Feeling frustrated with diagnosis/misdiagnoses. Jan. 2020 loop device was implanted in my chest. Was to be notified if disorder was observed from a monthly readout that would be sent to cardiologist. End of Mar 2020 rec'd first call with message the DX of AFib as identified by this "loop" in my chest.
Asked when they knew that - Dr. noted in Jan. within a day of loop insertion. NO call for three months.
Connected me with electrophysiologist thru telehealth visit. Said he reviewed first 3 months and agreed that AFib is DX. Prescribed Flecanide, Metoprolol and Eliquist. Eliquist 2x/day. Flecanide and Metoprolol as a "pill in the pocket approach" which I was to take when I did not come out of an episode within 15 - 20 min. I advised I cannot always feel these when they occur. Was told use when I can and if I don't feel it don't worry about it!
He advised me of the high rate of severe side effects of these drugs. Was not an encouraging message for me to use. Spoke to pharmacist questioning the dose that appeared to be higher than I would expect. He indicated concern for the dosage prescribed as well asking me if I was comfortable to confirm with my provider. Felt there was a possible error in dosing.
I spoke to provider who confirmed it is the dose he wanted me to take...... yet another reason to now be concerned with dose.
Said continue his direction and he would call if he noted any other issue and me to call him if I had any problems.
Fast forward 3 more months on my follow up telehealth call w. electrophysiologist. Advised me that he felt the device was providing erroneous data! Said he did not think I have AFib now. Said he felt I was just having PVCs. Now I am more confused, concerned.
Glad I did not take any of the metoprolol nor flecanide. BUt am continuing Eliquist as it is thought I had a TIA in Sept 2018. He suggested remaining on that vs aspirin that I had been advised to use in the past.
Now here I sit wondering what diagnosis is right? How should my treatment plan go? How am I to confirm diagnosis. All providers in my state are doing telehealth so no EKG is being done.... and when it was (none since last year) it sometimes catches PVC but did not catch afib.
What is purpose of these devices (LOOP) insertion if they do not show an accurate picture. How could one call me with a "confirmed diagnosis of AFib" based on first three months finding. Then three months later say he has confirmed I do not have AFib. What is a reliable way to confirm.
This dr had planned to do an ablation as soon as the elective procedure ban is lifted.
I thank God we did not get t that stage yet. Have time to determine if that is a procedure I need to go thru. But the other side of that thought is hat if I really do have AFib and is not being treated or monitored accurately? I am getting messed up around all this.