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← Return to Diagnosed last week with AFIB
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@starlight3 I would think the priority might be to find out how often and for how long you are in afib. Your primary care doctor can order a monitor (they now come as a "patch monitor" that is easy to wear). You can also purchase a Kardia to take your own EKG, or a Smartwatch.
If your afib is frequent, lasts awhile (7 -24 hours, opinions vary on this) or even continuous, you definitely need meds- and before you leave for 5 months. Do you have access to medical care in the UK?
If you are on a cancellation list, I find that calling at 10am will often get an appointment. Offices tend to give the appointments to those who call. Your primary care doctor might be able to start you on medication and also make an urgent referral. That's a thing- and gets appointments more quickly.
Primary care docs can prescribe metoprolol and even an anticoagulant but I imagine most are uncomfortable dealing with a new case of afib without you seeing a cardiologist. Have you tried a cardiologist outside of Mayo? You can see someone else and still stay on the waiting list at Mayo. But call at 10am!
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Thank you so much fr your helpful information. I have ordered a Kardia and I have spoken to my primary care doctor through the Mayo portal. He has suggested taking aspirin everyday and would be reluctant to do anything else. My ECG was ordered through the sleep centre and so they have to coordinate my appointment with the cardiology department. That’s how things are done now at the Mayo. Whoever orders your ECG is responsible for coordinating your appointment. I have no idea how often or how long I am in AFIB as I have no symptoms. Now and again I get a feeling like a little electric shock which is almost over before it begins. Don’t know if this is related. I do have access to healthcare in the U.K. but of course would prefer to be treated here before I go as I have been a patient at the Mayo for over 17 years and they know my full history. I have been calling the sleep centre everyday at 8.00am and 3.00pm with no luck. I will try 10.00am and see if I do better. Thank you again. I really appreciate you taking the time to answer me!