My A Fib story

[TedSpaniel]

I was only diagnosed recently but here goes.

About 2 1/2 years ago I had a major dizzy spell while at work. It was actually like the walls were melting. First Aider was called, I didn’t look at all well so they grabbed the Defib and called an Ambulance. I went to A&E and they said it was either a minor stroke or something wrong with my ear. As I had no left hand issues they opted for the ear. Loads of appointments and tests revealed no problems with hearing.

However, I could feel something was wrong. My Apple Watch showed it too. So back to the GP who looked at the print outs, said they would be pretty accurate. Listened to my heart and said I had a murmur, but due to the print outs and me feeling it so much he referred me to Cardiology.

Loads of tests and even a day in being tested and all that revealed was a slight regurgitate on one valve. Shortly after and in April this year I woke up feeling awful, I felt a fast beating and it was 188 bpm. Went to A&E and was admitted straight away and on a bed before I knew what was happening. laying on the bed the alarm was going off again and again. So Afib was diagnosed and I had a Cardioversion. I was also peeing for England which was apparently the kidneys flushing themselves as a reaction to my heart.

So I am on beta blockers, also on statins as I am now in an at risk group and a blood test revealed high cholesterol. Also on anti depressants for anxiety. Just had another 24 hour tape as I still feel fluttering a few times a day, everyday. Also woken up with 124 bpm. I get high fatigue everyday too. Hospital have been fantastic and the level of care has been excellent.

[BeKind28-]

Hello

Reading your post it goes to show that we know our own bodies the best you sensed something was not as it should be and you were right

I am sorry you have had t go through this but you are now under the radar as we say so you will be monitored and can see what good care you have had from the Hospital which is good to read

The beta blockers could be making you feel tired one of the side effects as well as the antidepressants till your body adjusts to them

I am sorry you have anxiety I suffer with it to so know how it feels but I hope the medication you are on helps

If you are in doubt about anything then I am not sure if you have a Rehab Nurse but they are their to help and your Doctor to and I would give them a call

Let us know how you get on x

[TedSpaniel in reply to BeKind28-]

Thank you. You are right, now I am under the radar it helps. It’s a case of adjusting mostly and a bit of coming to terms. My GP is next to useless, it does bug me that while after Covid the world is back to normal the GP surgeries have used this to create themselves a new culture where it’s all about phone calls. HR at work have been good but my line manager not so. A Fib clinic nurse is a star and my wife works on a heart ward which helps for advice.

Thanks again for your kind words.

[Autumn_Leaves]

It’s scary when AF first happens but you come to terms with it in time. Valve regurgitation is common in AF and can be the underlying cause of AF, but be assured that most people over a certain age will have some degree of valve regurgitation AF or not. It’s only when it becomes severe that surgical intervention is needed, and it may never come to that. I assume that the hospital has recommended a repeat echocardiogram every 2-3 years to keep an eye on it.

There are treatments for AF - rate control, rhythm control and ablation. Unfortunately ablation isn’t a one-and-done solution for many people though ablation can help some people stay AF-free for a few years, and sometimes longer.

I hope you continue to have good medical care. If you can see an arrhythmia nurse, I’ve found that they can talk you through test results and explain AF and valve regurgitation etc in more detail and are generally very helpful.