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Atrial Fibrillation

Posted , 6 users are following.

christine34904
christine34904

Diagnosed in January. Not constant and have felt fine for 2 weeks but today I am fluttering nearly all the time. I'm on warfarin and waiting to see a specialist. Had a heart scan and all is fine. Also lots of blood tests but there is no underlying cause. What are other people's symptoms? I'm 54 :-)

 

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • charles67285
    charles67285 christine34904

    Posted

    Ask the specialist if you can come off the warferin and go on an anticoagulant tablet like I am on (rivaroxiban). Saves all that messing about having blood tested every week or two. I had a pacemaker fitted in December to keep the old ticker nice and steady,  but  refused warferin 
    • christine34904
      christine34904 charles67285

      Posted

      I think I may be a candidate for flecanide so I will hopefully come off warfarin. They keep telling me I am young to have this condition but when I go online I am talking to people who are in their 30s, all the way up to 80+ !
  • popeye62
    popeye62 christine34904

    Posted

    Hi christine in nearly 53 started last august with it just came on on meds for 3 months cardiologists said i was back to normal same as you january came started all over again not stopped really mine is light headed breathlessness tight chest heart racing and sweaty apart from all day when it dies down just leaves meak weak tired and drained at our age its frustrating
    • christine34904
      christine34904 popeye62

      Posted

      I assume you've had a heart scan and blood tests to rule out underlying cause? I don't feel particularly unwell, just very agitated when an episode occurs. Just remember it's not a life-threatening condition although I agree with you that it's frustrating :-(
  • hugh52255
    hugh52255 christine34904

    Posted

    Hi Christine. Sounds like you have paroxismal a/f. Let the specialist guide you on which anti coag to use. Bear in mind that other tablets like Riveroxiban, cannot be monitored like Warfarin. I believe there are no tests to show whether the doze is suitable for you or not. Warfarin is preferred because it can be adjusted to suit your needs. Different people need different doses.eg. I require 2mg per day. My netce's husband needs 8mg per day. The consultant cardiologist will know better than anyone else, what you require. Incidently, I have my INR checked every 3 months; the phlebotomist at my GP surgery sends my blood to the pharmacist and I get the result next day. (No messing about). Good luck!
    • christine34904
      christine34904 hugh52255

      Posted

      Yes Hugh it is paroxysmal AF. Until I see the specialist at the end of the month I am happy to be on warfarin. From what I understand warfarin is the best option as if you're bleeding heavily then it can be counteracted by a shot of vitamin K, I don't believe the newer drugs react the same. I gave my blood checked fortnightly and they have a machine which gives an instant reading and recommended dosage for the next two weeks.
  • GotAbitBetter
    GotAbitBetter christine34904

    Posted

    I found out I had this at 63 and was very concerned about the risk of Stroke and kept doing the FAST test on myself. However, I agree with the other posts that you need to go along with whatever your Consultant is advising. Mine is of the opinion that I don't fall into a sufficiently high risk category to put me on Warfarin or any other blood thinning drugs. What I find fascinating about this whole AF subject is (a) How difficult it is to diagnose, (b) The variations in the management of it and (c) The lack of publicity about what to look out for to ensure its treated. Does anyone know whether British Heart know the number of sufferers? 

    Hope the appointment goes well, but perhaps make a list of questions to ask before you see the Consultant and take it along with you. We all know how stressful it is when you're newly diagnosed, and together with the fatigue and side effects of the meds it's useful to have a list handy (or to have someone to ask questions on your behalf).

    Best wishes

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