Exhausted, bad headaches and intermitantly breathless.

With family halfway thru stay in NZ and uninsured. NZ healthcare fine and free so fingers crossed no problems on my return flight over Trumpington. I've listed meds in previous post so hope anyone interested can find those. Now 6 months since hospitalisation with AF and mild left ventricular disfunction ( which switched to right just before flying). Not much I can do here unless absolutely essential but would appreciate any advice on subject header above. Of 24 hours I am asleep on average for 12. I am very, very tired. If I lie down I sleep but can on occasion walk a mile though pay for it one or two days later. Cardio consultant does not think my pain seems to be angina but continues to prescribe tnt spray given me on a second A and E trip; I take this when get "chest pain" and I guess this accounts for headache (recent one lasted 24 hours). Breathlessness intermitant but seems to be getting gradually more frequent and more severe. As I say, not much I can do til return to UK at end of February. The most troublesome symptom is the exhaustion; I appreciate it may be a meds side effect, or insufficient oxygenation of blood (?), or chronic fatigue syndrome etc etc.. Any thoughts welcomed including 'stop bleating and wait til you get home!'

. Should add both my GP and Consultant happy for me to travel - I wish I'd challenged more.

[----Diane----]

I am no expert on the medical side but away from home and no insurance must play on your mind and make your symptoms And anxiety 10 times worse. If your doctor was happy for you to go, try and enjoy yourself and remember why you are there.

[jeanjeannie50]

I know exactly how you are feeling. I used to find that if I had a very light lunch, piece of fruit only I had more energy in the afternoon. If I ate a normal lunch I was too tired to do anything and usually had to sleep. If I tried to walk anywhere after lunch I would feel extremely ill, overwhelmingly tired and my heart would kick off. Since my third ablation last July all my tiredness has disappeared. I've also stopped eating wheat entirely.

So my advice to you would be, change your diet and never ever over-eat.

Jean

[BobD Volunteer]

The GTN spray will give you monumental headaches from memory as this was how I was first treated years ago. All the blood vessels in your brain expand and it is like a vice clamping down. The tiredness is most likely the AF although it may equally be the drugs. This is you for the time being so hang in there.

[Hidden]

Thanks all for your comments; back to a snowy Blighty from a wet and windy New Zealand in 6 weeks when I can talk to the medics again ( written at 0420 in the morning!!! I sleep then wake then sleep ............. zzzzzz)

[seasider18 in reply to Hidden]

At least as my cardiologist said, you will be OK in NZ with reciprocal health care.

[Hidden in reply to seasider18]

Only 30 miles to nearest GP and 100 miles to nearest hospital - but helicopters ambulances are efficient!

[seasider18]

That is good for free.

My only NZ medical experience was when my wife fell on a Glacier and hurt her wrist. We were directed to the nurse at the only treatment centre in the area who strapped it up and charged her $50.

[Hidden]

Had weekend, 11 years ago, in intensive care with what turned out to be pericarditis; discharged after 48 hours IV morphine and antibiotics : no charge! Go to GP 30 miles away and pay$30 - $40 and then pay for meds. (Interesting aside: locals pay to see GP - long wait, queues etc so those in UK who think GP charging may be a magic bullet may be mistaken).