Hi I'm new.

[jenna1121949]

Hi I am new to this sight. I was diagnosed with PAF nearly 3 years ago. I collapsed with my first episode whilst out shopping. An ambulance was called and I was taken to hospital. I went home the next day and was put on bisoprolol. I went a whole year and then had another episode. I was referred to a cardiologist who put me on Dabigatran and statins. This year I have been admitted to A&E 4 times so far. I am waiting to see a cardiologist again in a couple of weeks to see if I am suitable to have an ablation. I am very frightened at the prospect of the ablation but I really cant go as I am as the problem seems to be getting far more frequent. I have also heard that sometimes the ablation doesn't cure the problem. Can anyone tell me how long the wait is for an ablation on the NHS. My GP also said that some people with AF don't have any symptoms at all. I find that really strange as when I go into AF I feel absolutely dreadful. I would welcome any feedback.

Jenna.

[jennydog]

Hi Jenna, welcome to this site. This is where you can ask questions and where you can learn about AF. Knowing what you have to cope with empowers you to cope with it.

I also ended up in hospital after collapsing at work. AF was diagnosed and over 3 years it worsened. I was fortunate to be allocated an excellent Cardiologist who prescribed warfarin and referred me to an Electrophysiologist. I had an ablation 2 years ago. I had it because the AF was so unpredictable and it had destroyed my confidence. Ablation really isn't something to be scared about. If you are offered this £15,000 procedure then you should seriously consider having it done. Your AF is likely to get worse, don't live with regrets, do all you can to help yourself.

Ask questions here and if it's an embarrassing question then you can message anyone privately.

Kind regards.

[Hidden]

Hi Jenna

I collapse in a shop as well, Christmas Eve last minute job, total stress for me !!! That was when I was diagnosed with pretty bad AF. I was first put on drugs which worked, then after 2 years I decided to have the ablation that was on offer. It was no problem at all and it worked straight away and kept me clear of AF for 8+ years. Then I got a bit back and had a second ablation but that had to be aborted for other reasons peculiar to me. Anyhow back on drugs now but my Af is being controlled well by those, as I feel the ablation is still keeping most of my AF at bay making it easier for the drugs. That's just my personal theory but I'm sure it's right. I really wouldn't be frightened, I was like everyone, and afterwards wondered why.

Re waiting list, I had to wait about 6 months for my last ablation on the NHS. First one was done privately and was quicker, just a few weeks if I remember correctly. Both were done at the QE in Birmingham UK. Great team there as other places I'm sure.

I had my first ablation under sedation, so I was awake most of the time and it was no problem. Just one night in hospital. No driving for a week or a few days? And take it easy, no lifting etc.

Koll

PS. Just to add, I was very symptomatic like you, but with the combination of various drugs and ablations, I have led a normal active (I'm a farmer/cyclist/walker) for the past 15 years.

[BobD Volunteer]

Hello Jenna and welcome to our site. The first thing to say is go to AF Association website and read all you can about this mongrel condition. There are loads of fact sheet about all aspects of it and treatment as knowledge is power.

Next I would ask why you have had to be going to A and E? Most people find that once they have a diagnosis unless, and this is important, unless you have chest pain or pass out then A and E is largely unnecessary. A F is a chronic condition which is almost always progressive and you can't spend you life in A and E. Obviously, some people to have problems with pain and black outs during events but otherwise, all that tends to happen is that you are observed for a period and sent home.I find hospitals stressful personally and prefer to stay at home if at all possible.

Regarding ablation, again some great fact sheets on AF-A site and there really is nothing to worry about. I had three before my AFwas sorted so yes sometimes it needs to be repeated. I'd rather have an ablation that go to the dentist to be honest. Waiting lists vary greatly and of course in today's cash strapped NHS it can be a post code lottery. My local EP has run out of money till next April and then can only do about three or four months before running out again. If you are offered one. grab the chance as it ma not always be on the table.

Ask lots of questions and we will try to help.

[Bauldy]

Welcome Genna

I have had af since Easter a short period from what I read from others, I am on the list for a ablation and if there was a knock on the door now to take me I would go, I see this as a chance for a normal life medication is not working. Please try not to worry and if you get pains in the chest or the attacks are painful lasting for long periods I would seek medical advice , I have had 2 trips to hospital since I started af mainly through the lack of understanding . Take care

[azriverrat]

Already had three ablations. Last one finally mostly worked. Have one hotspot left according to EP for hopefully final 4th ablation. What I look forward to is either the nurses or food. Each hospital I have been to has either or. Wish one had both good nurses and food. But I am in the US.

But also my AF was persistent and bad.

[Clarrie]

Hi Jenna

I have just been put on the waiting list for an ablation and was told the waiting list is approximately 3-4 months.