Outpatient dilemma.

[Palpman]

I spent 2 weeks in acute cardio ward in Glouster Royal Hospital for SVT, chest pain and shortness of breath.

It was found that I have either too much iron or too many red blood cells.

I was discharged and the follow up instructions are that I do venesection, MIR scan and a fasting feriton test as an outpatient. Ablation pending.

That was almost 4 weeks ago and I have had no further instructions from the hospital. The Flecainide was supposed to be increased from 50 to 100mg last week but not done. This is another nightmare topic for another occasion.

On the discharge sheet under INSTRUCTIONS FOR GP the box N/A is ticked.

Now I am unsure what I must do. Do I wait for instructions that seems to not be coming or what do I do? I am new in the UK.

[Lezzers]

Hi Palpman, You can ring the hospital as Happyjo has said, you could ring your GP for him/her to look into the increase in your medication and also to hopefully chase up the appt. You could ring the BHF nurses on this site for advice. Good luck, let us know how you get on

[Hidden]

Which country are you from?

Might be worth returning to get things sorted out.

Far less stress.

NHS is on its knees.

I was talking to some people in the real-time life.

Some "shocking" stories, but the sad thing is that it seems

there are no longer a "surprise".

[Palpman]

I saw my GP yesterday and she read the hospital report but never said anything about it.

Thanks for all the replies. Great site.

Unfortunately I cannot even go to the local supermarket without getting nausia and dizziness never mind going back to South Africa.

[Lezzers in reply to Palpman]

Did you tell the GP bout your nausea & dizzyness?

[Palpman in reply to Lezzers]

I did but there are side effects of taking Flecainide that lasts from a week to 6 weeks. Dizziness, nausia, palpitations, flu like symptoms and cold chills. I had them all but getting better slowly. Just have to put up with them for a while.

[Lezzers in reply to Palpman]

Maybe your Dr didn't want to increase your medication because of the side effects you're having. I would definitely contact the hospital tomorrow to see where you're at with the appt. Good luck.

[LaceyLady]

Hi, phone your GP and chase it up, don't wait any longer.

[OrdinaryGuy]

As always you should rely on your Specialist/Cardiologist about the dosage of Flecainide. My own personal experience with Flecainide is better than yours with no side effects - with dosage moving up from 50 mg twice a day to 100 mg and then 150 mg over a period of time. Maximum for my age. I have had A/F for ten years and with the increasing frequency of events (but not permanent) the Cardiologist recommended the increased dosage of this anti-arrythmia drug. It helped and minimised the number of events I was having. In March this year I had the Catheter Ablation Procedure. Whilst this did not stop events completely I have been able to go back to 50 mg x 2 and this has controlled my events. I am however awaiting the next stage of treatment - a further procedure. You should push for advice and confirmation about taking 100 mg x 2 if this was recommended. If necessary speak to your GP (who should have a copy of your discharge letter), Cardiac Nurse or Cardiologist. Or write an e-mail to the Cardiologist or his Co-ordinator/PA to ask for advice. And/or telephone the British Heart Foundation and speak to a Cardiac Nurse. Best wishes.

[Palpman]

Sorry for not replying sooner.

I went into SVT 3 days ago and it was totally different to the normal SVT I had been having for many years. Normally it would go "thump thump" and then a regular fast beat that I could tolerate until it self reverted or reverted with my assistance.

This time I thought I was having a full blown heart attack. It thumped and jumped all over the show and I felt dizzy and anxious. Had to phone for an ambulance that took me back to Gloucester Royal Hospital.

Had chemical cardioversion done successfully but remained very dizzy and faint so got booked into a ward.

Next day they upped my Flecainide from 50 to 100mg 2x a day.

Back home now but worried that the double dose could be worse. I still get painful palps on exertion but only 3 or 4 then its back to normal.