I've been having chest pain, sob at weird times (kitting up for the bike!) Fast heart rate, palps for nearly.6 months now. 24 hr tape showed PAF. But not been given a treatment or official diagnosis yet.
ACP wanted cardiology input. Perfusion scan showed nothing wrong structurally, so clearly faulty wiring somewhere in there.
I am feeling so emotional today. Cried several times which is not like me.
I'm really hoping I get some answers and a treatment and diagnosis Tomorrow. Think they will struggle to medicate me as I have a slow resting HR, 49/52.
Just wanted to reach out to peeps that might understand..
Thanks for listening.
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Cheryl2710
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Welcome to the club you never wanted to join. AF is a long journey but there are some great travelling companions here. Buckle up and enjoy the ride. Oh and cyber hugs to help the tears ((((( ))))).
Hi Cheryl. I had occasional bouts of PAF before it morphed to the more trustworthy persistent AF. My normal rate is slow, like yours, and never really soared, but I remember it was disconcerting: knowing that something was happening in there but not knowing what it was, or what I was doing to cause it to start.
I also had periods of bigeminy for weeks at a time, which for me, was more unsettling than my fairly benign AF - heavy thumps in the quiet of the night, then waiting for what seemed an age wondering if my heart would decide to beat again. We take for granted a miraculously reliable heart, and it's a surprise when it goes a bit wonky.
The good news is that you've had the problem diagnosed, and I'd assume you'll be prescribed an anticoagulant such as apixaban to help keep you safe - which I've found superb after unending faff and blood-tests from when I'd been taking Warfarin.
You are in the right place and people here will fully understand what you are going through. We have all been there at one time or another. Maybe jot down some questions you want to ask so you don’t forget. It is an emotional time and many tears have been shed by many others on here so you are not alone.
You may not have wanted to be here but by reaching out you have done the right thing, you are definitely not alone and we very much understand. Please let us know how you get on. Sending lots of hugs. xxx
Best of luck to you tmr! I’m dealing with issues of A-Flutter with crazy heart rate readings of 70-120…never know when it will happen. Kinda afraid to move these days. On beta blocker and blood thinner. Waiting to see a cardiologist…need to get an ablation (2nd one - first was for SVT). It all works out eventually.
Oh, I think the emotion that overwhelms you is something a few others among us could understand and have experienced. I wish at times I were different but being an emotional so-and-so has made me what I am and, well, I think for the better. I get it from my mother and that's no bad thing. I expect you know where you've inherited yours from.
I think all will go well for you given the background you describe, and, despite the current emotion, the over-riding feeling will be one of relief after your appointment. You'll be fine.
I can remember the start of my journey and totally understand your emotional experience. I know we are all so very different memory ( and heart wise ) but I regret not asking a number of questions during my first visit or not being clearer enough when being questioned. From that very first appointment onwards I always was more prepared as the appointments are like Gold Dust and need to be made the most of! Wishing you well,
Please don't let them fob you off. They probably won't but be prepared. I was 10 years with paroxysmal AF but because I had a low heart rate (53bpm) even when in AF and no structural issues found I was never considered for any treatment. Then 2 years ago I managed to get another consultation where they found first degree AV block and mild mitral valve regurgitation. I was put on Flecainide but not an anticoagulant - my CHAD score was 0. The Flecainide made a huge difference. Only after taking it did I realise how much I'd been going down hill without treatment. A year ago I had a TIA (mini stroke) so only then did they put me on an anticoagulant. Although nothing was found on the brain scan relating to the TIA, it took me a good 6 months to fully recover. I'm eventually down for an ablation, as the Flecainide is becoming less effective, but I wish I'd been more assertive in the early days. Ask about Flecainide. Ask about anticoagulation. Ask about ablation. Good luck.
I have a slow heart rate too, about 44, and have been where you are now. If I don’t take the beta blocker, my hr goes up to about 150, which I just can’t tolerate. I don’t actually feel bad with the low rate.
I have an appointment with the cardiologist in a fortnight, and don’t want to cancel it, but broke my leg badly 6 weeks ago, and still can’t put weight on it, so getting there will be a major operation, but I’ll get there!! The upside is that my hr hasn’t been so low since I broke it. But I wouldn’t recommend it. At all.
The slow breathing exercises sound like a good idea for you and try not to worry. Hope you get some helpful answers and find a drug regime that works for you. Good luck.
I was diagnosed with AF eighteen years ago - my resting heart rate is currently 44. Still alive at the age if 82. A pacemaker was recently considered by the consultants but disregarded for the time being.
Hi Cheryl - Best of luck with your appointment. I couldn’t wait 4 months + and went Private for Cardiology Appt - I also have a low HR and meds not an option for me due to a Heart attack last year- Cardiologist appt was brilliant - explained all and my options and now on a route to treatment - For me only route is ablation and currently on NHS awaiting list (but 7-9 months) so weighing up whether to wait it out or pay for it privately (but nearly £16K and May need it done twice) BUT key thing is I now understand that this is the route to hopefully getting rid of this damned thing so my positivity levels have increased massively
so many thought on the ablation procedure as a fix for Afib🤔 I had my 1st in June 2010 at the age of 57 years, 2nd September 2010 still 57 years. 3rd 2017 at 64 years. None of them worked but have left me with considerable scar damage. If I knew what I know now at 70 years I would probably not have had any, definitely not more than 1.
What Bob said 😊. Better to get answers, then be worried about what if. My first warning was waking up facedown on my concrete floor and then thinking I got to bed. I woke up again and found myself on my back in my bathroom with my head between the tub and toilet. I think the way that you will get answers is much better And we are all here for you. I can’t believe I was lucky enough to find this group from that day forward I knew I was not alone and had people that actually “get it “. Trying to explain to family members and friends is pretty useless so don’t get aggravated . Best of luck.
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