AF Clinic

[Hanibal]

Hi,

I'm being referred to the AF Clinic. After three years with relatively little problems, my AF is coming back at me!

What does an AF clinic do?

Your experience will be welcome...

Thanks

Mike

[BobD Volunteer]

Is this just a generic AF clinic or THE AF Centre attached to Barts. ? Generally any AF centre will have an electrophysiologist and an arrhytmia nurse and are trained to deal with the electrics of the heart rather than the general cardiology plumber.

They will assess stroke risk and prescribe anticoagulants where appropriate and whatever other drugs are needed.

[jeanjeannie50]

My AF clinic is at my local hospital where I'm seen by specially trained nurses. Every time I go to see them I have an ECG which they study and then decide which medication and dose would best suit me. They can also arrange for you to have your heart cardioverted (shocked) back into rhythm. Now that I'm so much better I've been discharged from their care.

Jean

[Tommyboy21]

I'm with the ninewells team. They are lovely. If I phone them with a query in the morning. They almost normally phone back in afternoon or next day. They are very knowledgeable and are in constant contact with EPs. From other posts on here I feel lucky to be under supervision from them as I have had to try different meds to suit me. I hope you're team are just as good.

[Hanibal in reply to Tommyboy21]

Really pleased to hear that you have a good team on your side. That's all I've ever really wanted.

Have to been arrhythmic for a while? Mine started three years ago.

[Tommyboy21 in reply to Hanibal]

Mines been for years undiagnosed. Been mental since September. More in than out.

[Hanibal in reply to Tommyboy21]

Well, I'm pleased that you're in good hands now. 👍

[Desanthony]

Good News that firstly you have one in your area and secondly that you've been referred - nothing better than specialist help and advice. All the best.

[Hanibal in reply to Desanthony]

Thanks.

[JefferyW]

Here in Oxford I can’t praise the Arrythmia Nurse team enough. Their specialist knowledge, empathy and appreciation along with the EP team has proved a real lifeline to me. They deal with Afib everyday and in my experience understand patients needs far better than general cardiologist teams. I hope you receive the same level of care and support I have received - you will be well served.

[Hanibal in reply to JefferyW]

Nailed it on the head, there!

I know my GP surgery is overworked, but it's the lack of empathy that is the problem. I really had to become awkward before the Doc suggested an AF Clinic. My HR through AF shot up from 1st Jan this year and stayed up, but they wanted me to carry on for another month before deciding what to do. I insisted that from a avge rate of 60bpm to a new avge of 98 was not something I intended to let continue for another month!

[JefferyW]

Good luck! Hope your referral comes through soon and they’re able to help you. AF is both pernicious and impactful on your QoL. I found that everyone I spoke to at Afib clinic understood that and we have tried to address my problems together.

Hope they’re able to help you.

[Hanibal in reply to JefferyW]

Appointment just came through for 30/1.

Really pleased with the speed of response.

I was only referred yesterday!

[2learn]

Hi, looking at replies here I'm really envious. I've had AF for 10 yrs and if any probs I have to go through GP, which means if serious it would be A&E. No support or back up as some people seem to get. As I say I'm envious.

[Hanibal in reply to 2learn]

Yes. I think I'm really lucky to have the clinic in my home town. Until I pushed the Doc, I didn't know we had one!

[Greenfarm in reply to 2learn]

I’ve had permanent AF for several years too and ,like you, have to go through my GP if I have any problems. I wonder if these Clinics are only available in certain parts of the county. I live in Surrey and it’s almost impossible to get a GP phone consultation let alone a face to face appointment. No AF clinics near that I am aware of.

[doodle68]

I have occasionally attend an arrhythmia clinic .The first time was just after I was diagnosed with P-AF (by ECG ) then I went again the following year.

After that appointments are only by request when there is a change of circumstances.

At the clinic a nurse takes an ECG/BP/weight then I see an arrhythmia nurse, some are good some not so good. They take details of my condition and relay them to an EP who is in another room then return with any advice.

I never see an EP at the clinic and had to pay privately to have a conversation with the EP in person. As my episodes progressed I wanted to try Flecainide before they became too frequent and I didn't want to wait the usually time of 6-8 months for the clinic to get approval from an EP .

It is a good idea to write down any queries/questions you have before go so you don't forget them and be prepared for a long wait.

[Tommyboy21 in reply to doodle68]

I asked about flec the other day as dronedarone not working for me. Starting it next week.