UPDATE

[Cooksters44]

I haven’t posted for a while, but when I last did, I was very nervous about taking Bisoprolol after being newly diagnosed with paroxysmal AF. I eventually started taking it after reading a lot on the BHF website and doing some general research.

My questions answered and my thoughts in the correct mindset, I started to take them. Only a low dosage but enough to make me feel I had accepted my condition of AF, which was not going away.

I had an adjustment period of a few weeks and was concerned that I was still getting deep flutters and occasional AF episodes. However, things settled down a lot more and I am reasonably comfortable taking the tablets. I have only had a couple of AF episodes which I have started to connect to things like if I get too hot or if I drink wine/prosecco. I have stopped drinking these and have non alcoholic alternatives if I feel like having something. Compared to medication other people are on, what I take is nothing but seems necessary. I often think about the members on BHF and wish everyone well.

My next step is to tell my grown up children. My Son is aware of AF in football players in particular and my Daughter can get very anxious indeed.

I have also got a telephone consultation with the NHS Cardiology department at the end of January. As I was very frightened after my initial AF diagnosis, which was quicker due to me using the Karia Livecor device, I did seek a private consultation with a Cardiologist. He confirmed my Doctor’s diagnosis and I also had a heart scan. This was reassuring especially as I knew I would have a long wait to speak to someone through the NHS. I know I was lucky to be able to do this and am armed with a lot of information I might not have had if I had just waited for an NHS appointment.

If you are concerned about heart flutters/palpitations, I would definitely purchase a Kardia device.

Anyway, this is just an update to log for myself and anyone else that may find this helpful.

A Happy and Peaceful New Year to You All.

[Happyrosie]

thank you for your update.

I think it would be a good idea to let your family members know of your condition - they are probably aware that there’s something going on and that you might be hiding it from them, so to let them know will be a relief for them. And then you can ask for their moral support too!

[BeKind28-]

Hello

I am glad you have started the Bisoprolol and it is helping

I am sure your family will want to know and may surprise you by taking the news better than you think

I am glad you have updated us and let us know how you are and get on once you have told them about your condition x

[wischo]

Why were you scared to take bisoprolol for your afib? and why the problem telling your family. its your health and there are a few medications you need to take with afib to prevent stroke etc. Other than that there is no reason why you cant live a full long life and I am sure your family will realise this and let you get on with it. Its not a death sentence anymore so like me I would just get on with it and enjoy my life.

i

[Cooksters44 in reply to wischo]

I was nervous because it is a beta blocker and most people taking it have some kind of reaction to them initially. My blood pressure is also on the low side at the best of times, but not in a bad way. It was also the thought of taking a beta blocker and probably having to take them always.

As you know, you need to adjust physically and psychologically when diagnosed with AF.

Telling my grown up children is a big thing and I don’t want them to worry. My Daughter in particular will be anxious about this. I always planned to tell them but wanted the time to get used to the idea of having AF and adjusting to the medication first. So not a problem per se.

I do not need to take any other medication at the moment as apparently I am low risk.

I don’t consider this a death sentence and don’t even like to think of that phrase, however, my Dad has heart failure and is on palliative care and my Mum also suffers from palpitations from time to time. So obviously it makes me think about the future.

I have and will be putting things in place so that I can get on with enjoying my life like yourself and reassuring my children, especially as I am approaching a certain age.