AF for 3rd time in 26 months

[Norfolk_spaniel]

Had to go to A&E on Sunday, referred by 111 as I went into AF and was exhausted and breathless. After a very long wait, the doctor told me that he had spoken to the cardiologist and I have a heart defect and another cardioversion would not work. This was despite the cardiologist telling me in April that there was nothing wrong with my heart and to go to A&E if I got AF again. I was sent away with flecainide and Soltalol (beta blockers despite being asthmatic) and told to see my GP within 2 weeks. I feel awful, very nauseous, very tired, dizzy and headache. I just don't know where to turn, I have a GP appointment in 10 days time, the first one I can get.

[Jalia]

This all seems rather shambolic. Did you ask exactly what this heart defect was? That's a long time to wait to speak to your GP with a heart problem.My advice to you is to fork out for a private consultation (£250?) with an EP ( Electrophysiologist ie cardiologist specialising in heart rhythm disorders ) and thereby get to see exactly what is going on with your heart. You should find this is money well spent .

Regards

J

[Norfolk_spaniel in reply to Jalia]

Thanks Julia. I saw the A&E doctor at 3 in the morning. I had been up for 23 hours and driven over 300 miles. I was tired and desperate to get home.

[Singwell in reply to Norfolk_spaniel]

A and E at that time.of day or weekends completely shambolic and just want to make sure we don't die and then get rid of us as quickly as possible. If there's something on record about 'heart defect' it'll be from an echo cardiogram or similar so you need to ask for the evidence. Call the hospital at cardiology, tell them you want to see those records at your GP in time for the appointment.

Hope you're more stable now. That said I'm going to second WilsonD advice to get a Kardiamobile so you're more in control of things for yourself. AF is very frightening at first so this might help. I'd also talk to your GP about management when AF kicks off - what to look out for, hydration etc.

[wilsond in reply to Jalia]

Exactly xx

[wilsond]

In my opinion you need a proper diagnosis. Very vague description here.An EP usually charges 150-250 for initial consultation. Then can transfer you to NHS list if need be.

Well worth it to at least know what you are talking about.

If you can,get an ecg done at GPs,or a Kardia reading ( small device costs around 100.00 sits on phone gives ecg reading)

Beta blockers such as Bisoprolol can cause issues..what dose are you on and why? Is your heart rate especially high?

Now.

AFib , although distressing and scary is not in itself a life threatening condition,although feels like it to many.

You will get to the stage where you see it it as really annoying and inconvenient rather than OMG I'm going.....

So there are things we can consider...

Best wishes and positive thoughts x

[Batigol]

Is there not another Hospital you can get to? I have 2 kind of near one is useless the other, a big teaching hospital, treats with cardioversion as a matter of fact almost

[Norfolk_spaniel in reply to Batigol]

This was a big teaching hospital. Next nearest hospital is 40 miles away.

[ObiDyer]

Should be on blood thinner too..

[secondtry]

Definite private appointment with a trusted cardiologist!

[Jajarunner]

Go back to A&E, or better still a big trauma hospital. Don't hold back on your symptoms and don't be stoic. Or you could perhaps, if affordable, see a private EP cost me,two years ago, £250 and he referred me back into the NHS for an urgent cardioversion and then an urgent ablation all during the first lockdown.I have been trapped in your situation three times by my local hospital (seems some hospitals don't like during CVs at all)and I feel your pain. I hope you get sorted out soon x

[Norfolk_spaniel in reply to Jajarunner]

I was seen at a big teaching hospital, nearest trauma hospital is 100 miles away. I can afford to see a private EP but the nearest one is 50 miles away. However, I have seen a GP this morning. She also did not understand why I was treated as I was. I am now waiting for a phone call to go into my local hospital for a cardioversion. Thank goodness for a good GP.

[Ppiman in reply to Norfolk_spaniel]

Your GP should know what the heart problem was, too, as it will be in your electronic notes (or should be).

Steve

[Norfolk_spaniel in reply to Ppiman]

Nothing in my notes. Gp rang hospital who think the on call cardio misread the notes. Cardiology to investigate!!!!!

[Ppiman in reply to Norfolk_spaniel]

Nothing surprises me. My cousin recently had a TURPS op and the ECG sowed something odd, which he was told about - but neither the prostate op nor the ECG are mentioned on his NHS notes.

Steve

[Jajarunner in reply to Norfolk_spaniel]

Great news. Pleased for you xx

[Fullofheart]

Sounds like things are looking up. Very best of luck!!

[Snowgirl65]

I don't mean to be overly critical, but I can't see that an on-call A&E doctor consulting with a cardiologist in the wee hours of the morning could verify you having a heart defect. How on earth would he come to that conclusion? Can you possibly schedule some proper tests with an EP in the near future?

[Norfolk_spaniel]

I have a cardioversion and consultation with an electrophysiological tomorrow

[Batigol in reply to Norfolk_spaniel]

Excellent hope it goes well