A question about recurrence of AF

[Ashburton51]

It is ten months since my ablation and in the main all has been well and I am sure my positive attitude helps. However over the past three months I have started to have the occasional AF episodes. Now this could be related to the fact that I am moving which is always stressful added to which I am moving out of the area so away from the wonderful consultant who has been looking after me which I am nervous about because it will mean going to the bottom of another consultants list and starting all over again. So I suppose this is really asking for reassurance that the recurrence is normal and not to start worrying about the perceived need for another ablation which my consultant said would be necessary if the AF came back.

I just also want to add what a brilliant group you all are. I have so appreciated your support leading up to and following my ablation.

Gloria

[pottypete1]

I would get these renewed episodes of AF checked out as soon as you can under the new regime. In my view and in the view of my EP things should settle down at least after 6 months. My EP explained when we last discussed this that with improving techniques, for example in my case 3D mapping, then things should settle down even quicker than that.

I have had to have a number of ablations but I am the exception to the rule. Often 1,2 or 3 ablations are sufficient with a significant percentage of succcess after the first procedure.

I would recommend that when you are in a new area that, if you can, you try your best to get referred to one of the UK's Cardiac centres of excellence, for example Bristol, Southampton and some of the London specialist hospitals such as Barts. These hospitals where they specialise in Rythym management have very comprehensive facilities and the most up to date mapping equipment that some of the smaller hospitals do not have.

I realise that this is not always easy but unfortunately the term "post code lottery" really does apply in the UK where specialist heart care is concerned.

Pete

[Ashburton51 in reply to pottypete1]

Thank you for this Pete. My consultant said that if the AF does recur then I would have to have the 3D mapping procedure. I understand that there is a centre in The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham that specialises in AF and that would be my nearest on from Shropshire where I am moving to.

I should be moving next month so will register with a GP as soon as and take copies of the letters I have from my present consultant and try and get the ball rolling asap.

Gloria

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Ashburton51]

I always thought that you could be treated by whoever and wherever you choose. I live in North Devon but all my AF treatment has been at Royal Brompton Hospital in London. Why not ask your current EP his views on this.?

[Ashburton51 in reply to BobD]

Thanks for this Bob. I suppose because I would be living so far away I thought it would be best to find a consultant that was nearer because of getting home after the procedure for the recovery period. It takes four hours to drive from Exeter to where I will be living.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Ashburton51]

Matt or Steve are very approachable! Why not ask them.

[Ashburton51 in reply to BobD]

Sorry but who are Matt and Steve?

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Ashburton51]

The two EPs in Exeter. Matt Lovell and Steve Podds.

[Ashburton51 in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob, I am still on 'Doctor' terms! Dr Podd is my consultant so I will send an email to him via Lynne the AF nurse. Thanks again.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Ashburton51]

ha ha yes but they are not my doctors you see. Know them well from the support groups Lynne runs of which CDreamer is patient lead.

[Hidden]

Hello Gloria, I’m in a similar situation. Cryoablation in June 2016, but had a couple of episodes brought on by stress last October but had some further ones more recently so waiting for an RF ablation with 3D mapping later this year. In my case, the EP originally thought the first episodes were blips, but when he checked my discharge notes, he changed his mind! Let’s hope your situation settles soon.....

[cassie46]

Once you have moved and settled in perhaps see how your local hospital is or decide where you want to go, choose an EP ect and get a one off private appointment and then ask to go on their NHS list. I had to do this because my local hospital did not have an EP and the cardiologist would not refer me. So I chose Papworth (it's only 20 miles from me) chose the EP had private appointment and now on his NHS list, GP referred me. Cost was just over £300. Good luck.

Cassie

[Rdiehl01]

No worries...it can take up to 18 months to heal...

[Rdiehl01]

I would still be diligent and get checked when you can however