Just returned from my 12 month review with my trusty Arrythmia Nurse and I'm pleased to say that all is looking good. The 5 day holster showed some minor beat irregularities which apparently lasted seconds. She said that any "normal" person could have similar changes and there was no signs of any AF. The ECG taken prior to the appointment was also good. We discussed current medication and we were in total agreement to continue with the apixaban. Although my blood pressure was averaging 137/72, she clearly felt I should also continue with the Diltiazem because it was unclear what my blood pressure might be if I stopped. She has left it to me to decide whether or not I should reduce the dose and monitor blood pressure, so I may ponder on that one. I have no problems with Diltiazem, I just don't like taking tablets, but I am aware that high blood pressure and AF go hand in hand, so it's likely to be a "no brainer". Next appointment in 12 months......as I have said before, I just wish others could be as fortunate......
12 month review......: Just returned... - Atrial Fibrillati...
12 month review......
Not wanting to see you for 12 months? That sounds very pleasing, Flapjack!
Hi Flapjack, I am new to this forum so bear with me. I was diagnosed by GP ECG in June, sent to A&E from GP and prescribed Brisoprolol. Then GP prescribed amlodipine and Apixaban. Had my echocardiogram today but not due to see specialist until October at my local hospital. I have been feeling faint in the evening before my meal, almost like I am too hungry. I tested my blood sugar using a friends blood glucose monitor so I know I am not diabetic. My question is, can bisoprolol or any other of these new drugs I'm on cause these symptoms? I am still getting AF but not for prolonged periods ( apart from when I had alcohol the other night). I take my bisoprolol in the morning, I'm on 1.25mg. Thanks and glad you have a 12 month review that sounds positive.
No problem Maz, and welcome to the forum......I'm happy to help of course, but can I suggest you post your question directly as you are likely to get more responses from folk with a wider range of experiences and knowledge. Your questions bring back memories because it was June 2014 that I was diagnosed and sent off to A&E to get an ECG before returning to the GP to be prescribed Bisoprolol and Warfarin (now on Apixaban)! I had "lone persistent AF" unlike you with paroxysmal AF. Please understand we are not medically trained therefore I cannot advise on medication, but I can relate my personal experience which of course, can and will probably will be different to yours. Bisoprolol is a beta-blocker and Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker, and both do much the same thing, but in slightly different ways. They are designed to lower blood pressure, and slow the heart rate and can cause a variety of different side effects, including feeling faint. If you have read the accompanying leaflet, the range of side effects will scare the pants of you, but like all medication, they effect people in different ways and many folk have few or no side effects. Normally, the GP will prescribe a "holding" range of medication based on the information presented such as blood pressure, heart rate, etc etc and the cardiologist or Electrophysiologist (EP - a cardiologist specialising in arrythmia) will refine your medication and help you determine the best way forward based on the more detailed info obtained from your echo plus any other tests they may carry out. This is a bit of a long winded way of saying that your symptoms could easily be caused by your medication, but anxiety and fear can also cause similar symtoms. An added complication is that unless you are asymptomatic, AF symptoms can be very similar to the medication!!! Please take the time to read all the information available on the AFA webpage. The most important thing to remember is that no one has apparently died from AF and because you are taking anticoagulation, the risk of stroke is significantly reduced......sorry it's been such a long reply....that'll teach you to ask me a question!......good luck......John
Thanks John, that has reassured me more than you can imagine, I really appreciate your response. I think once you have a medical condition you research the pants of it and become a peer specialist of your own condition. I'll certainly post on the main page. In the meantime I have made yet another appointment at the GP surgery for a review and top up of my meds. They haven't put me on repeat yet which is a good thing as I can air my concerns then!
Thanks again
Maria
I was like that when diagnosed and it took a while to settle. I have to eat and drink small amounts regularly. I was diagnosed in January and started off with 5 mg of Bisoprolol which was gradually increased. I am now on 10 mg and all is pretty calm. I feel as if I am now in control, no faintness either.
Thanks Kn177ynOra, I think I was expecting an immediate response to the drugs, also when I read 'rare' side effects on the leaflet I always discount it as I won't be 'one' of the rare ones!
Good result John. Join the clan. See you at patients day?
Sadly no Bob as we are likely to be in Croatia, but I will do my best to make one of your Natters 'n Nosh meets cos I gather they are better than Ian's!!!......
Ha Ha. Mine are called West Country Lunch as I licensed the name Nosh and Natter to Ian some years ago. It originally came out of my old car club in Essex but as one of the few remaining original members I claimed the name and Ian is such a nice bloke I let him use it.
Enjoy Croatia.
B
👍🏎🏆👍
Are these patient days the ones advertised on Facebook, which take place in Birmingham in the autumn.I would be interested in one if it were near Cambridge.
That's the one Luludean, this is a major event in the AF world held once a year and always in Birmingham. However, if you try searching "support groups" on the AFA webpage, you may find one near you......
Very good news, really pleased for you. X
Very good news Flapjack.
It's very important that those of us who are responding well to treatment talk about it. I have been in NSR now for six months following catheter ablation and look forward to being in the same place six months from now. Congratulations on hitting such an important target.
Why has this site gone Spanish? I now know what EP means, so my specialist is one. . But when I asked if my new peculiar symptoms were due to drug changes he said he was " no expert" and ended the appointment.
This is fantastic John, I hope all stays well. I wouldn't change anything if I were you.
I have been in AF/Tachycardia persistently for about 3 months, suddenly last Friday I went into NSR 65 bpm and have stayed there so far. I can't understand this and am waiting for it to plop out again every minute. Very strange 😳
Brenda🐝
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