RF Ablation date set and now millions of questions! Not the first time you've heard that I suppose.

[iris1205]

I must say that between hearing the disparities between results, meds, repeat ablations, and arrhythmias which become worse....seems quite an adventure I am about to embark upon. No GA, pain meds if needed (morphine derivatives from what I understand - don't have the name yet)

A few questions:

TEE - did everyone have a transesophageal echocardiogram prior or during?

How many of you required electrical cardioconversion during or at the end of the procedure?

Foley catheter used? (bladder)

How much time did you take off after the procedure? I've been told I can return to work in 2-3 days. My work is standing and physical... not too heavy lifting but some, but standing and talking all day.

I will start taking Xarelto 20mg Monday.... my pharmacist says I should wear a bracelet as I live, work and commute alone.... anyone else doing that? Not thrilled about xarelto - but trusting my EP.

I drive to work--- not far 10k, but I will need to drive. I am in overnight... has anyone ever driven themselves home the following day? Groin, I know! I will take 2 days off driving.

There is much talk about 2nd and 3rd ablations required, and some indicating they came out without AF, but with flutter and other arrhythmias... getting a bit less enthusiastic as I write!

Does AFA have statistics on those who eliminate AF?

Living both intrepidation and positive excitement over this.... grist for the AF mill.

Thanks for listening to this rant!

[Hidden]

Hi Iris,

I had 24/7 AF 10 years ago and an ablation cured me immediately and 100% for 8 years, without any drugs except aspirin, now Warfarin. Now an arrhythmia is coming back but not sure what it is yet.

I was back at work (farm work) but avoiding lifting etc after 2-3 days. I felt completely normal except for the wound in my groin which I treated like any other cut. I think my chest felt a bit tight but I can't remember, so it wasn't much.

My EP said there was a possibility of having to have another ablation, most likely in 5-15 years time. He was fairly confident about a good result with me, I think because my AF was 24/7 but hadn't been 24/7 for too long (I'm guessing the last bit!).

I had another ablation a year ago because, but the AF went away and they couldn't even stimulate it in theatre, so they didn't do any ablating … typical !!!

I wear a Warfarin wrist band which I got from Amazon.

I don't know what the other things are you mentioned, sorry.

Good luck

Koll

[iris1205 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Koll, that is already helpful. Even with the AF I've never missed a day of work, I just didn't know how much one really does do after an ablation. This is helpful! Hoping you get whatever is popping up for you now sorted out soon.

[BobD Volunteer]

Iris. you will not be allowed to drive home. You MUST be accompanied and not on public transport. Take at least two weeks off and do as little as possible for the first week would be my advice. That was given to me by my arrhythmia nurse Not sure if you will have GA or be awake. I prefer GA and that takes time to get out of your system Above all listen to your body and look after it. You will experience all sorts of strange going on for a few weeks-- up to three months so make sure you have a contact at the hospital so you can talk to somebody. I had a dedicated arrhythmia nurse to ring.

The TOE is to check there are no clots in the heart before they start messing about thus hopefully preventing a possible stroke. I only ever had TOE when I needed a cardioversion and had not been on warfarin long enough If you are in AF after the PVI then they will cardiovert you before finishing. As I said if GA then you will not know anything about it. For me the worst part was lying flat for four hours afterwards

Please be positive but don't try and be a hero. I did once and wished I hadn't. Lied to them that my wife was waiting in the car park. She was but the station car park 200 mile away . Longest 3 1/2 hours of my life and very scary..

Bob

[iris1205 in reply to BobD]

Thank you Bob, I thought it was spoiling myself to do it on a Wednesday and take off until Monday. The doctor doesn't have any concern over me going back in a couple of days, so was curious - hearing from someone who has had one is invaluable. I will think about this! I knew about the why for the TOE/TEE but wondered how often it is used just as a pre-ablation standard. Truly appreciate your input

[bluemoon in reply to iris1205]

I had cryoablation on 1st February at St. Georges in London. I opted for a GA, and so glad I did as I was out for 6 hours 30 minutes. Felt fine afterwards, and still do, get a few blips, but nothing like it was before. My consultant said I could go back to work after 1 week, but he suggested 2 weeks. Went back after 2, and apart from being very tired at the end of the day, I feel great. Good Luck!

[iris1205 in reply to bluemoon]

Thanks, great news. 1 person who works in the office in front of mine had it done and was back to work the next morning! This is why I am so perplexed!

[flyfisher]

iris, You will need to arrange transport as you will not be allowed to drive , would be well advised to book 2 weeks off work and do your shopping before you go in as you will be quite washed out for a few days.

Total success in my case and no recurrence, they did use cardioversion to kick it back into rhythm.

Expect an extended and steady recovery period as it can take your heart a little time to remodel back to doing what it should, perhaps 4 months to full recovery in my case.

I found the op day to be really interesting and enjoyed it , it is great that you have got to the operation point and you should be feeling positive about it , they have a good probability of fixing the problem.

Good luck

[iris1205 in reply to flyfisher]

Wonderful flyfisher. Thanks for the success story! I am looking forward to the date, clearly with concern but also with hope.

[Rellim296]

Hi, Iris, il had an ablation 3 years ago, and it went really well, I thought. No GA, but something intravenous that made a couple of hours totally dissapear. I hope I didn't talk or babble. I had 6 cardioversions during the procedure which I didn't notice, but there were visible red patches to prove it. Felt fine after lying flat and sipping hospital tea from a cup with a straw precariously balanced. Went home later by train with my husband. They didn't ask how i was getting back. Felt fine. No problems of any sort after. Started on flecainide and was AF free and palpitation free for 3 months, but 4 days after dropping flec down to 50mg twice a day instead of 100mg, off the heart went to a slightly erratic 150 bpm but upping the flecainide has kept it mostly under control since. Have a second ablation very much in the pipeline if I can keep INR steady. Have finally got it over 2. Hope the next few days go well for you and that it is a big success.

[iris1205 in reply to Rellim296]

Thank you Rellim, goodness sounds like you are ready for the second go round. All the best thoughts, let us know your dates if you want any supportive thoughts sent your way.

[Rellim296 in reply to iris1205]

Thanks for that. No idea of any dates right now. All the best to you! Good to read all the responses to your questions.

[porridgequeen]

Hi Iris

I had a TOE before my ablation and was expecting to find it quite uncomfortable - but just for ten minutes or less so do-able. I was given a sedative to relax me but also Rahipnol (spelling?) which, as they said, wiped all memory of the procedure. A strange experience indeed. I was just left with a sore throat. That was at St. Thomas' in London, not sure if they do that anywhere else.

Hope all goes well

Angela

[Hidden]

Hi Iris, I am due to have my ablation on the 22nd May, I was told I had to havea CT scan withcontrast the day before the op and then a esophageal echocardiogram before and after the ablation. I am one of the lucky ones with PAF not yet chronic and not long lasting, however I have been told that if I leave it I will be in constant AF and it is harder to treat thebfurtherbyou b go. I hVe been given an 85% success ratenwith the possibility of a 2nd and 3rd Ablation depending the original outcome, nothing is ever given in the positive, just in case. I like you look forward to an end with as little drama as possible. And dont drive. After any anaesthetic if you have an accident then your the one liable for not listening to the dr. Good luck

[iris1205 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Soozie - I won't be driving after but i will need to within a couple of days. I live outside of the city! Best on your ablation in May

[mallet-head in reply to Hidden]

Do not drive after a GA. Legally, if you drive within 24 hours of having a GA, you would void your insurance should there be an incident.

[iris1205 in reply to mallet-head]

Thanks Mallet Head... no worries I have no intention of driving for two days... and I won't be having a GA!

[mallet-head in reply to iris1205]

Hi Iris

Just read on the Atrial Fibrillation Association web-site, ...." The DVLA currently state that you may not drive for one week following the ablation (see DVLA website or check in the hospital for current guidance)." - refer to link below

atrialfibrillation.org.uk/p...

I guess this is worth confirming current practice with the hospital too.

cheers, Mallet-head

[Costa-Del-Solway]

Hi Iris,

I've also sent you a message, there is a couple of good publications that ban be downloaded from AFA about catheter ablation, and the other one, can't remember the exact name but it covers side effects and complications, well worth a read and will hit home the need not to overdo things in the first couple of weeks.

I had a lot of bleeding problems after they took the catheters out, which was about 10 hrs after the op. But I was still out the next day.

I've had two ablations and both made me feel great for 6 days then kicked back in 100% into AF.

TOE is not nice but essential to show there is no clots in the heart before they start.

They inserted my catheters through the femoral vein in the groin.

Good Luck

Tom

[iris1205 in reply to Costa-Del-Solway]

Thank you Tom. I have more than enough information - in print form. I've seen the entire procedure start to finish as well. What I was looking for was personal experience and you have all responded famously. quite a helpful and supportive community. many thanks for your offers of help!

[Costa-Del-Solway]

To contact somebody, click on the envelope at the top > then at the top right select new conversation > then put in name and you will get matches till you find the one you want.

[iris1205 in reply to Costa-Del-Solway]

Thanks "costa"... will respond to all your help tonight! Many thanks