On a lighter note...

[heekle]

Had a scan yesterday and then saw the consultant. He confirmed that I have AF & Flutter and the best route for me would be a cardioversion plus careful management of meds.

He answered loads of questions for me - many I'd prepared after trawling the forum. He gave good graphic illustrations to convey what happens to the heart - and one, in particular, sticks in my mind.....it describes AF....

He said to imagine a football stadium and the crowd doing a 'Mexican Wave' - that's the heart working in a co-ordinated manner. But if the fans start jumping up and down individually when they feel like it - it's forever out of sync - same for the heart.

Then, when you have a cardioversion, it's like someone shouting very loudly 'SIT DOWN' to the crowd. It goes quiet for a moment - until the wave can start again in a co-ordinated manner.

Tickled me....

[jeanjeannie50]

A good description and your consultant sounds nice.

Jean

[heekle in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks Jean - he seems good - and the Cardiac Unit he's in at Kettering is involved in AF research, which is always a positive....

(recent write up in the Telegraph) """Kettering General Hospital has been highlighted as the top performing team in the UK involved in research into a heart rhythm disorder that can increase the risk of stroke.

The Trust’s Cardiology Research Team has achieved the highest level of recruitment and retention in the UK, for the EAST Study - an acronym for the Early Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation for Stroke Prevention Trial..............

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to heekle]

That sounds good, it must give you confidence in your treatment.

Jean

[SteveBiss in reply to heekle]

Yes I am part of this study at Kettering, it is very interesting seeing how they get results. This study is EU Wide I wonder if it will now not continue because of Britexit?

[heekle in reply to SteveBiss]

From what I've heard, it will continue Steve - which is good news for you, me and many others.

[scotcitz]

At least he's got a sense of humor! They should clone him and send him across the UK ...

[Hidden]

It tickled me too heekle, sounds like you're in good hands.

[Bolander]

I also have atrial flutter and was told by my cardiac consultant that this makes it a suitable case for cardioversion. So far, apart from one episode, this has kept me in normal sinus rhythm for nearly eighteen months so I hope it's successful in your case.

[heekle in reply to Bolander]

A great result for you! I hope to join you doing a proper 'Mexican Wave' soon