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Dizziness and weakness in AFIB

Posted , 12 users are following.

Imagine_55
Imagine_55

Hi all,

I’m wondering how others cope with the extreme weakness that goes with AFib. I seem to lose all power in my limbs and feel like I’m passing out with dizziness when I’m having an episode. My normal BP is fairly low (110/60 usually) but drops to around 80/45 when I’m fibrillating. 

I’m on Eliquis and Flecainide twice a day but still have frequent breakthroughs- a total pain in the neck, as I’m sure you’ve all experienced!

I’m also dealing with Hashimoto’s disease so am taking daily thyroxine, which doesn’t fit well with AFib, and have just been diagnosed with COPD so am a bit overwhelmed.

Does anyone here have coping strategies for the exhaustion and incapacitation they go through with this rotten fibrillation?

Thank you so much!

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • april83406
    april83406 Imagine_55

    Posted

    I was diagnosed  2 years ago and was a complete shock. Had many different types of  tablets but seem to be on right ones now. However the impact on me mentally has been huge as life does changeveryone but try and make the most of the good days. Sorry you have a lot going on in your life health wise but this is a very good site to talk others.kind regards April 
    • Imagine_55
      Imagine_55 april83406

      Posted

      Thank you April! Yes, the mental and emotional toll is very high, and sometimes really saps your confidence as much as the physical constraints. Is your AFib fairly stable, do you have breakthrough episodes even on your meds? It’s a bit scary not knowing when it will strike again, but yes- enjoy the good times! Xx
    • april83406
      april83406 Imagine_55

      Posted

      Afib is quite stable but have for years sunfired with anxiety  which does  trigger  of attacks one starts of the other..Confidence  is zero used to go out shopping  etc on my own go on buses or trains but now some days ito even to much  to go in garden  .Also the hot weather of late has been a nightmare. X
  • andrew22534
    andrew22534 Imagine_55

    Posted

    I tend now to live to a fairly strict timetable due to ME Intermittent Arrhythmia and Macro and micro vascular spasms... so I live to half hour activity, hour rest hour passive activity ie reading writing computer stuff.... this, I find, gives a balance I can live with. Cant say I am happy with this but... it gives me a balance I can cope with and allows success of some sort most days. taken me 4 years to find my best balance, and so far 5 years to learn to live with myself and the new order... the latter is still a learning process and I accept it may well be till …. 
    • Imagine_55
      Imagine_55 andrew22534

      Posted

      Thank you for that, and I’m glad you’ve found that balance! I’m probably still in a bit of denial, though it’s been 4 years for me. I worry that it’s going to keep getting worse as my episodes are becoming more frequent despite medications. You’re right about allotting time and measuring activities- I do a lot of textile work which is quite energetic but will have to be more judicious in terms of rest and recovery. Thank you for your help 😀

  • betty47298
    betty47298 Imagine_55

    Posted

    Fortunately I have not had many episodes lately..maybe one or two because of the weather and not related to afib. In the past had many but never associated with that. I did not know I had that. Thought hypoglycemia or something. Recently when one episode checked my pressure which was extremely low. I decided to skip a pill to slow the heart down..Do not know if worng or right. Why lower it more? I am going to ask the cardiologist about this . I read that  one should have pills checked we are taking..My idea of what to do.
  • jx41870
    jx41870 Imagine_55

    Posted

    Hi @Imagine, hey it sounds like you have your hands full, I know I feel that way about my own, my list is a little different but it's no more fun!  Just taking it day by day, even hour by hour, is the only strategy I can share.  Trying to be thankful for the good moments and slide by the others.

  • hywell
    hywell Imagine_55

    Posted

    HI@imagine 55 all i can say is keep your chin up , if you let it get on top of you it will . I just say sod it and try to lead as normal a life as i can and treat it as a hindrance more than a worry .I have even convinced myself i deserve the nap i have every late afternoon . Stay happy we are alive 
  • kathy219
    kathy219 Imagine_55

    Posted

    I am in permanent afib and mostly asymptomatic. However, I do suffer from fatigue. I try to keep to a fairly regular schedule and this includes a daily nap. This seems to offset the extreme tiredness I would feel frequently although I do still have those days.

    Frustrating for sure as they interfere with any plans.

    Another issue I have is being unable to stand for any length of time. I need a stool to prepare meals, do dishes, etc. I have just had to accept it.

    Likewise, hot humid weather impacts me greatly. I may require a couple naps, to watch more TV or sit on my phone rather than move about. I get breathless quite easily. Again I just have learned to accept adapting my lifestyle to accomodate afib.

    The TV commercials on afib meds really irk me! They make it look like a piece of cake! Then I suspect ppl think it isnt such a life changer. But it is!

    Best of luck!

    • april83406
      april83406 kathy219

      Posted

      Couldn't  agree more with you comments not until  you have afib that it's a real  game changer. Hot weather  is a nightmare for us folks .

    • Imagine_55
      Imagine_55 april83406

      Posted

      Thank you everyone for your replies ??

      I guess it’s all about accepting what is, and discovering a new normal- knowing your limitations and working positively around them. It’s hard though. If we had a visible physical disability it would be obvious and possibly permanent, not like these lightning strikes of incapacitation that take you from ok to jelly at random! It does make you so grateful for all the times of wellness though 😀 xx

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