How do you get a cardioversion or ablation?

[Ecki]

Hi, looking for advice. I'm 65 and diagnosed with atrial fibrillation about 3 weeks ago, following a couple of episodes of Atrial flutter. Been taken to A&E 3 times with fast AF, and then discharged. No follow up appointments given. GP seems to think I should just take all the drugs and get on with life but I'm really struggling to do anything. How do I get to see someone who can talk to me about cardioversion or ablation. I feel like I've been abandoned by the NHS. Is it because of my age? I'm not ready to sit on the sofa in front of the TV all day. Thanks

[Calliope153]

You might find that at the moment whoever prescribed the drugs is trying to control the AF with medication. Three weeks is not a long time to get used to a drug regime or a diagnosis. I think we all feel abandoned by the NHS after a heart "event" but I find people in my rehab group aged 84 and over don;t feel their age has been a bar to treatment. Give yourself a bit of time and let things settle and then ask your GP to refer you to the cardiologist who diagnosed you. If you can;t get an appointment or you have to wait months for one then you may want to consider the private route. If you want to discuss your case I found the only way was to book a private appointment with a cardiologist. £250 approximately for an hour of undivided attention. You do need a GP referral letter to do this though. Best wishes; it does take a while to get over the shock of the diagnosis.

[Kaz747]

I can’t help with the NHS situation (I’m in Australia) but if you post your questions on the AF Forum on this site you’ll have a lot of knowledgeable and supportive people who can help.