Dr Mark Norman EP

[Profound15]

Have been looking at EPs in my area as I believe that I’ll need an ablation eventually. I’m on flecainide and bisoprolol currently and whilst so far I’ve only had one AF event in the last 12 months (compared to every two or three months pre medication) I know that it may not last. The number of palpitations I’ve been getting recently have increased a fair bit and I have to admit that I’m finding coping with those difficult mentally. Has anyone used this EP who practices out of Clare Park and Frimley Park hospitals please? Just trying to determine how good he is please? I know there’s also Dr Claque who I believe Bob has provided excellent feedback on. I might go private but not sure on costs of an ablation. I suspect going through the NHS will entail a very lengthy wait. Thank you in anticipation.

[wilsond]

Good idea to research. I don't have knowledge of your EP but one suggestion is to tell them you are willing to take a cancellation if you are offered an ablation. They are usually very pleased that the theatre time is going to be used not wasted.It varies a lot for waiting times,Coventry is 12 to 16 months,actually down from 12 to 18 months 🙄

Good luck

[Profound15 in reply to wilsond]

Thanks Wilson

[secondtry]

My vote would be for Dr Jonathan Clague. Cost I doubt there will be much change out of £20K today.

You might want to try taking lambertshealthcare.co.uk/co... to see if it reduces those palpitations, run it past your GP first. I have taken them with a magnesium compound for 9+ yrs and been AF free; recently I decreased the dose and experienced palpitations so quickly went back to 200mg 😆 and they seem to have stopped.

[Profound15]

Thanks for the info much appreciated

[sphilcule]

Hi Profound, I had an RF ablation by Dr Mark Norman in December 2022 at St George's in London under the NHS although he is based in Frimley where I live. The treatment I had during my ablation was superb and I was looked after very well by him and his team. I've got a follow up appointment with him in June at Frimley. I found him very pleasant and I had confidence in him. However, I am still getting some AF but it is still early days so if I need a second ablation, I won't feel apprehensive at all. Hope this info helps.

[Profound15]

Thanks Sphilcule that is very helpful and much appreciated.

[AfibofFleet]

hi Profound,

I had an ablation 3 years ago at Harefield on NHS performed by Mark Norman. He’s given me back my life. I’m still on a small dose of metoprolol for a ventricular arrhythmia but haven’t had any AF since op. I was taken off amiodarone the day of the op and not taken it since. He will only do what’s necessary. Op couldn’t be done at Frimley and I don’t think I would have received quicker treatment privately.

Hope all goes well.

[Profound15]

Thanks AfibofFleet. Small world as I reside in Fleet as well

[AfibofFleet in reply to Profound15]

Oh yes..small world.. I moved to Devon 2 years ago as hubby retiring. I’ve left my profile name the same as easier. I was still under Mark Norman to begin with but there’s no changes that I need to worry about.

[sphilcule]

Hi forgot to say that I was put on the NHS waiting list in Feb 22 and was offered an ablation in August 22 which I had to decline due to other commitments but was then offered Dec 22. I don't know what the waiting lists are like now but I think I received my ablation fairly quickly. I'm very grateful.

[Profound15]

Thanks Sphilcule

[mhoam]

hi,

I found this official website useful and interesting.

It lists the EPs doing Ablation at each hospital and how many they perform each year.

nicor.org.uk/hospital-and-o...

Good luck

[Profound15]

That’s really interesting thanks for this.

[DawnTX]

Because of a lengthy wait it is good to at least get it started because you will need testing as well. I’m not quite sure why you think you will need an ablation if you’re only having a fib once a year. You do mention palpitations yes, I remember those. I have a pacemaker now, but those do not take care of flutter, so it will be good to find out what it is you’re dealing with exactly and see what they can do to help. I remember laying down and feeling the palpitations go crazy and I agree about the mental stress that it puts on you. Do not take your numbers too much. I was just told that a few weeks ago because it stresses you out and heart rates fluctuate no matter what you are with a fib or not. That being said, I don’t mean if you’re really feeling bad I would want to take it also. I hope that you can get things straightened out to calm yourself down. I was told even worrying about paying a bill. Can put enough stress on you to change your numbers. Here’s hoping they can calm you down and pick you up soon. 🙏🏻

[Profound15]

Thanks Dawn