Hi All just rang Sheffield to enquire as to where I was on the list. Spoke to a lovely lady who said I’m on Dr Sahu’s list I had a bit of a panic as thought it was Mr Hunter doing it, but it’s all been explained Dr Sahu will do the endocardia bits with Mr Hunter accompanying doing the thoracosopical bits . Never heard of Dr Sahu but guess I’ve just got to trust in Mr Hunters judgement. I’m 8th on the list but often only 1 a week. So a bit of a wait yet, which is a real pain as this left flutter is dreadful I’m really short of breath not all the while but with even gently exertion, some days I can walk about 400 yards and later the same day I can’t even manage 100 without fighting for breath it passes quickly but as soon as I resume walking it returns. On the bright side the weight lost is progressing nicely 11 lb in a month. All that panic about letting my consultant in leicester know that I wasn’t coming for the ablation was completely unnecessary, I emailed him a nice note explaining my reasons and thanking him, as I was unable to speak to him as he was on A/L. guess what he didn’t respond, which I’m really shocked by, but guess I shouldn’t be. Just thought I’d update you all as to the progress so far. Enjoy your weekend what ever your doing.
Hybrid procedure : Hi All just rang... - Atrial Fibrillati...
Hybrid procedure
Sorry to hear that you are suffering so badly, but before you know it the 8 ish weeks will be behind you.
I am not surprised by your consultant in Leicester. The face that he wouldn't refer you said it all. Doctors don’t seem to like their patients being proactive. Also a lot of them are not really up to speed with the mini maze procedure. Thanks to this forum, we have learnt a lot about it.
I suspect your right about consultants, yes this forum is a god send I’ve learnt so much, and feel much more in control of my treatment and future, just wish I could give as much as I get from it.
What specifically is this hybrid procedure? What exactly do they do during this surgery?
It’s a combined approach so the EP goes in through the groin, wrist or occasional neck and ablates the inside of the heart. The cardiothoracic surgeon gone in from your left side between your ribs and performs the maze procedure on the outside of the heart he also clips the left appendage. It should offer me the best chance of being less troubled by Af and if all goes well no meds not even anticoagulants.
Delighted to hear that things are on the move regarding your procedure. As you know, we get lots of questions regarding waiting times for catheter ablations on the NHS and it’s not unusual for folks to have to wait anything up to a year. I may have got things wrong, but I think you first saw the Mr Hunter about a month ago and that there is a possibility that you could have the procedure on the NHS in 8 weeks time, making a total of 3 months. If that’s right, that seems incredible……well done!
Apparently it’s listed as urgent which is great for me but yes others are waiting up to 12 months
Good thoughts for you about your procedure. I understand completely about trying to walk. About a week after my procedure it got so that I could barely shuffle across the room. I felt it from my shoulders down my arms and could not really even bend my knees to walk. First of all it was like a car was on my chest. It didn’t matter how far, the minute I stood up it would hit me. It took two months for it to ease. I did not understand how I could be NSR and feel so horrible. Then one day I realized I could walk better. I have had a great month and then last week went backward again. My doctor put me back on one of my meds I am still on blood thinners and Monday I get an EKG. If the meds don’t do anything by Tuesday my doctor is talking cardioversion. Trust me I fully understand your frustration. For the first time it’s getting scary but the fact that my doctor got right on it yesterday keeps me believing in him and trusting him. It makes sense that you want the best doctor for a particular part of the procedure that you can have and it sounds like you’re getting that. We have to trust our doctors and if we can’t then we need to find a new one. Thanking of you hoping you get relief soon. 🙏🏻
Hopefully not too long to wait Carole 🤞 How disappointing but not surprising from your EP, you are taking control now and making the right decision for you!
Amazing on the weight loss 👏 👏
Yes I’m pleased I’m managing to loose retirement weight and some more I hope, I was shocked how much I’d gained being a hefty lump to start with and only short. I thought I’d put about a stone on but weighed myself after going to Sheffield and discovered it was 1st 5lb. It’s been really difficult to shift it especially with not managing any exercise, I’m using the old tried and tested calorie counting along side the nhs app. I’m so grateful for your advice and guidance throughout this process, if you hadn’t spent so much time doing such a lot of research before your procedure, I don’t think I would of ever got to Sheffield, I would of accepted the consultant decision in Leicester and had another ablation. Hope your recovery is on track.
I’m so glad I’ve been able to share some of my decision making, it won’t be right for some but for others it’ll open eyes to there being more than is currently being offered by their local EP (including mine!). I’m looking forward to reading your story as you progress 
I’m doing great thank you 👍 still in NSR, the runs of PVCs have not subsided but I’m identifying what triggers them (rich food and stairs) and will discuss with Mr Hunter at 5 months. These are harmless at the frequency I am getting them so I will take these over afib any time!! 😂😂
You’ll have to use the lift 🤣I think all any of us want is choices and options not just a formulaic approach and the one size fits all. I’m so glad I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone and had the courage to follow a path I believe is better for me, who knows if it is the right choice but I feel confident that it is. Roll on the next few months it can’t come quick enough for me. I’m already looking at holidays to South Africa and the opportunity to visit a friend in Campbeltown. Just need to convince my other half that buying me a horse is also a good idea 🤣
I have seen Dr Sahu many times - he did my av node ablation after pacemaker fitted. Lovely man.
I am also a patient of Dr Sahu and found him fine. He did my cryoablation and has always been very helpful.
update
Hospital Appt later
Hybrid Ablation, 2nd procedure at last .
Dorset Heart Centre
