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