New to the forum...

[pinotnoir]

I've just realised I posted in the 'questions' section rather than the 'posts' sections - apologies, I will try again...

Hi everyone - my journey began in December 2013, I was suffering from a very bad viral infection and ended up at the doctors because my pulse was very fast and I was exhausted.

The doctor said my heart rate was too fast and rang an ambulance. I was taken to hospital and hooked up to an ECG and it was then that the nurses mentioned AF. Once my heart rate settled (to about 90 bpm) I was allowed home and was told that I would be referred to a cardiologist.

I've had an echocardiogram and another electrocardiogram, and have been put on Bisoprolol (2.5mg) as a precaution. I'm also having a heart monitor fitted for a few days later this month and have a follow up appointment in June (!).

I've always had 'palpitations' but have never worried about them until now and I continue to get occasional strong 'flutters' that last minutes at a time though they have reduced in frequency since I've started the meds.

So far I'm coping on this strange journey and am getting used to the side effects of the meds (freezing cold feet and hands, jittery)

I'm very active, my blood pressure is fine and my weight is normal.

I'm looking forward to getting to know some of you.

J

[CDreamer]

Hi Pinotnoir and welcome. You will see the term EP banded around this forum, stands for Electro Physiologist. An EP is a cardiologist with special training and experience with arrythmias. What most of us on here have learned is that not all cardiologists are equal, many will specialise in structural defects rather than electrical so it is a good idea to know your cardiologist's speciality and if they don't have the EP title, at least have a special interest in that area, otherwise ask to see an EP, your cardiologist may be able to refer you.

I was diagnosed in 2008 and I took me 4 years to cotton on to that, for me it was wasted time with a cardiologist who I don't believe offered me appropriate treatment, caring and attentive though he was. He recommended aspirin when I now know I needed to be on anticoagulants, was very dismissive of ablation when I now know that was the best treatment for me, recommended a drug regime which left me worse off than just with the AFib and I couldn't get a follow up appointment with for another 5, yes 5 years and then with his registrar!

I have learned such a lot through this forum, I do hope that you will find it as helpful as I.

[pinotnoir in reply to CDreamer]

thanks for the welcome CDreamer - a quick search on my consultant states that his areas of interest are "arrhythmias and sudden cardiac arrest" so thats kinda reassuring

There's a lot to learn by the sounds of it so I think I will be taking plenty of time on here getting used to the terminology etc

Thanks again

[Christo4]

Welcome pinotnoir.

You will soon get to know us.

you will learn a lot by reading these posts if you don't understand just ask. In no time you will feel as if you have a PHD in AF !

Have a good day.

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Christo4]

Oh Christo4 - You did make me laugh regarding the PHD in AF. Actually that was a very apt description and sums me up to a T.

[pinotnoir in reply to Christo4]

Lol thanks - it's amazing he questions you forget to ask when you're sat in front of a health professional - thank heavens for this forum !

[Christo4]

atrialfibrillation.org.uk/

Pinotnoir.

Plenty to read and learn so take your time.

Click onto the above.

[pinotnoir in reply to Christo4]

Fab thank you

[Christo4 in reply to pinotnoir]

pinotnoir.

I think ultramarine really thinks your up for this PHD ! oh dear Im laughing here !

[Christo4]

You will get your PHD promise !

[Hidden]

Hello pinotnoir, you don't say what year you are in for your studies. The first year is difficult and the last year quite stressful. You will find that some of the time AF/SVT (which is what I have) seems to occur at odd times when you are stressed. I would suggest some relaxation and breathing techniques, which I used for my studies many years ago especially during assessment times, it seems to have helped me enormously once again with this condition.

[pinotnoir in reply to Hidden]

Oh gosh I wish I was clever enough to have a PHD or even to study for one - I'm afraid you've got some wires crossed ultramarine sorry x

[Christo4]

Oh dear pinotnoir

[Hidden]

Hi pinotnoir and welcome from me too! Don't worry, it'll be a while before I get my PhD either, haha, though everyone is working on me. You'll find advice on all sorts of things including the foods and drinks that can act as triggers. Has anyone said to lay off caffeine? And to minimise alcohol (sob)... It sounds as if you have only had one major episode though so I'm sure we all hope that another one is a long way in your future, but it doesn't hurt to take a few basic precautions. I'm on bisoprolol too and while it agrees with me - it doesn't with everyone - it does make your hands and feet (and nose) cold. Combined with warfarin I am thinking of renaming myself Mrs Freeze!

Lis

[Christo4]

Hello Mrs Freeze !

I have been busy had to take my husband to hospital today to have a op on his face for skin cancer, scar face his new name ! the Female Dr said my husband still has his good looks. :-). Makes a change not thinking about AF ! Hope your keeping well have you had your INR done on Thursday ?

[Fussyface]

Hi Pinonoir, welcome