France

Hi,

I am an English ex pat living in south west France which is where my Arrhythmia was discovered. I was wondering if there is anyone else here in a similar situation. Looking through these threads it seems everyone knows a lot about their conditions, whereas I have been given very little information. The doctors here will only speak French (although they ALL know some English) and my grip of the language is poor when it comes to medical terminology! For instance, I don't even know how many leads my PM has!

4 Comments

Bonjour Val

by IAN MC - 2015-07-03 04:07:13

" Vous avez un stimulateur cardiaque ". You have a pacemaker ,so welcome to the club !

I am in the South West of France too at the moment ., hot isn' it ! I have a house between Aubeterre and Riberac,which I bought 15 yrs ago , and am here for 3 weeks. I know France is a very big country but are you anywhere near me ?

First of all you need to make a list of all the questions you need answering . At your next PM checkup take that list and ask for answers IN ENGLISH or take someone with you who is bilingual . I am really surprised that you have met this problem ; there will definitely be staff in the hospital who could help you but you need to ask

Assuming that you have been given a PM identification card this will give the model of PM and the codes reveal things like the numbers of leads you have , so post those on here and we will help you in any way we can.

Good luck; Bon Chance

Ian



Merci

by Val60 - 2015-07-04 02:07:23

Hi Ian,
Yes I agree, I should take a list of questions. Taking a bi lingual friend is more difficult due to the fact they both work and I wouldn't expect them to take time off for moi! My experience of doctors here is that their opinion is if you don't speak the language you shouldn't live here, (on a recent visit to a new cardiologist she actually said that to me because I didn't understand one phrase, which really wound me up and she received my best french backlash I was able to give!) But yes that statement is fair and I agree, but no amount of french lessons can prepare you for medical terminology. I don't know what experience you have of French hospitals and/or doctors, but they certainly don't have the bedside manner of the Brits. However, I have to say that the treatment is top class despite that.

I have looked at my PM card and thanks to you and this site the information is much clearer. I have a 2 lead PM following heart block (didn't know until now that that was what it was called) following my third ablation.

We live not too far away from you, near Bergerac and yes, it is HOT!

Regards, and thanks again.


Thanks to you too

by Val60 - 2015-07-04 05:07:49

Tattoo Man. I think I have been bimbling along, happy in my ignorance, and just realising that what I have isn't to be taken lightly! Time to grow up I think!

Have been thinking for quite some time I would like to book an appointment with a British Cardiologist to get the full facts in English! Will look into it. Thanks again.

Alors, Val..........

by Tattoo Man - 2015-07-04 10:07:20


...et Bonjour...!

PM Club will be able to answer many of your questions...you might also try the British Heart Foundation who have a brilliant helpline..try them on.

0300 330 3311

bhf.org.uk

A bientot

Tattoo Man

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