Advice needed regarding possible referral for 'further tests'.

[Eddie49]

Hi all. I have posted here before but would appreciate some further advice please. Fourteen years ago I had a 'mild' heart attack and was put on a statin, blood pressure med and daily aspirin. I had a stress test. echocariogram and two week Holter Monitor which showed no issues. No further problems until I had Afib twice (as far as I know). First time was nearly four years ago and the second time last August. Both times Afib followed a short period of swimming in the baths and sea. I was in A+E all night (on my 70th birthday) and advised to go on to Apixaban which I am on (following great advice from this forum). I was told by the Consultant in A+E that I would be be having further tests as an outpatient. This happened a short while before going on a long-planned holiday to Japan so it affected my insurance cover with many companies refusing to cover me because I was awaiting further tests. It eventually cost me a fortune for cover for the single trip. Well, we have been and and are back with no complications. So nearly five months after going to A+E and having heard nothing regarding further tests, I rang the Consultant's secretary who looked at my records and said I have no tests in the pipeline. Obviously this is good news regarding future insurance policies but my question is should I ask my G.P. to refer me for, hopefully, peace of mind or not? If I am referred I am obviously back in the same situation regarding insurance. I have no Afib symptoms that I am aware of and I go to the gym regularly with no issues. So do I just carry on regardless and wait to see what happens next (and keep out of the water!)?

Thanks

[Melchet]

When my AF started, it was hard to obtain evidence via ECG or 24/48 holter monitor. I bought a Kardia ECG device from Amazon (~£100) and managed to record AF events. When AF became more frequent, I sought reassurance from a private consultation with local EP (~£200). He was impressed by the Kardia ECGs, and did an Echocardiogram to assess physical structure etc. (no extra charge - perhaps I was lucky!) He arranged to see me on his NHS list for a cryoablation which proved successful 6 months later. I have now been free of AF for >16mths, though still on Apixaban, Ramipril and Simvastatin medication. The NHS is great, but sometimes you need to help it along! Hope my experience is helpful to you.

[irene75359]

I would go back to your GP and have a chat with him/her. I am not surprised you want this cleared up, but I am pleased that everything seems to be on an even keel with you again.

I am really interested as we are in the process of investigating changing our private health insurance and I was going through my medical file. I was in hospital with pneumonia two years ago, and yesterday, for the first time, noticed that on the discharge papers that follow-up checks were to be done as an out-patient; chest OP FU (don't know what this means) with repeat CXR and lung function test. Never heard a thing. So I am in the same boat as you, not sure whether to chase this up or let sleeping dogs lie. Would the outcome be different? I don't know!

[Eddie49 in reply to irene75359]

I have made an appointment to speak to a GP but have to wait until 15 January for a telephone consultation. Past experience tells me that it depends upon which GP you speak to about anything and then follow your gut. Before going to Japan last year I was advised by one GP to not start the Apixaban until I came back. Others, including members of this forum advised me of the danger regarding I was placing myself in regarding stroke risk so I started Apixaban and am glad that I did. Thanks. I will keep you informed of the outcome.