Sorry me again

[tabletphobic]

Just to update, I now feel quite sick , still lightheaded but that turns to a headache. The pains I describe come and go. Would this happen if it was my afib playing up

[Teresa156]

Hi Tabletphobic,

I was just reading your previous post, so I’ve caught up now with what's been happening to you. I can see you have really been suffering and struggling with your GP as well. One thing that has struck me, is that it’s not clear from your posts, if you know if you are actually in Afib? Are you?

I think this is key, do you have a monitor? A smart watch or an ECG device that can tell you if you’re in Afib? Sorry if I’ve misunderstood anything along the way.

[tabletphobic in reply to Teresa156]

You're right I don't know, I do have a pacemaker that regulates it and the only time I feel what might be a fast heart rate is when my stomach sets it off and its not that often.

The doctor said to get a blood pressure monitor for a weeks readings from the chemist. I had noticed previously that you can get one that measures heart rhythm as well. When I mentioned this he said I'd just concentrate on the blood pressure one for now. I don't know why he'd say that if he thinks the problem is afib.

[Teresa156 in reply to tabletphobic]

Mmm. So you are paroxysmal in that it comes and goes. So you might not be in Afib and you are having these pains? I’m sorry to say this, but your GP doesn’t sound very helpful at all and sadly quite dismissive.

A lot of us have devices that aren’t watches, or as well as a watch called a Kardia that are very easy to use and you can take quick ECGs of your heart rate, easily, ( i rest mine in my knee) You can get them for around £100 from many places, including British Heart Foundation. They connect to your phone, via an app. They are better than using a blood pressure monitor for rhythm, I do suggest that you consider getting one. cardiologists can read the readings.

In the meantime, back to your pains, I know some do suffer with some pain even in Afib, but I don’t think it’s very common and not to the level you are suffering. I don’t know anything really about pacemakers but it really doesn’t sound right what you are going through,

Can you see if you can make an appointment with a different GP? Failing that, are you still under cardiology at your hospital, can you call them for advice? ( an arrhythmia Nurse perhaps?) if the pains in your chest area get worse, your only other option is really A&E. I know that’s not ideal. But you should go if they are very bad - and they would have to investigate.

[jeanjeannie50]

Get yourself off to A&E, hopefully they'll do some more in depth tests. Say you're getting chest pain.

Jean

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

Pains I would ring your emergency ambulance number. Seen quickly against getting to A&E.

Not pains in stomach, pains in chest.

I have a microlife BP and H/R monitor. Or you can take your pulse at wrist. ECG shows AF.

cheri JOY 74. (NZ)

[TenorJK]

if you have a pacemaker have you tried ringing the pacing clinic? They may be able to advise.

[Tapanac]

I’m sorry you do seem in a bad way. I too have a pacemaker and very occasionally I go suddenly lightheaded, but I think it might be when the pm kicks in because heart rate too low.

I did phone the pacing clinic but they always say contact EP or cardiologist. They can only check what has happened although they can see if afib has kicked in which doesn’t honestly help much

They also suggested if I felt faint or sick or pain to call 999 not wait to go through the process of A&E

I hope you feel better soon

Pat

[tabletphobic in reply to Tapanac]

Thanks, I don't get much help from the pacing clinic and as for an EP or Cardiologist I don't have one.

I got the blood pressure machine yesterday and even though it says don't use with pacemaker I did because that GP had me worried. The BP was slightly high not sky high like he said and the irregular heartbeat icon was fine

[Tapanac]

oh I wonder why not use the no monitor with a PM? Also I wonder why you don’t have an EP or cardiologist as normally after GP you are referred to cardiology

I do hope you feel better soon

[Hylda2]

Consultant asked my husband to take his blood pressure with pm and complete heart block x

[tabletphobic in reply to Hylda2]

Yes the GP told me to get a blood pressure monitor its only on the instruction booklet not to use with a PM