AF concerns

[N1kk1B]

Hi everyone.

I'm needing a little support from the only people who can really offer it because we share the same awful disease.

I'm suffering a lot with AF over the past couple of months and it seems to be getting worse. Things have shown down a lot in the medical world due to the pandemic and his is leaving me slightly anxious, as I've just had my annual appointment pushed back by 6 months. As crazy as it may sound, I am terrified that the AF will cause a heart attack or stroke and my youngest child is only 6 years old. I didn't let it bother me too much in the beginning as I've always suffered with palpitations, but it's the frequency of them that's worrying me, especially as I'm not even active when it's happen.

I also have BAV, TAA, aortic stenosis and regurgitation. I'm terrified of leaving my son behind with him being so young. I have no idea who my consultant is as I've recently changed over to the congenital heart specialist team. Any advice would be gratefully received x

[Hidden]

Hello

I am not as wise as so many on here who I am sure when they see your post will give you some excellent advice but I did feel your fear and totally understand how you are feeling

It does not seem right that you do not even know what Consultant you have but I am not shocked as many times I have not known who is supposed to be looking after me

You should not be sat there with all these fears and I would contact my Doctor tell them how I was feeling . ask them who my Consultant was , ask if they can get your appointment sooner and if you find out who your consultant is then phone their secretary and explain to them you need seeing sooner

Hope you get the answers you need x

[N1kk1B in reply to Hidden]

Thank you x

[Alisbabas]

Hi NikkiB

Can you not call your doctors secretary and mention your AF.

How did you get on with the fluid you had on your lungs, was caused by your heart?

Take care

Ali

[N1kk1B in reply to Alisbabas]

Hi Ali.They think the fluid may be from suffering long covid. I'm so confused over who I'm with and who I'll see now, but I will call the number on my latest letter, that has absolutely no mention of who it's from so I'm guessing it's the Cardiology clinic, to see if I can talk to someone. Thanks for your response x

[Bluemoon47]

Hi Nikk1B, I have just seen your post and other replies. I am so sorry you are feeling stressed about your condition. I can empathise regarding your worry about your son and do hope you can speak to someone in your cardiology department who will listen to you. I'm sorry I can't give you any specific advice but send my best wishes and hope things improve for you soon.

[N1kk1B in reply to Bluemoon47]

Thank you x

[Driver11]

Hi you need to call your doctors and do not take "no" for an answer. I had a CA 3 years ago and Afib last year. It was picked up by my bedside monitor and Harefield called me straight away. They explained what it was and what the risks were. I was put on a double dose of Bisoprolol ( 5 to 10) and also Rivaroxaban for life. Had cardioversion in November and all fine for the time being. Make the call - good luck

[N1kk1B in reply to Driver11]

Thank you x

[Cigarboxblues]

With all the your worries not helping your medical stability and stress impacting in a vicious circle I would prioritise and get yourself a plan of action to learn All you can about your main medical issues.

It’s a matter of prioritising the problems and organising a plan to find out what is possible.

There’s no such thing as a stupid question.

So ask away.

We aren’t medically trained to offer you the answers you so badly want but are here with experience and love and care (digitally anyway) so don’t feel alone and take it one problem at a time.

Eventually you will relax into your new you and feel stronger.

[N1kk1B in reply to Cigarboxblues]

Thank you x

[N1kk1B]

Hello everyone.I contacted the clinic and managed to speak to a cardiac nurse, who then had a chat with one of the doctors.

They want to start me on blood thinners and book me in for a 24hr trace and echogram.

I'm pleased that things are happened, but really worried about taking blood thinners. Can anyone share their experiences with them please? Thanks.

[Blueflags in reply to N1kk1B]

Hi there, I have been on blood thinners for over five years. I didn't want to go on warfarin because its takes a few weeks to get a level of where the drug should be in your bloodstream and you have to monitor it, and adjust the dose if necessary. So they put me on, at that time a new drug, Apixaban. I haven't had any trouble with it at all, no side effects and even when I've cut myself I haven't had any bad bleeding. So wouldn't be worried about taking them. The keep a close eye on you with twelve monthly checkups.

[N1kk1B in reply to Blueflags]

Thank you 😊