Flutter & Afib

I'm in permanent fib for last 8 years. Recently getting a flutter. No pain or discomfort just a bit weird. Came off of Bisoprolol and Amlodipine couple of years ago due to side effects. Doctor agreed.

I know I have to make another appointment but would like to arm myself with some knowledge before. Never seem to get anywhere with this subject. An otherwise fit active 69 year (walking for over an hour daily) Doc told me I was told too old for ablation or EP referral. Seems a lack of interest except back to these meds which knock me out and leave me without energy. Currently take Apixiban (anticoagulant) and Losartan for (high bp). Any advise based on experience is welcome.

[Jalia]

Too old for ablation??! I hardly think so unless you have some other health issues. I had my 4th ablation 7 months ago at the age of 76.

Do have a good read of all the excellent literature available on the AF Associstion website . Then go armed with some knowledge and request to be referred to an EP as is your right.

[Hidden in reply to Jalia]

Thanks in good health apart from this.

[CDreamer]

Whilst I agree that there is no age restriction for ablation I think your history of 8 years in persistent AF makes you an unlikely candidate for a successful ablation. Having said that, a cardioversion would establish whether or not NSR would be possible?

[Hidden in reply to CDreamer]

Thanks you 👍

[wilsond]

First of all,I would contact your GP and query this . Ridiculous comment by him/ her. You have the right to a referral to a specialist. This may take a while on the NHS but meantime,I would also ,if funds allow,contact an EP for a private appointment. Costs circa 200.00 get appointment within few days/ week. Then they will transfer you to their NHS list (You can always cancel any appointments made by NHS referral if it comes through)

Best thing I ever did as my GP at the time was as much use as a comb for a bald man !

Then you will be assured that you have a proper , informed,diagnosis.

It makes me so angry to read this.

Hope you get on ok ,let us know

Best wishes xx

[Hidden in reply to wilsond]

Good advise re the appointment with an EP. Thats my best bet. My GP sounds like yours

[wilsond]

Plus the fact that your arrthymia has changed somewhat ,GP should investigate this by referral to an EXPERT! Different meds for that ,and also ablation is the best course of treatment for this and is very successful.

[Hidden in reply to wilsond]

Thanks for that. 👍

[Vrouse in reply to wilsond]

I too am in permanent AF and told by my EP that ablation is not an option after failed cardioversion. I'd get a referral to EP, GP's are not experts, they know a little about alot...

[MummyLuv in reply to Vrouse]

It is worth you researching surgical ablation to see if this is an option for you as this gets better results for long term afib. You will find info under Totally Thoroscopic Maze.

[Hidden in reply to MummyLuv]

Thats interesting I have a feeling that ablation wont work as I have been in PAF for a long time. Need to take this in my own hands as GP is not really helpful or more likely lacking in knowledge. Checking out Totally Thoroscopic Maze. Many Thanks 😀

[mjames1]

You are not too old to see an EP. You need to see one to best figure out your options moving forward.

[Hidden in reply to mjames1]

Thanks that's encouraging to know. Working on it now

[irene75359]

I would go further and say your doctor has been negligent and continues to be in his refusal to refer you to an EP. I am assuming that at some time your AF was paroxysmal when you were much younger and more routes would have been open to you then. I agree with the others, please see an EP, even privately. I saw an EP privately six years ago and he agreed with the regime I was on, but stressed to me that if my AF changed in any way to return to see him. Best of luck.

[Hidden in reply to irene75359]

Thanks EP is the way. I will wait for an appointment with the GP and end up getting nowhere. Anyone in Scotland know of an EP preferably Edinburgh ?

[irene75359 in reply to Hidden]

You would be better asking that as a new post, more people will get to see it. There was some discussion of the best EPs and I am sure Scotland was covered but I can't find it now.

[Hidden in reply to irene75359]

Thanks good idea

[addieBaby2004]

I too am in permanente AFib… I do not have a problem. I am noticing that if I put my feet up and watch TV I fall asleep . I asked my Dr about permanent AFib if it is harmful to my heart to stay in permanent AFib, he said no. At one point my heart was beating too fast and he gave me meds to slow it down.

[Hidden in reply to addieBaby2004]

Same falling asleep in the chair while watching TV. But maybe the content of the what's on or just advancing years

[Hidden]

Hello ScotRun

Hope you are well~

I also wouldn't settle for that answer. Having said that, can you elaborate on "flutter"? I have been in permanent afib for a year now & I get the flutter occasionally but usually when I don't drink enough water or have coffee (I know but I gave up everything else lol & I don't over do it.) In other words, it's not enough to change meds for me. (Verapimil, eliquis only)

Have you worn a monitor for a few days recently. Maybe it's something minor & you can tolerate it versus the meds knocking you out? I also take losartan like you.

I would fight for an EP appt!

Take care~

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

The flutter comes and goes throughout the day. Some days more than others interestingly never when active out walking etc !! I have applied to see an EP today. It's with Spire I will pay the initial consultant fee and see what comes next. Not going to afford long term private patient fee. Never tried a monitor maybe that will be suggested. Good point about the fluid intake throughout the day never knew about that as a possible cause of flutter. Actually started recently drinking coffee again oops. Read somewhere it's good for you ! I have learned more on here than with any GP