AF diagnosis but feeling suffocated when not in AF as well??

[Respondicus]

Having a bit of a rough time here. In and out of fast AF although medicated. Looks like I might have an enlarged heart, had echocardiogram done about 6 or more weeks ago, and heart monitor for 7 days. I know they definately captured some of my issues because of a few of the days I was so ill. Cardiologist rang three weeks ago and apologised because no information whatsoever had been forwarded to him. They cant let me have the pill in the pocket until a cardiologist has seen the results of the tests. In the meantime im struggling with unstable type 2 diabetes and a very unnerving issue of regularly feeling like im out of breath and cannot breathe even when im not in AF. Spoke to several GP's they wont do anything because its the remit of the cardiologist. My stomach is badly swollen too, (never been examined) I seem to be following the same route my dad took and he had heart failure. Im on water tablets but my swollen stomach isnt going down by much. Ive had many issues with bradycardia as well, im getting truly fed up. I try not to ring for ambulances because ive been in hospital and as soon as they know I have atrial fibrillation they briefly check it and then check every hour or so just for a minute. Then go away. I keep getting really high spikes and then bradycardia and if they dont see it they dont seem to believe me. I have issues with low oxygen levels and its causing memory loss and confusion. Right now I have had two pretty good days but I know its going to be back again. The cardiologist is ringing in three weeks so I need to get by till then. Has anyone else had similar problems, especially with blood oxygen going very low and feelings of suffocation? It doesnt happen for prolonged periods of time sometimes a few minutes. thanks Brian meds Tildiem retard,2000mg metformin, apixiban, losoprazole, furosemide, alogliptin, ramipril. I know there are problems with the covid19, and im trying to make allowances for that. I'm sure that there will l be others out there that might be going through similar and have some input?

[etheral]

Hi, sounds to me like heart failure which is exacerbated by bouts of afibamd structural changes. Ths swollen abdomen is possibly liver congestion caused by right side failure as well. You need to see a cardioligest who in conjunction with the EP can plan the best treatment. Best of luck...etheral

[Respondicus in reply to etheral]

yes, thats my concern, ive seen =one of the gp's at the pratice this morning, he says I have odema in both lower legs and has raise up my water tablet to try and combat it, he also discovered that I have a chest infection so im on antibiotics and is arranging a chest x ray. He says that the water (odema) is being caused by the intermittemnt AF's? Ive not heard of this but I dont know maybe someone on here has?

[CDreamer]

I’m so sorry you are suffering so much and having such difficulty in accessing a co-ordinated treatment plan. Where in the country do you live?

Unfortunately empathy is all I can offer as I have no useful suggestions or experience as I think ethereal has outlined the reality of your situation and far more qualified than I to do so. I do hope that you get to see a cardiologist as soon as possible. My only thought is that you ring your cardiologist’s secretary and push for a face to face appointment, assessment and treatment plan.

Unfortunately A&E will only respond to immediate life threatening situations and when they know you are an outpatient for a speciality all they will do is to monitor. Sometimes, if your cardiologist is in the hospital, they can ask for a consult at least that is what my cardiologist told me but I’ve never had that happen, even before COVID.

[Respondicus in reply to CDreamer]

Hi, I live inthe Uk,

[irene75359]

I am so sorry you don't have anyone fighting your corner when you are obviously feeling so unwell. Please let the cardiologist or at least his secretary know exactly what the situation is with you and ask if they can chase your results and bring the meeting forward as a priority. Please let us know how you get on.