Newbie introduction

[TinCool]

Hello all,

Just to give you a bit of personal history. I had my first incident of AF 5 years ago at the tender age of 36. I was cardioverted electrically and that sorted out my rhythm and pulse rate. I was then referred to a cardiologist, had echocardiograms and other blood tests. The cardiologist said, physically that my heart was fine and decided not to put me on any medication and see whether I'd be okay. It was certainly a shock to the system. At that time I was drinking far too much coffee, energy drinks, taking decongestants, all of which are loaded with caffeine, taurine etc. I am convinced, that this contributed to my first episode of AF.

Role on early September this year. I was feeling a little off. I was having pains in my lower stomach and right hand side. I went to the out of hours doctor on a Sunday. She said I had constipation. I asked her whether she thought it was my appendix, she said no. I progressively got worse. I went to my GP on the Tuesday and he confirmed that I had appendicitis and I was rushed to A&E. It turned out that my appendix had burst. Luckily it had created an abscess. I was trated with IV antibiotics for a week in hospital with a further week of oral at home.

Then Friday just gone I woke up and I knew straight away I was in AF. My heart rate and pulse were all over the place. Paramedics were called, I was rushed to hopsital and again cardioversion electrically. Since then I have been having palpitations. I think they're ectopic but not 100% sure. They are lessening somewhat which is a relief.

I bought the kardia ECG for my phone. I received it yesterday. It is a fantastic piece of kit. It puts my mind at rest as I am still in normal rhythm. It does pick up the palps so I have a few recordings of that. I am now waiting for a cardiolgy referral to see what's what.

I am taking it very easy. Work, thankfully are being very nice. I am working 1/2 day in the office and a bit at home in the afternoon. I find a bath with magnesium salts helps relax me. I am also taking magnesium citrate which is helping with the palpitations.

[jedimasterlincoln]

Welcome aboard!

I was diagnosed with AF at the tender age of 31......various combinations of medications didn't work so I've had Ablations in 2014x2 and 2017x2 currently awaiting another one. My number of electrical cardioversions is up to 20, and my number of chemical cardioversions is up to 3 (all failed)

May the force be with you!

[TinCool in reply to jedimasterlincoln]

Thanks for the welcome and the positive jedi wishes. 20 electrical cardio versions? Wow, that's some number. Something like that does put my own situation in to perspective. I am very anxious about the health of my heart. These palpitations are driving my crackers!! I do hope I'm not waiting very long for my cardiology referral.

[jedimasterlincoln in reply to TinCool]

Where have you been referred to, if you don't mind my asking?

[TinCool in reply to jedimasterlincoln]

Dr. Foster in Worcestershire Royal Hospital

[Fighter_mj]

Recent infection definitely can trigger off Afib. But do you still indulge in coffee in recent few years ?

[TinCool in reply to Fighter_mj]

I have one cup of normal coffee in the morning. The rest is decaff. Although, I've not had my morning cup these past few mornings.

[Fighter_mj in reply to TinCool]

My first episode was also triggered off like you 5 years ago when I was only 32.

[Hidden]

With you normally working full time, have you considered seeing an electrophysiologist privately? NHS wait times are typically 4-6 months if you re-enter the system as a new patient which is likely after 5 years.

£200 will get you a new treatment plan, possibly including rhythm control meds your GP can’t initiate. If repeat investigations are necessary you can revert to the NHS.

[TinCool in reply to Hidden]

I have thought about it all right. If I'm looking at 6 months then absolutely will put more thought in to the private route. There's no way I want to live with these palps if they continue for that length of time.