consultation

[Lumps]

I have an appointment with the cardiologist for consultation regarding m

AF what can I expect from the appointment? Worried

[BobD Volunteer]

Is he a cardiologist or an electrophysiologist? The first are plumbers the second electricians. You need the latter.

[Lumps in reply to BobD]

the letter just says we look forward to meeting you in cardiology department

[Hidden]

Hello Lumps, it’s a bit difficult to be specific but having checked your profile it sounds as though you are being assessed for an ablation therefore it’s more likely (but not definite) that you will be seeing an EP or a member of his/her team. Forgive me for sounding a bit pompous, but your previous post was regarding the speed at which you might be able to return to your social life after the procedure. Whilst that is important, can I suggest that you don’t over stress this or even mention it in a direct way and focus more on how AF affects your day to day activities and impacts on your quality of life. If you have paroxysmal AF, have a record of your episodes and how they affected you. Many medics are checking the patients lifestyle and where appropriate, would seek improvements as this can have a major impact on reducing the AF burden which can in some cases, remove the need to have an ablation. If you have thyroid issues or other conditions which could impact on your AF make sure they are aware. If you are being assessed for an ablation, it’s likely that you have already had some preliminary discussions. If possible, take someone with you because it’s not always easy to remember what’s been said after the event……good luck

[Lumps in reply to Hidden]

Hi thanks for your response and advice I realise that I won’t be able to fly off to Spain and I need to listen to my body and rest as much as I can for my heart to recover. Quality of life is the most important thing to achieve.

[secondtry]

Take a list of Q's, let the medic do the standard tests and then take your list out with polite apologies run through it and write the answers down as quick as you can and try not to be rushed. After may annual check-ups my cardiologist knows this is coming 😱😁

[Ppiman]

An EP is a cardiologist, but one that's had a training course on catheter ablations, so whoever you see will be perfectly able to treat you well. In the UK, at least, all cardiology teams have colleagues trained as EPs and if an ablation would be best for you, that will be your treatment path.

I would ask what the doctor feels might be the prognosis for your AF and, more importantly, for your heart itself (i.e. its future strength and pumping ability) and what measures could you take to ensure its longevity.

Steve

[jd2004]

if you have any Kardia results print some off to show cardiologist or at least have them ready on your phone to show. If you don’t have a Kardia you could discuss when AF had been bad, for how long and rates and rhythm when it was happening. My cardiologist agreed that my af could be vagal so if you have any idea of causes discuss that too. But having questions noted is a good way to begin. Be prepared. I also asked to be monitored every so often as this would reduce anxiety in the future and this was agreed and I have another appointment in six months with a reassuring comment to contact him if need be. Good luck.

[BlueINR]

I.wouid suggest calling the office and speaking to doctor's nurse or assistant and asking what you should be prepared for. If it's irregular heartbeats that are your problem, I hope you are seeing an EP, electrophysiologt,, as this is a cardiologist with additional traing in how the electrical impulses of the heart are working, which is usually beyond the knowledge of a cardiologist who is not an EP.

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

Have any ?s ready no matter how trivial.

Dont let him discharge but a yearly visit OK.

Take another person if necessary.

Chers JOY. 74. (NZ)