Frimley Park Hospital, Surrey

[Profound15]

Just wondered if anyone had any experience of FPH please? I had my first episode of afib for 18 months as outlined on my previous post but ectopics during the night now are excessive. It seems to be when I’m lying down that the problem arises. Didn’t have a good night last night and I believe it’s all stomach related so I’m watching what I’m consuming very carefully. I’m thinking of biting the bullet and asking for an ablation. My hospital would be frimley and if anyone has had experience of any of the EP’s there or indeed any other hospitals in the area I’d be really grateful to hear any testimonies. Thank you in advance. Stay safe and well all

[BobD Volunteer]

Sorry to tell you that ablation will not stop ectopic activity for the most part. In fact it is a common side effect of ablation as most ablatees will attest. You really need to look at life style issues, making sure that you eat small meals and never late in the evening. Also learn the slow deep breathing exercise (use search box) which is so effective at terminating ectopic activity.

[Profound15 in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob. I am now further adjusting my life style in terms of what I eat and drink. I’ve lost four pounds in weight since Monday so I’m happy for that. I’m trying to get my BMI down below 25 from 27. I had afib was at bay for 18 months and then out of the blue on Monday early morning it came back. Last night I thought I was going back in to afib but it cleared after a minute or so. I was a bit constipated yesterday so I reckon my stomach has an impact on the number of palpitations I get. I’ll also adopt the breathing technique you mentioned. I’ve been living with ectopics for around 35 years so as long as I don’t get too stressed about them I’ll just get on and cope with them.

On a side note, how successful is ablation for afib for quality of life if i eventually decide to go down that road please?

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Profound15]

It is variable. I had three before my AF stopped eleven years ago but the one I had last year for atrial tachycardia has not been so good. Anything you can do with life style helps for sure and many people who really work at it find they can avoid ablation. That said there will always be racing snakes who get AF.

[Profound15 in reply to BobD]

Have you not had afib for eleven years. That’s brilliant.

Yes I guess for me it’s minimising the afib events. The cardio advised that it’s a progressive disorder but you can try to prevent them happening too often by adopting a sensible lifestyle with afib in mind.

I certainly agree with you in that I had overeaten on Sunday night and by 5am I had gone in to afib. Perhaps it was caused by overeating the night before

[saulger in reply to Profound15]

Dear Profound15. Very similar story.

First episode, that I am aware of, two years ago.

I was highly constipated at the time and it cleared up immediately after evacuating.

I've had more episodes since and tried bisoprolol 1.25mg but gave up because I was too breathless.

Like yourself, I am also searching for other causes and triggers.

Being a threshold gout sufferer (max 7.0 uric acid), I cut down significantly the purine intake and I'm doing really well. Any episode (once every 10 days) clears up in less than an hour.

Still get the occasional arrhythmia after moderate exercise, coffee, alcohol, but that's also getting better and less frequent since I am taking a magnesium supplement.

Can I ask if you also have a high uric acid blood reading, and/or flatulence, like me ?

All the best. Saul

[Profound15 in reply to saulger]

Hi Saul

Yes I suffer from flatulence as well. I’ve investigated why this would be and I believe it’s down to what I eat. I’m now trying the FODMAP diet, cutting out those foods and drinks that create excess gas. Some foods are not digested by the body and could be causing me problems. I don’t have gout though. I also take magnesium 75mg twice a day but am thinking of increasing that dosage to 200mg a day.

Hope that helps

Stay safe and well

[saulger in reply to Profound15]

Many thanks. Every bit of information helps.

Be well and safe. Saul

[sandoval22]

Aseem Malhotra is connected to Frimley Park hospital. He is one of the most well known cardiologists in the UK due to his books & youtube. I'm sure he can advise on nutrition/lifestyle.

[Profound15 in reply to sandoval22]

Thanks Sandoval

[TMeditation]

Frimley is my local hospital and since my valve replacement last year I ended up in there a couple of times with AFib. I was quite impressed with them, they really got on it quickly and helped sort me out. Can’t remember her name but there was a lady cardiologist who saw me the first time and she was very clued up. Good luck.

[Profound15 in reply to TMeditation]

Thank you TM

[Chris1945]

Hi,

Frimley Park is my local hospital, that's where I went when fist diagnosed with PAF in A and E. I ended up seeing an EP called Mark Norman for my AF problems and possible ablation, as I recall he was a nice guy but in the end I decided against it because like you and for various reasons, I am 100% convinced that my AF is connected to my digestive system so I made changes and 9 out of 10 times it works but every now and then it keeps reminding me it's there! Whatever yu end p doing, good luck!

[Profound15 in reply to Chris1945]

Thanks Chris. Yes that’s the name I heard about. It’s a real dilemma for me at the moment. One breakthrough event last week in 18 months and I’m feeling really disappointed I guess I may have got a little complacent and now it’s back to the drawing board. I’d put on a little weight and I don’t think that helped either. Like you I firmly believe it’s down to my stomach Trying FODMAP now.

Do you get many ectopics