Consultation next week, any advice on how to prep for appointment? And thank you all.

[Nickybhf]

I’ve booked a private consultation next week for mum with a cardiologist regarding her permanent AF and have got together all of mums letters etc to take to appointment. I am going to write a list of questions. Is there any advice or suggestions as to what I should ask or remember?

I find sometimes when you get to appointments, your mind can go blank! I don’t want to miss our opportunity to get help for mum.

Also, can I just say thank you to everyone in this group, I find it so helpful and now whenever I have concerns about mum, I find this group is where I turn to for reassurance and advice.

[Hidden]

Good Morning Nickybhf,

We have some resources on our website which may be helpful for the appointment with your mum, AF Checklist: api.heartrhythmalliance.org... and AF Discussion Guide: api.heartrhythmalliance.org...

Both are designed to try and help you get the most out of your appointments, providing the doctor with the information they need, and some questions for you to ask.

Between now and then if you think of any questions, note them down to take with you, many people attend appointments with a notepad and pen, because as you say your mind can go blank and any new information from the doctor can be a lot to take in and process, so you may like to make notes whilst you are there to remind yourself afterwards.

Following the appointment if you or your mum have any questions, or would like some advice, there is our helpline on 01789 867502 which either of you are welcome to call and talk things through with one of our Patient Services Team.

Katrina.

[Nickybhf in reply to Hidden]

Hi Katrina,

Thank you so much. The link in very good, thanks for your help.

Nicky

[bassets]

Good advice here already as it helps to write down anything that you want to know and take your questions with you. I think it's fairly normal to blank when you see a doctor or other authority figure. And as advised write down any important information so you don't forget it.I hope you both have a good consultation and perhaps you could let us know how you go on?

[Nickybhf in reply to bassets]

Thank you so much. Will update everyone after we’ve been to appointment.

[bassets in reply to Nickybhf]

Ok

[secondtry]

Snap, I have my regular annual cardiologist appointment next week as well.

I would first let him(her) know you have some questions then give him priority to carry out the obligatory checks first. I also have an ECG done at my local surgery and give him a copy to check for abnormalities.

Next produce your list (full agreement with your mother assumed) and, letting him know you are mindful of the time, work through them in order of priority and write the answers down.

Don't be rushed but this takes some tact and a GSOH - skills I am still developing!

If you act professionally, there is likely to be more chance of success. You need to build a good working relationship as you will very likely be back next year or sooner.

Hope something there helps 😁.

[Nickybhf in reply to secondtry]

Thank you so much. Will definitely be taking a list of questions and will be writing down replies. Sometimes it’s too much to take in when they give you answers.