Visit to EP re possible ablation for AF. Today I visited the Liverpool Heart and Lung Hospital. The journey was a hellish experience.

[jennydog]

There were road works on all the roads around the hospital and it was a nightmare getting into the place. I became so stressed that AF started and I was quite poorly. For the past 6 weeks I have recorded my bp and heart rate at 6.30 each evening and whenever I think there's a problem. The EP thinks that I may be fibrillating more than I am aware. He wants me to wear a monitor so he can see what is happening all the time. He says pace and ablate may be more appropriate than ablation as I have had the problem for more than 5 years and it's making my life difficult.

I must say that I am eternally grateful to this Forum because I have learned so much from it and am in a much better position to discuss AF with the Doctors and Nurses.

[rosyG]

I'm sorry to hear you've had such a bad day Jenny- hope things are better now.Best wishes

[jennydog in reply to rosyG]

That's so kind. Thank you.

I think I should have added that Doctors always seem to appreciate my record of my bp. I have done this 3 times now and they have always asked if they could keep my (tatty) notes. I use a wrist monitor which my GP checked for accuracy. The EP went through my records very carefully. It's possibly something that others might copy as it seems to be helpful.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to jennydog]

Who did you see Jenny? Was it Derrick Todd? Good record at that hospital.

Bob

[jennydog in reply to BobD]

Yes, it was Dr Todd.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to jennydog]

Lucky girl. He is very good. Should make up for the bad journey.

[jennydog in reply to BobD]

I realise that. I googled him and was impressed. He was thoughtful, kind and has a good sense of humour. I do appreciate that I'm lucky.

[Hidden]

I'm writing Mr Todd's name down for future reference, thank you, sounds like he is the go-to guy and should I ever win the lottery and get to have an ablation, Liverpool Chest and Heart is our nearest centre too. So sorry you had such a rough journey though! Digging up every road in the area must have seemed like a good idea to someone, but if you need to get somewhere, not quite so good!

Lis

[jennydog in reply to Hidden]

I could not have asked for better attention. Dr Todd wants me back there in 4 months by which time the roadworks should be completed. Apparently it's been going on for months. We experienced 2 road closures and several diversions which sent you away from the hospital on the wrong side of dual carriageways. I was in bits! We had allowed 2 hours for a 30 mile journey and were only just in time.

[parasteward in reply to Hidden]

Not sure why you have to wait for lottery win if you meant a ££ one? Eatsalottie Lots of people get their ablations done on the NHS... The waiting list can seem a little off putting but it is worth getting yourself on it if this is the recommended treatment for you. For me it was SO worth the 5 month wait so good luck!

[Hidden in reply to parasteward]

It's just not something anyone's suggested... Which I should probably take as a good thing, because it must mean they don't think my AF is bad enough yet - although I know they say the earlier the better. I'm just really pleased for everyone who has had it and no longer has symptoms to worry about.