Increasing frequency

[oceangoing]

Woke up today in AFib, third episode since the end of August. Discovered while under general anaesthetic in February then nothing until mid August. I am on 2.5mg Bisoporol which seems to control it at the moment but has affected my sleep quality. I have asked my GP to refer me to a consultant, hopefully I would like to rule out any other problems as well as discussing the way forward. Not sure what waiting lists are like these days and how badly the COVID has affected the wait times. GP is talking about an echocardiogram, have other members gone through that stage first?

[Paulbounce]

Hello Ocean.

You wrote

"GP is talking about an echocardiogram, have other members gone through that stage first"

Yes - I've had a couple. One in the UK and one abroad. I can promise you there's nothing to it. Please don't worry at all

You also wrote

"I have asked my GP to refer me to a consultant"

100% good idea. Rather than let it 'trickle' through the system I suggest you keep on the ball and keep following things up.

One last thing. Are you able to pay to see a cardio privately ? If so you can explain (it's what I did) that you don't have health insurance and want to go though the NHS. You'll likely see one this week (depending on lockdowns of course) and it kick starts the process. The cost will be about £200 / £250 ball park figure.

Paul

[oceangoing in reply to Paulbounce]

Hi Paulbounce

Yes I am planning on paying privately so hopefully will be able to see someone soon. GP arranged an ECG saying I had to have that first before a referral was possible. Seemed strange but I had that on Wednesday, normal of course!

[secondtry]

Although you don't get much more time with a private consultation, I have found a few minutes more, taking control and a short wait for appointments all reduce anxiety, which is key in the early days after diagnosis. I now have an annual private check-up and find over 6 years there is an advantage in seeing the same person. Note as I do not have insurance I try to get tests done on the NHS through my GP and sometimes this can still (in this day & age) cause friction.

Re you AF more directly, I would discuss alternative medications and at home concentrate on Lifestyle changes and keep a diary to try to identify triggers. Good luck.

[DevonHubby1]

Would suggest you ask how long waiting list for echo cardiogram is. In my wifes case, pre Covid , we were told 4 months, and the consultant wont do much until they see it. We ended up paying for it privately which only cost £200 and then carried on with NHS.

[oceangoing in reply to DevonHubby1]

Thanks. Was the echocardiogram £200 or for the appointment with the consultant?

[DevonHubby1 in reply to oceangoing]

It was for the echo cardiogram and a written review of it by the consultant. We did not see him. Prices may vary by area, and check if the cost includes the consultants review of the results.

Scan was done within a week.

[Singwell]

All advice good here. Waiting lists longer due to pandemic. If you can afford it, pay for private appointment and echo, otherwise appt only. You can ask to see local hospital cardiologist privately if they do it

Otherwise choose someone with a good reputation - my choice would be to see a specialist in electrical problems (EP)- whichever you do, call the hospital that has your notes and request a copy is sent to whoever you're seeing so they are not working in the dark.

[Georgeedgar]

Sorry to hear of your on going af,2.5 bisoprolol is quite a low dose,I think most of your questions have been answered, but the other thing you haven't mentioned is blood tests .Your GP should run a series of tests to rule out other possible causes ie thyroid etc which can be contributing factors for af.good luck and stay positive.

[oceangoing in reply to Georgeedgar]

Thanks George GP has done full blood tests, nothing untoward found thankfully. I have mixed feelings about Bisoporol, on the plus side it has lessened the effects when I go into AFib, lower hr etc and quicker recovery. Big downside is poor sleep quality and crystal clear dreams!

[Georgeedgar]

Yes I'm on flecanide now,but was on the max dose of bisoprolol previously I found it made me very lethargic and once I sat down didn't feel like getting up again,all comes down to individual tolerance I suppose.

[Ianc2]

Take someone else with you and a written set of questions with space for your answers, which you can discuss later. My wife often hears things that I don't and vice versa.

[Paulbounce in reply to Ianc2]

Totally agree. A written list of questions prepared is a very good idea. I often forget to ask something imortant and walk out of the appointment thinking ahhh I forgot ask about so and so. Having your wife / hubby or a friend with you is also a good idea - for sure they often pick up on something you may have missed.

Paul

[Ducky2003]

I'm still waiting for an up to date echo (last one was 4 years ago and I was in the full throes of AF) and that referral was made in June. At my hosp, they are doing them on a traffic light system and I'm green so at the bottom of a big pile, by all accounts.☹