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Atrial Fibrillation

Posted , 12 users are following.

adrian1303
adrian1303

Hi,

I had my first encounter with AF in September of 2013. I was put on Biosoporol and Warfarin unti I had a cardioversion in february the following year.

All has been well, until a few nights ago when I woke the morning after and found that I had gone back into AF.

I have been on a low dose of Biosoporol (1.25mg) since the procedure. I also cut my alcohol intake to 2-3 drinks per week and kept exercising as I have always done.

I took myself to the local A&E department and was wired up which confirmed what I already knew. They didn't seem overally concerned that I was in AF and holding a heart rate of 80/90 bpm and told I was in controlled AF. I was then discharged and booked into my local GP later that morning.

The appointment didn't yield much movement apart from a referal to a specialist which would take approx 4 weeks.

He left me on my dose of Biosoporol and toldme to get back intouch if I felt any changes in the symptoms.

I have a feeling of been left in the dark, and as well as been quite worried that it all comes across a bit relaxed by the system when I myself am really worried!!!! Is it just me?

Has anybody felt similar?

Call me a silly worrying fool but its just the way I feel.

I have considered paying for a private consultation, which will happen a lot quicker, just to try get myself a piece of mind.

Has anybody any thoughts?

Thanks for reading.

Adrian. 

 

1 like, 39 replies

39 Replies

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  • debbieAnn23
    debbieAnn23 adrian1303

    Posted

    Hi Adrian, I don't know if you will see this post as I have only just read your message, but here goes. I was diagnosed with AF in August 2013, I only found out as I went to A&E following a mini stroke and was told this had been brought on by AF I'd never heard of AF before!. From August to October I ended up in hospital numerous times as medication couldn't control my AF I was on Bisoprolol, warfarin and Flecanide, I received a cardio version in October 2013 but this only lasted 2 weeks. That's when I decided to pay privately to see a consultant it was the best 200 pounds I've ever spent, he put my mind at rest and booked me in for an ablation which I had on the NHS 5 months later, I have had no AF symptoms since, the ablation took 5 hours and was a little unpleasant but so far it's been well worth the slight discomfort to be AF free for 18 months, I have developed some ectopic beats but these are being monitored, in fact I have a 7 day monitor on at the moment. I was 48 when diagnosed, like you had always been active and worked full time. I think it is something that takes time to adjust to, I'm getting there and I'm sure you will Adrian, I hope you made the decision to go private for a consultation, I researched and found a consultant that specialised in AF he was fantastic and because of the patients charter I had my ablation at his NHS hospital in 5 months instead of waiting 18 months at my NHS trust. Sorry if I have rambled on Adrian, but I hope it's helped reading about my situation. You will be fine, it just takes a bit of time to get your head round everything.

    Take care and good luck for the future, if you did see my post I would like to know how you are and what you decided to do.

    • lankylass
      lankylass debbieAnn23

      Posted

      Hi Debbie Ann, Just got your post. I too replied to Adrian as I have had similar experiences to him at A and E. Like both of you I started with AF last June, never heard of it before even though my dad had heart problems in the 80's. Making tea, fast heart, irregular pulse, off to A and E, kept in and then on to Coronary Care, very scary. Horrible feeling too. Like you I was on Bisoprolol and warfarin, I still had that 'horrible knocking' and couldn't sleep so they gave me some digoxin and it seemed to sort it. I then had my first cardioversion last October and it lasted until May this year. Although I went back ito AF it wasn't as bad as the first time for some reason so I didn't need digoxin. Had my second caridoversion a couple of weeks ago and it's fine, up to now. The arrhythmia nurse who did the CV said that it probably would not last, (forever), and that in time I would have to consider an ablation. I must admit to feeling a bit scared of this procedure, I have read positive stories like yours and negative stories, in equal measures, I know that I feel very well now and if I did go back into AF I really don't want that feeling for the rest of my life so I would have to consider having the ablation. If you don't mind me asking, who did yours? I live in Mancheste and the main hospital for heart problems is Wythenshaw, (University Hospital) there are two docs that specialize in AF and they are Dr Fox and Dr Ben Brown. It would proabably be one of those who would do mine. Five hours is an awful long time to be 'under', I believe that you are sedated but awake, is that correct? Anyway, thanks for the info and keep well. Cheers. 
    • debbieAnn23
      debbieAnn23 lankylass

      Posted

      Hi Lankylass

      really sorry I'm only just replying, only just seen your post. I hope you are well and that you are still AF free. I would definitely say go for the ablation if you need to 5 hours was a very long time you are sedated but awake it's unpleasant but I think well worth it, and once over you forget about it. I'm from Sheffield and there was a long waiting list, so after research I had ablation at the Glenby heart hospital in Leicester. Would defo recommend.

      Please Let me know how you go on its nice to hear from someone with similar problems and that you are not alone.

      best wishes

      Debbie

    • lankylass
      lankylass debbieAnn23

      Posted

      Thanks debbieann, I have just come back from London today, wow, so busy, kids holidays. Thanks for replying, yes I am still in SR, 7 months last time so fingers crossed. I know that when/if it fails I do not want to live with AF for the rest of my life, it's uncomfortable and very tiring. I know I am not alone but we are all slightly different eh? As you say the unpleasantness is only fleeting and if you feel better it's worth it. Thanks again. 
    • terence68672
      terence68672 lankylass

      Posted

      Can you tell us more about your 'lankyness'? Is tallness in the family or are they all 'normal' height while you are unusually tall?

       

    • lankylass
      lankylass terence68672

      Posted

      Neither Terence, I'm from Lancashire, land of black puddings, cloth caps and whippets. Cheers, 
    • terence68672
      terence68672 lankylass

      Posted

      Oh really hahah! never guessed that. no, i was keeping my eye open for a thing caled 'Marfans Syndrome'. It often undiagnosed-I saw it in a friend of mine and got him sorted.

      So-I must be a HAMPYlad

      (Hampshre..)

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