GP or nurse for meds?

[Barny12]

Hi all,

I've recently started to feel as though I'm constantly teetering on the edge of going into afib. Lying down in bed too quickly can bring it on, moving suddenly, walking up even the gentlest of slopes etc. I feel a little nauseous most of the time which I assume is linked to ectopics.

I was recently started on Bisoprolol 1.25mg, by my gp a few months ago, which helped initially but I'm back to square one now.

I'm guessing the next step will be more beta blockers, or Flecainide as my last ecg showed some bradycardia.

I'm not sure who to contact re meds as I'm not due to see my cardiologist til September, and i don't think a gp or an arrythmia nurse could prescribe Flecainide?

[baba]

"I feel a little nauseous most of the time which I assume is linked to ectopics"

Get it checked, it might be nothing to do with AF, Ectopics or medicines.

Re Medicines speak to your GP and/or Arrythmia nurse.

If you are bradycardic presumably you won't want to increase beta blockers.

[jeanjeannie50]

Your AF nurse could speak to your cardiologist and either get you an earlier appointment, or even perhaps permission to start you on Flecainide. Tell her all you have said here, my AF nurse was fantastically knowledgeable and helpful. She may call you in to have an ECG for the cardiologist to look at.

Jean

[Bagrat]

Arrhythmia nurse will have access to Consultant. May be able to sort something sooner if needs be.

[Barny12]

Thanks all.

[pottypete1]

I was told by my EP that the swiftness route to see him was via the Arrhythmia Nurses.

When I went into Atrial Tachycardia about 5 years ago I contacted the arrhythmia nurses and my EP took me in for an Adenosine Challenge within 5 days and that established conclusively the underlying problem I had. I had to get an ECG done at my GO Surgery and email it to them.

They subsequently admitted me a few weeks later for yet another ablation which has ultimately improved my quality of life immensely.

Pete

[Jajarunner]

In my experience, the Afib nurses have a direct route to the EP/cardiologist and will liaise with him to prescribe. They seem to know just as much these days anyway so I'd start with the arrythmia nurses. Good luck x

[2learn]

what is an Afib nurse. Been in Afib since 2013 and never come across one. I take 5gm bisoprolol even after a successful ablation and pacemaker. My doc says 1.5gm is a placebo and doesn't work. Being in afib is unpleasant but you have to live with it. Cardoversions and ablations only act on a temporary basis for me then back into afib and beta blockers. if its permanent as mine is the medics cannot fix, only hope to alleviate.

[pickypolly2]

Flecainide helps some people but it made me have more attacks so stopped it. I hope you feel better soon.