Another Post-ablation... post.

[jedimasterlincoln]

Well my ablation has come and gone. Went into the daycase at 12 Yesterday and was in the lab by 1:30. Found it all really interesting (I wasn't actually as nervous as I thought I would be) and the staff were all brilliant.

I was able to see the TV screens/X-ray guidance as he went about his business and everything was explained. I knew there'd be a bit of discomfort in the groin (which they made me shave myself) however it was incredibly painful to the point I was flinching A LOT. So they gave me a ton of medazilan and other stuff, just as they were prepping for the actual ablation (after mapping and stimulating) I went Vasovagal and don't remember anything until the recovery nurse was speaking to me.

Really gutted I missed out on watching the pathways get killed off as I had found it interesting up until that point.

I had a bout of post-op nausea afterwards but was reasonably rousable when I got back to the ward - enough for visitors. When they left - the staff wouldn't let me get up, so I had to pee in a bottle... only to catch my entry port on my groin and have the bed, legs and hands flood with blood in a matter of seconds. Bit of a panic and worry my BP would drop and I'd go vasovagal again, so I was put on bed rest which didn't end until 9am the next morning (having been on a trolley/bed since 1pm the previous day).

This aggravated my arthritis in the knee, and made me a bit chesty, I was scared to stretch in case I popped my wound again, and spent all night trying to sleep whilst hooked up to monitors (despite being told I could stop at 10pm).

My breakfast was woeful, but I was discharged before 10am and have to continue with the Warfarin/Bisoprolol for 12 weeks, and the Dronedarone for 6 weeks. My guts are right off, I'm tired/cranky but I've had no further bleeds and no major flutters yet.

No heavy lifting for a few days, rest extensively for a few days then see how I go into next week before going back to work.

Thanks everyone for your help/tips/insider info and experiences in the last 11 months.

[jeanjeannie50]

I'm really pleased to hear that all went well. You may find that you feel really tired for the next few weeks. Whatever you do, please don't go back to work too soon. Hoping you are soon 100% fit.

Jean

[jedimasterlincoln in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Initially Occupational Health recommended a return to work after 2 weeks, but as everyone is different - if I'm not right I'm not right.

[meadfoot]

My goodness well done you. Up to writing on the forum the day after your procedure - well impressed. Hope your recovery continues at a pace but please take it easy for now. Best wishes.

Dee.

PS: Who did your procedure and where?

[jedimasterlincoln in reply to meadfoot]

Was under Dr Fox at Wythenshaw, Manchester however after 7 months on the list, Dr Brown took over my procedure. Both decent blokes.

I have slept a lot today as I didn't sleep in hospital thanks to one thing and another......

[meadfoot]

Thank you for your reply. Make sure you take it easy for as long as needed and then some.

Dee

[Hidden]

Thank you for sharing with us so soon.Sleep as much as you can it's nature's healer.c

[Rellim296]

So, it didn't go too badly, but could have had fewer tedious bits! Nice to have it done and dusted! Good to hear how you got on. I thought the cath lab was fascinating and would have liked to have seen more, but we get whisked away to the land of nod and wake when it's over.

[wpw62]

Glad to hear your ablation is over and you are recovering. I too had to lie flat for 12 hours. This is the hardest part of the whole procedure. Take care not to move your hip and keg too much over the next few weeks. I has two weeks off and went back to work in Monday. Be prepared to feel very tired for a while. Good wishes and good health. Cathy

[jedimasterlincoln in reply to wpw62]

Still having trouble getting up/sitting down/turning over as the port of entry is on the same leg I have quite bad knee arthritis. Staying still for 18 hours has crippled me and now I have a huge bruised quad to think about.

[jedimasterlincoln]

Day 3 post op and I'm feeling almost normal. I didn't do anything on day 1 besides come home from hospital and sleep/post in here

Day 2 I went on a very slow very sore walk to the shop with the dog and my mum and then had 8 hours rest, then sat in a car and went plane spotting and another very slow slightly less sore/limping walk. When I checked my pedometer - I actually covered nearly 3 miles yesterday around the house and out (albeit at snails pace) with a little shortness of breath and sore groin.

For the next 2 days I'll only be sitting in the car back to my own house with my folks staying with me to check I can cope and countless offers of visitors and shopping and dog walkers I think I'll be ok. I also have the whole of next week off, given the nature of my job.

I have also written a very long email feedback to the hospital, 95% positive

[Loo53]

Great news but sorry you had a rough time of it that's why for a first ablation I chose the GA route (although Gupta specified it) but it will be conscious sedation next time and so I don't know how I'm going to cope with that one..take it easy mate and well done! We've both had the initiation ceremony now into this exclusive club ! I'm very groin conscious too but won't be going out walking until tomorrow!

[jedimasterlincoln in reply to Loo53]

I actually found it really interesting, I could see the screens and and the wires and the mapping etc for the first part, but was out of it by the time the killing started LOL