To go to the walk in centre for palpitations?

[QuestionableMouse]

I have tried my GP and the first appointment I can get with them is for 1st March and I'm struggling massively with health anxiety to the point I can barely function. I've been having palpitations every night for the last week and I genuinely don't know what else to do. I spoke to 111 who advised me to see my GP but I've been trying and like I already said, the first appointment I can get is in March.

I'm properly worried and just don't know what else to try.

It sounds like you may well need some beta blockers. My GP just offered me those for anxiety and PTSD. Firstly I would bag the GP appointment because you may need to talk to them about your anxiety and some talking therapy. But otherwise call 111 to see if you can get a walk in appointment somewhere.

Hi OP, I’m really sorry you are feeling like this it’s probably highly unlikely you have heart issues palpitations can be a real symptom of stress/worry especially if you are suffering from health anxiety, go to a walk in centre & hopefully they will do some tests, I would also either keep the GP appointment or try to bring it forward & if you can discuss your health anxiety & get some support it’s very debilitating.

Should have said that I had no anxiety until this started and now I know I'm stuck in an anxiety spiral.

I have booked the GP appointment. I have tried 111 who just keep telling me to see my GP so I feel stuck.

I wouldn't want to dismiss your fears or concerns. Most causes would not be that urgent but it's a scary feeling and if you have stress, anxiety, lack of sleep they may be causing or contributing or making it worse.

I've had them and I think may have been worse before due to low iron which is now resolved. I think they are supposed to be a concern if you have dizziness, shortness of breath etc or a family history of heart problems.

Is it possible you can get an emergency appointment with your GP? I know all surgeries operate differently but mine has a certain amount of on the day appointments failing that I suppose the only option is A&E or explaining to 111 you can’t get an appointment for weeks, therefore need to be seen at a walk in.
The trouble with palpitations is the more you focus on them the more you are aware of them unfortunately.

Gp only has five emergency appointments and they all go. I was on the phone this morning at 8 and by the time I'd got through to speak to someone, all the appointments had gone. It's been the same every day I've tried.

They offer an econsult service but it's had this same message all week.

Oh that’s really bad, I’m sorry you are having such a difficult time.
perhaps the only option is A&E unfortunately, do you actually need an appointment for a walk in clinic or can you just go? I’ve not used a walk in centre so not familiar with the protocol.

You can just turn up. I was there last week (drove a friend) and it was pretty quiet really.

I'm just so sick of it. I've spoken to my GP in the past about anxiety and was told to exercise more and given a number for talking therapy who seem to be permanently closed. So I feel very stuck and don't know what else to do.

I've been anemic in the past so I'm wondering if that's getting bad again. Also have long Covid which can cause palpitations.

i can only imagine, it’s horrible when you don’t feel supported or have access to help you need, tbh I would go to the walk in get yourself checked out & when you are feeling a little better try & explore other options for some therapy (easier said than done I know) keep the GP appointment maybe write down some of your concerns/worries might help you from getting sidetracked & be a little more forceful with the GP accessing services.
Could you also possibly change GP practice at some point, they don’t appear to be very good.💐

Give up caffeine, choc and alcohol and see if that improves things. I speak from experience.

I don't drink coffee, only the occasional cup of tea. Don't drink alcohol full stop. I do eat a bit of chocolate but haven't had any for the past couple of days.

Are you peri menopausal or menopausal? I had palpitations when I started the menopause.

I've actually wondered that - I'm 38 so peri might be starting but I don't know.