just when you think you have some control on this problem,it reappears as if it had never been away.
i have basically been free of "extra beats etc" since march 2003,but these last two days they are back with a vengance.
my last bout appeared almost this time last year(which is also the same time as my first af episode).
the days are getting very short here in the UK and i wonder if i will have to wait while march and the longer days for any real improvement(this is what happened last year).
as a regular browser on this site (and a very rare contributor) i realise that my af appears mild compared to most(two major episodes in four years)but
i do get a lot of comfort and good information from this site and for that am very grateful.
so now i will try to tighton up on my protocol and wait foran improvement.
anyone any thought re cyclicality of problem !

Dave,

May not be relevant, but have you ever heard of SAD - seasonal affective disorder? It is linked to the amount of daylight you get. For most people who have it, they get depressed in the winter, and (occasionally) hyper in the summer. But it has been known to cause some physical symptoms as well.

One therapy is getting out more when the sun is out (walks, etc). It's not light on the skin, though. It's in the eyes. So don't wear sun glasses. They also sell light boxes, that utlilize full-spectrum (i.e. mimics sunlight) light. Or if you have the time and money, you can winter in Argentina or New Zealand!

BillB
48;A;2000

Dave:
I know what you mean about the elusiveness of this condition. I've just up-dated my episode log for a fellow poster, and I'm struck by the very large proportion (about 95%) of my epiosdes ocurring during late autumn/winter. I honestly hadn't thought about this before. I have a lightbox, because I do get occasional bouts of anxiety during the long UK winters. I'm not convinced that it is a stright cause and effect, but I am convinced that avoiding anxiety and stress is a sure way to cut down on episodes - just ask Tony Blair!!

thanks for your thoughts lads.i do have a "light box" and it does help me get up ina morning.i do'nt feel any depression with the onset of winter but i certainly do not relish the short days.
my thinking is concentrating on the changes in lifestyle and diet that occurs naturally with the change in climate etc.
must try and get out more and ensure adequate excercise,wonder how much time Tony Blair actually spends outdoors!

A good thing to liven yourself up if you can afford it is to go away for weekend breaks. I'm thinking of going to Blackpool couple weekends time. Wasn't going to as i have things to still sort out personal stuff, like still waiting for a buyer for my house, and my 2nd cataract op. but i don't think it will get in the way of me having a break. I have done this a few times over the year, meeting lots of people from all over the country helps.

It doesn't cost much to stay there either, but it is a good idea as it takes a lot of things off your mind. I've found lately have been of Beta blockers for over 2 months now that i dont have so many extra etopic beats like before, feel much calmer. But one annoying thing is i've put on to much weight over the last year not really eating any different. had to buy a new wardrobe lol.

I don't think i ever suffer from SAD i always try to keep a smile going, people ask me how i can be like this it's because it's me and i always seem to bring a smile on other people's faces.

Hope you feel better soon Dave yep UK isn't a warm place to be now brrr

Babs

I experienced SAD while I was living north of the 45th parallel (in Seattle, Washington and in Michigan State), but I do not experience it here in mid-California, which is about as far south as Southern Italy.

SAD is caused in part by low light levels experienced by those in the north. Those in Great Britain certainly do suffer (London is as far north as Juneau, Alaska--very short days in winter). Apparently, the low light affects the serotonin levels.

Besides half an hour in front of a light box, you can also take a long walk at midday to try to keep your serotonin levels up.

In the past, I have taken a low dose of an antidepressant in the late fall and winter, and it was very effective in helping with SAD. My experience with afib and antidepressants also has be convinced that increased serotonin levels are protective against afib.

By the way, SAD does not necessarily mean that one feels "sad." Depression can take many forms, not all of which have to do with "depressed" moods. Some depressed people will feel anxious or agitated. The symptoms vary, but the underlying cause, low serotonin levels is the same.