Have any of you had an Electrophysiology Study before? Is there anything we should know before my husband agrees to having it done? Thank you in advance.
Martin Jensen, Volunteer Mentor | @predictable | Sep 2, 2018
Hi @sistertwo. Noticed your concern about your husband's heart and wanted to give you something to work with in answer to your question. I have a personal interest as a person with hypertension and atrial fibrillation, but I guess my situation is not so uncertain that an Electrophysiology (EP) Study is necessary so far. I found a good basic article on the Mayo Clinic web site, and I thought you'd benefit from a little initial research: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ep-study/about/pac-20384999. There is more on that web site if, when you are there, you search for "electrophysiology study." There also are some linked articles on the web site included here. How is your husband doing now (eight weeks after your earlier experience with his conditions)?
Hi @sistertwo. Noticed your concern about your husband's heart and wanted to give you something to work with in answer to your question. I have a personal interest as a person with hypertension and atrial fibrillation, but I guess my situation is not so uncertain that an Electrophysiology (EP) Study is necessary so far. I found a good basic article on the Mayo Clinic web site, and I thought you'd benefit from a little initial research: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ep-study/about/pac-20384999. There is more on that web site if, when you are there, you search for "electrophysiology study." There also are some linked articles on the web site included here. How is your husband doing now (eight weeks after your earlier experience with his conditions)?
Thank you, Martin. Sorry for the delay in thanking you.
My husband is doing quite well. Way better than before he got on meds! On Wednesday he goes in for a nuclear stress test. It seems to take a long time for each different appointment to take place, but that's how it goes. All is good. Thank you for asking. I hope you continue to do well, too.
Its been over a month since DH had a nuclear stress test that came back normal so they decided to do the Electrophysiology Study. He has lost weight, his blood pressure is good (with medications) and his oxygen levels have been very good now. He is waiting to get a Cpap, but when he had one years ago, he was allergic to the plastic and his VA provider is convinced he should be try the same kind again. He still has 120-135 bpm many times throughout the day while in resting mode. Do you think he should get a second opinion?
Its been over a month since DH had a nuclear stress test that came back normal so they decided to do the Electrophysiology Study. He has lost weight, his blood pressure is good (with medications) and his oxygen levels have been very good now. He is waiting to get a Cpap, but when he had one years ago, he was allergic to the plastic and his VA provider is convinced he should be try the same kind again. He still has 120-135 bpm many times throughout the day while in resting mode. Do you think he should get a second opinion?
Hi @sistertwo. I'm always partial toward a second opinion, but it's important to be specific about the question you need answered. Are you and your significant other concerned about the Cpap the VA wants him to use? If so, the VA needs to be pressed on whether they have an alternative mask they can provide. It's possible they don't, so a second opinion would be necessary. If your main concern is also about his heart rate doubling from time during the day, is your medical advice now coming from a cardiologist or an electrophysiologist? If it's one OR the other, I'd think about consulting the other for the first time -- for example, talk to the cardiologist about what the electrophysiologist has said and is recommending. Also take into consideration his other symptoms related to those times when his heart rate speeds up while at rest. Questions about that also need to be explored with your regular doctor as well as the other doctor giving you a first opinion or a new doctor providing a second opinion. Either way, be prepared when visiting another doctor to press for a full workup of his medical history and current symptoms so you are satisfied that the doctor has the full picture in view. Martin
Its been over a month since DH had a nuclear stress test that came back normal so they decided to do the Electrophysiology Study. He has lost weight, his blood pressure is good (with medications) and his oxygen levels have been very good now. He is waiting to get a Cpap, but when he had one years ago, he was allergic to the plastic and his VA provider is convinced he should be try the same kind again. He still has 120-135 bpm many times throughout the day while in resting mode. Do you think he should get a second opinion?
If there is a way to edit once posted, I wish I knew how. I made a mistake in my message when I said, "so they decided to do the Electrophysiology Study." They decided to NOT do the study. Big difference.
Hi @sistertwo. I'm always partial toward a second opinion, but it's important to be specific about the question you need answered. Are you and your significant other concerned about the Cpap the VA wants him to use? If so, the VA needs to be pressed on whether they have an alternative mask they can provide. It's possible they don't, so a second opinion would be necessary. If your main concern is also about his heart rate doubling from time during the day, is your medical advice now coming from a cardiologist or an electrophysiologist? If it's one OR the other, I'd think about consulting the other for the first time -- for example, talk to the cardiologist about what the electrophysiologist has said and is recommending. Also take into consideration his other symptoms related to those times when his heart rate speeds up while at rest. Questions about that also need to be explored with your regular doctor as well as the other doctor giving you a first opinion or a new doctor providing a second opinion. Either way, be prepared when visiting another doctor to press for a full workup of his medical history and current symptoms so you are satisfied that the doctor has the full picture in view. Martin
Your message made me realize I made a mistake, as it was decided he 'not' have the Electrophysiology Study.
I thank you very much for your insight. The VA started years ago getting him ready for some alternative mouth piece instead of a Cpap and he had dental work to prepare his mouth for it, but with different dentists, doctors, timing, etc it all went by the wayside and back to square one now. His only appt with the cardiologist was done over a video. She was in the Bronx and we are in MN. His heartrate is not been under 100 for over a week, and we check it several times each day. Since he doesn't have private insurance (only medicare) I don't think Mayo will take him, but I think we need a second opinion on meds and treatment and are willing to start from square one. Thank you for giving us food for thought as to what to prepare. Greatly appreciated.
Your message made me realize I made a mistake, as it was decided he 'not' have the Electrophysiology Study.
I thank you very much for your insight. The VA started years ago getting him ready for some alternative mouth piece instead of a Cpap and he had dental work to prepare his mouth for it, but with different dentists, doctors, timing, etc it all went by the wayside and back to square one now. His only appt with the cardiologist was done over a video. She was in the Bronx and we are in MN. His heartrate is not been under 100 for over a week, and we check it several times each day. Since he doesn't have private insurance (only medicare) I don't think Mayo will take him, but I think we need a second opinion on meds and treatment and are willing to start from square one. Thank you for giving us food for thought as to what to prepare. Greatly appreciated.
Your message made me realize I made a mistake, as it was decided he 'not' have the Electrophysiology Study.
I thank you very much for your insight. The VA started years ago getting him ready for some alternative mouth piece instead of a Cpap and he had dental work to prepare his mouth for it, but with different dentists, doctors, timing, etc it all went by the wayside and back to square one now. His only appt with the cardiologist was done over a video. She was in the Bronx and we are in MN. His heartrate is not been under 100 for over a week, and we check it several times each day. Since he doesn't have private insurance (only medicare) I don't think Mayo will take him, but I think we need a second opinion on meds and treatment and are willing to start from square one. Thank you for giving us food for thought as to what to prepare. Greatly appreciated.
@sistertwo, I hope you'll call Mayo in Rochester and speak with them about getting advice, diagnosis, treatment, and acceptance of your health care insurance. You'll get top drawer treatment if you explain your husband's problem, your health insurance coverage, and how to take advantage of the Mayo Clinic facilities, including travel and housing options. Call Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, 507-538-3270, from
7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Standard Time, Monday through Friday. In preparation you may wish to explore Mayo web sites -- for example https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/billing-insurance on what's accepted and how to schedule payments as well as https://tinyurl.com/mayofinassist for additional information on available assistance. Martin
@predictable
Martin, I did an online appointment request today and expect to hear from them within 3 business days or will follow up with a phone call. THANK YOU for the extra nudge we needed!
Hello @sistertwo that is a good question about editing a post!
Yes, @lioness, is right. There is an edit button that will be there for 30 minutes after you post. So that is the time frame in which you can edit/correct any errors you see
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Hi @sistertwo. Noticed your concern about your husband's heart and wanted to give you something to work with in answer to your question. I have a personal interest as a person with hypertension and atrial fibrillation, but I guess my situation is not so uncertain that an Electrophysiology (EP) Study is necessary so far. I found a good basic article on the Mayo Clinic web site, and I thought you'd benefit from a little initial research: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ep-study/about/pac-20384999. There is more on that web site if, when you are there, you search for "electrophysiology study." There also are some linked articles on the web site included here. How is your husband doing now (eight weeks after your earlier experience with his conditions)?
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThank you, Martin. Sorry for the delay in thanking you.
My husband is doing quite well. Way better than before he got on meds! On Wednesday he goes in for a nuclear stress test. It seems to take a long time for each different appointment to take place, but that's how it goes. All is good. Thank you for asking. I hope you continue to do well, too.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionIts been over a month since DH had a nuclear stress test that came back normal so they decided to do the Electrophysiology Study. He has lost weight, his blood pressure is good (with medications) and his oxygen levels have been very good now. He is waiting to get a Cpap, but when he had one years ago, he was allergic to the plastic and his VA provider is convinced he should be try the same kind again. He still has 120-135 bpm many times throughout the day while in resting mode. Do you think he should get a second opinion?
Hi @sistertwo. I'm always partial toward a second opinion, but it's important to be specific about the question you need answered. Are you and your significant other concerned about the Cpap the VA wants him to use? If so, the VA needs to be pressed on whether they have an alternative mask they can provide. It's possible they don't, so a second opinion would be necessary. If your main concern is also about his heart rate doubling from time during the day, is your medical advice now coming from a cardiologist or an electrophysiologist? If it's one OR the other, I'd think about consulting the other for the first time -- for example, talk to the cardiologist about what the electrophysiologist has said and is recommending. Also take into consideration his other symptoms related to those times when his heart rate speeds up while at rest. Questions about that also need to be explored with your regular doctor as well as the other doctor giving you a first opinion or a new doctor providing a second opinion. Either way, be prepared when visiting another doctor to press for a full workup of his medical history and current symptoms so you are satisfied that the doctor has the full picture in view. Martin
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Helpful -
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2 ReactionsIf there is a way to edit once posted, I wish I knew how. I made a mistake in my message when I said, "so they decided to do the Electrophysiology Study." They decided to NOT do the study. Big difference.
Your message made me realize I made a mistake, as it was decided he 'not' have the Electrophysiology Study.
I thank you very much for your insight. The VA started years ago getting him ready for some alternative mouth piece instead of a Cpap and he had dental work to prepare his mouth for it, but with different dentists, doctors, timing, etc it all went by the wayside and back to square one now. His only appt with the cardiologist was done over a video. She was in the Bronx and we are in MN. His heartrate is not been under 100 for over a week, and we check it several times each day. Since he doesn't have private insurance (only medicare) I don't think Mayo will take him, but I think we need a second opinion on meds and treatment and are willing to start from square one. Thank you for giving us food for thought as to what to prepare. Greatly appreciated.
@sistertwo you can edit after you post underneath onleft side is an editit button
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1 Reaction@sistertwo, I hope you'll call Mayo in Rochester and speak with them about getting advice, diagnosis, treatment, and acceptance of your health care insurance. You'll get top drawer treatment if you explain your husband's problem, your health insurance coverage, and how to take advantage of the Mayo Clinic facilities, including travel and housing options. Call Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, 507-538-3270, from
7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Standard Time, Monday through Friday. In preparation you may wish to explore Mayo web sites -- for example https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/billing-insurance on what's accepted and how to schedule payments as well as https://tinyurl.com/mayofinassist for additional information on available assistance. Martin
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3 Reactions@predictable
Martin, I did an online appointment request today and expect to hear from them within 3 business days or will follow up with a phone call. THANK YOU for the extra nudge we needed!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsHello @sistertwo that is a good question about editing a post!
Yes, @lioness, is right. There is an edit button that will be there for 30 minutes after you post. So that is the time frame in which you can edit/correct any errors you see
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction