Where to go from this point

[ronaldcoul77]

diagonsed with AF,I am taking apixaban twice a day.I have dizzy spells when resting,trouble is, its started when I drive.I would love to know the best way forward,could this be with drugs or cardiozasion?

Ron

[daved525]

Since you're symptomatic, your cardiologist should want to get you back in NSR. But now that you've been in AF for a while they will want to wait a few weeks on the blood thinner before converting you, to clear out clots & avoid risk of stroke. Alternative I've pursued a couple times is to get ultrasonic imaging to look for clots---if they don't see any they may be willing to convert you sooner. Drugs and cardioversion are both paths that often work to get back in NSR. Your Dr will know best---my personal preference is cardioversion---simple and immediate. Scary the first time, but actually very straightforward (has become routine for me after about a dozen procedures).

[ronaldcoul77 in reply to daved525]

Many thanks for all your time and help,its good to hear sound advice.

[BobD Volunteer]

Regardless of any treatment Ron and depending on if or not you are in UK, DVLA rules are quite clear that if your condition is distracting or incapacitates YOU MUST NOT DRIVE. I suspect this constitutes both so for your sake as well as others please do not drive until this is sorted out. Apart form the risk of a £1000 fine you could hurt yourself or others.

Now to possible treatment. You mention no drugs to control the AF so there are quite a few options. Cardioversion is not a cure but may help if you are in constant AF as should it put you back into NSR then it may signpost to other treatments. I suggest that you see your cardiologist as soon as possible or preferably an electrophysiologist . Gps are not usually the best people to treat AF so read up the subject on AF Association main website so that you understand the possibilities.

Bob

[ronaldcoul77 in reply to BobD]

Many thanks for the reminder on Driving,I fully aggree.I will read up on the subject on AF Association.Many thanks Ron Coulter

[Hidden]

Hi Ronald and welcome to the forum. Although its a holiay weekend, I'm you will get some helpful advice from members. You need to bear in mind that whilst there is a wealth of experience here, we are not medically trained, so you need to be sure you follow the advice of your clinicians when it comes to specific medication and treatment options. AF is a bitovva bugga....all different shapes 'n sizes and one size treatment DEFINATELY don't fit all, so I'm sure you are getting the picture. First, you should check out all the information that is available on the AF Association webpage because that will give you a better understanding of how you could progress your treatment.

Generally, there are 2 types of AF.....Paroxysmal (PAF) which is the type that comes or goes with little or no warning. Episodes can be sometimes triggered by a wide variety of different things such as alcohol, eating the wrong stuff, excessive exercise, the list goes on........The other is persistent AF, which means it's with you virtually 24/7 and very often, that is why patients are encouraged to have a cardioversion, because that will help determine if the heart can converted back into normal sinus rhythm (NSR) .....of course you may know this already so apologies if you do. If the CV works and you get back into rhythm for a reasonable period of time, then there is a chance that other options maybe available. If it doesn't, then your medics may suggest pursuing treatment based on medication. However, there are so many variables that can influence your best route forward, I suggest you ask to be referred to an Electophysiologist (a cardiologist who specialises in Arrythmia) and that should result in a treatment plan specific to you.

A couple of thoughts which may help you. It's great news that you are taking an anticoagulant because that helps to protect you from the risk of stroke which can be a major issue for AF sufferers. Also, it is generally understood that no one has died from AF and when you consider there are well over 1 million folk with AF in the UK alone....you are in good company!!!! Sorry my post is a bit long, but it's always difficult to know whats issues are causing a Newbie the most concern, so hope this has helped......if you need any more information, just ask.....best wishes

[ronaldcoul77 in reply to Hidden]

I cant thank you enough for all your Info.I have been so in the dark up to now.The GP has not been very helpful.

I have found the suggestions very helpful,so much so,I have forwarded the site to a friend with the same problems. Regards Ron

[Hidden in reply to ronaldcoul77]

Ron, there are a number of AF support groups scattered around the country details of which can also be found in the AF Assoc webpage. I go to one in Epsom Hospital, Surrey, and a new one has recently started at the Harefield Hospital, but there are more. These normally have a medical lead - An NHS Heart Consultant(s) and a patient lead. They are not only a terrific way of obtaining information about AF, they also enable you to meet other AF patients and learn from their experiences......best of luck, John

[ronaldcoul77 in reply to Hidden]

At last I can work my way forward without fear.

Many thanks for your time and support.

Regards Ron

[paddygal]

This has really helped me too. I thought I was going to die, terrified to go to sleep. Sigh of relief.

Is it OK to fly, ski, hike etc.

Thank you all so much

Jo