Meetings
Our meetings provide an opportunity for individuals to come together to share their stories and experiences.
Often, people with AF may feel they are struggling alone, but the aim is to show that there are others who may be dealing with similar situations. We focus on a relevant topic followed by questions and answers and/or group discussion .
Our main group meetings are now online only via zoom but are open to anyone in the U.K.
All dates can be found on the Meetings Calendar page above.
We now hold a local "cuppa & catch-up" meeting 4 weeks after each zoom session.
Please keep an eye on the blog post for these dates and venue.
Atrial Fibrillation
Group Discussion
Topic
Past Meetings
Details of some of the meetings we have had in the past
Group Discussion: Symptoms of AF
Monday 25th March 2019
To begin the meeting I gave a short presentation on the basics of AF, including causes, treatments and symptoms. Following this, members chatted about their own symptoms for the purpose of self-help.
The most prevalent symptom of AF is palpitations. Breathlessness, fatigue and a lack of energy are also experienced with chest pain being the least common.
Meeting 3-AF, Diet & Exercise
Monday 26th November 2018
We were fortunate to be joined by Dr Ali Khavandi, Consultant Cardiologist and founder of the Cardiologists Kitchen Project.
Ali never fails to surprise his audiences with the information and advice he provides in his "epic talks".
For more information see links page.
Meeting 2-Anticoagulation for AF
Monday 3rd September 2018
Clinical Pharmacist, Jill Moore from Somerset CCG gave an excellent presentation followed by Q & A
To see the presentation, please download from here
Meeting 1 - AF, a Brief Description
Monday 4th June 2018
The first meeting of the Frome AF Support Group. Facilitated by Helen Hodgson and supported by the Health Connections Team, Mendip.
A short presentation describing normal sinus rhythm v atrial fibrillation, the importance of stroke risk followed by a group discussion about "What AF means to you?"
To see the presentation, please download from here
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Cholesterol Quiz and Presentation
Monday 28th January 2019
Cholesterol was today's subject. A quiz enabled a test of knowledge before and after a presentation from Frome's Senior Partner and GP Dr Helen Kingston. She ended the meeting with one of the very interesting and thought provoking "23 1/2 hours" series of videos by Doc Mike Evans.
Links to the PowerPoint presentation and YouTube video can be found at: https://activeforlife.com/what-makes-the-biggest-difference-to-your-health/
AF, Diet & Exercise
Monday 26th November 2018
We were fortunate to be joined by Dr Ali Khavandi, Consultant Cardiologist and founder of the Cardiologists Kitchen Project.
Ali never fails to surprise his audiences with the information and advice he provides in his "epic talks".
For more information see links page.
Anticoagulation for AF
Monday 3rd September 2018
Clinical Pharmacist, Jill Moore from Somerset CCG gave an excellent presentation followed by Q & A
To see the presentation, please download from here
AF, a Brief Description
Monday 4th June 2018
The first meeting of the Frome AF Support Group. Facilitated by Helen Hodgson and supported by the Health Connections Team, Mendip.
A short presentation describing normal sinus rhythm v atrial fibrillation, the importance of stroke risk followed by a group discussion about "What AF means to you?"
To see the presentation, please download from here
AF and Cardioversion
Monday 22nd July 2019
Today I was joined by Trainee Clinical Scientist, Freya Henry.
With her assistance, I gave a short presentation on Cardioversion, an option for treating AF which involves returning the heart rhythm to normal. This can be achieved using medicines or by direct electrical current to the heart.
This treatment is usually reserved for those patients who are newly diagnosed, ie have had AF for less than a year. Other patients may be considered if other treatments have failed to provide relief from symptoms.
Freya said, "I enjoyed meeting everyone at the support group and talking about their experiences with AF. A valuable experience for all involved!"
For more information on rhythm control please follow the link ...http://www.heartrhythmalliance.org/afa/uk/rhythm-control
AF and Stroke
Monday 20th May 2019
Specialist Stroke Nurse, Caroline Smith from Yeovil District Hospital gave a presentation about Stroke.
The thought of having a stroke is very worrying but Caroline reassured members of the 70% risk reduction with anticoagulant medication.
There was also a reminder of the FAST acronym and much more.
For more information on stroke please follow the link:
https://www.stroke.org.uk/what-is-stroke/are-you-at-risk-of-stroke/atrial-fibrillation
AF Ablation
Monday 25th January 2021
AF catheter ablation is an effective treatment for maintaining sinus rhythm in patients with paroxysmal and persistent AF
The main benefit is the reduction of arrhythmia-related symptoms Trials show that improvement in quality of life is significantly higher in the ablation versus medical therapy group, as was the associated reduction in AF burden.
More information can be found in the following factsheets, written by patients for the AF Association:
Preparing for ablation http://www.heartrhythmalliance.org/resources/view/467/pdf
Recovering from ablation
http://www.heartrhythmalliance.org/resources/view/466/pdf