frustrating 🤬 RANT

[Anxious37]

So I finally got to speak to Gp about still having lots of little fluttering/gurgling and having a AF event last Friday that last over 4 hrs . I asked about the pill in pocket that I could take if this happens again and he said he had never heard of it . He also said as I have only just been changed to apixaban they would like to wait to see how this goes . Then 1 hr later I get a txt saying he spoke to another GP in the practice and he said to increase my bisoprolol from 5mg to 6.5 was I happy with this . I really just wanted to scream how do I know I am not medically qualified. He also couldn’t answer a few of my questions as he said that was down to cardiologist . So I asked yet again for him to contact cardiologist to try and get my appointment sorted. Seriously I really am shocked at the lack of support of Gp . Sorry for long rant

[BobD Volunteer]

It is important for you to understand that GPs are not permitted to prescribe some drugs, flecainide is one of them, without instruction from consultant level. He/she is not being difficult. In a year or so you will look back and wonder why you stressed so much. Relax and breath deeply.

[Anxious37 in reply to BobD]

Thank you

[Buffafly]

My GP told me flatly that she knows nothing about cardiology. She is good at referring though!

[wilsond]

Gps are General Practitioners. They have to know a bit of everything, and signpost people if they can't treat them.

They are not experts in everything, how could they be?

Bob said once ,and I totally got it,Gps are the Caretakers/ General Maintance ,Cardiologists are the General Mechanics of the heart, clogged arteries ,structural issues etc, Electrophysiologists are the Electricians.

AF can be a very worrying condition ,but not fatal. Your anxiety is quite likely to be contributing to your feelings of doom!

I'm not trying to dismiss your feelings,we have all felt worried at times but ...

[Anxious37]

I totally understand that . I am grateful for any comments as I feel I get more help on here then any where else . Yes my anxiety is a big problem but feel I may be getting a hold of it in slightly now fingers crossed 🤞🏻

[SMRM in reply to Anxious37]

I agree - I have received so much more education and support from this group; truly a remarkable community. I used to sit and read through comments while I was having an episode. When the scary mongrel was new to me this community was a huge support.

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

What Cardiologists prescribe is the best guide especially if they read all your history and ask YOU questions.

Some of it sounds ike stomach?????

My Mum was given Heart Burn pills. I didn't ask. But it was before STROKE Embolic, Rapid and persistent AF and 4th day a shadow on my Thyroid - yep, cancer.

Gurgling sounds ike stomach. Did you have a big meal or different food?

Palpations sound like heart and they come with anxiety.

But you have been diagnosed with AF????

cheri JOY. 76 (NZ)

[secondtry]

Take steps to reduce stress/anxiety in your life elsewhere to make space for AF, which does add to it., especially short term after diagnosis. Reading here and an early appointment with a trusted cardiologist, private if funds allow, are two ways to feel better.

[Promised]

my GP had never heard of PIP either . TBH was not very up to date with AFib either

[Libluce68]

I can’t even get past my GP receptionist - I’ve had a few AFib episodes since November last year - saw GP early December who thought issues down to Covid (I had it in October) and my eye drops (I have Glaucoma) she referred me back to eye clinic for review of eye drops (appointment cancelled by hospital once now feb 6th) and said see how I am in 6 months last weekend I started with AFib again that’s left me feeling wobbly- tried to get GP appointment Monday by phone but none left - called in yesterday at 9am no appointments told to wait till after 6pm and get out of hours appointment or go to A&E no wonder A&E over run - I saw out of hours last week who told me to see my GP for a referral- feel all a waste of time!

[wilsond in reply to Libluce68]

Ring 111. They reserve appointments at GPs so they can book you in.

[2learn]

Isn't the GP relying on some feedback from you. If you are given a new drug or increased dosage then you have to tell the GP how that works for you. Different drugs affect people differently and the GP won't know unless you tell them. So monitor the Bisop and if it doesn't seem to work talk to GP, same with Apixaban,

[Vonnegut]

Bisoprolol just reduces heart rate, not the irregularity which is part of our problem, and you are taking a very high dose of it anyway! Try slow breathing for the anxiety and other forms of meditation and mindfulness and it might be worth paying to see an EP if you can’t get to see one otherwise - they are the guys who specialise in electrical problems in the heart which ours is. Good luck!

[DiyChas]

When you say gurgling, do you mean when breathing? Is so, you should get a meeting with your cardiologist to check it out .