I have already felt supported and informed by this group and wanted to share my experience in the hope I can continue to learn about my recent diagnoses.
I am 67 and other than having COPD was in reasonable health even though I am a bit overweight and probably drink more wine than is good for me.
In January I was diagnosed with having a clot on my right lung and was prescribed Apixaban.
In February I was diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation. I had suddenly felt dizzy and had hammering in my chest. Pulse and B/P were both high. 111 said A and E immediately and on getting there I was taken straight to resus. I saw my ECG was abnormal and there was right sided ischaemia.
They were just about to shock my heart back into rhythm when it settled spontaneously.
I have been referred to specialists but waiting times are 40-50 weeks plus for both.
I have joined a gym, cut right back on alcohol and tried not to let it all get me down. I am breathless which is a pain and affects my enjoyment of walking so weight not shifting.
Last night I had another episode. Pulse went up to 153. B/P up but not as high as before. I live alone and it did scare me.
I have strong family history of heart disease.
I have lovely neighbour and I sat with her until I felt less tearful.
A and E had said go back if it happened again but I didn’t and I guess that was right as again it passed.
My Apple Watch gave clear ECG reading and that was confusing.
Sorry for long post. Is there any advice anyone has for me?
I assume this will keep happening and any medical support seems a long way off.
Thank you.
Written by
RockingRoxy
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Pulmonary embolism. Am on Apixaban 5 mgs twice daily which was prescribed for the embolism so nothing new for the Afib. Dr just says wait for respiratory and cardiology appointments. Feel the only information I have is what I am learning from people on here.
A&E said go straight back if it happened again but that was a bit vague too.
Nurse for COPD says she can’t review that as I now have 3 things that exacerbate breathlessness.
If you have an af diagnosis I am surprised your gp hasn't put you on beta blockers, though if you are short of breath that may not be good as you may feel more fatigued. You and I have different symptoms, but hopefully someone else on here will be able to help. Your gp may have no idea how long you are waiting for follow-ups, so may be worth going back and trying to get that accelerated as you are stuck between two stools.
My GP did make urgent referral but it was downgraded to routine even though my family history of heart disease is significant. Currently NHS app saying July for specialist.
All the best to you. For what it's worth, the AF is probably the least of your issues, but I appreciate the trauma you suffer while it goes on. There's advice on here and probs on the afa website on trying to lessen your triggers (so you go into AF less often -caffeine, booze, etc, we're all different )
Sorry I have no experience of your problems, but I am minded to ask if, in addition to COPD, you have sleep apnea, or use a CPAP machine? My Forum reading has alerted me to the links between sleep apnea and arrhythmias including AF. But you must have read the same reported experience on the Forum?
I'd be asking your doctor why they haven't prescribed a betablocker such as Bisoprolol. I was diagnosed with AF nearly 3 years ago and this was immediately prescribed along with 5mg Apixaban twice daily, the same as you. Betablockers slow down the heart rate and enable the blood to more effectively get around the body. Perhaps it's because of your COPD, but whatever, I wouldn't wait for the doctors to 'get to you' if you're distressed - I'd get an appointment and find out all you want to know, and ask for a suitable betablocker for your needs. You'll realise even from reading these many HU comments that most patients find they also need to be proactive with doctors and research their conditions from other reliable (and even free!) sources. To help calm your anxieties and fears I highly recommend getting onto YouTube and viewing the many excellent videos by Dr Sanjay Gupta, Consultant Cardiologist in York, UK. These will immediately remove many fears and anxiety that come from having AF or other heart problems diagnosed. He's a very calming and knowledgeable physician who will relieve your fears and answer all your questions clearly and competently. You can also have online consultations with him. But I recommend viewing the YouTube videos first, as this will give you instant relief. Here's the YouTube link:
As well, I'd suggest taking a really good magnesium supplement - I order Magnesium Bisglycinate from 88 Herbs in Canada - they're truly excellent and have no gastrointestinal side effects such as gas/bloating, which I think just about all other magnesium supplements do. Magnesium is a natural supplement and causes no harm at all. It's recognised as something we need to have as we get older especially, as our body's magnesium depletes. I can't tell you what a blessing these have been to me - I haven't slept like a baby since I was a baby, and just one capsule an hour before bedtime gives me a deep and unbroken sleep for a full night! If I wake with stress/anxiety I take another - but I now rarely need to do this. I hope this can help - I know how much of a shock being diagnosed with AF can be, and how frightening the symptoms can be. Best wishes for a smoother ride ahead: you will get there!
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