EP appointment update.

[Frances123]

I originally posted an update on my post regarding an EP specialist when I got home from that appointment yesterday. Rereading it this morning it sounded rather matter of fact and I wasn’t happy with it so have deleted it. Hence a new one this morning now I’ve had some time to digest things and emotions calmed down.

I had a great meeting with Dr Derick Todd. He was so kind, caring, understanding and down to earth. We had some good laughs as well. Within minutes of hearing my Afib journey, asking some questions and looking at my Alivecor Kardia history he said “you are a prime candidate for ablation”. I sort of guessed he might suggest that and even hoped he would yet to hear those words from a top EP cardiologist actually said had quite an effect on me.

He did say there were 2 possible medication options but the side effects were not nice and again recommended ablation was for me. He also said I’m still just about paroxysmal and is one reason he wants to do it as a cyroablation. He added this was also the better option for females. I did ask if it would give me a fantastic figure as well but sadly it doesn’t 🤣.

I have to see my GP to arrange an echo locally and a couple of other things but he doesn’t expect to find anything as all sounded good today. I accepted the ablation there and then. Dr Todd had told me it will just get worse. I did mention Bob your mantra of “Af begets Af” and he agreed. I didn’t see the point of trying medications, possibly feeling worse and only delaying the inevitable to my mind so I’ve signed on the dotted line. I had already cancelled my holiday for the end of this month as I knew I wouldn’t enjoy it and wouldn’t be able to do all the long walks etc. I just want to get a good a quality of life back as I can even if it means a couple of goes. I’ve been paddling up that Egyptian river long enough!

Dr Todd has given me a ball park date of October/November but will definitely be this year. I’m happy with that and coping with any Afib and daily multiple atrial ectopics will be a lot easier.

I came home yesterday feeling quite emotional and couldn’t explain why. I felt sad, happy, weepy, confused etc. I guess as this part of my AF journey changed and took off at speed Easter Monday I’ve now done all I can until the ablation. Think the emotions just came into land and said “about time”.

Sod’s law I woke in Afib this morning but for once I’m ok with it.

The sun is shining in Holmfirth, I feel calm and happy, albeit a little thoughtful. Have read the AFA booklet (again) about ablation and recovery. Off to buy the lip salve this morning. Must find a good book as well. Just think whilst I’m resting afterwards for 2 weeks I can watch all those dvds I’ve been saving, catch up on reading and my friend who’s coming to stay making the tea. It’s a win win situation.

Only fly in the ointment is if ablation is October I might have to miss Patients Day. Small price to pay though. Do you still have pink carnations Bob?

Thank you all for your support, encouragement, insight and for recommending Dr Derick Todd (amongst others).

Hugs

Frances xxx

[BobD Volunteer]

Good to read Frances. Not sure about Pink Carnations this year. With such a late start overnight stay may not be so popular this year . Hard to justify the expense. Fingers crossed.

[Frances123 in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob. I would have to stay over 2 nights. No buses to station before 8:30 on a Sunday morning and wouldn’t get back into Huddersfield St. until 9:30pm. There’s no way I’m walking between train and bus station that time of night in Huddersfield in the dark. Good excuse for weekend away anyway.

Thanks X

[Hidden]

Great post Frances, gives you plenty of time to read and digest the two factsheets on having an ablation too!

[Frances123 in reply to Hidden]

Oh I have flapjack, I certainly have.

Thanks x

[Jalia]

Sounds all good Frances. I'm wondering why cryo ablation is the better option for females though . Anyone know ?

[Frances123 in reply to Jalia]

He did say why but I’m afraid I was trying to remember so much that it’s gone. As he said it was better for females that was good enough for me and trusted his judgment so the reason was lost in the ether. I have a few things I want him to reiterate and that will be one of them.

Thanks x

[Mandy232426]

Hi Frances.

I was diagnosed with PAF in october 2016 at the age of 47.

Over this period of time my attacks have started to increase, just like Bob says they do.

I was told the same as you, when i saw the specialist at Leeds General infirmary and am due to have my ablation on the 15th july. I had my pre op assesment yesterday. I also cried. This was a mixture of fear that this wont work, but relief that i was finally going to have it done.

I have also read the AF booklet and it really has helped me to prepare for this operation.

I will keep you updated, if you would like to follow me, on how it all goes.

Take good care of yourself and enjoy the sunshine.

[Beta44]

Well done for reaching the decision. That is the hardest part. I was very apprehensive before my cryo ablation but it was the best thing I have done, in respect of AF. Four years ago, no drugs apart from anticoagulant , and no AF since.

Peter

[Frances123 in reply to Beta44]

Thanks Peter. That’s encouraging news. I’m actually looking forward to having it down. Mind you that is now. Ask me nearer the time and when I’ve got a date! Opting for a GA helps as I won’t be thinking about possible discomfort during procedure, forgetting to ask nurse to scratch my nose or worrying I’m going to fidget.

Thanks

Frances x

[Frances123]

I hadn't seen a cardiologist in 10 years. I had no problem with the EP discussing meds. I found him to be open and honest about all my options. 3 times he said ablation was for me. I appreciated his honesty and covering the options rather than just assume I wanted an ablation or pushing me to have one.

[Frances123]

That maybe so but the doctor I saw specialises in general cardiology, electrophysiology and complex devices. He isn’t there just for ablations. I take exception you are telling him his job. Neither is it helpful to others thinking they can’t discuss meds with an EP if they want to.

[Pjt55]

Not my experience in the States. I don't see a cardiologist only an EP. He manages my afib meds, my cryo- ablation 3years ago, my on going afib meds since and also my loop recorder. Several Cardiologist missed my afib completely. It took along time to get to an EP who diagnosed in 3days after he ordered the correct tests. So please don't generalize that in the States the Cardiologist prescribes the meds. Many people I know have only an EP and NO cardiologist.

[Oldiemoldy in reply to Pjt55]

Same here. I went from first SVT incident in 2014 to an EP. Glad I was already bonded with him when AFib turned up in 2017. I’m in USA too. GO approved.

[Oldiemoldy in reply to Oldiemoldy]

I meant GP