I need a professional advice

[BelaPatka9]

Hello,

I was diagnosed with AFib in May 2023 by paramedics, a home visit.

Since then I had X-ray and scan

Regarding my GP: nothing was decided on treatment, nor was I given proper advice by my GP. There was no attempt to organise an appointment with a specialist. The paramedics' diagnoses (May 2023) with a graph showing AFib was ignored.

From September 1st till September 15th I was admitted to a hospital with a bad case of pneumonia. While treating the lung infection they decided to deal with the high blood pressure and heart issues.

I was given the blood thinner Apixaban, plus another. This was stopped due to melena (black stool).

The hospital prescribed 3.25mg of Bisoprolol as an alternative

I stopped the meds for ten days before the Holter monitor test (for accurate reading)

On 25th October I had 24 Holter monitors fitted at UCLH.

On the Patient Access app, the results pointed to Paroxysmal Af with ventricular ectopics.

I reduced the dose to 2,25 mg of Bisoprolol.

At this point, I have not seen any specialist/cardiologist. Then, due to total confusion, I asked for a referral to see a cardiologist.

At last, an appointment was made on 6th July. 2024 at UCLH. I need to wait.

Currently, my ankles ( not feet though) are swelling very badly, manifesting at the end of the day, daily.

I am not keen on diuretics.

I would much prefer lowering Bisoprolol to 1.25mg, mostly because I do not have high BP (I never did before), and my HR is normal. I wear a FitBit wristwatch all the time. I use the Braun oximeter with pulse readings daily. I measure my blood pressure a few times a week ( today: sys126, diastolic 73, pulse 68bpm)...

The swollen ankles pose a problem.

Thank you for your attention.

Age 75years.

[BeKind28-]

Hello

I am sorry you are going through such a bad time and seem to not be able to get the support and advice you need from your GP

None of us are professionals on here and it seems that is exactly what you need but hopefully in July you will get that and I know the waiting is such a long time

I know you said you do not like the diuretics but that would be the thing that helps the swelling to come down and so many medications we do not like taking but sometimes it is needs must

I can only suggest you speak with your Doctor again or others might be able to give you more advice when they see your post

You could try phoning the BHF Nurses and asking their advice they are very good I will put you their telephone number down

Let us know how you get on x

Heart Helpline team on 0300 330 3311 Mon-Fri 9-5pm

[BelaPatka9 in reply to BeKind28-]

🌹🍀 Thank you for your guidance. For some reason, when looking around on these pages, I thought that I had discovered a link to the medical staff at the BHF proper, hence 'professional advice'.

I'll try the Heart Helpline team, as suggested... and then most likely wait for the appointment, counting down the days, as well as the heartbeats.

Best wishes, my dear.

[BeKind28- in reply to BelaPatka9]

Hello

Maybe it was the Heart helpline you saw but they are very good to talk to

I can imagine you counting down the days and if you have not already let them know at the Hospital you could go to any cancelled appointments if one comes available sooner and get yourself on that list to x

[devonian186]

Ankles and legs often swell in the winter and is more prevalent in older people. It has a number of causes.

I have given a link to NHS advice. Are your ankles as swollen as the photos? If so you need further proper medical advice as to its causes and treatment

nhs.uk/conditions/oedema/#C...

[BelaPatka9 in reply to devonian186]

Update on swollen ankles: with my GP's approval I reduced the Bisoprolol tabs to 1.25mg (from 2.50mg, technically halved the dose).

The result: the swelling was visibly reduced, hardly noticeable. Lowering the dose to a minimum did not negatively affect the heart rate or blood pressure at all. So far, the time on 1.25mg of Bisoprolol has been a week.

I believe it was worth a try.

Referring to the mentioned link: by studying the photos on your link I concluded that my swelling did not quite fit the 'oedema', because my feet were not affected at all, just ankles and above.

Best wishes and big tank you.

N

[devonian186 in reply to BelaPatka9]

That's a relief that your ankles do not appear to need drastic treatment.