Do I need to be checked out

[MalcolmCClark]

Hi

I had an AF episode a week ago and then went into fast Sinus with a heart beat of 140. 6 days later I went into Kings for a routine endoscopy for my 3 yearly verecies check for my liver cirrhosis. My heart was still tackicardic.

First they could not get the camera down my throat due to severe swallowing issues that I have so the endoscopy was abandoned and now being referred for a barium swallow on my swallowing action.

Disappointing but understandable however when I went back to endoscopy recovery they realised my heart was in a fast Sinus rhythm. I ended up being kept in and was found a bed on a ward.

Can I say that the endoscopy recovery team were brilliant they looked after me one on one and even three on one and even stayed hours after their shift ended to look after me untill I was moved to the main recovery room and then onto the ward. Recovery team stayed with me all the way until I was finally found a bed. I cant thank the recovery team enough.

Ok once on the ward I was given repeated large doses of digoxin and bisoprolol plus fluid via IV. After 4 days my heart rate came down to about 65. My normal rate is 50 but hey 65 is close enough. Anyway I was then discharged last night but my heart is now back in AF. My pulse feels likes its bouncing all over the place and I'm getting breathless.

After spending most of the easter weekend in Kings College Hospital I'm reluctant to go to AE at my local hospital in Medway.

My question is should I be concerned that my heart is still in AF but with a heart rate of about 65. I had ecg traces before discharge to confirm my AF but the doctors did not seem concerned.

I am waiting on ablation which has been postponed due to a high PTH blood test reading which the cardio team want investigating. I have been told that I have secondary hypothyroidism due to a stomach bypass I had 4 years ago and my body struggling to absorb nutrients including calcium, potassium, salenium and vit D.

So you see I have a completed medical history but my main concern at the moment is my AF. Should I get it checked out?

Ok everyone please let me have your thoughts.

[Hidden]

It’s a bit difficult to answer Malcolm because I’m not medically trained and you won’t need me to tell you, with one thing and another, there seems to be going on at the moment. If your heart rate with AF is 65 bpm, I wouldn’t have thought you have much to worry about as far as AF is concerned as it’s well within normal range. You don’t mention an anticoagulant but assuming you take one, you should be OK but if are not anti coagulated, then you need to discuss with your Doctor as soon as possible. Regarding the other issues, it will be interesting to hear what others say……..

[MalcolmCClark in reply to Hidden]

Hi thanks for replying Yes I'm on rivaroxaban 20mg and currently on bisoprolol 2.5 which I can adjust if needed.

I'm feeling light headed and my AF normally comes and goes so is unusual if it has become persistent.

I'm worried because I'm about to start a new job so the last thing I need is having to keep going to hospital.

[Hidden in reply to MalcolmCClark]

That’s good news about the anticoagulant. Unless you are experiencing chest pain we don’t normally suggest going to A&E as most folk are better off sitting it out in the comfort of their own home but your situation may well be different due to the other issues you are experiencing. If you really start to get concerned, try ringing 111 and talk it through with them. Even in the current climate they may err on the side of safety and suggest you go to A&E.

Easy to say I know, but try to relax, do a bit of deep breathing, make sure you are hydrated and maybe think about the new job - anything which may act as a diversion…….good luck

[stoneyrosed]

111 would be my first port of call, I would think they would recommend you get checked out at A & E which in the long run is a good thing, if only for peace of mind. Good luck.

[MalcolmCClark in reply to stoneyrosed]

Hi and thanks for replying. My AF has settled now but my pulse has steadied at 66 although my normal is about 50. My bp is about 105/66 which again is low for me. I know they all read in the normal range but they are not normal for me. Trouble is if I go to A&E they will wonder what the problem is. I am getting chest pains and my gtn only keeps it at bay for half an hour.Yes I'm getting stressed and that don't help either.

My ablation is still months away until my high pth levels have been dealt with.

I'm stuck

[stoneyrosed]

Ok, well I hope things settle down for you very soon. The NHS is there to take care of you so use it if you need it. All the best !

[MalcolmCClark]

Hi my AF finally settled after 2 or 3 days and I'm back to my normal slow Sinus rhythm. Now just a waiting game for my ablation however I am starting a new job which provides a difficult situation especially as my spinal surgeon also wants to carry decompression surgery on my neck.

Never ends