Thank you all so much for your responses which have given me so much support. AF is a very scary place indeed. I would have like to reply to all individually but I'm not sure if that is the correct way to go about things, so I hope another post is acceptable.
Warfarin was mentioned by my GP but he says on the CHAD scoring, I was at 1 to 2. As the guidelines were updated only a few weeks ago and I score a 1 for being female and then another for my BP problems. So he's not going to consider the Warfarin at the moment. But he did mention cardioversion if the heart rate continued as it is.
I certainly agree about the lifestyle changes and was told many years ago by my cardiologist that Aspartame should be avoided at all cost, which I have tried to do; but its in everything! I used to really enjoy a diet Pepsi (with Aspartame) and haven't had one for years. Now I wonder should I just bite the bullet and enjoy it regardless, the AF came back without it; (am I thinking a little rationally here? I'm almost excited about having a diet Pepsi!!)
I once had a small episode of AF whilst taking antihistamines. The GP at the time said it was possible that these were the cause and made a note on my record. I was recently prescribed Nasonex for a sinus problem; and upon checking in detail (on a forum), I found that many people had suffered AF type symptoms whilst using this spray, which is a steroid. There is quite a comprehensive list of side effects, none of which are noted in the enclosed leaflet. I mentioned this to my GP and he was most surprised and told me I shouldn't believe everything I read on forums! If there is a link, then I should be informed of all the risks, not just the ones on the leaflet. I have since stopped using the Nasonex and am bunged up as a result,; but rather that than it contributing to this AF.
I am still breathless on the smallest exertion, but not so aware of my heart beating. Maybe things are slowing down?
I have an appointment with my GP next week and will certainly ask for an anti arrhythmia drug. He told me last week that it was too late to prescribe Flecainide. Is there anything else he could give me do you think? Failing this, I shall ask for a referral.
Thank you all.
JDB
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jayedeebee
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I'm not sure I understand why you have not been referred to a specialist? at least a cardiologist and preferably an EP, your doctor will not be able to manage you through this condition, and will also not be up to date on the latest research etc.
There are one or two (literally) GPs in the country who are really AF knowledgeable but seems unlikely you have one of them.
Really not a fan of GPs prescribing anything as strong as Flecainide, rhythm control drugs need careful and expert supervision.
Hi Ian, many thanks for the reply. No I haven't had a referral. I have an appointment next Wednesday with my GP.
Frankly he seems to play everything down. I pointed out the Nasonex issue and he wrinkled his nose and said there was no literature on Nasonex and heart episodes, yet I'd been reading comment after comment about it; albeit it was a US site. However I did also mention that I don't actually bleed, and never had. I have given birth
I shall ask for a referral and see what happens. One the one hand I like the fact that he doesn't panic, but on the other I wonder if he actually knows anything about this condition. We actually googled it together!
I am feeling less anxious due to the responses received here, which can only be positive. I just wish my heart beats would return to normal!!
As I stated on my reply to your earlier post. Go see a specialist or change GPs this one should not be treating you and particularly not with bisoprolol. and I might argue regarding your stoke risk as well. . For the future, unless you want to start a new thread, just keep replying to the old one and then we can follow it easily. There is no need to send individual messages unless you want a private chat with any of us in which case use the message option.
Thank you Bob, I do agree that this GP is rather blasé with my health. I like his non panic attitude, which to some degree is comforting; whereas the other GP tends to be more nervous with anything connected with hearts etc.
I shall mention a referral but from experience, this can take quite some time. I will keep watching and commenting. Thank you for your guidance on the responses etc.
Kind regards,
JDB
"Warfarin was mentioned by my GP but he says on the CHAD scoring, I was at 1 to 2. As the guidelines were updated only a few weeks ago and I score a 1 for being female and then another for my BP problems. So he's not going to consider the Warfarin at the moment."
Go see an EP. I have a score of 0 on either the old or new system and my EP put me on Warfarin some years ago. Prior to that he had me on Aspirin which was thought to be useful at the time. CHADS does not work for me except to give doctors who use it the impression I'm fine without anti-coagluation, but I'm definitely not and my EP certainly doesn't think so either!
I wouldn't go back to the diet coke- it is best to avoid the caffeine and one cardiologist said there is also a lot of salt in it which I hadn't realised!!
I would have thought if you had a CHADS2 score of 2 your GP jolly well should be considering Warfarin... under the NICE guidelines he's supposed to, I thought?
Hi Lottie(?). My GP believes I'm borderline and at no risk presently; well at least that's what he said. However, this has been going on for a week now and I'm not feeling great. Well in myself I'm fine but even the smallest exertion leaves me feeling as if I've run a mile! I was intending to return to work this week. I had asked my GP who advised that there was little point staying home and to return when I felt like it. I also asked about exercise, specifically if I rode my bike, would I do anything which might make things worse. He said not to forego any exercise as it will do no harm. I'm happy to exercise but wonder if I might do more harm than good!
I shall certainly ask for a referral on Wednesday and hope I can get some constructive medical help.
People seem to be finding different drugs suit them and there are a lot of options, so don't feel too down. You should be able to find a way forward that will see some improvement.
Jaydeebee, with all due respect, you need to inject a degree of urgency. It's all well and good having a doctor that doesn't panic but your GP is asleep to the main danger all of us with AF face, which is stroke risk. AF can bring with it some unpleasant symptoms though some folk have few if any symptoms at all. Either way, this condition, in itself, is not life threatening so you, and your doctor, can certainly relax about that. But without the protection of an anticoagulant you are at least 5 times more likely to have a stroke this year than someone else in the general population with a similar profile to yourself but without the condition.
Unless you or your GP know of some pretty good reasons why you can't be on anticoagulants then this should be your direction of travel. No panic, but soon......
Hi jaydeebee. I agree with what all the others have said. Get a referral to an EP as soon as possible and I would read up about ablation, which I and many on here have had which will hopefully kick the AF into touch. A good EP will be able to advise you about this. Like Loo, I'm also a fan of sterimar nasal spray to keep the sinuses clear. Regarding warfarin, I wasn't on it until the compulsory pre-ablation period and I'm still on it and will be for a few months post ablation. My CHADVASC score is 1 for being female and I've no idea what my consultant will advise long-term when I see him in October. I will do whatever he advises, but I think that once you've been diagnosed with AF, your onward going treatment should be with a specialist not the GP. Just in case you're confused - and I was when I first started on this journey - an EP is a cardiologist with expertise and specialism in heart arythmnias ie the electrics. Make sure that your referral is to one of these, not a general cardiologist, who deal more with the plumbing side of things. Good luck. X
I'll be seeing my doctor on Wednesday so I shall be sure to ask. There are two pinpointed at my local hospital. For the time being though I would like my heart to settle down!!! After a whole week of 120 bpm, my ribs are beginning to ache!!
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