I am
writing this as I consider that in my early days of A Fib 17 years ago I really didn't know enough about my condition and so some of my early medical care was insufficient. Now I make sure that I have a good doctor who takes my situation seriously and is happy to send me off for regular blood tests to check electrolytes etc, echocardiograms and event monitoring regularly. I also have a heart specialist I see twice a year who can advise more accurately about medications and options. As I end up in casualty about twice a year with 160+ heart rates I also have a file in a folder with my history (written by me), current medications, the last event monitoring result, echocardiogram and ecg's. I found that the doctors in casualty love the file as they can work out appropriate meds to correct the situation and I don't have to answer so many questions with my heart going awall. The file goes with me to the Regional hospital as well if I am transferred. Be informed, the medical staff love it as it is a worrying time for them. I also have a packed bag in case of
hospitalization (I can be tranferred out of my home town). All of these ideas have given me confidence and peace & good treatment outcomes. Don't let anyone trivialise your condition, it can be life threatening for some people (I nearly died 2 years ago). Look after your diet, rest and lifestyle and you should live healthier with more assurance and peace. I
hope this helps someone who is floundering out there. Ruth CR
Posted on 11/08/09, 07:11 pm
Ruth, that's really a good idea. I find that some of the staff in the emergency area get so frightened with the racing heart rate that they don't handle it well either. 
