I survived!! Thank you all so much xxx

[booboo73]

What a lovely bunch you all are!! Thanks so much – kept reading your replies last night and they did calm me. Then all of a sudden at 11pm my pulse went back to 80bpm in a second. I guess prior to that it was off the scale as I couldn’t take my pulse as it was so erratic – but I am going to buy an AlivCor thing as soon as I can afford it.

Looked at my diary and seems cheese is definitely a trigger along with booze now. Plus not had a cig for a week now and my wheezing has gone so no need for inhalers anymore – another trigger!!

So glad to know there are more options ahead – think I feel so scared at the moment as I really thought the healthy life style and bisopropil would work but I guess its not … trial and error at first plus I am very anxious of ‘riding it out’ as 10 hours of crazy heartbeat would scare anyone I think but I am still here to tell the tale so that calms me.

So yes I think I need an EP – my Cardiologist seems to think I don’t and I think he would have to refer me to have it on the NHS so I think I need the private route again – anyone have any idea of the cost in the UK and if there is any in Leeds area please? I am so poor at moment but shall save every penny if it will help get me on the right medication.

I am speaking to my GP tomorrow to tell him about my AF yesterday so hopefully we will try new tablets.

Right off for a lie down this AF really knocks you for six doesn’t it – I am sooooo tired, hopefully I will feel better later x Thanks xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[BobD Volunteer]

You have the right to be treated where ever and by who ever you wish. Don't be put off. AF Association have a list of EPs by area under patient information. Ask your GP to refer you but only pay if you want to get there sooner than NHS waiting list..

[Rellim296]

So glad all went well. You will find that the more times you have AF, the more your confidence will increase and after a bit it won't seem as scary. It can become no more than an annoyance eventually, as Caroline said.

You are on the bottom rung of the medication ladder on 1.25mgs of Bisoprolol.

An EP is the person who will best give you an opinion, so see if your GP will refer you. Be aware that some doctors regard ablation as a last resort, and do not let someone else's lack of enthusiasm stand in your way.

[shirlygirly]

Hi can highly recommend Lee Graham who is at the Leeds General Infirmary. If you look him up you will find he is highly qualified and

very well recommended.

Good luck.

[dedeottie]

Between 150 and 250 for an initial consultation. The more tests you have already had done on the N.H.S. the better (scan,e.c.g., ) as then you won't have to pay for them. I know it's not ideal but it will be the best money you ever spend. X

[Buffafly]

Well done! Don't be disheartened about the change in lifestyle not helping. One of my triggers is any kind of strain on my lungs as I have been asthmatic for a long time, and you have only just given up smoking so your lungs will take time to recover. If the cheese was Cheddar try a different one - I know! but it is a trigger for migraine so you never know.

You can get used to it in the sense that you don't feel afraid any more, just fed up by your plans being messed up! However there are times when you should go to A and E, (chest pain, blacking out) and don't do what I did and carry on cheerily pushing a trolly round a supermarket with chest pains because you didn't want the bother of a ambulance being called........

Read up all you can on reliable websites like AFA and BHF which will reassure you. Best wishes!

[Arkwight]

Hey Booboo, glad to hear you've got through your latest episode...

Regarding your question about an EP in the Leeds area, I suggest you try Dr Chris Pepper who works privately from The Spire Leeds Hospital in Roundhay.

He also does NHS work at the LGI if you want to insist your GP or cardiologist refers you as an NHS patient.

Hope that helps...

[NooNoo14]

So glad to hear you are recovering - have a good nights sleep, you'll feel much better tomorrow.

Good luck with persuading your GP to send you to see an EP.

NooNoo

[Alil]

There's a big team at LGI

leedsth.nhs.uk/a-z-of-servi...

I only waited a few weeks for my first appointment and 4months for my ablation. Dr Tayubjee was my EP.

[checkmypulse]

Just to echo others, it is your right to ask GP for a second opinion/referral, don't be put off if he/she is evasive. Good luck. I went armed with some names of EP's I had researched off the AF site.