Help needed .

[Foresttrees]

I am 79 years old and just learning to use this so please forgive mistakes.I have had AF for some time but have just been told I now have long term cardio vascular problems.What does this mean. Can someone please help.

[scentedgardener]

Sorry, anything I said would be a guess. You need to speak to your GP, or the doctor who gave you that diagnosis, for more information. I don't understand why they didn't tell you.Ask them what it means, what are the implications for you, and what you can do to help yourself.

Keep us posted, it can feel very lonely when you have a diagnosis and don't understand

[Foresttrees in reply to scentedgardener]

I will here from the pharmacist at the surgery tomorrow which probably means more tablets,but it is hard to get to see the doctor nowadays.I’ll keep trying.Thank you for replying.

[scentedgardener in reply to Foresttrees]

Pharmacists have a wealth of knowledge, so that's good.I know on occasions when I have been unable to get a GP appointment I've rung 111 who have contacted the surgery on my behalf and an appointment was made available. I don't remember exactly but I was probably having some symptoms not concerning enough for 999 but needing medical advice.

Another resource would be the British Heart Foundation cardiac nurses, tel no is 0300 330 3311. They are very helpful and may well be able to explain things to you.

Good luck, please let us know how you get on, everyone here is very pleasant and will try to point you in the right direction to get advice from a qualified professional.

[Foresttrees in reply to scentedgardener]

Thank you for giving me the phone number for the cardiac nurses as the one on the website is wrong.The nurse I spoke to was very helpful.

[scentedgardener in reply to Foresttrees]

They are lovely, aren't they, and so helpful too.Glad you found the number useful.

[Foresttrees in reply to scentedgardener]

I am now taking statins and have not had any problems.I feel less worried than I was.Thank you for your help.

[scentedgardener in reply to Foresttrees]

You're very welcome.

[BeKind28-]

Hello

Sorry cannot answer your post either but you have had some good advice

I just wanted to say help and say please do not worry about making any mistakes on here you are doing fine so far and if you need any help please just ask and we will help you

There is also a Community for AF which you might find helpful

I will put you the link on which will take you straight to it and you can be a member on more than one Community so you can join there as well if you find it helpful

Let is know how you get on x

healthunlocked.com/afassoci...

[Foresttrees in reply to BeKind28-]

I saw the pharmacist this morning and was told I need to take statins and also that my cholesterol is high.Can anyone tell me if statins are safe.The side effects sound awful.

[BeKind28- in reply to Foresttrees]

Hello

Some years ago I was advised I needed to take statins because I read all the side effects I did not take the advice

Fast forward I had 3 heart attacks and a triple Bypass

I always ask myself had I took statins when told to would this have happened

I will never know but what I do know is I would take the advice if I had the chance again

Now I take them , I was on 80mg and they were giving me some aches and pains so we went down to 40mg and I do not know I am taking them at all

There are side effects with all meds people seem to like to report the worst scenarios how they made them feel but there are just as many if not more that get on well with them

They are nothing to fear and personally if it were me I would at least try them

Let us know what you decide and how you get on x

[Foresttrees in reply to BeKind28-]

Thank you.You have been a great help.I am going to take statins and see how it goes.

[BeKind28- in reply to Foresttrees]

Hello

I think this is a good choice you have made and glad you have

I am very sensitive to meds but if I am managing them then I think you will be fine

Let us know how you get on x

[Weetabixie]

I'm sorry I can't be of any assistance, I don't know enough to share any knowledge or advice. However when I've seen the surgery's pharmacist and been unsure or need physical health questions answered, especially from hospital letters and communication I'll either ring the department from where the correspondence has been sent or ring to speak to the gp. Hope you can get answers tomorrow, good luck🤞

[devonian186]

Who told you about these problems? Was it via tests at a hospital by a competent cardiologist? If so they should have sent a detailed letter to your GP who is obliged to interpret it for you.

[cappachina]

Take the statins I have been on themfor years with no side effects Even if you did have some side effects there are lots of different ones now they can try

[Foresttrees]

Thank you.You have helped to put my mind at rest.