Quite impressed with first EP consultation appointment.

[meadfoot]

I had my first EP consultation less than 2 weeks ago and was told I would be sent an NHS appointment for a couple of tests. Lo and behold I now have 5 tests scheduled: Myocardial Perfusion heart stress scan; Myocardial Perfusion heart rest scan.; Echocardigram; 24 hour Holter monitor; Treadmill exercise test and Arrhythmia nurse appointment.

Given the vast number of AF patients at our hospital trust and the long wait to see an EP I was pleasantly surprised to receive prompt test appointments. So the regime commences tomorrrow and runs through until third week in October.

Uneasy about some of the tests and obviously concerned about the results but at least a full diagnosis, no matter what the outcome, is underway and I feel looked after which is comforting. Don't think things will be straightforward result wise from what I can ascertain but hope for some helpful treatment plan.

Would have much preferred my Plan A for this week, an Adriatic cruise with friends (should have been in Venice today), but Plan B is what I clearly need at this point so hospital tests it is. Would not have felt safe on holiday at this point sadly.

Hey ho, did not sign up for AF but I have it so have to handle it. Must have lost my "invincible cloak" somewhere along the line.

Keep well folks.

Dee.

[BobD Volunteer]

Hi Dee, so glad things are now moving forward. Adriatic Cruises are much over rated I find anyway. It must be nearly forty years since I was last in Venice and it can only have got worse. It was ten pounds for a cup of coffee in St Marks back then so lord knows what it is today.

Keep us posted.

Bob

[porridgequeen]

Hi Dee

That's great news! At least now you will know what is going on in there. Just one word of advice - don't panic or scare yourself when you receive the results letter from the hospital.

I had no symptoms and thought I didn't have a problem other than the very occasional palpitation........ and then the results letter arrived. Being ignorant at that time I couldn't understand most of it but it looked as if I had massive heart problems. I was given an immediate appointment with my GP ( poor receptionist doing her best to understand me through the tears) and he went through it all in a calm and supportive way.

Apart from the AF and flutter episodes the rest of my heart was very healthy and some scores were even better than expected for my age.

Best wishes for good results,

Angela

ps I agree with Bob about coffee in St Mark's Square, ridiculous prices forty years ago. But the beauty of the square - magnificent!

[GranJan]

There is an apt quotation that I often have to remember, " If life gives you lemons, make lemonade" !

[jeanjeannie50]

Hi Dee - Glad to hear that tests have been arranged for you. Lets hope you can soon be 'sorted' and on the path to a worry free life. Exotic holidays next year - here she comes!!!!

[meadfoot]

Thank you all for your supportive comments, scary times but necessary if I want to get some answers and a forward plan. I will endeavor to keep calm. Been to my arrhythmia nurse hospital appointment this morning, the ECG taken today was ok, chest sounded ok and BP reasonable to say I have white coat syndrome. Test on Thursday takes 3 to 4 hours, can't imagine what it involves given it is a scan of sorts, to take that long but the nurse today has also said the time stated in my letter is accurate.

Your holiday comments ring true. Need to get my priorities in order. Must remember what we used to say to our daughter when she was small and we could not accommodate her wishes - "next time".

Thanks again and hope you all stay well.

Regards

Dee.