atrial fibrillation

[Dogsareangels]

hi I’ve been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation can anyone reassure me about being tired a lot

I feel breathless as well I take atenolol every day the moment

I just feel unwell as I seem to be getting other conditions adding to it as in non alcoholic fatty liver disease and now bloods showing pre diabetes

I would appreciate some advice

thank you

lee

[Eddybear]

Hi, Dogsareangels I have had AF for the last five years and am still working, the only way I keep going is to have a cardioversion if my heart goes out of sinus rhythm which can be a few months or up to a year, the NHS will only normally perform this a couple of times, so I have been going privately Ever since, not cheap but at least it enables me to keep working, so in answer to your question, being breathless and tired when in AF is quite normal, so you either need a cardioversion to Shock the heart Back into sinus rhythm, or the better thing to do is have a Cardiac appellation (Not sure of the spelling) Anyway at least you know You are not the only one who feels this way, Regards Ted.

[Tommo1947]

Hi Lee. Tiredness is the classic symptom of AF, with the heart ‘ going like the clappers ‘ ( to quote my doctor) just to keep lungs etc. functioning, ,let alone to power you up the stairs. Weight gain is another unfortunate side effect.

Frankly, my GP was little help, but a good cardiologist should put you right with either a drug combo( works for me) or cardioversion.

[Dogsareangels in reply to Tommo1947]

Hello Tommo

Really kind of you to reply to me

Can I ask you how do I get a cardiologist my dr has not mentioned this for me

Does he need to refer me as Ive seen him recently because as I’m getting older I’ve got more illness appearing

Be good to keep in touch with you if you had time to be able to share advice ??

Take care Tommo

Thankyou

Lee 🤗

[Tommo1947 in reply to Dogsareangels]

Hi Lee

That’s very good advice from Speed.

I’m pretty sure that you have to go through your doctor to be referred to a consultant, but you can select your own from then on. I was initially referred to one at the local hospital but, to her credit, she recommended an AF specialist at Papworth.

You should have a frank talk with your doctor - are your other health problems complicating AF treatment, for instance?

My advice ; be persistent about a second opinion/ referral and follow the usual guidelines on diet , exercise etc. and don’t expect vitamin supplements to be the magic bullets !

All the best

Tommo

[TedSpaniel]

Sounds about right. Mine was diagnosed last April. I feel tired almost everyday despite what I feel is a good nights sleep. I get the odd flutter and sometimes wake to a faster beat. I’ve a few other health issues and it does get me down.

All the best.

[Juju2323]

hi I was diagnosed last year and still having tests to find out which chamber the issue is coming from , I’m 50 and I could sleep on a washing line I’m that tired. I have found I am more tired in the afternoon so I take a nap in my car if I’m at work for 40 mins which seems to help. In my head I’m still 20 but my body is not so I’m just trying to be kind to myself and work within my limits and not plan to much in my day to achieve x hope that helps x

[Speed]

FYI, there is a specific community for Atrial Fibrillation (but includes other arrhythmia) on healthunlocked with 26k + followers which is excellent and has a wealth of experience / advice on arrhythmia

[Dogsareangels in reply to Speed]

Hello Speed

Thank you for your reply I appreciate it

I’m thinking as I’m reading replies I should be seeing a cardiologist?? No one has ever mentioned referring me

I feel some days like I’m wading through mud can’t get energy I try supplements and multivitamins but I do struggle

Would you keep in touch share advice if you have time I’d like to know someone who has same condition

Take care

Lee 🤗

[Speed in reply to Dogsareangels]

No problem but I would strongly suggest you join the AFA group - there is an amazing amount of experience which is important with AF as it manifests itself in so many different ways. Very friendly and helpful group.

Does your AF come and go (Paroxysmal) or continuous (Persistent). Either way you should be referred to a cardiologist or preferably an EP (specialist cardiologist for AF). There are many options available for potential treatments, some meds only prescribeable by a consultant.

Is Atenolol a beta blocker. BBS can have a big impact on ability to exercise. I agreed with my EP to drop the BBs due to impact on quality of life (QOL). Multivitamins won’t sort of this is the case.

Check out the other group.

[Dogsareangels in reply to Speed]

Hello speed

Just found your reply to my message from a few weeks ago

Thank you for your kind advice

When I was diagnosed with Af I had no idea

I was seeing my gender specialist and he checked my vitals

He asked if I’d felt flutters or faster heartbeats and yes I had but this was put down to being on high dose antidepressants so I trusted what my gp at the time told me

So I’d been in Af for a while without knowing

More recent diagnose with nafld as well and now having blood tests for pre diabetes

I’m finding if so hard to maintain my health I don’t eat junk I drink water take supplements , good multivitamin D3 milk thistle for my liver

I’ve been a carer for mum last three years this has taken a toll on my health the more I go to my gp it’s noted that I’m sick a lot

At the moment I’m fighting a viral infection AGAIN so worn out nasty green phlegm ears are painful and buzzy throat is very painful still helping mum doing shopping care laundry dealing with medical issues for mum

Finding it harder to bounce back

Have had insomnia for a while tried Melotonin ok initially now doesn’t work at all

Having regular bloods taken

Getting older is pants !!!!

Take care

Lee