Advice needed-what to ask EP

[Ecki]

I've got an EP appointment on Monday to discuss having an ablation. I'd be grateful if you good people could give me some advice as to what are the essential things to ask him. Bit of background, several episodes of AF over the last few months, last one particularly bad, in hospital 6 days (they thought I'd had a heart attack due to high troponin, and then in AF, very debilitated for 6 weeks then successful cardioversion in September. I think I've had a few mini episodes of AF since. My cardiologist has recommended a 24h holster to check, which I've got on atm, so won't have results by Monday. Cardiologist thinks I should have an ablation. Many thanks.

[Padayn01]

So sorry to hear this, what medication are you on currently?

[Ecki in reply to Padayn01]

Hi, i take Lanzoprazole 30mg, Bisoprolol 2.5mg, Ramipril 2.5mg and Rivaroxaban 20mg. Heartrate usually in the low 50s but sometimes goes up to 140ish for a few seconds,

[BobD Volunteer]

If drugs aren't helping (and you haven't mentioned what you are on ) then ablation may well be a way to reduce your symptoms. You will of course have to be anticoagulated for some time prior to any procedure so it may be months before you get a date should you go for ablation. You must also understnad that abltion MUST be cnsidered part of any ongoing treatment for AF and that all and any treatment is only ever for improving quality of life.

My first question would be what type of ablation (cryo or RF) and GA or sedation. Then what chance of success he offers.

[wilsond]

Hello. I would ask whether a rythym control drug such as Flecanide might bring your AF symptoms under control. I would ask what kind of ablation is proposed,and their success rates .

I would ask if lifestyle changes such as losing weight if needed,changing diet,drinking habits might also be worth a try.

Ablation is usually done after all else has not worked and us not lightly undertaken but very effective for many. It isn't a permanent'cure' though,something to bear in mind.

I'd also ask how long the waiting list is. Get on the list and then see how you get on with the above ideas?

Always write down your questions,with space between so you can jot down answers. Take a friend if you can 4 ears better than 2. Don't let EP rush you,it's your right to discuss properly.

I always ask.if you were me ,what would YOU do?

Good luck

[CDreamer]

I’d ask how many procedures the do per year? Less than 50 then I’d go elsewhere. Where they trained? Then research. I’d ask what sort of success rate they may predict for you? I’d ask ask what meds they would advise taking after ablation? What sort of imaging they use? Waiting period? What drugs advisable prior to ablation? Estimated time in the cath lab? How long you will be in for?

[Eadaoin]

I was told that an ablation would not stop the AF and is not a cure. Episodes would still occur so my blood thinner would have to be continued - which in my case is Edoxaban- but I would no longer feel the AF happening and I would be able to stop taking Flecainide. The ablation was carried out under sedation and I don’t remember a thing. As for questions beforehand all I wanted to know was how soon it could be done. I hope you are as fortunate as me if you go ahead with it. Mine was 18 months ago. It has made a huge difference to my life.