Hi Gwyn, so sorry you are suffering, it is such a difficult time to get support for any condition.
You say you can’t get a message to your consultant because of lockdown - what question would you want to ask your consultant should you be able to contact them ie:- what is your main concern? What do you need help with and what would you like to happen?
I can’t comment on the services in your area but I do know that in mine it is sometimes possible to speak to an arrythmia nurse over the phone but I know that Wales is not always well served regarding specialisms such as AF.
The only other alternative is to suggest that you ring the AFA - I think I read somewhere that they had a list of clinics/EPs etc who were operating? Not sure but they maybe able to offer informed advice as to what to do. They have quite a lot of videos made by EPs on what to do during lockdown and when to seek medical attention.
Otherwise the only general advice I can offer is to keep very well hydrated, to monitor your HR & BP and keep a record and keep as calm as possible, many people find that LSD helps - NO not the hallucinogenic drug! - Long, Slow, Deep breathing. If you are waking up during the night it could be postural or AF could be triggered by a dip in oxygen saturation, especially if you have sleep apnea in which case try sleeping with your bed slightly elevated at the head - if you can - or adding a pillow as the worst position maybe lying prone.
Knowing what triggers AF is really difficult to pin down and sometimes it just keeps happening for no reason but just becomes progressive.
This must be very upsetting for you and also frustrating that you cannot get professional advice. I would normally recommend regularly contacting your EP or at least GP. Some GPs have a better approach to AF but so many do not.
Take CDreamer ’s advice as this could be a solution.
If you can afford a paid for consultation then Dr Sanja Gupta offers such a service.
You do sound that you are coping better than I used to so keep being positive.
Where in Wales are you Gwyn? I am in South Wales and the consultants are doing telephone consultations. You would need to phone the consultants secretary first. Hope you get sorted. X
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