Ablation Timescale

[CDAJ]

Update I have had my private consultation and it was suggested that I now pay for echocardiogram(as my previous one was in 2019)which I am arranging privately.After that I have to make the decision whether to wait for the ablation in Plymouth Devon which is likely to be minimum 12 -18months at best on the NHS( this as we know could be extended!!)Or take the private route circa 15k and maybe I will be able to get on with life. Other areas in the UK is something that I haven’t looked at but with the NHS as it is, this is unlikely to be fruitful and don’t really know if even feasible? Anyone else self funding gone down the private route?

[CDreamer]

If you are in Devon I know the team that you probably would see, they are excellent and they practice privately at Exeter Heart.

I think you would need a referral to London to get anything sooner - always worth the ask.

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to CDreamer]

If I were thinking of having an ablation and paying for it, I would definitely be thinking of having the mini maize procedure that MummyLuv had with surgeon Mr Hunter in London. Or travelling to Houston or Japan where experts carry out the Wolf mini maize. I've had three ordinary ablations in Plymouth but still have mild AF. The time I'm most aware of it is when walking up hills. Jean

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

CD I shouldn't have put this answer to you but CDAJ. Am using my phone so haven't a clue how to change it here. Sorry. Jean

[MummyLuv in reply to jeanjeannie50]

thanks for tag Jean. If I can help with any questions on mini maze please ask away x

[CDAJ in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you I do have a private appointment at Pennisular for a chat & echocardiogram. The NHS I have been advised is at least 18months if I am classed as urgent! as only 1 consultant for Devon & Cornwall. Although there is another one starting in April but that’s not going to have a huge impact on the huge waiting lists.

[MalcolmCClark]

I was lucky enough to have my ablation at St Thomas in London via my local hospital in Medway on the NHS. Yes it took about a year but once on the list they normally like to do the procedure within 3 months or even sooner depending on your underlying conditions so I wouldn't give up on the NHS fully and explore how quickly it could be done. Mine was delayed because I developed a parathyroid problem.Either way good luck.

Oh I'm now 6 weeks post ablation and feeling OK. I will not say great because I still have the rest of my 3 month blanking period to go.

[ETHEL103 in reply to MalcolmCClark]

Hi I went to private ep and that was because Medway cardiac wait was 32 weeks.I also had my ablation at St Thomas's 8 months ago.I waited 4 months for Ep to call me from St Thomas's then 8 months wait for ablation.So with a little bit of private it does help with getting things doneBest wishes for your continued recovery.

[CDAJ in reply to MalcolmCClark]

Thank you good to know you are feeling ok.

[wilsond]

Firstly,consider going on cancellation list for nhs ablation. Saves the nhs money,and happens quite a lot for various reasons.Secondly,when I asked my gp about referring me to a neighbouring nhs trust with shorter waits,he said ' up to you but you will be right at the back of their list'

It was not unfeasible to transfer but may not be to your advantage.

I went private for initial consultation,then transferred to same consultants nhs list

[MalcolmCClark]

Seems we all have different experiences but I still think it's worth asking the questions in your local cardiac department and if all else fails go private. It's a matter of finding the best route for yourself using all facilities available.In most cases it will be the same specialist anyway.

No matter what I still wish all the best whatever route you take.

[lotusvx220]

I went private last June was in and within 10 days at Bristol great job been fine ever since. Suffered with af for 50 years wish I had it done years ago my sister been waiting on nhs for 15 months and still no idea when hers will be done I say go for it if u can afford it.

[CDAJ in reply to lotusvx220]

Good to hear that you are feeling fine since the ablation. Very positive news. Thanks

[CDAJ in reply to lotusvx220]

Hi Just another question, how did your actual recovery go? In terms of the weeks months after?I have been reading about all sorts of problems! My other worry of course if I go private (which it is looking like I don’t have any other choice) and it fails After paying 15k I am going to be back on the NHS list! But I suppose that’s just the risk I going to have to take.

[lotusvx220 in reply to CDAJ]

Recovery went well I had to stay in hospital a 2nd night as I went into tackycardi 3 hrs after op they tried with drugs to put me back on sinus rhythm but I told them it would not work. As I said had it for over 50 years and have tried everything over the years .so they kept me in next day they shock me back into sinus rhythm went home 2 hrs later was OK then 2 days latter got a massive bruise come on groan but was told to expect this done nothing for 5 days then started walking up to garden shed to start then round close. Then block u get pictures a bit more each day went back to work after 2 weeks had a small lump apear on groan area again told to expect this no real heavey lifting for about a month went back to see surgeon after 2 weeks he said everything went well hope's everything will be OK if not contact them straight away then saw him again 3 months after op everything was still fine so signed me off. The operation was done at spires hospital in cliffton dunkan Edwards was surgeon can't praise him enough. Don't forget if you go private you can it done anywhere you like by what surgeon you wish do your own research and pick who and where you want it done . Good luck.

[CDAJ in reply to lotusvx220]

Thank you

[2learn]

Hi, if on NHS and you say you will accept any cancellations etc you can sometimes get one more quickly as lots are cancelled. I had mine done privately at Brompton and felt ripped off re price and care, not much you can do afterwards without legal battle as you have to pay up front and once they have the money that's it. good luck

[Buffafly]

I was referred from Taunton, had a choice of Bristol or Harefield. I chose Harefield, went on cancellation list and only waited a few months but! that was in 2015. Whatever you decide bear in mind that you may need more than one ablation and it might be a bit of a problem having the second one on the NHS if you can’t pay again.

[Dippy22]

Hi CDAJ. I am in Plymouth too! And I’ve also just been told it’s 12-18 month wait for an ablation. Shocking isn’t it. 😡. I’ve been waiting two years for a spine operation and was hoping to get that done and get back to some sort of normality this year, then last October the AF kicked-off really badly and now it looks like I’ll not get treatment for it anytime soon! I’ve had one phone appointment with an arrhythmia nurse and they’ve prescribed drugs over the phone!! She’s flattery refused to allow me to wear an ambulatory ECG for a few days to get a full overview of what’s going on with heart on a day to day basis (NICE Guidelines say I should!) I’m really not happy with the service provision. And this MY heart we’re taking about. Oooh, do I sound angry?!?

We are simply NOT getting appropriate medical care from our NHS, and particularly Derriford Hospital which is an absolute mess on all fronts.

Oh, and my daughter says it has a name for it - “stealth privatisation”. They’re forcing people to pay privately by literally starving them of medical care. Which is fine if you’ve got the money to do it. 🤷‍♀️

[Buffafly in reply to Dippy22]

What spinal op are you waiting for? I ask because I had a spinal op before I was offered an ablation and my AF was positively affected by it once the initial stage of recovery was over.

[Dippy22 in reply to Buffafly]

I’m waiting for fusion at L4/5. They’ve already warned me that if the AF isn’t under control then it could jeopardise the op. Sooo disappointed that I’ve waited two years to get fixed, and up and active again, and now the AF may prevent that. The back issue has really affected my ability to exercise and keep fit, plus I’m pretty sure the relentless stress of it all has contributed to the AF starting. 😟

[Buffafly in reply to Dippy22]

I had most of my spine fused because of scoliosis and degenerative arthritis but luckily they agreed to take a chance on the AF as my heart was otherwise in good shape. You have to accept what the doctors think is safe. I was in such a bad way that I just brushed aside the dire warnings! I hope things work out for you 🍀

[Dippy22 in reply to Buffafly]

Ouch! That’s a serious fusion!

My heart is in good shape too - it’s just the annoying AF that’s the problem. I’ve just been prescribed Digoxin and Flecainide, so hopefully that’ll calm it down.

[Dippy22 in reply to Buffafly]

I have a date!! No, not a romantic date but a date for the spine op! Yay!! I had to hold onto the wall when I took the phone call as I went into shock. It’s a mere three weeks away. 😀🙏 My head was reeling, so not surprisingly the AF kicked-off two hours after taking that call. 🫤

[Buffafly in reply to Dippy22]

Best wishes 🍀🍀🍀 I know not strictly AF so you could pm me to say how you got on ❤️‍🩹

[Buffafly in reply to Buffafly]

I had AF when I came round after 6 hours surgery but quickly sorted with digoxin. Then some bad ectopics during recovery. My heart was adjusting to being ‘unsquashed’ but I guess you won’t have that problem. Your heart should be generally happier without pain from your spine.

[CDAJ in reply to Dippy22]

I agree Dippy22 we don’t really have the option down here but to consider private 18months at least if I am classed as urgent!! Which I don’t think I will be. Good luck

[Dippy22 in reply to CDAJ]

I paid to see cardiology consultant at the Nuffield on Monday and he confirmed that an ablation costs around £11k. And he also confirmed what I’d already been told that it’s about a 12-18 month wait on the NHS. Shocking isn’t it!

We’ve nicknamed it ‘stealth privatisation’. Starve people of their appropriate medical care and literally force them to pay privately. 😡.

In my care work “failure to provide appropriate medical care” is a safeguarding issue! 🤷‍♀️