Questions for tomorrow?!!

[Lotty321]

So tomorrow I finally have my first appointment at the arrhythmia clinic after waiting for 5 months! Does anyone know the best questions to ask, what I should expect? I have suspected atrial flutter and fibrillation! Xx

[Luludean]

Good luck with your appointment. I hope you find the consultant a kind listener. Go with a friend if possible , if not , certainly go with your concerns written down. Hope it goes well , you have a lot of support on this site.

[10gingercats]

You can probably expect tests.Ask what they expect to find from the tests.You may be prescribed medication. You will expect to be told what the medication is for ,how it is going to help you .When will you be seen again, or passed over after your consult. to your GP.And YES. Do take someone with you if possible and allow them,with your permission, to ask anything it seems you may have missed.

[jennydog]

You will definitely have an ECG every time you go there. Take a list of your current medication. Write out a diary of any current health problems and your arrhythmia experiences. List any questions. All this is so you don't forget anything.

Finally, ask for a copy of their letter to your GP to be sent to you. This is important so that you know what's going on.

[CDreamer]

First ask who your are you are talking to and their position and make a note.

Ensure you will receive a copy of all correspondence between your clinic and your GP.

Is there any underlying condition causing AF?

Do I need to take anti-coagulants?

What can I do to support myself regarding lifestyle which may help prevent, stop or cope with AF episode?

What sort of treatment options would you suggest?

I think those are the core questions.

It is easy to become overwhelmed by anxiety and go off telling random stories so my advice would be to keep it concise, keep it relevant and keep it precise.

If there is something you don’t understand - stop the person and ask for an explanation. Write things down and if you can, take someone else with you. Don’t allow yourself to be rushed, you’ve waited a long time for this appointment, make sure you get what you need from it so write down all your concerns before you get to the hospital.

Hope it goes well.

.

[Lotty321 in reply to CDreamer]

So I’m back from my appointment, my ep nurse was absolutely lovely, I had an ecg, she took my blood pressure laying down and standing up, listened to my heart and my lungs etc and had no concerns about anything, she is referring me for more tests just to check everything, an ultrasound and a 7 day monitor. Unfortunately she never received my ecg from emergency department but from my symptoms she thinks that instead of atrial flutter I may svt!! So I’m still not on any medication and just waiting now for thee tea tests x

[Hidden in reply to Lotty321]

These are standard tests and the monitor will reveal if there are any little wobbles regularly going on that you are unaware of. The echo will show up whether events have been causing the left atrium to enlarge - a common symptom.

IF you don't have a Kardia, it may prove well worthwhile going to A & E if you have another event - not because you need treatment but so that a good ECG can be taken promptly. Ask for a copy!

[wilsond]

Hope it went well,sorry missed your post xx

[Hidden]

Suggest you always ask for copies of EcG’s as these are proof of your condition. My A&E automatically gives the patient a copy. Unfortunately without the ECG the nurse could only make an educated guess at your appointment if you were not symptomatic on the day. Try to get copies from your episode and make photocopies to take to the appointments you have.

Hope this is helpful.