Newbie: Hi, I was diagnosed late... - Atrial Fibrillati...

Atrial Fibrillation Support

32,306 members38,578 posts

Newbie

Gillian2Mc profile image
5 Replies

Hi, I was diagnosed late February after an irregular heartbeat discovered by our practice nurse during my annual chronic kidney disease review prompted her to send me for an electrocardiogram. In fact, I had to have two done because the first one didn't show the results clearly enough. It was quite a surprise as I was feeling perfectly well at the time. I saw a doctor within a couple of days who prescribed Bisoprolol and Lixiana. I was supposed to go back for a review with the same doctor but was told he would ring me instead, due to the prevalence of the coronavirus, then they told me he wouldn't even be doing that.

I'm still feeling good, but know it could be a different story if I weren't taking those meds.

Gillian

Written by
Gillian2Mc profile image
Gillian2Mc
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
5 Replies
BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer

Many people who have permanent AF are unaware of it andlive happy lives provided that they are anticoagulated for stroke prevention and that their heart rates are well controlled. Sounds like your doctor has it all covered BUT should you experience chest pain or shortness of breath/ fainting etc then seek medical attention.

Omniscient1 profile image
Omniscient1

I'll echo what Bob said, many people have it 24/7 with no obvious external effects. But just make sure you are feeling as well after the diagnosis as before. It may or may not take a while to tune your medication to you.

All the best

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50

Welcome to the forum Gillian.

You've had informative responses from BobD and Omniscient1. We're a friendly group of people so feel free to ask any further questions you may have.

Jean

Paulbounce profile image
Paulbounce

Hiya Gillian.

Welcome to the afib ride. Honest - it's not as bad as you think it will be.

You wrote

"I was diagnosed late February after an irregular heartbeat discovered by our practice nurse"

Yep - why on earth doctors don't do a quick check on patients more often for an irregular heart beat evades me (it would take 30 seconds to check a pulse). I admit afib be there one minute and gone the next. Fair enough.

I saw my doc after my pharmacist picked it up about 3 - 4 years ago (twice). The Stroke Assocation (I think it was them - something similar but old age is catching up with me now heheh) doing a free check in the local market found, and confirmed it for me. They do it once a year to check for any heart problems in my local market. They offer it to shoppers free as they walk past.

I wouldn't go as far as to say they saved my life - however heart failure or stroke were VERY likely - certainly with the life style I was leading at the time. Enough to say my name is down for the next volunteer group when it happens after this lock down ;-)

You wrote

"I'm still feeling good, but know it could be a different story if I weren't taking those meds"

Keep up the good work - your nailing it ;-) Expect some ups and downs but I think you will get on top of it. I think you already are with your positive attuide.

Paul

EDIT - BobD wrote

"Sounds like your doctor has it all covered BUT should you experience chest pain or shortness of breath/ fainting etc then seek medical attention"

100% agree - just to clarify,

Gillian2Mc profile image
Gillian2Mc

Thanks for your replies, guys. Since I started this thread I had a review appointment with our practice nurse. It should have been sooner but it has taken some time to organize people's reviews owing to you know what. She told me I had been referred to our local hospital for a heart scan, so I've been watching the post for a letter about that.

Gillian

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

newbie

Just been diagnosed 2 weeks ago with af. Am finding it scary, it happened overnight. Am due to see...
Dudtbin profile image

So now I'm a bit scared.

I posted about deciding to do an ablation consult the other day, I have that scheduled for Dec...
ChasMartin profile image

Scared Newbie 13

Hi I am new to the group a friend told me about this group. My story is that I have had 4 episode...
Rhoded profile image

Newbie here

Hi all I just joined. My name is Karina. I am 43 years old. On Nov. 17,2017 I started passing out....
Karzme profile image

Newbie first post on here.

Morning all, hope everyone is well and warm this cold Sunday morning. Just thought I'd introduce...

Moderation team

See all
Emily-Admin profile image
Emily-AdminAdministrator
Kelley-Admin profile image
Kelley-AdminAdministrator
jess-admin profile image
jess-adminAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.