone into AFib. It’s the third time I’ve had AF in the last 10 years, the previous bouts were treated with cardioversion. I ended up in A&E (again) and was put onto beta blockers, they have brought down the heart rate, but the abnormal rhythm continues. I’ve got all the dizziness, breathlessness, brain fog lurching heart rate, etc. My GP put me on anticoagulants a few days later. I’ve not seen a cardiologist or had an echocardiogram yet, and the appointment to see one is in November. Sustaining physical and mental is near impossible at the moment. So any advice about how I manage to work/cope with AF over the next few months will be gratefully received.

[El-P]

The second time I had it, I did have the cardioversion privately, but as I’d been in an NHS hospital for a few days I’d had all the tests including seeing cardiologists beforehand so knew that treatment would be best for me. As I couldn’t cope on the medication and it was right in the middle of the pandemic it would have been delayed getting the cardioversion, so I went private.

At the moment I’ve not seen a cardiologist, just emergency doctors and my GP, I’ve had ECGs confirming AF but no echocardiogram so they don’t actually know whether the heart valves are damaged. It’s driving me crazy. I wish I could afford to go private but it’s going to be too pricy at this stage.

[Rainfern in reply to El-P]

Poor you, right after the cancer treatment too. Waiting lists are terrible at the moment, but it may be worth pushing things on a little with your GP and cardiology department. Let them know it’s impacting on your health and make sure they are fully aware how symptomatic you are. As for sitting it out while you’re waiting for procedures, I know the feeling.

When I first came to this forum, probably the best advice (and at the time most annoying!) was to get on with life. Although my life has changed with AF limiting my activity I have put a great deal into health related plans, such as deep, relaxation and meditation, breathing exercises, healthy eating and improved sleep. Then I have taken up less energetic activities, such as writing, singing, reading more, keeping in touch with old friends as well as enjoying walks within my own limits. Valuing what I do have rather than worrying about what I don’t.

Support on this forum I have found brilliant. Keep posting and keep in touch. November will be with you in no time.

[El-P in reply to Rainfern]

Thank you for the advice. I I hope you don’t mind me asking but did you manage to work whilst in symptomatic AF, I ask because I am hoping to return to work after my radiotherapy in a few weeks time.

If I was getting the cardioversion or ablation in November then I think I could find a way to manage, but that’s the. first appointment at Cardiology and effective treatment could be months after. I’ve already contacted Cardiology to ask for an earlier appointment but I think I’ll ask again, and ask the GP to put pressure on as well. And when I go to the Marsden in the next week, Im going to raise it with them as well.

Thank you so much for the support, I really need it as I do feel like a I’ve been abandoned.

[Rainfern in reply to El-P]

I’m retired now, but if I still had regular employment I think it would have been a struggle. As a community workers my job demanded a good deal of physical, mental and emotional energy. Initially I was doing less “retirement “ things, walking and leaving the allotment to my husband but I think the meds I’m now on have helped. Don’t be afraid to emphasise the symptoms you’re experiencing - these are a main criteria for getting help and after all you’ve been through plus still being in productive employment you deserve better. Good luck and keep us posted.

[Shoefairy in reply to El-P]

Two months in from being told I was in AF and waiting to see a cardiologist Was told about 2years back after an echo my valve was floppy At the time I was preparing for a breast cancer removal That was cancelled because of low heart beats Never heard further about the valve problem only told I should be on doctors reg for yearly echo but never heard Iv asked I asked the surgeon in the breast clinic if valve problems have a connection with AF He seems to think not My BP monitor as a ECG on it and although I’m settled at the moment my heart trace is in Af every day Perhaps that stays just the heart beat as gone back to normal I’m living with giddy heads but don’t no if that’s med or some thing else to do with the Af just would like some one to tell me We both need a good talking too😀

[El-P in reply to Shoefairy]

I do hope that you are now cancer free now.

We really do need a talking to, ideally with a cardiologist who has access to an echocardiogram 😀