Thoughts on what to ask EP.

[cassie68]

Hi all, hope you all got through Xmas ok. I just wanted to ask some advice please. I have been diagnosed with either IST or Atrial Tachychardia and have seen EP once and am due to see him again 7th Jan. he put me on 1.25 mg Bisoporol which doesn't seem to have made much difference.....except to bring my BP lower.....already have low BP during nights so not good. Still very breathless, lots of chest pains etc whenever I go anywhere and can't go out alone incase I pass out.

I had a job I love.....music teacher in primary school which is in jepardy as I have had a written warning because of my absence. I've been off work with this condition since August this year. If I'm not back by April I will lose my job. I am so upset.

At my appointment with EP I asked about ablation and was told he didn't want to do one as success rate is quite low and the condition may return anyway. Then he prescribed the bisoporol. Any thoughts on what I should push for at my next appointment? I really would like something done to get my life back but he is keen on trial and error with medications, only looking at procedures if none of the medications have worked.....by which time I will have lost my job. any thoughts welcome. Thanks.

[Uttled00]

Hi

Ask the EP what course of treatment he recommends to get you back on your feet and back in to work. While the EP's in theory are a source of expertise you are perfectly entitled to challenge, in a positive way, their recommendations. If the chosen course isn't working for you then ask him what other options are available. Agree and document the treatment strategy so your GP can be kept in the loop ( this is assuming you have a proactive and sympathetic GP) as if it's anything like my situation it is the GP who actually prescribes the drugs.

Be well and good luck with your EP.

DAVE

[BobD Volunteer]

Hi Cassie and Happy New Year to you as well. Not sure if it is good news or not that you have atrial tachycardia rather than atrial fibrillation. I had AT on a couple of occasions after two of my ablations for AF and it was returned to NSR by cardioversion so surprised they haven't tried this or are they still actually trying to work out what you have?

Regarding your work situation I would suggest that you speak to an employment specialist as I am sure that you could make arrangement with the school who may not be aware of their responsibilities with staff who have such a condition. Is there not somebody from the union who could take up your case?

Bob

[Christo4]

I wish you well for the new year I also hope your EP gives you the help you so need to get you feeling better again for you to carry on doing the job you love.

If your EP cannot do his job I would be looking for another one who can help you, see your GP about that, really do hope it works out for you it sounds like you deserve that, you really must put your cards on the table and tell this EP trials don't seem to be working the only thing he is doing is making it possible for you to lose your job.

I go along with what others are posting.

Good luck I wish you well.

Christo

[Varina8]

Cassie 68,

Sorry to hear your severe problems. EP should be the right person to advice you. I didn't know what IST is, so I googled it and found site heartracing com. There you can see a lot of clear information. Wishing you a better new year 2015.