Croatia or Ibiza with highly symptomatic Paroxysmal AFib. - Anyone any feedback re medical care there please.

[meadfoot]

Just about to book a holiday to Pula on Istrian Riviera in Croatia or alternatively Ibiza for the week after next. I have left it late to make sure I feel well generally. However I had a huge heart flip yesterday which is so often a precursor to a full blown AFib episode. (last one was 12 months ago).

My symptoms are 'extreme' according to my cardiologist and resemble a heart attack so A&E support is always inevitable. I really want to go with my husband and friends but am so scared.

(Incidently/coincidentally every episode I have had has occurred in the month of May - spookey).

I am taking rate control drug and anticoagulation.

Question is:

a) Would you go to either place with highly symptomatic AFib - I dont have many episodes but when I do I know about it !

b). Anyone been to and used hospitals in either of these places.

Thanks for your info and ongoing support, I really appreciate your responses as fellow AFibbers. Be well all. Regards Dee.

[Offcut]

I think Spain have a good medical care but can be expensive. I would ask my doctor if it was okay first, (I have been told not to fly any longer than 3.5 hours) if you have special insurance might be worth telling them, as they may not cover you. I did hear on the radio that some countries are not honouring the E17 or Whatever it is now.

scuse. the pun you have to go with your heart

[meadfoot in reply to Offcut]

Thanks Offcut. Will check re the E17, thanks. Cardio said live a normal life including holidays. However easier said than done. Cheers Dee.

[Offcut]

As long as you dont rush about I am sure you wil be fine.

[Beancounter Volunteer]

Hi Meadfoot

Well if you are going the week after next it will be towards June not May so you'll be fine

Two points if I may

If you are going to Europe you need a European Medical card available here

nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcar...

It's replaced the old E form, mine came through in about 1 week so apply quickly.

However personally I might think about travel insurance anyway, ring around you will get it for probably around £75 Make sure you declare the A Fib they will accept it.

Lastly, what I would say is that the holiday will probably be fantastic, you won't have an attack, and you will come back refreshed and suntanned and ready to put the world to rights

Control your AF do not let it control you, go on holiday and have a great one

Best of luck

Ian

[meadfoot in reply to Beancounter]

Thanks Ian for your useful advice which I will follow totall. Have taken the bull by the horns and booked the Croatia hol. Whatever will be will be and I don't want to be a AF hostage which I know is easier said than done. Just hope this nasty condition leaves me free for a week.

I have looked at medical facilities close by and have booked a resort with a good size hospital which I have researched. Will take extra meds with me, keep hydrated, eat small healthy meals (I don't drink alcohol) and won't dash around ensuring I don't overtire. Will have a trip to GP for a maintenance check just before I go. Can't really do much else. What will be will be. Note to self - keep striess levels down which is my main nemesis.

Thanks again for your helpful words.

Regards Dee.

[Hidden]

Whatever you do make sure that your insurance company knows your position. This was emphasised strongly to me by the cardios otherwise you will have a very hefty bill!

It is all very well saying don't let AF control you but in reality there is not much choice -- just don't let it take over. Have a great holiday !

Best Wishes

Sandra

[meadfoot in reply to Hidden]

Hi Sandra, thanks for your kind response. Take your point re insurance. My husband is ensuring I have excellent cover giving all info re my AF. It will cost plenty as our last trip abroad last May did not happen as I had a huge AF bout just hours before going to the airport and went to A&E in South Devon instead of the airport sadly. Insurance paid out fully but expect a very high premium this time. Won't go without full cover though.

Thanks again. Regards Dee.

[Hidden in reply to meadfoot]

Hi Dee, just read your reply to Ian & all the points you mentioned to help keep AF at bay are exactly what I did & would still do. I also tend to have ' huge ' bouts of AF & one particular one 2 nights before I was off on acruise hol.I ended up in A&E with v fast AF & fortunately the medic on duty arranged for me to have aDCCV on the unit at 1 am which put me back in NSR. I informed my insurance co. & they gave me the OK.

Sandra

[meadfoot]

Hi Sandra. Wow. Did you feel safe and well on the cruise, very brave. Your experience sounds very similar to mine. They are terrifying episodes. Last one was my worst yet, really thought I was having a heart attack that time, kept going out cold, came too on hospital trolley.

A&E Consultant was amazing at the hospital in Devon and stayed with me almost constantly until I returned to NSR. Turns out he is an AF sufferer too so understands how bad it feels.

Keep safe and well, thanks again. Regards Dee.