Admission To Hospital after 24 hr monitor study.

[Johnw]

I have had a tough few months where i have been suffering blackouts and on the last occasion after admission to hospital the consultant requested i do a 24 hr monitor test yet more delays for treatment. few weeks later during the study i knew i wasnt feeling well so on return to cardiology outpatients wasnt feeling too good and whilst waiting blacked out again. Taken straight into cardiolgy and had ecg and it was showing my heart rate was low and pauses of up 6 seconds needless to say i was readmitted to hospital (14th Nov) where the 24 hr tape showed the slow heart rate and pauses. I dont understand why had to wait another 3 weeks for another episode. upshot of this is the consultant treeting me at hospital amitted he had to transfer me to the John Radcliffe as an in patient to have the ablation, I was booked in on the December 20th. On admission (16th nov ) to JR I was well looked after and the dr listened to my experience and symptons and his respone was why did they take so long to tranfer me. On seeing the consultant on Monday he said dont worry i wont let you out till we get you soughted you have suffered enough. I had loads of blood tests where they found out my electrolytes were low and had to have blood test every day, the ablation was sheduled for the 22nd but unfortunaly was cancelled a very sick patient before me and they overrun the slot. rescheduled for the 25th and Cryo Ablation carried out succesfully and now i am home recovering from the last few weeks hospital stay. i know its early days but i am already feeling better although very tired. i can only say the experience of my stay at the Oxford Heart centre has been excelent not only have I been treated well the clinical staff listened to me and treated me with respect and knowing the symtoms i have been suffering looked after me very well. I now Know that to be treated for AF is a specialist role and to get the right treatment even from cardiologist is very hard and can be a bit hit and miss my experience at my local hospital left me feeling very confused and even on the point of doubting my diagnoses at one point ont of the registras sugested if i want an ablation done quicker why dont i pay for it or just learn to live with it and get on with my life. easy to say when your fit and healthy. i have been of work now for nearly 3 months and it took some very serious events to get the treatment i needed, why. And the worst thing for me i am a clinical technolgist who works in the NHS.

[rosyG]

It's good to hear you are feeling better now- I will mention some of the points you raise when I see our CG about the lack of pathways for AF= they have asked me to be the patient input!1

Could you let me know if your pulse is always low- i have been talking to a cardiologist today about my AF and low resting pulse- my pulse goes up with exercise but resting and sleeping pulse is low.

Hope you continue to feel well now.

[Johnw in reply to rosyG]

My resting heart rate has now returned to normal 65 to 68 bpm, I am of the drugs I had been prescribed bisoprosol and Flecanide so feel much better now which has surprised me. Prior to ablation resting heart rate in the low 50's

[BobD Volunteer]

So glad to read a good outcome. It is so sad when doctors treat patients as if they are lead swinging but all too common. This is why I always tell people to bang desks until they see an EP who will understand them.

BobD

[Hidden]

I'm really happy that you've had such good treatment at the specialist unit and are on the mend. It's upsetting that the 'normal' hospital showed so little understanding, but seemingly par for the course.

[porridgequeen]

Good to hear you are feeling so much better, sounds like you have been through the mangle. Well done the JR. Hope your improvement continues.

[meadfoot]

It has taken me years to get to see an EP, (4 and a half years in fact) despite dreadful symptoms taking me into hospital each time. Appears to be little communication between cardiologists and EP's. I had to pay to see one in the end and have 3 month wait for next app despite a recent 16 day stay in a cardiology ward. At least I now know I don't have plumbing problems which is great. Fab medics but co-ordination between one sort of medic and another leaves a lot to be desired. So pleased you have had a good outcome. Good luck for future improvement.

[dedeottie]

I have just given up on the 8 month wait to see a cardio and with 4 months to go am paying privately to see the E.P. of my choice. It seems you can do that if you pay. BAD NEWS I know but needs must I'm afraid.so pleased that things are looking up for you. X

[moggdog in reply to dedeottie]

hi mate . do you mind if i ask how much the private consult was?

[dedeottie]

Hi in my case the initial consultation is £147 then it is likely that I will need some investigations such as echocardiogram. Which will probably add another £600 then I'm going to transfer back to the NHS hopefully if any treatment is needed.I live in South Wales. Hope this is helpful.