New EP

[GazzaD57]

Hi everyone. After an unsuccessful CV 4 months ago I am seeing a new EP on Wednesday, (the old one ran out of ideas). What questions would you ask if it was you?

[maxred1]

What are my options? At what stage is my AF? Can I have an echo? Has my atria enlarged? Do I have any other underlying heart issues. What would he advise me to do. Are my meds right? What is my BP/HR. Along this lines I would imagine. Try to go armed with as much info as you can muster. Good luck.....

[Stephanie6637 in reply to maxred1]

Hello i noticed in your reply to Gazza D57 that you mentioned an enlarged atria. I have been told my left atrium moderately enlarged but when i queried it was told not to worry about it . I was told the one to worry about is the left ventricle and mine is good wich shows heart is coping. I am seeing new Ep on 13th and having pre surgery assesment prior to an RF ablation on the 19th. Any info that i could use to question him re enlarged atria would be much appreciated.

[maxred1 in reply to Stephanie6637]

The subject is complex, I am not a doctor, however, AF can induce changes to the shape and structure of the ventricular. If you read up on it. An EcHO can give a full analysis. Your EP should be in a position to discuss all of this with you. Obviously, any changes/alteration to the heart and associated valves and chambers, can effect the on going prognosis. I decided, after failed CV, and now in permanent AF, with. 30% chance of success with ablation, to concentrate on QOL, with life style changes, and constant monitoring of my medication, in line with my GP. So far, it has been ok. I am not going for an ablation. The full caveat applies- everyone is different, and this condition affects everyone differently. You really must investigate, and understand your condition as it applies to yourself, in line with your Cardio/EP.

[Jonathan_C]

I would ask now if it is (or not) too early for an ablation.

[Rellim296]

The first time I saw my EP, he launched into what is probably his standard explanation to all new patients and gave me a list of the treatments that would be available according to need. If you have a long list of questions, you may have to mentally tick them off as a discussion progresses and this may prevent you absorbing what is being said. If you can perhaps take someone with you, one of you can just listen. The other can be going through the questions you had prepared and see what's not been touched on.

[porridgequeen]

Follow Rellims excellent advice and take a pencil and notebook for questions and answers - minds often go blank in these situations.

[Buffafly]

After three failed CVs it looks as though there are few options? I would ask if there is anything he can suggest to improve your QOL.