Waiting for ablation a the John Radcliffe told 5 to six month waiting list, has anybody had an ablation done at oxford what was the waiting.

[Johnw]

Waiting for ablation a the John Radcliffe told 5 to six month waiting list, has anybody had an ablation done at oxford? what was the waiting time? and how was the procedure?

[Beancounter Volunteer]

Hi Johnw

No never had an ablation at the John Radcliffe, but it is where I was diagnosed after being taklen there by the paramedics, and it seemed really a pretty good hospital, but ruddy cold in November, and mobiles are blocked in the A & E which was frustrating.

That seems a long time to wait, is it worth having a chat with your doctor and asking to be referred elsewhere?, I'm no expert in NHS procedures, but I thought we could now choose which hospital we were treated in. I use Harefield (not a great distance from you) which is great, and I am sure others here will recommend other places to be treated.

As to what it's like, I am sure many will answer you, but if you search this forum for ablation (top right), you will find a number of accounts of people's experiences.

Best of luck and be well

Ian

[beano2013 in reply to Beancounter]

I had an ablation and found it fantastic. I think 6 months is too long and according to others I understand the longer you leave it the harder it is to have a satisfactory ablation. I would put as much pressure as possible on the medics to get your ablation done earlier than 6 months.

[Johnw in reply to beano2013]

what would be a reasonable time to wait they know medicaation is not effective. 5mg bisopropil and 150mg flecanide twice a day. and still have regular episodes of AF.

[halfhearted]

I had an ablation at John Radcliffe in October 2011 for paroxysmal fibrillation and flutter. My waiting time was the same as yours. My procedure has been successful. I was very impressed with all aspects of the treatment that I received at the hospital.

[Johnw in reply to halfhearted]

Thanks for your reply a bit more encouraging, a bit worried about work the unknown element of the paroxysmal AF is effecting my work I have had a lot of time off work (Clinical Engineering Technician in the NHS)

[AFAssociation1]

Hi John

Waiting times for ablation treatments average at around 4-6 months across the UK. Some places are much less but others could be up to a year. This is testament to the scale of AF prevalence and lack of specialist centres. John Radcliffe is a fantastic centre for AF treatment. Here are some case stories from our members who have had ablation. The first on the list, Pabitra, had his treatment at John Radcliffe atrialfibrillation.org.uk/s...

Thanks

Raj

[parasteward]

I waited 5 months for mine at JR and was concerned because the frequency of my episodes was increasing to more time in AFib than out BUT it was done on June28th and so far so good. They are very experienced there and it would seem to be one of the top centres in England. They will want you to be on anticoagulants for three months before the procedure ( I am on Pradaxa) and will advise if/ when to stop that and any other drugs at your pre op assessment. I guess I was lucky in that I was able to continue working during episodes ( full time teacher and part time farmer) so the only time I needed off work was for the appointments and a week of recovery following the ablation.

For the procedure I was admitted on the morning and walked to the EP lab at approx 8am. After 4+ hours under general anaesthetic I returned to the day unit for a couple of hours before being transferred to the ward. Stayed in overnight and was discharged at lunch time the following day.

Hope this helps-happy to answer any more questions you may have.

[Johnw in reply to parasteward]

working in a hospital sometimes in the critical areas does make me feel uneasy i have had a couple of bad episodes and ended up in A&E. The staff have been great and helped me recover one of the problems i have is bad chest pains with the AF when investicated all is ok so now they investicating potential problems with anxiety and stress as being a cuase / trigger of the bad chest pain. mean while i am just waiting for the Ablation at the JR.