Need urgent advice : Hi guys. I’m in a... - Atrial Fibrillati...

Atrial Fibrillation Support

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Need urgent advice

Elli86 profile image
81 Replies

Hi guys. I’m in a real rubbish situation and I need some help. We came away on holiday on Thursday and are currently in the middle of France. Friday morning about 4 in the morning my daughters heavy headphones hit the floor of the Campervan and woke me suddenly and I’ve been in af since. It’s the first time I’ve been in af since February last year and I was starting to think (stupidly) that I may have seen the last of it. This is the longest I’ve been in af that I have a record of as it’s now over 24hrs. My episodes usually last between 8-18ish hours. Now I’m stuck in France and I don’t know what to do? I have travel insurance but I have no idea if it will cover the cost of a cardio version. I’ve taken the max dose of bisop yesterday at 10 mg and apart from slowing my heart rate it hasn’t put me back in sinus rhythm. I’m aware bisop isn’t usually a rhythm control drug but for me it usually does the job fairly quickly. Yesterday when it happened we continued to travel further south as we’re on our way to Spain. Usually when I go into af I just lay down take my meds and wait for it to pass and am now kicking myself that that’s what I should have done 🤷‍♂️ I really don’t know what to do now? Do I visit A&E in France and probably get a huge bill for a cardio version, do I head home or do I rest completely in the van and see if it passes that way but then risk being over 48 hrs and still in the middle of France in a camper? Any advice/help you can give would be great as I’m starting to panic a bit now that I may have made a royal c**k up that could cost me massively in the long run 🤦‍♂️

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Elli86 profile image
Elli86
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81 Replies
Elli86 profile image
Elli86

thanks for swift reply. Yes I’m aware it can have major implications but it’s severely unlikely to cost your life. Especially at my age. I’m only 36 and don’t even have the chadvasc score to require blood thinners. I’m just worried that if I leave it too long I may end up with more scar tissue and risk this happening more and more again. I had an ablation in aug 2021 and outside of other issues it’s caused I atleast thought it had controlled the af. Clearly not though

Gumbie_Cat profile image
Gumbie_Cat

I would be inclined to go to A&E. There is some reciprocal health insurance with European countries, but I’m not sure if you can get this without having a Global Health Insurance (GHIC) card. These have replaced the old EHIC cards, but really just cover EU countries still.

Even having to pay it might be worth it, as you’re not going to enjoy that holiday if you’re still worrying.

Elli86 profile image
Elli86 in reply toGumbie_Cat

hi gumbie. Thanks for the response. We have global health insurance cards. Do you know if this would cover the cost of a cardio version? I will obviously pay if I have to though though I literally have no idea how much this would cost or how good/reliable the healthcare is in France

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer in reply toElli86

Have you always been cardioverted? I have never even been offered one in my life and never in any A&E. I am guessing this is what your EP told you to do to give ablation best chance of working? I think it would be really unlikely you would be offered one without access to your full medical history - unless your life were in immediate danger and you are on anticoagulants?

Wilsond & MummyLuv give good advice - go for good hydration and electrolyte balance - that would normally be first line treatment in A&E anyway. If your rate is controlled then as long as you keep calm and give yourself time to recover it is incredibly unlikely that anything bad will happen.

Your options would be to find a local hospital or clinic and get checked out.

Ring your arrythmia nurse or clinic in UK and ask for advice.

Sit it out, keeping calm and doing some breathing exercises.

24 hours really isn’t that long a time to be in AF, many people live in permanent AF and live well - as long as your HR is controlled. Can you monitor your HR?

DawnTX profile image
DawnTX in reply toCDreamer

I realize you haven’t had this happen before, but it really isn’t very long. I had gone about 10 months in a fib as well as tachycardia, and I’m still here now with a pacemaker. I never went to the emergency room. I tend to ride it out. I realize being away from home is scary but you’re going to see a lot of people here that have had it much longer than 24 hours. It sounds like you’re at the very beginning of everything you should get to chat with some people here and learn as much as you can. You may have heard already there is no cure for afib. It also tends to get worse not better eventually they will figure yours out. As mentioned you are young, not, but that it does not feel bad. It does no matter what our age. Best of luck. If that worried perhaps to head hope is best if an option.

Gumbie_Cat profile image
Gumbie_Cat in reply toElli86

I’m afraid I don’t know, as I’ve never been given one in A&E. They might just check you out enough for more peace of mind to continue on your travels.

Blood thinners would be based other comorbidities. I get them for being a female over 65. They go by things like blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes etc.

mike1961 profile image
mike1961 in reply toElli86

Your Global IC should afford you access to whatever treatment is available in an emergent situation to a French national. This should include a DCCV but if it were me I’d lay it in a bit symptom-wise so that it is emergent! Keep us posted. Hopefully you’re back in NSR by now anyway.

ETHEL103 profile image
ETHEL103 in reply toElli86

Hubby spent 5 weeks in a French hospital in 2012. They saved his life.I hope their health system hasn't gone the way of ours .Treatment was first class but it was expensive.Very best of luck whatever you decide idea.

kkatz profile image
kkatz in reply toElli86

You don't say how you feel is your heart rate very high?The a & e would decide on CV. I would guess they would probably try rhythm control first.And using your GHiC probably means paying what the locals pay.

In the same situation I would ask myself what would I do at home.

But if you are just starting a long holiday I would get it checked out .

Tapanac profile image
Tapanac in reply toElli86

unfortunately it’s not a case of just popping to hospital to have a cardioversion. They have to set up a mini theatre etc. are you in tachycardia (very fast heartbeat) as well?? Too much bisoprolol coukd slow your heart down too much if not.

They might just give you a drip to help.

Again try to be calm. Not easy especially if you are away from home

I would add that we have friends live in France snd hechas had heart problems since he was 34 and the French hospital snd doctors are brilliant. They have kept him going so far and is 81

Lol x

MWIC profile image
MWIC in reply toElli86

Understand healthcare in France is shockingly good - Do you know what your heart rate is at?

ian16527 profile image
ian16527 in reply toElli86

Healthcare in france is usually excellent

Coco51 profile image
Coco51 in reply toElli86

My son went to hospital with a broken hip last year. The GHIC paid for all the medical treatment! So don't worry on that score.

Elli86 profile image
Elli86

I’ve taken another 5mg bisop this morning already. Hoping that does the job 🙏 I’m going to try the vagus manoeuvre and see if that can help as well. If not then I may need to bite the bullet and go to A&E

wilsond profile image
wilsond

AF is scary but it takes a long time for it to remodel the heart. I had two 6week continously in AF last year,before ablation. Some people are in permanent AF for years

It is very difficult but try to relax as anxiety will prolong the episode. The vagus maneuver and slow breathing really can help.

Being away from home exacerbates the anxiety of course!

You are in a good position with a zero Chadsvac score too.

Best wishes and hope the Beast quietens soon xx

Elli86 profile image
Elli86 in reply towilsond

Hi Wilson. Thanks for advice. Were you taking blood thinners while you were going through these episodes?

wilsond profile image
wilsond in reply toElli86

Had been on for several years,age,concomitant blood pressure issues and a TIA.

Hopefully you will be out of it soon xxx

meadfoot profile image
meadfoot

Oh dear, so sorry you are in this predicament. One thing for sure is the stress you are now going through will be contributing to the Afib and exacerbating it so a clear decision needs making.

Practical options, park up in France for an extra day, emotionally getting further and further away from home may make your anxiety worse especially if you are only half way to your destination. Are you near a town with a hospital, French health system is meant to be good. Personally I would give that a shot cost or no cost given you are staying in AFib longer than usual. Have you tried vagal manoeuvres and controlled deep breathing they help sometimes. Do you feel ill with the Afib, if you are having chest pain or feel faint then hospital is the best place. One thing is for sure anxiety and panic will most likely keep you in Afib longer, its all part of this condition. I assume you have travel insurance if so use it rather than travel further in distress.

Are you keeping well hydrated, you need to keep taking fluids preferably water, there is a tendency to drink less while travelling so rectify that please.

Things to calm you a little. You have your family with you so not alone, you are in a civilised country be it France or Spain with good health systems who can and will support you. You are not in the middle of some rain forest so help is at hand. If you feel you want to continue your journey today google closest hospitals en route, it might give you some comfort knowing help is at hand, it all helps honestly it does I know from personal experience. Keep calm you are in a safe country and help is a phone call away if needed. Rest up emotionally and physically, try not to panic, easier said than done, but it will help you return to NSR more readily alongside your meds. This might sound silly but I recall once when on holiday parking up in a hospital car park when in fast Afib and just the act of being in a safe place, I snoozed awhile and woke up back in NSR, felt rubbish the rest of the day but at least the calm helped me return to NSR. Anything is worth a try when in an unusual scary situation. Make a plan to help your situation. Remember if you have chest pain or faintness then hospital please.

Let us know how things work out we will be wondering and supporting you. So hope you can revert to NSR and enjoy your holiday. Best wishes. 🥰

MummyLuv profile image
MummyLuv

hi there, as wilson says it takes a long time to remodel the heart. I was in persistent afib for at least 5 years and I had a moderately dilated left atrium but I’m not aware of excessive scar tissue. My heart was otherwise functioning normally. I am young although not as young as you. Please don’t stress about remodelling in such a short period. Sadly the stress could keep you in afib.

If you can’t rest up, if your rate is excessively high and/or it is affecting your function then head to A&E.

Good luck and please let us know how you are

Jalia profile image
Jalia

So sorry for you. I too have gone into fast AF when woken suddenly by a noise in the middle of the night.

Excellent advice from Meadfoot. I hope your travel insurance will suffice.

If your heart rate is very high I would head towards an A&E dept.

Do please let us know how you get on.

Best wishes

Jalia

Threecats profile image
Threecats

Hi Elli86

After no episodes for months, I’ve been in persistent AF since the beginning of February this year. Bisoprolol is controlling the rate and I’m able to function albeit a little more slowly than before but function none the less. I’m 57 so not on blood thinners yet. Apparently it’s not the length of time one is in AF but other problems one may have , such as high blood pressure, diabetes etc. that increases stroke risk. I have a cardiology appointment next week but have been waiting since February for that because, as my rate is controlled, it wasn’t considered an urgent referral.

Obviously, if you’re experiencing chest pain or other troublesome symptoms then a visit to a local hospital would be in order but, if you’re not then I would suggest relaxing and going “with the flow”, just at a slightly slower pace but then you are on holiday so hopefully aren’t rushing about anyway! There’ll be plenty of time to get sorted out once your back from your holiday.

All the best to you, TC

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50

These are all the tips for stopping AF that I’ve collected from this forum over the years:

I am a therapist in private practice for over 20yrs.One of my therapies is yoga based. Having quite an accurate knowledge of anatomy, neurology and physiology also having PAF I have found this technique helps me immensely when my heart is fluttering like crazy. Make yourself comfortable either on a bed or lying on the floor, position a pillow under you head, Raise your left arm in an extension position as if you are doing the backward crawl. Stretch as much as you can and imagine that it is stretching your heart muscle...I bend my arm and position my hand under my head palm upwards.. Stay in that position for as long as you can or until the fluttering subsides...At the same time I think of something pleasant. It does not matter what you think about as long as it is a pleasant thought for you. This stops my heart jumping about almost instantly....I also place my right hand over my heart area...Don't panic and just keep calm thinking pleasant thoughts....I do hope this helps you. Kind Regards. C

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As someone else who finds yoga breathing and some positions helpful, I would love to try (xxxx) suggestion, but lying down flat tends to make things worse for me. My most helpful position, taught me by a lovely yoga teacher, is based on a yoga forward bend. I sit up with my legs outstretched in front of me and a pillow under my knees, and then bend forward from the hips not the waist, with my arms relaxed but outstretched towards my ankles, and breath deeply and slowly. It's not so good on a full stomach and is more comfortable with your knees slightly apart, and I guess you have to be a bit flexible to find it comfortable, but it has proved to be a great help.

I agree with (xxxx) that staying calm and focusing on something pleasant is a must, and I've even fallen asleep like this as most of my episodes occur at night. All the best Liz

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Finally, like AV nodal re-entry, some people have recurrent rapid rhythms that are infrequent and easy to self-control by using various methods to increase neural slowing to the AV node (so-called, "vagal manoeuvrers"). Using these manoeuvrers, one can sometimes stop the arrhythmia. These manoeuvrers include:

Bearing down forcefully like you're having a bowel movement for 5-10 seconds, then slowly exhaling in the neck while lying down for approximately 5 seconds

Placing very cold (soaked in ICE water) cloth on the face abruptly.

Coughing forcefully

Rubbing the carotid artery (only one side at a time, never both)

___________________________________________________________________

There's a yoga breathing exercise that has worked for me before. Lie on your back, bend your knees up so they are above your hips and your lower legs are at 90 degrees. Take a breath in for a count of 4 then breathe out for a count of at least 8. As you breathe out, bring your knees into your chest so you curl into a ball. When you think you've got all the air out of your lungs, try and breathe out more! Breathe in again for 4 and release your legs out to the starting position. Repeat several times. It helps to reset the diaphragm and focus should be on a good long out-breath.

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So, after discovering that making myself sneeze stops Afib. I have discovered another novel way to stop an attack. It involves drinking a litre bottle of water while holding my nose. It's especially effective if I experience almost panic as I can't get a breath. I don't always finish the bottle but find that's not always necessary to gain the desired effect. Works especially well if I catch an attack early. Kenny

Please let me know if any of these procedures work.

Jean

LaceyLady profile image
LaceyLady in reply tojeanjeannie50

excellent Jeanjeannie50👍🏻

Lenaropes profile image
Lenaropes in reply tojeanjeannie50

Love all of these

etheral profile image
etheral

Excellent advice by all the posters who replied. However if none of these work, going to the nearest ER would be the safest bet. If you walked into my ER , would try some drugs and cardiovert you after an TOE if nothing else worked. Not worth taking a chance . etheral

Elli86 profile image
Elli86

thank you everyone who replied. Sorry I didn’t get back to all of you. I was asleep. Woke up still in af unfortunately but thought I would try a really hot shower. While in there i leant over and touched my toes for 3 minutes while deep breathing. By the time I returned to van I noticed I felt a little different. Still exhausted but that’s normal after the high dose of tabs and also the extra work my hearts been doing. Anyway I checked my watch and I’m back in 😁😁😁👍👍👍 thanks again to everyone that replied.

Jean you can add that one to your list now 🤣

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply toElli86

I will give it some thought, a neighbour who's a nurse told me she bends to touch her toes when she has AF and it goes, but I know of someone else with AF who while in bed bent to wipe up tea she had spilt on the floor and had a massive stroke, she is now in a wheelchair!

I would often find that when I started getting ready to go to A&E with a long AF attack, a shower would put me back into normal sinus rhythm.

Pleased that you're back to normal. Enjoy your holiday.

Jean

Jalia profile image
Jalia in reply toElli86

Great news! What a relief for you all 😀

Handel profile image
Handel in reply toElli86

👍👍 xxxxx

VeeWat profile image
VeeWat

this won’t help for now but in future France has the best ablation group in Bordeaux. The head used to be a Dr Haissaguerre but may now be Dr Jain. Not sure.

A number of Brits have gone to that group for the AF ablation procedure and have had excellent results.

Elli86 profile image
Elli86 in reply toVeeWat

thanks for the advice I will definitely bare that in mind. Hopefully I won’t need it but I feel it’s inevitable one day 🤦‍♂️ if humanity lasts that long

iris1205 profile image
iris1205 in reply toVeeWat

Yes, vive la France! Dr Haissaguerre, I believe was the originator of the RF Ablation techniques!

VeeWat profile image
VeeWat in reply toiris1205

have you gone to them?

iris1205 profile image
iris1205 in reply toVeeWat

no, but the Dr who did mine was trained by Dr Haïssaguerre!

javo123j profile image
javo123j

I know we are all different but my bouts of afib last between 5 and 12 days. I was told to carry on as normally as possible as long as heart rate is not too fast. I'm not sure you would get a cardioversion if you went to a hospital. It depends how ill it is making you. Hope you get back in Sinus rhythm soon

Elli86 profile image
Elli86

I’m already back in sinus 😁 but to answer your point it makes me very ill. I’m highly symptomatic and can’t function at all hardly when in af. I’m like a version of myself running at 10%. In other words utterly useless, moody, short tempered and weak.

Peony4575 profile image
Peony4575 in reply toElli86

same

in reply toElli86

Good to hear this news.

Keep some magnesium taurate in your bag of pills.. this always settles rhythm related issues in most cases…

Blood thinners are hit and miss but look into Nattokinase lots of information coming out now due to vaccine reactions causing rhythm issues.. the go to treatment seems to be Nattokinase.

Silky57 profile image
Silky57 in reply to

Nattokinase research seems very interesting. Thanks for highlighting.

TonyB1972 profile image
TonyB1972 in reply to

Jomico, look at this research too, interesting. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

in reply toTonyB1972

It’s a no brainier… what people never realise is fibrin occurs AFTER inflammation and infection…in every case that’s why we succumb from diseases ending in ITIS or an OSIS….fibrosis can mess up the function of any major organ... And this stuff makes your body produce an enzyme to dissolve such problems… works on any internal scar tissue too.

It’s why Japanese live long and healthy.

Jalia profile image
Jalia in reply toElli86

I'm the same...no good to man or beast!

foxglove1 profile image
foxglove1

yes I agree with veeWat about the hospital in Bordeaux. It’s very well known for its good reputation dealing with cardiac ablation success. The French have a good health system too.

Concerned99 profile image
Concerned99

Hi, I hope you are in sinus now. Don’t you have a pill in the pocket with you?

opal11uk profile image
opal11uk

Both France and Spain have excellent health care facilities, so ring your insurance company, let them know what has happened and then go to the local hospital.

Thomas45 profile image
Thomas45

Before seeking medical advice I'd phone the insurance company. It could save you money. I had paroxysmal AF for about 18 years before it became permanent My longest episodes were around 21 hours when I was paroxysmal, and it always self reverted to normal sinus rhythm.

I'd try to relax and to ensure you sleep well. Because I am asthmatic I was only prescribed beta blockers once, before they caused an exacerbation of asthma with emergency admission to hospital. Now I only take my anticoagulant, Warfarin being my choice..

Vrouse profile image
Vrouse

If you have told your insurance company everything about AF then you would he covered for whatever treatment is required.

Ppiman profile image
Ppiman

I think it really does come down to how well you are feeling. As I understand matters, the treatment of AF is usually only for the relief of symptoms as the heart is able to experience extended atrial arrhythmias (even permanent AF) without coming to harm. The important clinical aspect is to reduce tachycardia to below 100bpm since extended high heart rates can weaken the left ventricle over time (and are also often very symptomatic), hence the use of bisoprolol and similar.

Eventually, the atria will relax back into normal sinus rhythm, and you'll be fine. As you say, bisoprolol can be an anti-arrhythmic in the sense that slowing the heart can bring its rhythm back into NSR. 5mg followed by rest is usually sufficient to do this in my experience. 10mg can slow the heart rather far and, when the heart resumes NSR, the slowed heart can be itself symptomatic, with chest aches and similar. I find bisoprolol has an extended effect well into the second day.

Your travel insurance most certainly should cover any treatment required, and the system is France is generally very good indeed.

Let's hope by the time you read these replies that you are back to enjoying your holiday in one of the best countries in the world. Vive la France!

Steve

FindingCaradoc profile image
FindingCaradoc

I presented at Fort William A&E many years ago when my AF was first formally diagnosed-they cardioverted me with intravenous Flecanide so much simpler than a shock job (stayed in overnight and carried on with my walking holiday the next day) - no idea what they might do in France or if Flecanide is an option for you, but may not need to be expensive, although either way I’d personally make that a secondary consideration-hope it works out 🤞

Nugger profile image
Nugger

I've had 3 cardioversions until i was prescribed flecanide,i now have converted myself,twice using flec & bisop

secondtry profile image
secondtry

If its hospital head to Bordeaux - world centre of excellence for AF the last time I looked. Plenty to do for the rest of the family while you get the best treatment 🤞.

in reply tosecondtry

Yes Bordeaux is a heart specialty hospital.

Where are you now? I am in the Charente area and may be able to help you.

Singingforever profile image
Singingforever

I am late to this party! - but glad to hear it has settled. Your age is no protection against stroke in this situation so you need to talk with GP when you get back home. My AF is only occasional but I have been on Rivaroxaban for a long time and it was made clear to me that PAF is a higher risk factor for stroke than continuous AF.

I always have travel insurance with declared PAF.

I am hoping that the rest of your holiday goes without hitch - but I have used the French health system and it is excellent. Don't know about Spain!

Tplongy profile image
Tplongy in reply toSingingforever

PAF? = Persistent AF?? Also what difference then between that and continuous AF (or is this Permanent AF?)

Singingforever profile image
Singingforever in reply toTplongy

PAF = paroxysmal AF. In other words it only happens now and again.

Tplongy profile image
Tplongy in reply toSingingforever

Thanks. Lots of people abbreviate on this forum and its kind difficult to sift thru for us newbies!😀

Tplongy profile image
Tplongy in reply toTplongy

Now seen the Medical Abbreviations and Acronyms page, very useful!

Montsauton profile image
Montsauton

Just to confirm what's previously been said, France has an excellent healthcare system. I should know I lived there for 14 years and that included a major operation. Returning to the UK I could not believe how poor the system here is in comparison. So yes, don't hesitate to go to hospital in France, if necessary.

chesson profile image
chesson

Glad Jean's solution worked for you. Just a note for other readers regarding cardio-version in France. I've lived there off and on for many years and have a CV done there. In general they apply the rule that the CV can only be done within 24-48 hours of the onset of AF without undergoing a transoesophageal ultrasound (TOE). After this period, anticoagulation is required and a TOE. Also, deep or complete sedation is the norm which usually requires a night in hospital for observation after the CV. A good article on CV was publish in the BJA academic.oup.com/bjaed/arti.... Hope you never need one.

Tplongy profile image
Tplongy in reply tochesson

just to say my CV I was in theatre 30 mins in total including recovery from the anaesthetic, I was under a total of 10 minutes. I was under obs very half an hour but back home and fine (it failed btw) 4 hours later....I guess everyone is different

Mugsy15 profile image
Mugsy15

I'm pleased to read you're back in sinus rhythm and hope you can now get on with enjoying your holiday.

If, however, you have a recurrence, please don't take any notice of the scaremongering at the beginning of this thread. AF is unpleasant of course, but it is not going to kill you as has been suggested by some! As others subsequently pointed out, it is not AF that causes stroke in those susceptible, it's the 'company that it keeps'. You don't have any of those co-morbidities and can safely get on with life whilst in AF.

Although well-meaning, those people telling you to rush to hospital or you may die are simply adding fuel to the AF fire by causing alarm and stress that is completely unwarranted and may even cause recurrence.

My advice is to relax and enjoy beautiful France, with or without AF!

Karendeena profile image
Karendeena in reply toMugsy15

Mugsy15 well said!! 😊

Tapanac profile image
Tapanac

only being in AF for 24 hours that’s not really too bad, BUT you may not necessarily need a cardioversion as if you went to the nearest large hospital they may be able to give you a pill like flecainide to get you back in nsr more quickly or most likely intravenous flecainide

I’m so sorry you holiday is being spoiled

All the best

Pat

Karendeena profile image
Karendeena

I would just try and forget about it and let it pass. I was told to do this by my EP unless I felt particularly unwell, breathless or pains in the chest. My episodes go on for 30 hours plus before reverting to NSR and my heart rate is always well over 100bpm

HarrySubs profile image
HarrySubs

Worrying will only exacerbate the situation. You will not drop dead. Try to remain calm. Bisop will probably not help as it is not a rhythm regulator. You do need help with a rhythm regulator to get you back to sinus rhythm. I was in AF for many weeks (maybe months) and felt the dread we all get. You will not die if it not suddenly looked at.... Just feel very ill with impending doom and lack of power. After I took my starter dose of Amiodarone, I was back in rhythm within a day. This was after being in AF for such a while. I have been on a mild dose for years now. I have avoided Cardio-version and a Catheter Ablation and still ticking along merrily despite one dogged consultant who thought this was the only way ahead 6 years ago. Stress MUST be avoided and all endevours to reduce it taken which help you whether this is chilling laid out or avoiding triggering foods. Best wishes. Blood Thinners / Cardioversion / statins and Catheter Ablations come with their own problems.... Lots of Garlic / Lemon Juice will thin your blood

GranmaWendy profile image
GranmaWendy

the first episode I ever had ocured on holiday in France, we went to A&E and I must say, they were EXCELLENT at dealing with it. I lost 24hrs of the hol, but was able to carry on and enjoy the rest. dont hang about, get sorted

Tarikor profile image
Tarikor

Mate, the longer you are in AF, the more likely you are stay in AF. Permanent AF is not a joke, so take yourself to the closest hospital (any hospital in France and Spain will do, they are mostly modern and very competent, some are even world class) and get cardio-verted. You should have travel insurance and that should cover whatever stay. If you have pill in pocket, use it. I was very successful with Flecainide 200mg in one go when I had any AF episode. Normally takes between 60 to 90 minutes to do the full effect. Don't stress out and in case it is due to low potassium, take some electrolytes (AVOID artificial sweeteners like aspartame, avoid caffeine and any other stimulants).

Hope this helps and get well soon!

Flossie72 profile image
Flossie72

if it is any help, I had my first bout of a fib while on holiday in France. Took myself to the small local hospital and was amazed and delighted by the superb treatment. They settled the bout, I was monitored constantly and released with bisoprolol and ramipril, all my test results and instructions to see my gp when I got home.

From memory, my husband and I were delighted and surprised at how cheap everything was. I hope this is reassuring for you. I would think the French health system is a lot healthier than ours at the moment

LaceyLady profile image
LaceyLady

my Gp says cardio version doesn’t work.

I had my first episode since Oct 21’ Tuesday away on residential course🙄 next day not too bad but Thursday was awful all day and had to get husband to come get me as I’d driven. I got 2 small soft drink bottles with frozen water under each arm pit helps. Lay breathing nose through mouth slowly to help calm. I refused the college to go to hospital and spend it in a&e for hours, no use.

Try all relaxation techniques. Cold showers etc

BlueINR profile image
BlueINR

I would be inclined to err on the side of caution. A bill can always be paid off, with health it doesn't always happen work out that way. I would say get yourself seen. ASAP.

Age and "scores" have nothing to do with needing anticoagulation meds. Even infants have had strokes. If you're inclined to have afib, you should discuss with your doctor about being anticoagulated. Afib usually can be treated far easier than a stroke and a stroke could have devastating results. This is a game of chance you don't want to be playing

timetabler profile image
timetabler

The idea that the French medical system is good may be a Myth.

I had the worst hospital experience of my life in 2022 in Perpignan ...even though I speak French well and I was paying.

my experience so far has been: Atrial fibrillation for about two years. And then it elevated into atrial flutter staying at about 160 bpm.

That’s when I knew I needed to see a cardiologist about it. So I saw my doctor and she referred me to an electrophysiologist. I had not been on any anticoagulants (except natural ones such as nattokinase and lumbrokinase) so the electrophysiologist insisted that I start taking Eliquis. He wanted to do a cardioversion, but he wanted to wait four weeks for the Eliquis to thoroughly condition my blood, so it would not clot. I guess he didn’t trust or know anything about the supplements.

four weeks later, he did a cardioversion, and Heart went into sinus rhythm.

A week or so later heart went back into atrial fibrillation. A couple weeks later, he did a cardiac ablation and heart went back into sinus rhythm.

A few weeks after that first cardiac ablation, my heart went into atrial flutter.

A couple weeks after that, he did a second cardiac ablation which seems to have a eradicated the atrial flutter tendency.

It has been two months since the most recent procedure, and after those two ablations and one cardioversion, I am still on Eliquis and heart is still in sinus rhythm.

But… heart was briefly in atrial flutter within the first 2 weeks after the second ablation and he put me on metoprolol tartrate 25 mg every 12 hours and that seems to have done the trick.

if you are experiencing AF, it seems that the most important immediate thing to do is ensure you don’t get blood clots by taking an anticoagulant.

As long as you are taking an effective anticoagulant, and don’t feel too awful because of the AF, there is no hyper urgency to get the AF zapped or ablated.

porsche profile image
porsche

Hi Elli, do you have a heart failure nurse in the UK? You could try ringing the team or speaking to your GP for advice. I’m sure they will say the same as most of us, seek medical advice in France. If they suggest treatment then call your insurance company & take it from there. Your health is much more important than a holiday.

play it safe and get to emergency and on the way you might start to feel better knowing you are doing something rather than panicking and making your self worse. It is easy for all of us to stay calm down and breathe but hard to do.

2learn profile image
2learn

Go to french A&E they will be better and less crowded compared with NHS. NHS docs do not have copyright on AF knowledge or experience.

Janith profile image
Janith

Go to A & E immediately … if you have to pay for a cardio version… oh well … what is more important? Your life, or your money? You shouldn’t even think about it. Best, Jan Maree

JOY2THEWORLD49 profile image
JOY2THEWORLD49

Hi

You are taking Bisoprolol. Are you taking a anti.co.agulant? You should be on one.

If you haven't told travel insurances that AF is in the background, you will not be

covered.

I am in AF persistently. Nothing wrong with that. Finally controlled 2 years 3 mths later from diagnosis with CCB Calcium Channel Blocker.

What is your H/Rate?

Under 100 you could continue your stay in France.

It's about how you feel.

cheri JOY

Brianboru profile image
Brianboru

Get some medical help ! Your travel insurance will cover you if you were deemed fit for travel beforehand. It’s something I ensure myself. When back home enquire about a pacemaker. It gave me a normal life back !!!

PICCASO profile image
PICCASO

Ehic card and public hospital

valwin profile image
valwin

Hi how are you now. We are just heading off to France

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