Appointment finally here!!

[Lotty321]

Everyone has been so great on here so was just wondering if you can help again? X my appointment has finally come around on 22nd October for the arrhythmia clinic but I have no idea what to expect on the day! Any ideas? X

[doodle68]

Hi Lotty the arrhythmia clinic I attend is very routine and unexciting. If yours is the same you will be weighed/hight measured/have your BP checked /have an Ecg then have a chat with an arrhythmia nurse or a doctor who will go through your medical history and medication. Take something to read, the wait can be long.

[Lotty321 in reply to doodle68]

Do they do any other tests on the day? X

[Hidden in reply to Lotty321]

probably unlikely Lotty, and doodle has covered the key points. Once they have a record of all the key issues that have affected you, then other tests, such as an echocardiogram may occur later. The important thing is not to waste the opportunity by relying on your memory, so take a notes of all the issues which have caused problems and when. Mention any issues you might have with your medication and have a clear idea of what you want from the appointment - such as ongoing treatment options and timeframes. Never exaggerate, but make sure they understand how AF effects you. Also, it's a good idea to have someone with you just in case you do not remember some of the things discussed. Good luck, please let us know how you get on......

[doodle68 in reply to Lotty321]

Hi Lotty that is all that happened on my visit, an Echocardiogram was arranged for a few weeks later.

Don't be concerned about the clinic , as Flapjack says rehearse beforehand any queries you may have.

[Lotty321 in reply to doodle68]

Thank you everyone x

[wilsond in reply to Lotty321]

Same as above! Take a bottle of water,something to read or a puzzle book too. Hope you find it useful,it is a good idea to take notebook with yiur questiins etc on,and also write down key messages from them too! Good luck xxx

[CDreamer in reply to Lotty321]

At our clinic on a first visit and sometimes on subsequent one, they always take you to ECG room first, sit in usually a long queue, have an ECG done conducted by 2 technicians who are so efficient as that’s all they do - all day, every day - that you are out in 30-45 secs and the doctor has the read out by the time you are called.

The rest as above.

[Mike11]

One thing I'd add is to prepare a diary of all the times you have had AF over the past n months and how it affected you. Then print it out and insist it is added to your notes so that anybody reviewing them can see the problems you are having.

And if you have an AliveCor/SnapECG/whatever, include traces from that as well since Sod's law will guarantee that you will be in NSR on the day.

[CDreamer in reply to Mike11]

SO true!