Your first experience of atrial fibrillation (AF) can be very different from that of others.
Some people have no obvious symptoms and their AF is picked up during a routine visit to their doctor or nurse.
For others, the first time they experience AF symptoms can be a dramatic, frightening event for both them and their families.
Whatever your experience, you will likely face a period of emotional adjustment following your diagnosis, as you learn about your condition and consider what it might mean for your future.
Relationships and family
Your AF affects both you and the people close to you.
Your family and friends are likely to have some concerns about your diagnosis and treatment. They will want to know how AF will affect you now and in the future, and how they can best support you.
Communication
When you have AF, there are often no visible signs which can make it hard for those around you to understand what you are going through. This can lead to frustration and resentment.
When you have a long-term condition such as AF, good communication with your family and friends is really important. Ask your family to attend your health care visits. Taking your family allows them the opportunity to learn more about AF, your symptoms and management.
For some handy information about what questions you should consider before going to see a health professional visit our page 'You and your Doctor / Nurse'.
Tips for good communication
Pick a time when there are no distractions to talk with your family about your condition
Express your feelings in a positive way - use "I" statements rather than "you" statements
Ask for help
Make a note of questions
Will my family develop AF?
Research studies show that some types of AF do run in the family.
Although a genetic link is not always the reason people develop AF, your family may be at greater risk if you have been diagnosed with AF.
If you are worried about this, have a chat to your children and close relatives about the early symptoms you experienced, and encourage them to talk with their doctor about their risk of AF.
Sex and intimacy
People with AF often worry that exertion, either through physical activity or sexual activity, might trigger or worsen their symptoms. This can lead to a loss of interest or confidence in intimacy and sex. Sexual activity is an important part of a loving relationship and, like other forms of exercise, it is good for your heart, general health and wellbeing.
AF can contribute to erectile dysfunction. If you are concerned about this, or are thinking about using medication (such as Viagra) to treat this, talk to your doctor first to check if it is safe for you to use.
Feeling flat
Our personal experiences of living with AF can differ greatly. Some people cope well with AF, but for others it can be an unpredictable, stressful, frustrating and debilitating condition.
DID YOU KNOW?
One third to one half of the people with symptomatic AF suffer from depression and anxiety, which can affect their quality of life.
If you are feeling a little flat or down about your condition, know that you are not alone.
Common concerns include:
Fear of symptoms
Loss or change
Loss of self-confidence
Lack of support
Depression
There are positive steps you can take every day to reduce anxiety and improve how you feel about your life. To get you started, try talking to a friend or family member, or ask your doctor, nurse or other health professional for some support.
Work
Most people with AF are able to continue working. However, for some, their symptoms and work environment may mean that they have to consider changes in their working life.
It is worth taking some time to think about how your AF and treatment will affect you in the workplace. Will you be able to do exactly the same sort of work you used to do? Will you need to work fewer hours? Will you need to learn new skills?
Here are a few things to think about:
Taking time off: You may need to have time off work when you are newly diagnosed, for treatment and as you start new medication. Your doctor can advise you on the best time for you to return to work.
Doing your job: Some people do find it difficult to work, or return to their existing role, if their symptoms are not well controlled. Talk with your employer if you are concerned that AF will affect your ability to do your job.
Workplace environment: Some workplaces have machinery which affects pacemakers. If you have a pacemaker implanted to manage your AF, check with your doctor that it is safe to go back to work.
Driving: If driving is a part of your work, it is advisable to talk with your doctor and contact the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) about driving when you have been diagnosed with AF.
You should also check with your insurance company to make sure you are fully covered.
Planning for emergencies: It can be helpful to talk with your employer or occupational health team about your condition and plan what to do if an emergency situation arises at work, for example:
you have an episode of AF while at work
you have a bleeding injury while at work and are taking anticoagulant medication
The benefits of returning to work
DID YOU KNOW?
Returning to work can benefit your health and well-being.
The benefits of work include:
Participating in some form of physical activity on a work day
Socialising and being part of a team or work culture
Improving self-esteem and allowing you to feel like you are making a contribution to your family and society
Giving a structure and routine to days and weeks
Providing financial security
Medical Certificate
Tell your employer about any medical and recovery advice your doctor or healthcare team has given you, and discuss the details of your medical certificate with them. The medical certificate may indicate, for example, that you’re not fit for work for a period of time, or that you may be fit for a work under certain conditions, such as:
A phased return to work
Altered hours
A change in work duties
Occupational health
If your employer has an occupational health department, they can give you further help and advice about returning to work, such as determining what workload is suitable. They may also be able to offer counselling.
Driving
It is advisable to talk with your doctor and contact the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) about driving when you have been diagnosed with AF. You should also check with your insurance company to ensure that you are fully covered.
If your AF is well managed and you are symptom-free, you will generally be able to continue driving without restrictions.
However, if your AF symptoms are not well managed, you should not drive until your condition is stabilised.
If you hold a vocational licence and drive trucks, passenger vehicles, fork lifts, courier vans etc. a symptom-free period of at least six months is generally required before you are deemed fit to drive. Your licence may also be subject to the condition of an annual cardiac assessment.
If you ever have an AF episode while driving, you should immediately pull over and seek help.
If your AF is caused by other heart or health problems your assessment of fitness to drive should also take into account these factors.
Travel
If you have planned or are planning an overseas trip, it is best to discuss these plans with your doctor first.
You may be advised not to travel until your AF is stable.
It is recommended that you contact your airline prior to booking your flight. If you are going overseas you will need a travel insurance policy that will cover you for pre-existing conditions.
You may want to discuss and develop an action plan with your doctor or pharmacist before your travel:
Ask about any precautions you may need to take or concerns that you may have.
Ask about immunisations. Will these interact with your current treatment?
If you are planning on travelling to a country that has a time difference, discuss your medication regime and how best to maintain this.
If you are on anticoagulant medication ask about self-monitoring while you are on holiday.
Ask about getting a record of your medication (types and doses) to carry with you.
Travel Tips
Consider getting a medic alert ID such as a card, bracelet or necklace. This can include information about your medical condition(s), prescriptions, any implanted devices you may have, and your doctor's contact information. For more information visit - www.medicalert.co.nz
During your journey
Give yourself plenty of time to check-in at the airport to avoid unnecessary stress.
If flying, wear compression stockings. These can help reduce swollen ankles and the risk of DVT (deep venous thrombosis).
Get up and move around frequently. Sitting for extended periods can affect your circulation.
Pack more medication than you need - both in your flight bag and hold luggage, in case items go missing or you are delayed.
Keep hydrated - Drink water and avoid drinking too much alcohol.