AF/TACHYCARDIAS: Well, after visits to... - Atrial Fibrillati...

Atrial Fibrillation Support

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AF/TACHYCARDIAS

dogsneedwalking profile image
6 Replies

Well, after visits to Doctor and explaining recurring regular daily episodes and having an appointment this Wed for blood tests/ECG my heart decided it didn't want to wait until then. Nothing strenuous in the morning on Saturday and my daily walk in the afternoon, but as the episodes are daily I was thinking that my heart had other ideas for me. It all started around 6pm after a light supper. They came in 'waves' would ease off and seconds later back they came. After an hour I called 111 for advice who then passed me on to Nurse who then passed me on to Ambulance Service and I was assured they would send an Ambulance out. The Ambulance arrived at 8.00 a.m the next day Sunday. I can say that I have never experienced such pain in my chest in the past 4 years after being diagnosed. I was bent over double it was so bad and I have a high pain tolerance [natural births/filling and crowns without needles] just to give you an idea. The episode lasted until 5.00 a.m the next morning so by the time the Paramedics came my heart had reverted back to NSR. This time instead of my heart going up into the high 100's it was only in mid 60's so I am assuming that it's not considered dangerous? I decided this time I was not going to say no to going to Hospital. Paramedics were wonderful and said they were not taking me to A and E but straight up to Cardiac Day Clinic as they said A and E would only take bloods and 'monitor' me and I knew myself that in NSR you just get sent home again as nothing shows up on ECG. I had to wait another hour as Paramedics said it would take that long to get through. Off I went and was seen within 5 mins. Blood tests done/ECG done thorough examination physically and several other observations taken. The outcome was I was given another GTN Spray and an urgent referral for holter monitor [within 2 weeks]. I was also advised if I have another long episode they would be more than happy to see me - don't know how I'll do that but assuming through Doc as I would probably just stay in A and E if I went there. I would like to say I don't feel sorry for myself, but I feel for all the Paramedics that come to see patients who constantly apologise for the time taken to actually get to you. They say anyone with chest pain should have an ambulance within 10/15 mins but we all know sadly this is not the reality nowadays. They say not enough ambulances to go around/not enough staff as when one leaves they are only replaced and numbers are not increasing and not enough wards in the hospitals to deal with patients. This is my story so far, but it really is a story about our 'broken' NHS service which one of the Paramedics said is true and to thanks everyone working in the NHS that they are doing a great job to the best of their abilities/resources. Thank you if you take the time to read this.

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6 Replies
CDreamer profile image
CDreamer

Very sad state of affairs but sounds like the paramedics were on top of their game. I can’t see things improving anytime soon.

I agree that A&E is not the place to go with AF.

FraserB profile image
FraserB

I’m so sorry to hear about the pain and uncertainty you’ve been going through—it sounds incredibly tough. With all the strain on the healthcare system it’s heartbreaking to hear about the delays and pressures on staff who are still doing their best in such tough conditions. I hope the Holter monitor provide some answers.

dogsneedwalking profile image
dogsneedwalking in reply toFraserB

Thank you. They said 'slight' change from last ECG but I am sure the Amiodarone is 'wearing off' by late afternoon/evening and this is letting the AFib/Tachycardia rear their ugly heads on a regular basis.

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50

If ever I should get a bad pain in my chest I can tell you I will be dialling 999 as an emergency. I can't understand why you didn't do that.

I know of someone who had chest pain like you, an ambulance was called but after a few hours had gone by, waiting for it to arrive, his sister drove him to A&E. While waiting to be seen he went to the toilets and that's where he was found - dead!

Please don't take chances.

Take care.

Jean

baba profile image
baba in reply tojeanjeannie50

Agree.

Chest pain or loosing consciousness = 999

dogsneedwalking profile image
dogsneedwalking in reply tojeanjeannie50

Many thanks for your reply Jeannie. I am one of those persons who 'doesn't like to cause a fuss.' but I will certainly be calling 999 not 111 [40 minute wait for a reply] but to be honest the person from Ambulance call centre first said he 'might' send an ambulance then said 'I'll definitely send one but we are busy.' Hopefully when I get the Holter Monitor again they will pick up my episodes which are daily now unless I sit on my bum all day. What worries me is this 'criteria' you must meet and the info you give them is or seems to be based on your replies. I can assure you I was doubled over with pain. I was even sitting 'praying' for someone to come soon. This is one of the reasons I usually sit them out but honestly this one was really bad. Troponin levels were ok so Cardiology said they 'thought' the severe pain was due to my heart problems which I already know myself. As we all know on here they come on suddenly and can stop suddenly so unless they see it on your ECG it's like it never happened but you, yourself know. Guessing it's all down to what they see on ECG/Blood tests irrespective of your medical history. The lovely Senior Nurse Practitioner said she'd like to get a scan done but was over ruled by Cardiologist and also suggested perhaps I'd be there for 2 days. However I am happy I am home - I slept 12 hours last night lol and fell asleep this afternoon with little cat-naps 😊. Thank you for reading my post and your kind advice.

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