Very short bouts of AF.

[Graham194]

Hi,

I've suffered from PAF for the last 18 years and am now waiting on my first ablation. I've either sat the attacks out or took Flecainide PIP.

Anyone else experienced this. Twice now, within a couple of months l've experienced very short bouts of what l think was AF. The first bout lasted for only about 15 - 20 seconds which was quite intense. The one today lasted only about 5 seconds and seemed very, very intense (took my breath away and seemed to affect my head/brain - no pain though). After each of these l felt like l do after being in AF for 3 to 4 hours - dull pain in left chest and feeling quite ill for about 12 hours or so afterwards (not breathless just ill). I also have numbness and pins and needles in my left arm, hand and leg. My BP in normal. I've Googled these symptoms but couldn't find anything matching.

I am under a cardiologist but the chances of speaking to him is very low.

Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this sort of thing.

Thanks.

[BobD Volunteer]

If it happens again go to A and E or call emergncy services. ANY CHEST PAIN must be investigated as must any loss of feeling or similar. I trust you are anticoagaulated?

[Graham194 in reply to BobD]

Hi Bob. Yes, l'm on Rivaroxiban. I must admit that l get that dull left side chest pain after all bouts of AF - which has happened only for the last 18 months or so. (Same as the ill feeling) The cardiologist doesn't seem that bothered about it? Thanks for your reply.

[irene75359]

I have no wish to alarm you, nor am I an expert, but numbness and pins and needles can be a symptom of a stroke, or TIA. In your situation I would get checked out now, don't wait until you can see the cardiologist. Go and see your GP. Best of luck.

[Jalia]

I agree with Irene....see your GP today.

[Graham194]

Hi and thanks for your replies. Phoned GP this morning who advised me to call 111. They called an ambulance for me once I had explained my symptoms. The ambulance crew were very good - had ECG etc. They thought it wasn't a TIA and referred me back to my GP. I saw the GP after that who has referred me to the stroke clinic just in case. Thanks again.

[irene75359 in reply to Graham194]

I am relieved to hear that; let us know how you get on.

[Graham194]

Hi again,

Just a bit of an update. GP referred me to the stroke clinic and I actually got an appointment on Friday - how quick was that! Had CT scan of head which didn't show anything major but because of my numb left leg and arm they do suspect that it was a 'mild' TIA. Because I'm on Rivaroxaban anyway there isn't much else they could give me. I now have to wait to be called back for a MRI scan which will show more than the CT. Fingers crossed!