I do hope you are all keeping well, and enjoying todays sunshine. I am in a bit of a difficult place at the minute however, and would really appreciate some support and guidance please from you kind people.
As I have posted before, my Afib journey started suddenly right out of the blue about 18 months ago now, and after a bumpy couple of ablations things seemed to be progressing quite well. I did have a few weeks of feeling pretty unwell following my two covid vaccinations, but other wise life was getting back to a new sort of normal. Unfortunately though a couple of months ago my digestive system seemed to go into overdrive and consequently I ended up having to have a colonoscopy two weeks ago- thank fully the results of which simply showed a few diverticular (was informed age related and normal wear and tear !), otherwise normal tubes !! Diet now changed to more plant based and slowly increasing fibre.
However, for the last ten days have been getting nearly daily episodes of AF requiring a couple of doses of my PIP (50mg Flecainide), something that I have not had to do since my second ablation back in December last year (first ablation was in July). On Monday though my AFib decided to go into manic stage, no amount of Flec could settle it, so yes, 999 was needed and off to A&E I went.
15 hours on a trolley in A&E, having to virtually beg for attention from medics ( the department was extremely busy I understood that - but I was in trouble and feeling very unwell, breathless with a heart rate now 190, being like that for the last 12 hours). The medics finally decided that a cardioversion 'maybe needed'. No treatment offered to me at all at this stage, not even a cup of water- had now been in the department for just under 13 hours! When they finally transferred me to the resus area and was about to give me the sedation for the CV- yes you have guessed it, my heart rate slowed right down, and eventually went back into sinus rhythm. With a very big sounding sigh, the medic said, 'oh well there you go, back to normal now', and just walked away!!
One hour later, I was transferred to the cardiac assessment unit. Thankfully here, I was treated more like a human being, with some dignity and kindness. Was seen by cardiology nurse and then a medic- outcome being to increase my daily Bisoprolol - from 1.25 to 2.5mg. Also advised me that I can take one more Bisoprolol for any further AF episodes not resolved by my Flec PIP alone. Sadly she did say that after reviewing all my records she felt that I may well need yet another ablation! Was informed my EP will be notified of this event and that they will request that he arranges to see me, ' rather urgently', with a face to face consultation.
When I eventually got home yesterday early evening I was feeling absolutely exhausted (total time at hospital 21 hours), and in a great deal of pain in my hips and back ( after so long on the hospital trolley). Walking like a crab!!
I live alone so no one to sound off too, hence my post to you kind people today. I know you cannot change things, and this AF is certainly a mongrel of a condition, but I would really appreciate some kind words from some one!! Feeling very sorry for myself, still in a great deal of pain with my hips, paracetamol can only go so far, suppose will need to try and get GP consult for further help regarding analgesia - doing as many stretches as the pain will allow!! Oh I really did think I was finally heading in the right direction until all this !! I am sorry to go on, I know I need to get a more positive outlook on all this, but can't quite see that at the minute!!
Thank you so much for reading this far, I do really appreciate it.
Shirley.
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So sorry to hear this Shirley. I was feeling exasperated after the time I have had trying to get an appointment with an EP never mind anything else but your experience definitely trumps mine. Eventually got through to the hospital and apparently they put a letter in post for me 2 days ago - they are only 11 miles away so amazed I haven't got it yet???? Maybe another couple of days and I will get one posted today eh? LOL. Anyway I have an appointment. I do hope you will have an appointment quickly. I think you are doing well with the exercise and stretching to ease your pain but it may help to seek your GP's advice for maybe a different medication for a short time. I would hope that another ablation - if that is OK will do the trick for you now that you have made other changes. I think it worthwhile explaining to your EP that this all started with digestive problems too.
Take care and look after yourself and keep doing the exercises.
So sorry to read your problems Shirley so cyber hugs from me (((( )))).
The only comment I will make is that the time between your abaltions hardly gave your heart a chance to recover properly (we say six to nine months at least for full recovery) so you may well find that things do improve over time.
If they do not, then you will know that ablation is not much of a problem having had two already) so a third will be a breeze. I had three over a four year period but no AF since 2008.
Hello Bob,Thank you so much for the hug, very much appreciated.
Yes I think you may have a point about the timeframe between my ablations, at the time of my second ablation I was extremely symptomatic, and had 2 cardioversions in four weeks.
Great Bob you have been AF free for so long, fingers crossed 🤞 I may have the same outcome after ablation no.3.
Oh I am sorry and what a nightmare. So glad CAU treated you with dignity and care. That alone can make all the difference. You are never alone and have your AF family here. Healing does take time so hopefully things will still improve for you. Sending you hugs. Take care and let us know how you go. xxx
Morning Frances123,Thank you so much for your kindness and support, it has really given me a tremendous boost. My HR this morning is still not very happy but I’m trying very hard not to stress too much, fingers crossed 🤞 it will settle down soon.
So sorry to read that you're having a hard time with your af again. Your hospital experience sounds a nightmare too. Fingers crossed that you get an appointment to see your ep, sooner, rather than later.
Hello Cally,Thank you for your support and kindness, it is such a big help. Still not feeling quite right, but with your hugs and support I know I will get there eventually.
Oh dear Shirley, I can understand how worn down you are by this. We are all so vulnerable when we feel unwell and in hospital you expect that you’d get treated kindly, imagine you fekt like crying, I would. As for your hip I get that too, those trolleys are not only uncomfortable they are rather precarious as there’s not much leeway either side to roll off. With our AFIB we can’t even have brufen to help with the paracetamol which isn’t fair either. I hope you keep AFib at bay till yo get to see the cardio. Chin up eh,
Morning Sue,Thank you so much for your support and kindness. I did feel very much like crying, but was also trying very hard to keep control as well. I know I have to learn to deal with this rotten condition, but at times it can get so overwhelming. With the wonderful support you and others on this fabulous forum have given me, I know I will get through it and come out the other side the stronger.
Thankfully I am moving around easier this morning, but ticker still not very happy, so not going out as feeling a wee be wobbly!
Thank you again Sue for your support.
Take care and hope the sun is shining where you are today.
Oh boy what a carry on for you! I'm sending you flowers 💐, hugs and lots of positive vibes 🙏. I just hope knowing we are here for you has helped. Never be afraid to off load. I have done the trolley over night in hospital and can joke that the only thing the nhs had for me to sleep on was an ironing board. Not much fun at the time I know but I always remind myself that this too shall pass. Take care lovely lady, sounds like you are being proactive. 🌻🌻🌻
Good morning Adalaide2020,Oh thank you so much for the flowers, hugs and positive vibes,it has really given me a lift up. Just knowing you are all there and really understand is so comforting. I have told myself a few times today -this will pass. Just seems to be taking a little longer at the moment though!
Thank you again for you lovely reply, and I hope all is well with you.
Dear Shirley, I am so sorry to hear how tough it has been, A&E are dreadful places and even worse when under such pressure. It is good that you can tell us here, I think coping on your own must be very hard. Ask your GP to refer you to a physio for your joint pains or even spend out and self refer to see someone privately. Go to Physio First website and click find a physio and it will let you find someone local to you. Take care xx
Hello Linkj,Thank you for your kindness and advice. I will certainly have a look on the website.
Fingers crossed 🤞 I will get some help from my EP, but in the meantime with your kindness and the wonderful support of this forum it will make this journey I am travelling along just that bit easier to bear.
Thank you again,
Take care,
Shirley
Oh Shirley you are being very brave, and living alone with mongrel AF is hard. I am so sorry. Hips. Yes, I understand that, even in an ordinary bed I need extra pillows and I can’t imagine 13 hours on a trolley 👀. I take co-codamol some nights instead of ordinary paracetamol and although the pain remains it is more numbed and the codeine element deepens my sleep. I really miss NSAIDs! And alcohol impossible as a trigger fir me.
I wondered whether calling 111 would be better than 999? When I did about 4 years ago, HR 200s, they notified A &E and I was taken to Cardiac team after about 15 minutes (of course these days with the pandemic it may take too long to get through to 111 I realise👀). Another time I managed to get an appointment with GP same day and he contacted A&E and in that occasion I was redirected on arrival to the medical assessment unit (scary ward but at least I had a bed and some attention). I hate it that A&E so stressed you were treated that way. Inhumane.
I have only had one ablation but many, like Bob, have had a few. Good luck with keeping on keeping on and I am so impressed at your succinct summary and bravery in the teeth of the mongrel! 🤞🤞🤞
Back in 2007 /09 I would basically bypass A& E for the Heart Emergency Centre if they had beds available . Though there have been many improvements in the NHS many have also deteriorated like Gp appointments around here are as rare as hens back teeth so A & E is overwhelmed but it is no excuse for a little compassion and not even offered a drink sounds like some of the staff need retraining in the basics instead of spending all there precious time at useless universities or on the tippy tappy!
Prefer not to be rude about the staff. Or universities!
Some A&E staff may be poor, true in all places, but I used to be part of a clinics support group for A&E, and I have been involved in helping support ICU staff during pandemic and the sheer impossible work load doesn’t always bring out the best. Demoralised staff are often not pretty, they often don’t break down in sympathy inducing ways! They can become blunted and inefficient, hardened, or panicky and ineffective. And GPs see overwhelmed by patients whose routine hospital treatments have been cancelled or postponed. But let us not allow Shirley’s heartfelt post be a springboard to other stuff which will just upset some of us.
Good morning FaberM,Thank you for your kindness and lovely reply. I did try the 111 number but it just kept saying to try again as unprecedented demand! Mind you I think I was in such a dilemma at the time I might of mis heard the message.
I do understand how difficult it can be for staff when patient demand is so high though.
Fingers crossed 🤞 I will hear from my EP as soon as he can arrange something. In the meantime with the wonderful support and kindness from your good self and this AF family, I will get through this ‘bumpy’ patch.
Good morning Maril1,Thank you for your support , it has really helped. I know the staff are under pressure (I’m a retired nurse- 42 yrs in the profession), and it must certainly get overwhelming for them. Perhaps my visit was at a particularly difficult time.
Thank you for sharing - I am so sorry to hear of your recent experiences, I am sure all the Members on the Forum will indeed offer you support too. You did exactly the correct thing in seeking medical help at a time when you felt you needed it - this is especially so if you live alone . Sending you all the best for a speedy recovery.
Hello Tracy,Thank you so much for your advice and support. All the support I have received from the wonderful members of this forum has really given a tremendous boost.
I think I have been having a very difficult time getting to grips with the rotten condition, and my last episode has been especially distressing. But fingers crossed 🤞, as soon as I can get to see my EP I am hoping he will give me some advice or further treatment so that I can better manage things.
Thank you again Tracy for your kindness and understanding, it has really given my confidence a boost.
I’d be feeling a little sorry for myself too Shirley after going through all that, I hope you’re feeling a little better now. Iv noticed that my AFIB journey has been mixture of quiet times then acting up times.? So hopefully your in for some quiet time now. keep us updated on how your feeling and take care take it easy and hope to hear from you soon.x Ron.
Hello Maisiemay13,Oh thank you so much for your kindness and the hugs, it has really helped me to feel so much better. I no longer feel alone, thank you again.
This sounds like a nightmare attack and I do feel for you. I always try to manage my attacks at home now having had this condition for many years, but sometimes, if it is a really bad one, I get frightened and call 999. This is if I feel I'm about to pass out. The last time this happened was in June this year and I was whisked into resus immediately and the next 12 hours pumped full of everything they could think of in the effort to reduce my heart rate. I really lost track of time with it all. Eventually 24 hours later it returned to NSR and I was able to go home. However like yourself my back and bottom pain from the trolley have only just started to ease up now so my sympathies are with you.😍
Good morning reinaway,Thank you so much for your kindness and support, it certainly is a great help.
I am so sorry to hear you have also had a traumatic episode, and I do hope you are feeling better now.
With the wonderful support of yourself and the members of this forum, I am beginning to learn and understand so much more about this darn condition, and how best I can manage it. I can now better appreciate that if at all possible, managing an episode at home will be less stressful than ending up in A&E.
Thank you again for your kindness and support, take care and keep well and safe.
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