How do you get a cardioversion or an ablation?

[Ecki]

Hi, looking for advice. I'm 65 and diagnosed with atrial fibrillation about 3 weeks ago, following a couple of episodes of Atrial flutter. Been taken to A&E 3 times with fast AF, and then discharged. No follow up appointments given. GP seems to think I should just take all the drugs and get on with life but I'm really struggling to do anything. How do I get to see someone who can talk to me about cardioversion or ablation. I feel like I've been abandoned by the NHS. Is it because of my age? I'm not ready to sit on the sofa in front of the TV all day. Thanks

[Jalia]

Firstly , your age would not be a deterrent . I've had 2 ablations since I was 65 and goodness knows how many cardioversions....Im guessing at 10. I'm now a few weeks from age 75 ( and was offered a 4th ablation 4 months ago.

Do ask your GP if you can be referred to an EP.....Electrophysiologist ie cardiologist specialising in diagnosing and treating abnormal heart rhythm.

[BobD Volunteer]

Age is not an issue. I have just had my fourth ablation at 74.

Under NICE guidelines here in UK if your GP can not help you with symptom control in one month then you have the right to be referred to a specialist. Initially this would be a cardiologist but an electrophysiologist is the expert on arrhythmias. Some people pay for a private consultation with such before returning to NHS for ongoing treatment as waiting lists can be long.

[absolutepatsy]

It is absolutely nothing to do with age, more your GP not being as informed as he/she should be. Go back to the GP and ask for a referrel to see an Electrophysiologist or probably Cardiologist in the first instance as Jalia and BobD both say. Stand your ground or go to another GP. You will find on your AF journey that you sometimes have to educate your GP on what is happening while you are in AF as they do not specialise arrhythmias. They are General Practicioners. If you are taking beta blockers, they can make you feel awful with chronic fatigue, numbness and coldness in your feet and hands, dizzy, breathless and on and on. You have to keep trying to find the one that works for you but do not put up with feeling unwell, go back and let them know you want the drug changed, I hope this helps you, I have learned a wealth of information since joining this forum and had great support from the lovely members so good luck, onwards and upwards.

[Hidden]

Lots of good advice Ecki, unfortunately some GP’s need to be pushed but you are entitled to get the medical help you need to establish a treatment plan specific to your condition. AF is what we refer to as a mongrel condition because there are so many variables and if you are considering cardioversions and/or an ablation, it suggests you have already done some research. Check out the AF Association webpages and find out as much as you can because that will enable you to discuss your options with medics from a position of strength. The link below will get you started......

heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

Assuming you get a referral arranged via your GP, there could be a long wait so if it’s possible, a private consultation is a good starting point. The appointment will cost around £250 but be aware that tests such as echocardiogram and ECG’s can be expensive. As has been said, you need to make it clear if you want any ongoing treatment to be carried out on the NHS. This is normally not a problem unless you try to queue jump and rightly so.

[Hidden]

You don’t say if you have had an Echocardiogram? This is essential to ensure that your Arrythmia is not being caused by an abnormality of some type. Many on here have normal hearts, but some have enlargement or other anomalies.

A private appointment usually costs under £200, but tests are expensive e.g. echo around £600. If delays are long on the NHS locally for you, then maybe go for a private appointment for reassurance & to get yourself into the system, but make it clear that any tests will have to be done under NHS. Your GP cannot refuse to refer you for a private consultation, but some may charge for the letter.

Pat x

[Maisiemay13]

Hi I was sent to A&E by my GP after an ECG carried out at the surgery,was sent home same day with medication and advised a follow up appt with a cardiologist would be done as well as echocardiogram and 24hr monitor,I had to go back to GP as medication did not agree with me,GP asked how I got on at the hosp as no A&E report rec thankfully my GP took it in hand had echo and 24hr now waiting for appt to see cardiologist which I have been informed is 8 months have asked GP if I should go private it’s something that they are going to discuss and get back to me.

Sorry this is so long it’s just my story so far and I think you just need to chase as my GP had to chase my discharge from A&E if I had said nothing I would not even be on waiting list and that’s no fault of anyone just sometimes things go wrong or get lost.

Good luck take care

[Ecki]

Thanks for all the advice. I've now got a cardiology appointment (private) on Thursday. What are the important things to ask? I'm in Lincolnshire. Does anyone know what hospital does ablation in Lincs? My Afib started with an episode of Atrial Flutter and my troponin level went up to 870. Does anyone know if this would have caused damage to the heart muscle and if so would that affect my chances of getting an ablation? Angiogram showed no Cad, but 3-4 weeks on I still get chest pain at times. Don't know if it's from heart, Gord, or all the drugs. GP insists it is due to anxiety, but I'm sure it isn't. Does AF give you chest pain. Sorry this is a bit rambling, feeling confused and overwhelmed at present. Thanks.

[AIW58]

Hi Ecki

I think as you are seeing a cardiologist shortly they will be able to answer your questions. I suggest writing down your questions as it is easy to forget something during a consultation that you really wanted to find out about. Ask for a copy of the letter they will send your GP although if you are going privately they may just write to you. Check what follow up he/she recommend. Hope you find the doctor is helpful. Re your GP putting it down to anxiety - that's not very helpful. AF is horrible and most of us feel anxious about it and anxiety can make it worse. but that is different from being dismissed as over anxious.

regards

Amanda