Please Help

[Sanpanda]

I was diagnosed on 29th June. 2024, in A& E feeling dizzy faint, terrible. Heart beat of 160 and diagnosed with Arterial Fibrillation . Put on beta blockers to lower heartbeat, back two days later still dizzy, admitted overnight given blood thinners in prep for a cardio version in 4 weeks time. Signed off work for a month until then. Only to find out this week waiting list is 2 months!

Life has turned upside down, previously excercise every day, eating fairly healthy diet but with binges of very sweet treats, being a very positive and active person. Really struggling with the change of lifestyle and what lies ahead for me .

Still a dizzy when moving fast and when excreting effort not knowing if this is right, is it the condition or the meds? Desperately need help please xx

[Bumpitybump]

All sounds really frightening for you. Likely others will know more about the medical side of your condition but may I suggest you try to redirect your previous positive attitude and time exercising to look for strategies that work for you?Actually, you are doing that brilliantly by reaching out on this forum! What calms you, do you have moments of quiet in your life, can you build on these? Might sound hokum (hopefully not) but if you can get that parasympathetic side of your autonomic nervous system engaged it will likely help the blood pressure, and maybe remind you that you have some input/ control over this. Hang on in there.

[Sanpanda in reply to Bumpitybump]

Thank you, yup trying to keep positive, just up and down at the moment! Xx

[Bumpitybump in reply to Sanpanda]

Understandable

[SailorGirlBlues]

Which drugs did they put you on? I do not tolerate them. They can lower blood pressure, which causes dizziness. Some people seem to do well on them. Do you have a way to monitor your heartrate at home? Knowing how your heartrate is doing might make you feel better. Did they give you any options other than cardio version?

[Sanpanda in reply to SailorGirlBlues]

I’m on bisoprolol and Apixaban xx I wear an apple a wear an Apple Watch which monitors heart rate but maybe should get a blood pressure monitor? But don’t want to get paranoid!! Although probably am!! That gave also booked me in for a cardioechogram I had one a few years ago but all was good xx thank you

[SailorGirlBlues in reply to Sanpanda]

Hi Sanpanda, I mentioned blood pressure because you are trying to find the source of the dizziness. If I understand correctly, you're trying to understand if it is the drugs or the condition that is causing it. One thing that I have learned is that low blood pressure causes dizziness. That's why I brought it up. In my view, it is helpful to monitor your blood pressure everyday with the conditions you mention and the pharma drugs they have you on. The echo is helpful for knowing if your heart is still pumping efficiently. Monitoring your weight every day can help with this. You can put your weight, BP & HR in an excel spreadsheet every day. This can provide a window into your current health situation that may keep you from worrying. Hope this helps!! Best of luck to you!

[SailorGirlBlues in reply to SailorGirlBlues]

By the way, I asked if they gave you any options other than cardioversion because sometimes they don't work, if I understand correctly.

Depending on condition and situation sometimes other procedures are needed, sometimes lifestyle changes reverse things, etc.

[Sanpanda in reply to SailorGirlBlues]

No other options other than cardio version, I understand they don’t always work hence reluctant to pay privately for it but I was previously a fairly fit well person the consultant seemed to think I was a good candidate for it? So fingers crossed athat it happens and works, once again thank you for your help and advice xx

[SailorGirlBlues in reply to Sanpanda]

Is it not possible to have an ablation?

[Sanpanda in reply to SailorGirlBlues]

Hiya I was wondering if the dizziness was down to low blood pressure which I think the bisorolol is controlling?? I’m monitoring my weight weekly ( also on a pre diabetic course) and my heart rate daily plus keeping a diary. I don’t currently have a book monitor just Apple Watch but don’t want to get too paranoid- I’m expecting a call from local Gp to find some answers, thank you for your help xx

[SailorGirlBlues in reply to Sanpanda]

It is my understanding that low blood pressure can cause dizziness, so maybe that is the case? Have you mentioned the dizziness to your doctor?

I hope all goes well with your cardioversion and everything! All best to you.

[Sanpanda in reply to SailorGirlBlues]

Thank you xxx

[Sharpglo]

have you had an echocardiogram?

[Sanpanda in reply to Sharpglo]

Not recently booked in to have one , had one a couple of years ago x

[Sanpanda in reply to Sharpglo]

Sorry last one was ok, when I enquired last week about it a 22 week waiting list!!

[Sanpanda in reply to Sharpglo]

Yes Thursday xx

[Welshwomanarrythmia]

I too, had a very healthy lifestyle and exercised at least 4 times a week, cycling and walking too. Please slow down and you will adjust to the beta blockers. I was lethargic on them initially and dizzy if I moved at my old pace. Please remember they are controlling your AF and need to work to stop you from feeling the symptoms. I hope you will feel better soon, be patient and your catdioversion should happen soon.

We have to adjust to this new life and soon you will regain fitness and your old life back. It takes time. I am much better 2 months down the line. It is frustrating, but don’t let it get you down. I have increased my waking sand my cardiologist has encouraged me to start exercising, building it up slowly. Listen to your body. I wish you well.

[Sanpanda in reply to Welshwomanarrythmia]

Thank you that’s really reassuring to know 😊❤️xx

[Sanpanda in reply to Welshwomanarrythmia]

Thank you - I’ve been at home for over a month now 😊x

[DW4019]

what you feeling is typical AF, I fully understand where your head is as I have a the same thing and many other issues. It is difficult to remain positive and have a relaxed attitude. I have a psychiatrist and a therapist due to other heart issues that I have and take at least 40 tablets a day due to waiting for a heart transplant. It’s easy for me and anyone to say keep calm and relax and everyone is different and reacts to things differently. Find the the things that can relax you like when I go to bed I have earphones that plays raining and thundering, I also have have breathing techniques. Just my advice but do not get any sort of monitoring ( watch etc) as this will make you panic more. Avoid lifting and anything strenuous, small walks but as soon is you feel tired then rest. It will seem that you have put you life on hold but you will soon adapt.

I have had over 60 cardio versions and my defib went off over 40 times in month. I will be blunt and say you will worry and get very anxious but try and find the things that make you focus or keeps you calm. Again just my advise keep pushing the hospital constantly to help you.

Be strong my friend

[Sanpanda in reply to DW4019]

Thank you soo much for your reply, it certainly puts my issues into perspective, you are amazing ! Lovely advice whilst your waiting for for a heart transplant 😘. I’ve just got to not let this thing get me downxxx

Th

[Sanpanda in reply to DW4019]

Thank you x

[Nightmare2]

I have AF and symptoms like yours but i dont panic, was told AF will not kill a person, but best drug to keep on is the blood thinner.

I have never been suggest a cardio version, and would not want one either, the people i know of having these, end up one after the other, luckily my Cardiologist is against any form of physical intervention unless absolutely necessary, which i am in agreement with, i manage mine with Bisoprolol when needed and Apixaban but above all staying calm, and it passes.

[Sanpanda in reply to Nightmare2]

Thank you

[Qualipop]

Ring the department and ask to go on the cancellation list. If someone cancels they could phone you and ask you to go in same day or next day. It could be the bisopralol making you dizzy. Speak to your GP. AF won't kill you although the risk of a stroke is a little higher which is why you have the anticoagulant. It's just very unpleasant. I would suggest taking off your watch and monitor as it will only make you more anxious. Just go by how you feel. I don't think a BP monitor would help because it frequently won't give proper readings during AF. When my heart is doing a tango, my BP can be all over the place or just give an error message on my BP monitor. It's not worth using or believing.

[Sanpanda in reply to Qualipop]

Thank you that’s a great idea, didn’t know I could do that! Thank you so much for your advice its all really helpful xxx

[Qualipop in reply to Sanpanda]

They a ll have cancellation lists. Always ask.

[Muppetmum]

When I was first diagnosed with AF getting the right dose took a little while, I was in and out of resus at least twice a week, it got to the point where I was telling the doctors in there what medication and how it was being given lol, got to know the regular staffs work rota too, it will settle once your body gets used to it, give it a little while , good luck and stay positive

[Sanpanda in reply to Muppetmum]

Thank you xxx

[Crackerchops]

When I found out I needed a pacemaker due to blacking out it was frightening also knowing I will need a aortic valve fitted I contacted BHF 0808 802 1234 and spoke to a Cardiac nurse who explained everything and sent information. The worry didn't go away but I knew there was support there if I needed it. Good luck.

[Sanpanda in reply to Crackerchops]

Thank you xx Good luck xx

[TasteLessFood4Life]

Always difficult to know what is caused by anxiety and what is the real problem. Anxiety is a funny thing and can creep out of nowhere and cause issues.

[Sanpanda in reply to TasteLessFood4Life]

Thank you , noticed your title, I’ve certainly lost my appetite now I’ve cut back on all the tasty food!! But necessary to do so x

[Craig53]

Slow down deep breathing helps l no.its difficult when you're a active person then life changers try go with the flow IAM 54 always been active now 2 heart attacks and heart failure I've had to learn to slow down relax more it's hard when you want to do something and carnt it's not worth it just finding new things to do many help to