I had an ablation in 2020 and gradually the AF has returned mostly at night disturbing my sleep. I contacted the Arrythmia Nurses to ask for advice but was told I was no longer on the patient list so I would have to get my GP to refer me again. I have been waiting for 8 months and no sniff of an appointment so I booked to see my EP privately - I had to wait 2 weeks! He was absolutely lovely. He had all my medical history and was well briefed. We discussed what was happening to me and within 20 minutes he had outlined 3 different drugs I could try, discussed a further ablation and the possibility of a left appendage block. He will write to my GP to implement the changes we agreed. £250 for a thorough consultation all my problems discussed and solutions proposed. So different from the often chaotic clinics in the hospital where results go missing and people wander in and out of room where you are being seen. I know I am fortunate to be able to pay to achieve this but it has been so beneficial and 8 months of anxiety has been dissipated by being listened to and solutions discussed and a treatment plan made. I will now not have to see my GP to chase up my NHS appointment and I will not need my clinic appointment when it finally comes through so that’s two NHS appointments now available for someone else.
Money well spent?: I had an ablation in... - Atrial Fibrillati...
Money well spent?
Many of us had similar experiences, money well spent!
Yes,agreed. That's what I did too. Good luck going forward 👍
I agree that it can be so worth it to get a private consultation if you can. Good to know how it has helped you.
I had to have a privately funded echo and consultation with a cardiologist prior to a self funded operation a couple of years ago. It was so enlightening and reassuring . He even went through historical blood tests and told me things I had never been made aware of.
Ive wondered what the cost of an ablation would be privately. Anyone know a rough figure?
Two years ago, around 15,000 pounds at Royal Papworth for PFA (pulse Field Ablation) .
Jim
i think I will hold off 😯
Trout7 just get on the NHS list at Papworth. I went privately (thru work) for cardioversion last year and the consultant said at time NHS wait not too long.
I just wonder, and if this subject is not permitted on this forum, I understand. But you now have a socialist government whose objective as per their philosophy,obviously will be to level all playingfields, how much longer doctors contracted to the NHS will be allowed to see private patients?
I think the Government aim will be to improve public health care. We have had socialist governments before and it has never been suggested, nor has preventing private education (although they are removing financial incentives there). Plus they can't stop doctors choosing to work privately even if they could insist all NHS doctors work full time for NHS rather than part time in both sectors.
Agree, worth every penny.
I'm in a similiar situation now after my last ablation in 2018. GP referred me to cardiology which turns out to be a 23 week wait on NHS. I sought out a cardiologist with expertise in electrophysiology and who works for our local NHS hospitals so I paid to see him privately.
Worth it if you can.
Good luck with your journey.
May I advise you still hang on to your NHS appointments - that way you will still be in the system .
You have an additional like from me but when I pressed, it went to “unlike” so pressed again and it’s back to 12 but should be 13 or maybe more if others have had a similar experience to mine!!
Hi Vonnegut, just press it again, I think the button changes to “Unlike” as that’s what it does after you’ve Liked something. It’s the current button function not the status of your interaction.
Press Unlike to remove your Like if you’ve liked something by mistake or changed your mind.
Best wishes
What drugs did he suggest?
Change Apixaban to Warfarin. Change Atenolol to Sotalol. Keep Atorvastatin and Ezetimibe on same dose. If no improvement in frequency and severity of AF then proceed with 2nd Ablation.
Hiya,
Yep that all resonates with me. The beginning of this year my heart decided to play up again after 4 years or so of peace and tranquility. Got no faith in my useless Surgery and GP and decided ( although I couldn't really afford to ) I'd pay and go private. I went online and chose one out of an array of Cardiac consultants 'out there ' .... the one I chose was a South African whose career began at Groote Schur Hospital in Cape Town. Best load of dosh I've ever spent in my life ........... reading your post looks as if you've been reading my notes over my shoulder.
Over the years since my AF diagnosis I've evolved my personal mantra - with heart matters move quickly, very quickly and see the experts .... it usually prevents any future trauma unfolding and gives the experts the chance to nip things in the bud before they get outta hand. Way to go.
The hidden benefit to my way of thinking is .............. if in future my heart damn well kicks off again I already have a track record established with my chosen expert and so either me or my wife have a direct contact with his Secretary and access to a very prompt appointment.
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