1st Apt with EP Nov 30

[Krissy55]

Can anyone tell me what to expect at my first EP apt on Nov 30?

I have many questions obviously but I do know he is off for all of December and would really like to try to push a solution .

Any advice is also appreciated.

[Buzby62]

Here is a link to a similar question recently

healthunlocked.com/afassoci...

Also take a look at Related Posts now that you have created this post, you’ll find them on the right of this page or at the bottom if you’re on a mobile.

Hope this helps

[Krissy55 in reply to Buzby62]

Done! Have saved the questions!

[secondtry]

From my one experience, make sure he/she doesn't rush you and listens to your individual details & takes on board your preferences before giving an opinion. Take a list of Q's with you and write down the answers before leaving.

I was unlucky the EP I saw was running late with his appointments, categorised me immediately, told me there was a 70% chance of success, didn't explain the procedure ( is TOE included??) and I left underwhelmed. Others will have had a full half hour or more and much more welcome 'bedside manner'.

[Krissy55 in reply to secondtry]

I have researched my EP and he’s doing study’s for Afib and has good feedback. I want to be organized and use my time wisely , hence prioritizing questions and then more questions to his recommendations as he will be away for a month after my apt.

[Rainfern]

My experience has always been a positive one. Like others have said here, go with your list of questions, but don’t expect him/her to answer every question - because not even an EP has all the answers. I paid privately for my first consultation so I knew I’d be getting a full half hour. So I would check with the consultant or the secretary so you know how much time to expect. You’re in charge, it’s your body so the EP should be on team with you.

When discussing procedures the EP has a duty to run through all the risks, but don’t let this put you off. I was reassured by asking if risks were higher for me than anyone else. You can ask how often the EP has encountered a particular issue as the result of a procedure. My EP for instance told me that in all his years of practice he’d only witnessed one minor TIA resulting from a CV and a full recovery was made.

In my experience EPs love to talk about the amazing technology that exists to make Afib go away or at least relieve symptoms. And if your Afib is quite symptomatic do let them know. Being symptomatic is criteria for treating even quite mild AF these days. Try to be as informed as possible about any meds you’re on. For instance following a CV (that kept me in NSR one week) my cardio team prescribed bisoprolol and after discussing how my BP was already on the low side my EP agreed to a different medication.

I hope this helps, and good luck with your appointment.

[Krissy55 in reply to Rainfern]

Thank you so much! I have saved the questions and will be prioritizing mine. I also have low BP and during Afib it drops lower . Bisporal didn’t work at all to stop an episode but this time I tried Metoprolol and it worked quickly without impacting my BP too much . I am hoping for an easy fix as I am 55, not overweight—healthy lifestyle what I am saying. Feeling really short of breath since Fridays episode even though meds worked . Nov 30 can not come sooon enough