hi all as I mention earlier i have decided that hopefully fingersx i will be accepted for an ablation in the near future.

[llamudos]

i would be grateful for any recommended EP specialists in the Swansea, Cardiff ,Bristol areas. Not too sure what the procedure is I know I am going to sound like a complete wally, my doctor said he would supply me with a referral letter. I know I will pay for the initial consolation but if i am given the go ahead for the ablation will there be an option of getting it done on the nhs or will he only offer the procedure through the private sector?? As I have no ideas of costs. If the nhs is agreeable will this private EP still perform the procedure or would he just give me a letter to go through my doctor again?? Sorry if this sounds stupid but it’s all new to me and I just want to be prepare

[BobD Volunteer]

There is a list of EPs by area under patient info on the main website. I dont think there is a hard and fast rule re switching form private to NHS but do know of people who have done this.

Bob

[dedeottie]

Hi. I paid for a private consultation with Dr Peter o Callaghan at cardiff university hospital. I also paid for some tests . As a result he said I was a suitable candidate for ablation. He will transfer me to his N. H. S. List for this to be done so will have 6 month waiting list. I have been very impressed with him so far. I chose him from the website and asked my doctor to refer me specifically to him. As I was paying it all went swimmingly!

[dedeottie]

It was 250 pounds for an initial consultation and I have paid about 800 pound more for tests. He actually suggested transferring me himself and it will be him doing the procedure.x

[llamudos]

Thank you dedeottie just what I needed strangely enough I was just reading up on Dr Callaghan he does seem to have a wealth of knowledge . Best wishes for your ablation hopefully I won't be far behind you

[Hidden]

I have had consultations with an EP privately, who then went on to do an ablation for me through the NHS. Consultations were about £150 a time, just 10 or so minutes, and I had 2 of them I think. It didn't speed up the ablation though, had to wait, and wait, and wait...... When I had a previous ablation done privately (10 years ago), I just had to wait a few weeks. But if you pay for ablation I think it's around £10-15,000.

Good luck

Koll

[llamudos]

Hi Koll

Thank you for the info.

To tell you the truth I am not looking to jump the queue in any fashion. I,m really just looking for a plan of action for my peace of mind. Presently I only see my cardiologist on a yearly basis and I can’t help thinking that its becoming a case of (keep taking the tablets see you next year) I know I am probably being a bit unfair. Having no af attacks for well over a year from the initial onset I might well of carried on down the present route. But in April I must have picked up a bug of some sort and over that period I had three 1 hour attacks of af. All through I haven’t had any since (touch wood) this as prompted me to take a more direct approach. I have heard it said on this site many times that the earlier the ablation is done the better the chance of success. At this moment I am on 50mg a day of flecainide and the dreaded aspirin all I really want to know is if I would be eligible for an ablation in the near future without waiting yet another year before I can pose that question 

thanks again

[rosyG]

Hi Llamudos

If you were willing to travel to London you could ask your GP to refer you to Dr Sabine Ernst at The Royal Brompton, Bob can add some details too I think-

I was referred to her as an NHS patient and she said she would do it herself.

The waiting list is 3-4months at present as she gives international talks on ablation and is involved with a large research (ablation) project at present.

I was impressed with her record re success and complication rate.

I think there is some patients/family accommodation nearby at a reasonable price for London.

Once you got a referral, her secretary is very helpful and if you explained you are coming some distance they may be able to do all tests needed on one day- or close together etc.

I liked the fact that she is willing to let you wait until you re ready to go on the waiting list.

Hope all goes well for you.

[llamudos]

thank you Rosy for you time and info

will certainly look up Dr Sabine Ernst.. keep well