Rather scared. What does this mean?

[Rhiannonimity1]

As confirmed in my bio,I went into persistent af in April after 17 years of problems. At this stage my heart was fine , my last echo was clear. I had a chest X-ray in dec which showed no problems. My heart rate was 120-130 and I was assured this was fine/ normal despite feeling increasingly breathless ( I think- is it breathlessness?) and disabled. Many gps and my consultant said there was nothing more they could do.

Anyway in August I was called I for bariatric surgery which was cancelled atthe last minute because of my heart rate. This prompted myGP to increase my drugs (hr reducedto 90s two weeks ago) and to do full bloods and a chest X-ray. Chest X-ray is now showing enlarged heart and fluid in the lungs. All blood tests fine except bnp which is 1200. My ecgs always show Af but otherwise are fine - I have had about 4 in the last 6 months. My blood pressure is always 120s over 80s. My blood oxygen 96%. I have had 3 full blood counts in the last 6 months, all fine.

I think the fluid in the lungs may be unrelated as I have horrible post nasal drip atthe moment.

I also have slightly swollen ankles.

should I be really worried? Might my heart improve now that the hr is lower.

I now have to wait for an echocardiogram. Is the ejection fraction going to be lower because I have af?

My fitness levels are improving little by little. I walked 3/4 of a km tonight. I kept having to stop every 150 ft but because my lower stomach (an inch above my navel) felt tight and like my diaphragm was stopping me. I was still easily able to talk and carry on walking in maybe 20 seconds when the spasm released. I have explained this to the gp as breathlessness but I’m starting to think it isn’t. It only happens when I walking, I can jog on the spot, do sit ups and an easy Zumba class with what I would consider normal unfit breathlessness.it’s just when I walk.

Sorry a bit rambly andthanks.

[Yumz199725]

Ahh hi sounds like you have alot going on right now I would be scared too x I hope you can get some peace of mind at your next appointment ❤️

[TAVIshock in reply to Yumz199725]

Total sympathy. I have been there and realise how anxious it can make you. Wish I could do more than to hope for your rapid return to health and cheerfulness,

Warm good wishes

Tavishock

[WardijaWardija]

I'd get some clarification on the enlarged heart and the fluid on your lungs ASAP. I know you missed your surgery and you were very disappointed, BUT, I'm glad your Doctor's erred on the side of caution, and didnt operate, given what has just been found 🙄.

Good luck 🙏

[Smitty1956]

Hi, Rhiannonimity1,

I can understand how you are worried and scared. It is so difficult to know that something may be wrong, but to not know what it is. I also have been having difficulty with breathing and breathlessness for several months, and I am now waiting on my appointment in November for the cardiologist to tell me the results of my echocardiogram. The waiting and not knowing is very difficult.

Your blood pressure and oxygen levels sound very good 👍! I would discuss the swelling in your ankles, the fluid in your lungs,etc., with your doctor. Swelling might indicate fluid retention, which might require a diuretic, or other medication to help remove the excess fluid. Does your stomach appear to be distended? Again, that might be an indication of fluid retention. Obviously, I am not a medical professional, but I would suggest checking out your symptoms with your doctor. You need to know a diagnosis so that you can get a treatment plan going.

I’m glad that you are able to walk 3/4 km. That is good, but it sounds like you are having a bit of a struggle in how you feel while walking. Take your notes of all of your symptoms and share this information with your doctor. You may need additional testing or medications. I hope that you are able to get all of this sorted as quickly as possible. ❤️