Hi!
In the grand scheme of things, my experiences pale into near-nothingness compared to what so many of you are having to live with, however I am hoping that you might be able to offer some advice and support.
I am 34, a smidge overweight (BMI of 30.9) and asthmatic. I have been running for 4-5 years, everything from 5kms through to marathons. In the early days, it was my asthma which caused me problems, having attacks and having to take mountains of ventolin, and walk or stop. Over time, however, that improved and 3 years ago I was in good shape physically, able to run for long periods (I think 12 miles without a walk was my best) and getting much faster than what I'd started at.
After my first marathon, I had a bad sprain and I've never got back to full fitness - or at least, not got back to being able to run for as long or as quick. When trying to identify what was making me walk, it wasn't my asthma or my legs or my brain, it was down to an overall feeling of just needing to slow down.
Over the last few weeks I've experienced an occasional flutter in my chest, maybe once a day or so. Last Saturday, however, I had dozens across the day. My hubby took my pulse and noticed that it was missing (or maybe delaying?) beats. We went to Urgent Care where they ran a snapshot ECG and of course, it didn't happen during that, despite having several while in the waiting room and a couple while actually speaking to the doctor afterwards.
They diagnosed paroxysmal AF and sent me on my way telling me not to do anything strenuous and to see my GP to be referred for a 24-hour ECG.
Sunday morning I had loads more - I timed 6 in a 20 minute period - but from the afternoon onwards, didn't notice any more.
I saw the GP on tuesday and have got my referral (17th July....) and she also sent me to see the HCA for another snapshot.... which, of course, showed nothing.
I was fine all week with maybe one 'flutter' each day, then Friday lunchtime I had a period of about 45 minutes where I had a lot - and then nothing since.
My query, getting to the point after all that, is around what I do moving forward? I have read up on AF this week and there is contradicting information on whether I can or should exercise. I have a number of races coming up which I'd rather not miss (partly because they've cost me money, haha) and running is an imporant part of my mental well-being. As I have experienced decreased performance in my speed and stamina, I don't know if there is an underlying issue which has been going on for longer than the AF?
The biggest thing is that I feel alone - I'm scared as I don't want to do anything to put myself at risk; frustrated as I don't want to put my life on hold; and also frustrated at the way it has been handled by the UC and GP doctors - both were incredibley efficient, I can't fault that at all, but they have been a bit too efficient in that there have been no questions asked (I understand that AF can occur due to a virus, dehydration, hormone changes, etc) and no advice given moving forward and no investigation other than the tape in 6 weeks time.
Are there any tests that can be done, even privately, to check my heart thoroughly - I'm prepared to pay to have my mind put at rest/have any issues highlighted and to preserve my mental health if it means that I can run or be assured that I'm not not-running unnecessarily.
Does anyone have any advice or experience based on any of the above?
Sorry, I know it's a long post and that - as I said - it is so minor compared to so many of you, but having seen my grandad go through two massive heart attacks and having two young children that depend on me, I am feeling a bit lost and alone.
Intro
Post AVR 3 & 1/2 weeks, Atrial Fibrillation 
CAD and OMT/STATINS
Pain under arm pit area following by pass surgery.
