After a lot of soul searching, thinking, reading people’s posts on here and I guess finally admitting defeat, I need to address my worsening PAF symptoms. Have had Lone PAF 13 years. I’ve also had to admit my QOL is affected and I’m not happy. There is a slight possibility that long term PPIs and 1 drug I’m on for breast cancer can affect arrhythmias but I still need to address it. The Afib and Atrial Ectopic dances that are going on with regularity now is really pulling me down and as I say affecting my QOL. I have been on Flecainide 2x50mg daily all the time and apixaban last 4 years.
Albeit late to the party I have now decided I need to see an EP specialist. Just making that decision has really lifted my spirits. A bit like my school reports a few centuries ago......I get there eventually!
I have been looking on the EP specialist list but would really appreciate first hand experience/recommendations please for a specialist. I am in West Yorkshire but happy to travel. I see my GP in 2 weeks and want to ask him for a referral to a specific EP if possible.
Many thanks
Frances xxx
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Frances123
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As I often say Frances, "when the pupil is ready the teacher will come. " Well done for making the decision.
Liverpool has a very good reputation and I have met one doctor from there but can only remember his first name--Derreck or Derrick if that helps. We shared a radio interview about AF some years ago and he has a great reputation.
Thanks Jenny. Great to have it seconded and has given me a lift. Thanks for tip about satnav. I don’t drive but have a friend who might like a day out if I throw in lunch and a sightseeing tour of Liverpool 🤣 as it’s only 1.5 hours drive from me and we do have trips out together time to time.
You could go by train. Merseyrail go to Broadgreen Station - in a loop from Warrington Bank Quay or Liverpool Lime Street. 10 mins walk to the hospital.
Thank you. I have been on Trainline.com as we speak working journeys out 🤣. It looks easy enough. Have already decided it will be a day out either with friend and car or shank’ys pony and retail therapy thrown in.
Thank you so much Bob. It’s silly I know but just to read the words of your first sentence made me shed a tear. It helped so much to read I had made the right decision. Even though I knew I had it’s nice to be told. Loved the analogy as well.
My QOL isn’t anywhere near as bad as some I have read but being symptomatic with continuous bouts of PACs each day takes its toll. Add to which Afib coming every couple of weeks for many hours it wears me down. Hard to explain but I don’t feel very well with either when they happen so something has to be done.
I had read about Derrick Todd and a few others in articles but with so much fake news I wanted it from people who know.
I’m not going to look any further after 2 great recommendations and will ask GP for referral to him. I don’t drive but Broadgreen is only 1.5 hours drive and 2.45 by train which is nothing. I just pray and hope now GP will be cooperative and Derrick Todd will agree to see me.
The Liverpool heart and chest seems to have a good reputation. I think any major AF centre which tend to be based in the regional major cities London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Bristol.
The best places to look are the BUPA site - you don’t need to be a member - and the AFA site who both hold lists of specialists. Always ask where they trained - good indicator. Good luck.
Thank you. Will certainly look them up. It great to have tips like these and makes things a lot easier, especially when you are wading through porridge looking for answers.
Its annoying that I took time to research EPs and am under the care of one,but he cannot guarantee that he would be doing the proceedure!!! So whats the point?!!! I suppose we confirt ourselves that the main person may have trained the others?
Although I had a Cardiologist who had diagnosed my afib I researched and found my EP myself. First I looked for the hospital which had the highest success rate for ablations and then their Doctor with the highest success rate . Of course you have to consider the number of procedures done also. I had to wait 6 mo. to get the ablation. My first one lasted 6/7 years and my second one I had about 1 1/2 years ago so far so good. The second one was for SVT . You want to look for results , not opinion. Pam
Thank you Pam. I have looked for results but I also value opinions. Even if results are excellent I like to know consultant, surgeon etc is human, will listen and has a caring nature.
I’m glad things are still good for you and long may it continue.
I probably sounded a little harsh , but I want the best Doctor I can get and oddly enough they are usually quite nice and affable . You really don't spend much time with them as they have a team of Doctors and they all take part in your treatment . I wish you well in your journey. Pam
Dr Sanjay Gupta , York Cardiology virtually on your doorstep! Check out his videos on AF! Have not got time to post link atm, but he’s on Facebook and videos on YouTube . More info later, but you could search here also . Hope that helps .
Thank you. I’ve watched a lot of his videos over the years and have been helpful. Have not seen or found anything as to whether he actually does procedures or surgery or takes referrals under the NHS.
Also worth looking at, Freeman Hospital Newcastle just around an hour from Leeds . I had a new QI mapping ablation 8 weeks ago under the care of Dr Stephen Murray, his results what I've seen are first rate and personally I found him very hands on, his team very professional and caring, and my operation has so far gone really well.
I had afib which was lone, then became more persistant with svt, I think your doing the right thing whoever you choose, it's QOL that suffers and the initial worry soon passes once you go down the route of a consultant, and the operation isn't much to be concerned about, its relatively straight forward no worse than the dentist .
Derrick Todd in Liverpool is excellent. I had my consultation and ablation with him. You can speed the process up if you can afford a private appointment around £200 or wait for the NHS.
Thank you. I’ve already decided to pay for initial consultation to speed up the process. At least waiting after for ablation or whatever I’ll know what I’m having and one step further to hopefully feeling good again.
Hi Frances, I had my ablation in September 2018 at Liverpool heart and chest hospital, Dr Todd was my EP and one of his under studies performed my Cryoablation. If you want to know anything just ask, all went well and the staff are excellent. If you get the option of a GA I would recommend that as my procedure was under sedation and a bit uncomfortable. Take care. Dave.
Hi Frances, I went to see Dr Todd on a Thursday and the following Friday I had the ablation.... It was a fast turn around which is good as it gave me less time to worry 👍 you will be fine.
I have had two ablations with him privately at BMI Birmingham but he also does NHS at Queen Elizabeth Birmingham although I don’t know if it is always guaranteed to be him
Hello Frances, Why not contact Dr Gupta, he's in York.He has a Facebook page with full contact info, Dr Sanjay Gupta.He is very accessible. Best wishes.
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