Ablation assessment

I will be attending an ablation “assessment” at St Barts on Wednesday. I am not quite clear whether my referral there means that I am already judged suitable for an ablation and they are just going to check that there is nothing health wise that would preclude me having one. Or will they will start from scratch and decide whether I should have, say, my medication adjusted instead of an ablation? What, if any, tests are they likely to do? Another echocardiogram? Does anybody know how St Barts specifically go about these things?

[sue13hils]

Hi I had my ablation at St Barts brilliant place you will be so looked after. The checks will be ECG bloods medication and general health etc you will be made to feel very at ease lovely place good luck x

[Hidden in reply to sue13hils]

Many thanks for this information.

[Paige70]

Hi, I had a cryo ablation at Barts 2 years ago. I had previously seen an EP Consultant there for several years but decided on an ablation when I became more symptomatic. If you are being seen in a Consultant clinic it will probably be to review your medication and discuss having an ablation, if it is pre op assessment you will have blood tests an swabs and discuss the procedure with a nurse.The ablation is then usually within 6 weeks. I hope all goes well.

[Hidden in reply to Paige70]

That’s just the point- I am not sure which of th two it is. The appointment letter just says I will meet a named consultant or a member of his team and that I bring details of medication. The consultant who referred me (originally to Basildon) said it was an “assessment”. The consultant I saw last week in hospital said they “might not propose an ablation” or suchlike. I certainly hope it isn’t proposed for 6 weeks as workwise this is would be v difficult and I would be climbing up the wall.

[Paige70 in reply to Hidden]

That means you will be seeing a Consultant and discussing your treatment and if you decide on an ablation you will be put on a waiting list. 2 years ago it was about 4-5 months but may be different now. What Consultant are you seeing?

[Hidden in reply to Paige70]

Prof. Pier Lambiase or a member of his team. I find the idea of an ablation alarming, but if I’m put forward for one I will accept it. As others have suggested, I will go to the hospital without putting forward views of my own in the hope of hearing what the consultant really thinks.

[Paige70 in reply to Hidden]

That sounds a good idea. I was very reluctant to have an ablation and put it off but I am glad I had it done. I hope all goes well for you.