EP or Cardiologist?

[John67]

Hello friends, my cardiologist said that after one failed cv there was no point in trying another one as I am in persistent af. I am thinking about going privately for a second opinion with an EP. Can anyone recommend a an good EP in the North West and roughly how much this would cost?

[jennydog]

Could you be more specific about location, please? North West is a big area. I could help with a suggestion at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital. I imagine that you are looking at a charge in the region of £200 plus any tests.

[John67 in reply to jennydog]

Thanks for this Liverpool is good for me.

[jennydog in reply to John67]

If you are going to the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital at Broadgreen Hospital then use L14 3LB for sat nav.

I understand that there are about 6 EPs there. I'm not sure who does private consultations. Find out on Google.

My EP is Dr Derrick Todd. My ablation was done by Dr Richard Snowdon. They are both excellent and real gentlemen.

[nano-science in reply to jennydog]

Dear Jennydog,

I wonder whether Dr. Derrick Todd have private appointments? I think I need a second opinion as my second ablation for persistent PVC so far has failed (worked for weeks between 3 to 8). Trying propafenone but so far little effect. I am in practically constant bigeminies now and walk 100 yards from the office to the parking lot is almost impossible, that is with otherwise strong heart (that I felt when no arrhythmias in the weeks 3 to 8, as well as eco now, and eco-stress 3 years back). NHS is tied to my first EP who is great but seem to be lost with my pretty complicated case.

[jennydog in reply to nano-science]

By chance I mentioned private treatment to Dr Todd last month re a Neurologist who only practises at Spire, Stretton nr Warrington. Dr Todd explained that it was easy to get there & said he did private work there himself.

He is such a nice man. He listens to what you have to say. He was 2nd in a feature in the Daily Mail re doctors who other doctors would choose to consult.

Dr Richard Snowdon does private work and is very nice. See Liverpool Heart & Chest page.

Good luck!

[nano-science in reply to jennydog]

Many thanks! I would definitely need a second opinion as my things are pretty complex and stubborn.

Now in a 5th day on Propafenone 150mg bd, last evening was with some short spells out of arrhythmia, and slept well most of the night. At leat such arrhythmic free episodes appear, but still have bigeminy for going even simple flight of stairs while being reasonably fit - just two months ago a months after ablation was cycling for hours in France and hiking in the Lakes (well below limits). Perhaps should have gone easier in the recovery period - may be paying the price now, although one never knows with arrhythmia :-(. Pretty much out of action now - with all work things piling up.

Thanks again and all the best to you!

Oleg.

[Hidden]

My AF was bad and became persistent, and my EP did a successful ablation after it became persistent. However, my symptoms were being controlled by drugs at the time, so you could say I had underlying persistent AF but not the actual sumptoms.

In my limited experince of one person, me, and having dealt with cardioa and an EP, personally I would only take advice from the EP.

PS. I paid £200-250 for one in Birmingham (that was with BMI).

Koll

[John67 in reply to Hidden]

Many thanks, most helpful.

[momist]

I researched who is available just a few days ago. As well as Liverpool, there are EPs at Blackpool Victoria, in their specialist heart unit. I have no idea who's good or otherwise though.

[Hidden in reply to momist]

Depends where you live I've had good treatment from a few of cardiac team at Blackpool it's the cardiac centre for my area

[Nickr282]

I have persistent AF and my first CV failed. The second one worked but only for a couple of months in tandem with Amiodarone. I have now had an ablation. Always worthwhile seeking a second opinion.

[Barb1]

If you can't be reverted back to SR through a cardioversion then it is permanent AF

[Amydandy]

I am in the States, but I was in continual afib for at least 18 months (that we know of), and my cardiologist was not very forward thinking in my treatment. But he did send me to see an electro cardiology specialist for an ablation consultation, finally. This specialist put me on Tikosyn (Dofetilide) first (which was a 4 day stay in Hospital), then scheduled my ablation for 2 months after that. He also told me to be prepared to have a 2nd ablation this same year, if the 1st didn't work. He said statically, there is a higher success rate with a 2nd procedure. All of his suggestions were ideas my own cardiologist was surprised by. So far I have had 1 ablation recently, am still on the Dofetilide for about 2 more months, and then they will see of I am still holding rhythm and go from there.

[John67 in reply to Amydandy]

Thanks for this, I will make an appointment with an EP.