I am having a particular bad day today and would really appreciate some guidance and advice please.
You may have already seen my previous posts, I am now in week 6 post ablation recovery. Have had a few bumps along the way, and now currently struggling with low blood pressure which is making me feel very light headed, and at times I feel as though I might pass out. This is made more acute when I try to go out for my daily walk ( short distances only ). Now I am getting scared to go out!!
After two weeks of trying to contact either my EP or Afib nurse with no luck, I decided to contact my GP. Who has been very supportive- following a brief examination in her surgery ( BP monitor, listened to heart sounds etc ), she stated that HR was regular and NSR. ?? if medication ( Flecainide 50 mgs x2 daily) could be causing BP to drop . GP has therefore advised to stop taking morning dose, then after five days of reduced medication to record BP ( sitting and standing) am and pm for four days. Also to get some blood tests done. Then to contact her again in about two weeks to discuss outcomes. She said she will notify my EP of what she has advised .
As this has made me feel a little bit more supported, and is a plan going forward, I still cannot seem to lift my mood. I am very tearful and feel very alone. I desperately want to get back to some sort of normality, mainly being able to get out and about without feeling scared that I will pass out. Not driving of course, and looking at my car parked outside I worry 'will I ever be able to drive again'.
I keep trying to tell myself, come on girl get a grip. This is just a little blip, you will feel better soon- but as each day dawns my mood is not lifting. I have never felt so alone- I have lived on my own for many years and have always managed to deal with the ups and downs of life, but this AF has really hit my confidence and resilience hard. I live in a small house which has a small courtyard type garden. So can sit outside weather permitting.
I stayed with my sister and brother in law for 4 weeks following my ablation which was lovely, they were golden. Suppose I am also missing there company as well, but cannot tell them how I am now feeling as I do not want to worry them.
Now after reading this post I am telling myself - you are feeling low because you are still in recovery, and once your BP issue has been sorted you will start to get your mojo back- just cannot see that light yet at the end of my recovery journey tunnel - please kind people what do you think?
Sadly my few friends have now all moved on - either married and moved abroad or divorced and we have lost touch, and to make matters worse I was notified a couple of weeks ago that a very dear colleague has suddenly passed away - he to like myself had only recently taken early retirement from a very long career.
Thank you for reading this very long post, I am sorry to go on so much but would really appreciate some guidance please, thank you again for reading this far.
Shirley
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Ochg
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Hi Shirley, unfortunately I'm unable to give any advice or guidance on your health issues, but I can send love and hugs, hope you feel better soon 😊😊❤️🌈 xxxxxxxxxx
Hi Shirley! A low mood and/or depression is pretty common after any serious medical procedure. You are not alone in this. This website is great for things that are upbeat. Just hang in there the fog will lift. Do you have any quiet hobbies like knitting? Winter is coming and I’m sure many charities will need contributions this year. Do you have a pet? They really do help!
Thank you for your reply and support. I did have a beautiful puppy, but as I was unable to look after her I had to send for rehoming, that broke my heart but it was in her best interest. You are right about the knitting, it can be relaxing, will take your advice, and thank you again for your support.
Take care, and keep well,
Shirley
I'm sorry to hear you are having a horrible time at present.
Thing is when tragedy strikes like hearing about the old colleague that died recently it makes you reevaluate your life and it can get you down.
Being lonely doesn't help matters and it always makes things feel worse when you are feeling ill.
Hi, you have done the right thing contacting your GP for advice. If you continue to have problems on the fleconide your Consultant may well change your medication. When you get up from your bed, do it slowly, sit for 5 mins on the edge of the bed before standing up, move about slowly, initially. This goes for getting out of a chair. Don’t just suddenly stand up quickly. Get to the edge of the chair wait a moment, then stand up slowly. Make sure you are well hydrated. If you are not well hydrated this can cause your BP to become low. If you are in Sinus Rhythm it sounds like the ablation has been a success. I am sorry to hear about your friend. I think the fear of passing out is a real one that has knocked your confidence and once this problem gets sorted out, you will be able to regain some of that confidence and feeling of safety back. 👍🌈
I'm sorry to hear that you're so down Ochg. I know nothing at all about Ablations but I can appreciate why you're feeling down, particularly as you had company for four weeks and now you're alone again. Hopefully with the reduction in your medication, your BP might become a little more stable which then will give you more confidence as you won't be so lightheaded - it must be a bit worrying to suddenly feel that way. Of course, hearing that a dear colleague of yours has passed away hasn't helped either as that is very upsetting. I hope it's all sorted out for you soon so that you can get back to some sort of normality. All the best. xx
Thank you so very much for your reply, kindness and support, it really has helped me so much knowing so many of you kind people do care. Fingers crossed my glass will be half full again and not half empty as it seems to be at the minute.
Hi, I'm so sorry to hear you're struggling so much. If I was your sister I would want to know what's happening with you, if your positions were reversed I expect you would feel the same.
It sound as though your GP is supportive and is taking sensible action to try to get you sorted out and I'm sure he/she would also be concerned about your emotional health as much as your physical condition.
Sending you warmest wishes and a big virtual hug xx🌸
Have you joined the AF forum on HU? There are leaflets to read on what to expect post-ablation etc and some very knowledgeable people.
Hi Ochg,
So sorry to hear you are struggling. It sounds as if you've had some good, and needed, advice on the way forward medically, but clearly your mood isn't too good right now.
I think you've very cleverly come up with one of the reasons yourself. You are feeling uncertain because you've had this setback and that can set off all sorts of uncomfortable thoughts, even when you've had reassurance.
The rule is, that if you are consistently feeling low for more than 14 days, you should seek some medical help, in case you are suffering from clinical depression. And that's absolutely nothing to do with feeling fed up or sorry for yourself. It is an actual mental health problem.
Would you maybe consider taking it to get some measure of how bad you are actually feeling. (It's not a diagnosis but might give an indication as to whether you need medical intervention)
I do hope that your symptoms will settle and that with time, and maybe help if necessary, you'll start to feel a bit brighter. Take care and be kind to yourself! 🙏🌈
Thank you so much for your reply, support and advice. I will do the online assessment.
It has made me feel so much better this morning seeing all these supportive, kind posts from all you wonderful people who really care, thank you so much.
Hi Shirley, Glad to hear that you feel you're being supported by this community. It's funny but sometimes we just get the impression we're struggling all alone and it can make us feel very down. That's far from being the case so please do keep in touch with us when you are feeling that way. I'm pleased you are going to do the assessment. Take care! 🙏
Hello Shirley
I'm so sorry for all your health worries but am pleased that your doctor has been good.
I'm so sorry to hear about your dear friend. I'm thinking that that news has really affected you more than you think. I do think that when people are near our own age then it makes us think about our own mortality. Give yourself time to grieve for your dear friend, you will get better.
Be kind to yourself and if you are able to think of practising yoga/meditation to help you.
Thank you so very much for your kindness and support, it has meant a great deal to me seeing all these supportive posts, I really cannot believe just how many kind people are in this community, I am so glad to have found you all, thank you so much.
Oh bless you. Your story mirrors so many on this forum and that's why we come here to support those who are going through what so many have gone through and to get support for our own battles.
Medication can play such a huge role in the way we feel. My HF Nurse likened me to a finely tuned Ferrari when at times I feel like a clapped out Ford Escort. It tales time to get the dosage right and your GP IS helping you to do that.
Low blood pressure can be just as bad as high blood pressure and when you feel like you may pass out, it stops you from wanting to go far. Your confidence levels drop and before you know it you are making every excuse under the sun to keep you safe indoors. Some weekends it takes me 4 attempts to get to Tesco. I get up early on Saturday morning with all intentions of going and then talk myself out of it eventually going on Sunday afternoon when I realise there is no food in the house.
Please try to go for short walks even if it's only round the garden to start with. If you want to venture further take your mobile phone with you then if anything does happen you can at least ring the emergency services.
Keep well hydrated. It will really help with your low blood pressure. Get up slowly. Before you get out of bed sit on the edge and drink some water. A nurse once told me that milk really helped with lbp so if you like milk you could try that.
Keep an eye on your mood and seek help from your GP if it doesn't improve. There are mindfulness courses that you could enrol in on line if you have access to a computer.
Look after yourself and please don't suffer alone. It does help to talk x
Thank you so much for your reply, kindness, support and advice. I am sorry you are also having some problems with going out- with your advice I will look at the mindfulness courses. It is a real boost for me this morning seeing all your kind words and support, thank you so very much. I do hope you continue to progress.
Thank you so very much for your support and kindness, I feel truly blessed having all you lovely people caring for me , it has really made me feel so much better this morning, I feel as though I have now turned a corner, thank you.
Well I just had a look and was reading about ur low moods still trying to get to know how you really work this new group I hardly get any messages and you have 24 so for a start ur not alone 24 messages that means 24 friends I hope now mě including 25 now actually I know about depression alot as it's going on for years in my family first of all I have not read about ur past whst did you hsve the operation for??? And I'm also suffering from the low blood pressure feels like ur going to faint any minute If you can please tell me a little about ur past and why you feeling low maybe I can give some advice and to be honest I feel wat you are feeling so I can understand I hardly have no friends lost all my so called close friends some family members now I've been told I need a major op
Sure of course that's even better watever makes you feel comfortable ill be waiting but definitely understand what depression is and to be honest it's not that easy to move on not mater how hard you try take care love you can send me a message any time and if you like to have my personal number that's not a problem to xx ❤️
Hi Shirley I'm trying to tex you back but can't seem to tex you properly but I've to send my number to you you can either watsapp me or tex me directly would be nice if you do xx ❣️as I'm trying to tex here ❤️❤️
Hello Ochg, sorry you are feeling down at the moment I knit and listen to audio books to get me through the day. Have you a hobby you like doing to help.
I know nothing about the medical side to your problems, so can’t help in that way.
Hi there Shirley. Sorry can't offer any medical advice but can show empathy for your situation. Maybe knowing others are feeling much the same (even though circumstances differ) can help a little. I have various chronic medical problems, which individually I would probably cope with OK, but put all together plus caring for a DH with dementia, COPD and is barely mobile, (for starters) is really taking its toll on me stress wise and I now also have severe anxiety, and have lost my confidence. Added to this I have a scab on my head, which has been getting worse for the last two years and I am now really concerned about, after my telling me not to worry it is excema. But I am worried, and not convinced, and obviously over the last 6 months have been steering clear of the doctors so haven't taken things further so far. I think the worry and mental strain often does more damage than the actual illnesses, but getting reassurance can be a nightmare. Sorry to rant on but know you are not alone, and that we are always here to listen. Take care. Stay safe. x
Thank you so very much for your kindness and support. I am so sorry to hear you are also having some difficulties, life can certainly be difficult at times, and the day to day challenges can be so overwhelming. I salute your strength.
As you say, mental strain can sometimes seem more harder to cope with than anything else, but knowing you are there and understand is such a comfort for me, thank you again .
So sorry you are feeling down. If you can’t get over this hump see your doctor and explain what is going on. I did this and was prescribed anti anxiety meds which really helped. I have stayed on them because it seems you deal with one thing and something else happens.
Realising/recognizing you had a bad day AND not being afraid to talk about it is GREAT - well done. Take things slow and if you think you may need to sit or lie down, do it. There will come a time when you feel you have the energy/inclination to do more, until then take it slow. That doesn't mean stop trying, just accept you are on a road to recovery and roads have twists and curves, where you need to take care. Just wait for the straights, you will get there. GOOD LUCK and never apologise for writing, we are to read and help, if we can.
Thank you so very much for your reply, kindness and support. It has been such a comfort reading all your words of support, and advice, it has really made me feel so much better this morning, thank you so much.
My Dearest Shirley, I am touched by your cry for help. It must be so hard for a busy, independent person to suddenly find their body has let them down.
Please try not to despair, keep going and there is light at the end of the tunnel.
I can understand why you cannot tell friends & family how you feel. This group is here for just that reason.
Pour your heart out and we are there fir you - many going through similar ordeals.
It helps to share your feelings.
Is there anyone near you that you could ask to walk with you? Also, there are organisations of volunteers who might help.
Thoughts are with you to give you strength to cope. xxxxx
Thank you so very much for your kind words and support. It has really helped me after reading it this morning. I hope to gain so much strength from you kindness, thank you. It has made me cry a little this morning reading and feeling the kindness and support, thank you again. xx
They are tears of positivity and not negativity, I do feel so much better now.
Thank you for your support and kindness, it has really brightened my morning up, thank you so much.
Shirley
I am so sorry you feeling so low it's hard to feel it right now but things do change it is one thing that's certain in life things never stay the same, egamples are my mam had 2 heart attacks one 5years ago, one 2 years ago she was terrified she wouldn't be able to do what she could before both times after a while to recover and with medications, she pretty much back to normal and is 81 soon, this virus carry on doesn't help as it does limit social contact, or you could join some groups my sister teaches arts crafts for adults people on there own go for company maby there are some opening near you, we don't drive now my mam gave up her car about 4 years ago looking to get electric bikes pricey but cheaper than car, k often walk in my local park and I made lots of dog walking friends I just go up to the dog and say hello or smile at them, I know will get lots of support on here, I also thought my life was a misery couple years ago whilst waiting to get rid of rats from my kitchen ceiling were on going coming from a nebours un called d toet drain I waited over a year never thought it would be solved I ended up moving to my mam's my house never sold in time to buy her nebours and then my dad died I ended up with a drink problem I went to AA I don't drink at all now and I'm telling you this as although I'm still at my mam's and trying to sell my house again after some work my mood has really improved, sunny days help there is a sad light you can get I need one for winter, I was also diagnosed with leg cancer cought in time still waiting for it to be checked looks ok though after chemo cream, my specialist is on Holliday, I watch comedy programmes to cheer me up and mediation c d, please don't feel you can't turn to your relations they would be upset if knew you were going through this on your own I wish you well and I have a cat that is such a comfort to me maby a pet would help you x
Dear Sweet Shirley, Remember you can never be alone. Your heavenly Father is with you always holding you up. Ask Him to revesl himself to you so you can experience him.
Don't let fear control you. You are going to get through this fine. I will be praying for you.🙏💗
Thank you so much Tara52- your kindness and support really has helped me so much this morning.
Shirley
Hi Shirley. Cliff in Australia.
I've been cursed with PVC's since I was 17 and I'm 64 now. Still alive and riding 60 km a day on my mountain bike.
I have always known that my condition is related to what goes on in my stomach. In fact I went to a gastroenterologist last week. He was really surprised when I told him that my PVC'S ease or go away completely when I get some food in my stomach, or have a big drink of water.
"Well of course they will" he said. "The food or water in your stomach is stretching the stomach away from the vagus nerve". Bingo! Confirmation at last.
The other thing which ALWAYS eases my symptoms is a dose of Gaviscon. No I'm not an agent for them, but while I'm sitting here feeling my PCs I just got up and had my dose and as usual 10 to 30 minutes later they have settled down, and I can't feel my heartbeat thumping, something that so many other people take for granted.
Interesting since I had an ablation 3 weeks ago and it wasn't very successful at all.
Doctors poo poo the Gaviscon thing but what the heck - whatever works eh?
The stuff is only sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate with some sodium alginate put in to turn it into a liquid. So there's not much chance of having adverse effects at all. I reckon the Gaviscon stops the irritation of the vagus nerve at the top of the stomach and calms my symptoms. There was a time when we were over in UK and I indulged in Farmer Dave's plum brandy and by midnight my PVC'S were so bad I just wanted to die. But I got up, had my Gaviscon and half an hour later I was back to normal.
I can't guarantee if Gaviscon will work for you but it won't hurt to try.
Magnesium Citrate is also known to reduce symptoms too. The Citrate or Taurate or Pidolate if you can get it, but not oxide as it goes straight through.
Thank you so much for your reply, and advice. So sorry to hear your ablation wasn't very successful. The Gaviscon certainly sounds as though you have found a solution, I will give it a try.
Your PVC's certainly have not held you back, here is hoping some of your fitness, and determination will rub off on me!!!
Thank you Cliff, all the way from Australia, I really do appreciate your kindness and support.
I can only speak for myself but when I am down the more I get outside the better I seem to.feel. It can help even if you just sit in your garden and observe nature among the plants and sky. Talk to the birds. Seek the sun. It revitalizes. I do way worse the more time I stay isolated indoors. I feel you will heal your spirit and soul and your BP will regulate once they adjust your meds and your body adjusts. Good Luck. Tony
Very sad to hear of your struggles,its certainly a tough old world these days,and compounded with the covid isolation its terribly hard. My thoughts and prayers go to you.
Thank you so much for your advice and support. You are right, I think because its been such a long time since I have been able to get out and about. I am now beginning to worry about even going out, I really do need to break that worry. It is hard though when you feel like you are going to pass out, fingers crossed my GP can sort it out for me. Also need to remember to keep hydrated and to eat more through out the day , I think my blood sugar is also dipping, not eating enough, silly girl should know better really.
You are feeling low because you are still in recovery. Try to relax, do what your GP says and I pray you will feel better. Being alone is difficult and you may want to talk to your family. I'm sure they will be supportive and feeling less alone always helps to become more positive.
your kindness is a great support. I really do not want to tell my sister how I am feeling as she also has a heart irregularity, and if she gets too stressed or worried can so easily make her really poorly.
I know I will start to feel better soon, especially with all the support and care you and the wonderful people in this community have shown me.
Please remember to think that this is only temporary and each day will change. You might have low iron or need vitamins to make you feel better. When I had cancer five years ago, I was so beside myself and each day was a struggle. So now, I am cancer-free and working again and driving too. I know how you feel. I have the same issue with friends who have moved on and such. Try to take one day at a time. Be gentle to your mind and don't criticize yourself. Hugs and kisses!
If one of the concerns at the moment is being increased by being on your own at home, would it help to consider what in this area is called a community alarm or a similar product from one of the big charities? Yes, you do pay for them but it would give the reassurance of knowing help is available at the press of a button and they can provide help/advice/falls service depending on what you have set up with them.
Most of us don't fancy what we think of as 'for old people' but if it gives that bit more confidence to continue to be independent . . . so what?
Dear Shirley, Just to say I know just how you feel. Was seriously ill a couple of years ago -- no-one seems quite sure what it was !! and left with heart and kidney trouble. Suddenly from being an active and perhaps rather bossy person I felt I had become an old crock. I too live on my own which is grand when your fit and active but not when you're ill and scared. Suddenly one feels very lonely and vulnerable. The good news is I recovered a lot better than the docs predicted got back out and about and all was going well until this b------y Covid 19 struck meaning I had to shut myself back up at home. It does make everything so much worse losing so much social contact, and I'm just about holding things together and promising myself things will improve again. This website is really so helpful when one is feeling low and/or needing advice. People on here are wonderful and I can see you've had some good advice re your health issues. I can only offer Hang On In There -- things will look up. Take care of yourself. xxx
Thank you so much for your support and words of kindness.
I so agree with you, that when you are well living alone is great, but as you say oh so scary when you are poorly. I am glad that you have now made a good recovery.
Things will improve for us, and we will all get through this pandemic, but at times, especially I think when you are alone, it can seem like a very long lonely journey. Again, this wonderful community helps keep us all strong, and I thank you again for your support.
I would also like to offer mine back to you- sending you a big virtual hug 🙌.
With the support and kindness of you and all the other wonderful people in this community I know the future will be brighter again, just may take a little while longer for us all as covid continues to rise is ugly head.
Try to keep as positive as you can.I've got lung disease - not as a result of smoking -something I NEVER thought I'd end up with - but Im trying to keep positive -manage it best I can & do my colouring or sewing if Im bored with the internet
I am so sorry to hear your are poorly, I do hope you will feel a bit better soon.
Thank you so much for your support, please take care. I am thinking of you and sending you as many positive vibes as I can - here is a virtual hug too.🙌
In my opinion you should tell your family how you are feeling ,you stayed with them for 4 weeks they care about you ,would you want them to tell you if it was the other way around
I understand your feelings and feel sorry about the situation you are facing. It's great that you sought the help of this group and by now you should feel you are not alone🙂. Some times when we are young and strong we think we don't need the help of others freedom of self is everything. This is a mistake and the realisation comes too late as we grow old and become sick. The Family concept gives us the best support system and the feeling of security until we die. Still there are people who don't marry and live alone for various valid reasons but reliable relationships should be built up as some support system. Never think of death and also be scared of death. All of us have to part from this world some day. If you are scared to die, you can't live.Take one day at a time and live happily with a positive mind until tomorrow dawn as another happy day🙂. Consult others and make right decisions regarding good doctors and good treatments for your sicknesses. If you have a cancer some other serious sickness the most important thing is to be a good FIGHTER. And also a well informed patient if you are sick. If possible do some reading. You can find anything you want in books and reading can beat your loneliness. You can also learn to maintain a stable positive mind under any dire circumstance and understand broadly the realities of life. Such understanding can take worries out of your life.
I wish you a quick recovery from all worries and courage to face life with confidence. A happy time to come soon and last long🙂🙂🙂.
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