at a loss

[Scotland111]

hi I have never posted on here before. I had a heart attack 5 years ago did not need stents they thought a tiny piece of plaque had come loose and caused a blockage. Few months later I was back to a&e after a strange episode of hands feeling cold I myself felt faint but breathless, and with palpitations, then it was as if my adrenaline kicked in causing terrible shakes lasted about half hour after being checked was sent home. Over next few years had this episode maybe couple times a year, but over past year was happening more. Ended up in a&e again in March with this, ecg was clear (however ecg showed normal after heart attack) my pulse was sitting at 30. I was kept in for a week. Holster was on for the week was diagnosed with bigeminy. And a low pulse at times was put on Bisoprolol. Told I would be referred to cardiology, and to have blood pressure and pulse checked with GP weekly. Over course of next month first 3 checks were fine, on 3rd check pulse was sitting in mid 30s, they reduced Bisoprolol and was to go back at end of week. My pulse was still low but stopped Bisoprolol and told to come back the next week, again pulse was low, mid 30s and the senior GP practice nurse sent an urgent request to cardiology as she says need to investigate why pulse is dropping. I am still waiting on an appointment and it’s now September!! I have not had pulse or both checked since May as Gp surgery have said there is nothing more they can do.

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[Happyrosie]

do you have a blood pressure machine at home? If so, this will show your pulse as well as pressures. If you take the pressure at home at approx the same time each day, writing down the results, and they are still not within standard ranges after a week, then at least you have the evidence to provide to your surgery and to ask for their help. Again.

For standard ranges of blood pressure have a look at Blood Pressure UK website, the specialist charity. I appreciate it’s your pulse that’s the issue but you might get some insights there.

Were all aware how pressured the NHS is, but we still need to be cared for!

[Scotland111 in reply to Happyrosie]

Thanks for your reply, I don’t have a BP moniter at home, I might try to download a heart monitor apps on my phone and record as you have suggested. Thankyou

[Fanfab1]

hi can’t comment on the BP but I would get in touch with GP surgery / nurse and double check the referral did go through and then once you find who / which specific dept it was sent to, confirm with them they actually got it and what might be the waiting time. I have found although can take repeated attempts people usually help answer.

I don’t always trust the admin works as should do and i like to check the dots are joined. May not mean an appointment any sooner but good to make sure your definitely in the system and on waiting list.

Unless you’ve had a letter saying you’ll be called at some point for an appointment? Still worth checking on progress.

👍

[Scotland111 in reply to Fanfab1]

Hi thanks for the reply. I spoke to someone at the hospital today and they have advised they do have the referral. Thanks

[ScotchLad]

Hi

I was in a similar situation with low pulse 30’s and admitted to local hospital. Five days later I had a pacemaker fitted in the Royal Jubilee.

[Scotland111 in reply to ScotchLad]

Hi thanks for your reply, can I ask what your symptoms were like?

[ScotchLad in reply to Scotland111]

I couldn’t breathe they thought it was phumonia after ECG and scan they broke the news I needed a ICD pacemaker.

All the best for the future.

[greenba]

For what its worth Bisop severely drops my pulse rate. Never again shall I take them. Good luck with your situation.

[Scotland111 in reply to greenba]

Hi thanks for your reply, I hope you are doing well.

[Luckygirl111]

Hi, Bisoprolol does have a big impact on pulse rate for which personally I am grateful but obviously you and others here are at the other extreme. A couple of years ago my pulse rate rose to 140 + At the time I was taken into hospital with pneumonia (something I have suffered from on numerous occasions). I was put on 1.25 Bisoprolol which did nothing then raised to 2.5 which I have been on ever since. I was told this was to lower my pulse rate (60-100 being ideal range). I am lucky that it has worked without any side effects that I have read about. I feel the cold quite a lot but at 70 perhaps that’s par for the course. I should add that I was not checking my pulse rate when I discovered it so high on occasions. I have a low oxygen rate (90-94) and use an oximeter which also shows pulse rate. The one thing I have learned is that you have to be prepared to speak up, ask questions and not be fobbed off by admin or anyone. It’s your life and as I always say: I know my body and know when it’s not right. Best of luck.

[Scotland111 in reply to Luckygirl111]

Hi thanks for your reply, you’re right you can’t afford to be fobbed off with things like this! Hope you are doing well.