How long to wait

[Deb86290]

Have had my first bought of AF after initial diagnosis five years ago. Treated with cardio version and then 2 x 80 mg Sotalol and one Xarelto a day since then. Been going on for over 48 hours now. Utterly exhausted and have terrible headache. Blood pressure low. Should I seek medical input or wait it out? Any help gratefully received.

[jeanjeannie50]

Hi Deb, as it's making you feel so rough I would contact your GP today for advice. Hopefully, they will call you in and do an ECG to see what your heart is doing. As your BP is low, make sure you are drinking enough water.

Jean

[Deb86290 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thank you I will call this afternoon if there is no change. Thanks for the water tip

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Deb86290]

When I was in hospital once and my BP was low I was told to drink water. X

[malaekahana in reply to jeanjeannie50]

We overlook the value and importance of hydration in our bodies for all kinds of things--afib, included, I am convinced. Yes, Deb, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Good luck!

[Deb86290 in reply to malaekahana]

Good advice will do

[secondtry]

Headache could be oxygen levels? Maybe get an Oximeter, they are reasonably priced. Also best to monitor oxygen if you get Covid.

[Rubymurray25]

I was on the same level of medication for about three years and then told after a prolonged AF episode that the Sotalol was not longer working and had my meds changed to flecainide which did the trick for quite some time. I would push hard for a doctors appointment or phone chat asap . Good luck.

[Deb86290 in reply to Rubymurray25]

Ok thank you for the advice.

[Hidden in reply to Rubymurray25]

When the Sotalol started to fail, did you get a faster heart rate than before? If not, how was it determined that the medication was no longer effective?

[Rubymurray25 in reply to Hidden]

Yes faster heart rate in general leading to AF episodes and then cardioversion and new meds.

[Hidden in reply to Rubymurray25]

Thanks for replying. My reason for asking was that I've had ectopics and palpitations recently and thought Sotalol might be becoming less effective. But as my heart rate hasn't got faster my GP said that it probably wasn't the case. I suspect the problem is vaccine related.

[Hidden]

As it's suddenly appeared after five years they will probably want to review your medication, do blood tests and so on. As it's been running for 48 hours it would be best to contact your GP for advice.

[Deb86290 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. GP appointment booked.

[karim123]

Hi i been in sotalol for more than 8 years now but honestly iam ok still in af . I hade cardiaversion thats work only few month then back to AF . HOP THIS WILL HELP HVE A GOOD DAY

[Karendeena]

Hi Deb86920, hopefully by the time you read this you will have returned to NSR!I am the same, once in AF it goes on and on, often for 48 hours! Utterly exhausting and debilitating, my heart goes out to you.

I went into Afib on Monday just a few hours before I had a CT colonoscopy, it was awful heart rate over 150bpm and jumping all over thd place, was lightheaded but kept saying to mysrlf, it will pass and my EPs words going round in my head "this is not a life threatening condition", I eventually I reverted. I am on the same as you, sotalol. I really don't think people realise how upsetting this condition is.

My advice is 'sit it out' unless you have chest pain, shortness of breath or feel particularly unwell.

My last 3 episodes have been triggered by attacks of diarrhoea, which my EP thinks is linked to electrolyte imbalance.

[Deb86290]

Sorry to hear you are having a hard time of it.

This episode has been going on for five days now and has made me exhausted light headed and given me a crashing permanent headache. So my GP has decided to change

My meds and get me back into rythme and then I am booked to go back and see the cardiologist for re-evaluation.

Thank you for help.

[majjic]

After reading all the replies you have to your question....There's nothing i can add so will just wish you good luck and i hope you feel better soon.