Shirley

Atrial fibrillation

Finding strength with atrial fibrillation

Shirley shares her journey with atrial fibrillation (AF) and how it has shaped her life. Having worked in physically demanding roles for more than 40 years, she experienced unsettling symptoms after a holiday, leading to her AF diagnosis in September 2023.

Approaching her 60th birthday, Shirley reflects on a career spanning more than  40 years.

"I’ve been working for the last 40 years," she shares. Initially, her work involved a physically demanding factory job, which she performed for 36 years before transitioning to an administrative position.

"I'm lucky enough that I get to move around quite a bit—up and down stairs, so it’s physical on a lot of occasions but I can also rest frequently."

Life before diagnosis

Shirley enjoyed an active lifestyle before her diagnosis.

"I used to play netball and was a member of the local blind foundation for a number of years. Unfortunately, I gave that up due to work commitments." However, she continues to enjoy gardening, shopping, spending time with friends, and traveling.

"I’m very lucky to travel around New Zealand, catching up with family and friends often."

Shirley’s heart health journey began after returning from a holiday.

The diagnosis journey

"I’d been on holiday, and I'd come back, and after several weeks, something wasn’t quite right."

Like many New Zealanders, she was mindful of the cost of healthcare and had saved up a few issues to address in one visit. "So, I went to my doctor and talked about the breathlessness. I'd had a pain in my chest, but nothing that dropped me or anything like that. But it wasn’t me; it wasn’t quite right."

She had some initial tests, including blood tests, and a CT scan. “They came back all clear,” she says. “But after that they told me I might have asthma. So, I got given an inhaler and I actually used it as I was leaving the hospital, but it made no difference.”

At this point Shirley was thinking that her health deteriorating was just a result of her long hours and tiredness.

“I had an ECG at my GP clinic, and they made the diagnosis of AF and put me on pills to control and regulate the blood flow and rhythm of my heart. During December 2023, I had an echocardiogram at the hospital then I had a visit with a local heart specialist in late January 2024, and I was made aware of several underlying health issues.

Family support

Shirley is deeply appreciative of the support she receives from her family, especially her husband.

"My husband is very supportive and  often helps with household chores,” allowing Shirley to focus on her health. But, as she says with the washing, "It's not always great to see the way it is hanging on the line, but you know, sometimes you’ve just got to close your eyes and accept the help you're given."

Shirley finds solace in sharing her experience with her siblings, two of whom also have AF and other heart conditions. "We’ve been able to compare notes, compare medications, and learn some tricks of the trade as it were including what to avoid, what to carry on with, those sorts of things. It's all still very new."

Living with atrial fibrillation

Shirley’s condition involves multiple heart issues. "The left ventricle and right ventricle are not working as they should, both are dysfunctional. The atriums, the left is severely dysfunctional, my heart is enlarged, and the walls have thickened. There is also some mitral and tricuspid regurgitation. They indicated that that was probably because I've been suffering from it for quite some time."

Shirley’s local heart health advocate, Marthy, has been a beacon of support. "She is inspirational and supportive and just amazing and very informative. Yeah, I'm very, very lucky for having her to help me," she says.

Adjusting lifestyle

Shirley has adapted her lifestyle to manage her condition better.

"I started doing a lot more swimming this summer, and with the cooler weather now, I’m looking at actually using a treadmill! That’s me being aware of the slippery conditions outside and it being a lot warmer inside, of course."

Currently on medication, Shirley is awaiting another appointment with her heart specialist.

"Now I’m on medication and waiting to see the heart specialist again and yeah, just taking it day by day."

Shirley’s advice

Shirley urges others to be proactive about their health.

"If you feel that you're being put off by your doctor, then insist on maybe getting blood tests done, or having your blood pressure taken."

She highlights the importance of exploring different healthcare options. "I've found out that you can go to your pharmacy, you've also got your health nurse at your doctor's, some workplaces even have a health nurse who comes on site," she says.

She also emphasises preparation. "Perhaps having a list, thinking the week before you go to your doctor, questions you may want to ask. Never be afraid to ask someone if you are concerned about any sudden changes in your health, or any of those types of situations. Being prepared and not being afraid to push your health questions to your doctor is vital."

Shirley is a testament to resilience and the power of support, reminding us all of the importance of listening to our bodies and advocating for our health.