Dr Muzahir Tayebjee 2022-08-15 Person 5 5 0

I have lived with svt for over 30 years, using 40mg of Sotalol each day to control symptoms. I have never had any issues though, living a normal active life, doing sport, coping with a high stress career and generally enjoying life. In the last two years I started to need to take more than one tablet per day, sometimes three. I could never really predict what might start my svt symptoms, but once started it would take several hours to get back to a normal pace, even with an extra tablet. I mentioned this changing pattern to my GP and was referred to Dr Tayebjee's team at LGI. He rang me and talked me through the options, but then said he thought he could help with an oblation. I hadn't much idea what this involved (though I knew Tony Blair had it done), so did some research, and agreed to go ahead, even though it sounded a bit scary. On the day of the procedure I was emotional (especially leaving my wife at the door, because of Covid) and nervous, and even wrote a letter to my family, which went in the Will envelope, in case things didn't work out. I needn't have worried! From the moment I entered Ward 14 at LGI to the moment I left, I only met highly professional, caring, gentle, interested and very skilled staff. The operating theatre was amazing, with loads of hitech equipment. The whole ward was spotless, and constantly being cleaned. I was awake throughout the 2.5hr operation and although there were some uncomfortable spells, especially during the actual oblations, I was kept constantly informed about what was happening and what to expect next. I was offered more anesthetic if needed, but I never really got to that point. As an aside.... I had never been in hospital before as a patient but knew to expect the paper underwear and open-back gown, however I was not expecting to be lying on an operating table, with my 'family jewels' totally exposed to all the staff in the theatre (6 men and women I guessed) for around a full minute, before I was 'saved' further embarrassment with operation covers. I understand they needed to swab the groin area down, as that was where the catheter was going into my body, and obviously I'm glad they did, but still, it was a bit awkward.