Ablation Experience nces

[rich101]

Would appreciate anybodys experience s on ablation if possible?

[BobD Volunteer]

Piece of cake. no worries. Took three to fully sort my arrhythmias. Not as bad as root canal treatment.

You probably guessed I am a fan as it is the only way to get off those nasty drugs (apart from anticoag of course)

Bob

[Hidden in reply to BobD]

It wasnt exaclty a piece of cake or a walk in the park for me and others like me (five hrs under GA and another four hrs lying supine position and not allowed to move the right leg in case of blood clot developing) but I know where Bob is coming from and fully support him 100% in recommendation of Ablation... Preferable anytime to taking meds and the consequential risks involving long term effects

of the powerful drugs...

I consider myself lucky to have been offered this procedure performed by two very skilled EP's at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital...

Wishing you Good Health...

Carol....

[jedimasterlincoln]

Feel free to click on my profile - and find my posts relating to ablation. I'm 5 weeks post my 2nd ablation.......

[Rellim296]

We seem to be divided into four camps: a) enthusiasts, those in favour, earliest opportunity to be grasped, b) quaverers and waiters - put it off as long as possible, as techniques might improve, c) last resorters - it's risky, unlikely to succeed, can go wrong, so stick to medication and d) the fence sitters - weighing up both pros and cons and not committing in either direction.

I find myself firmly in the a) group. I've had two good experiences which have transformed my life. I regret not having the second one earlier, wish I had been less fuzzy and could remember more of the procedure, and am hugely grateful for the skill and technical expertise available to us.

[feejbee]

Im with Relimited 296.Definitely an A.

So far worked for me ( 18 months ) and I was very poorly .An amazing procedure ,not painful or traumatic just takes a long time and a little uncomfortable but the results if all goes well, are a new you even if it doesn't carry on like that forever I would go for it again in a heartbeat-excuse the pun.

Fi

[MickN]

I am with my EP next Monday to discuss going as a research patient to bring my ablation forward as NHS waiting list in my area so long

Sounds like different type catheters as funded outside of the NHS.

Made me more nervous, but would appear to be my best option considering the positive posts for ablation

[Hidden]

Hi rich,In my experience over with before you know it,no pain as such,nice nurses to look after you over night,just takes quite a while for things to settle (about 4 months),so do not get anxious just go with the flow.

[shirlygirly]

Hi Please dont worry take Bobs advice definately tooth extraction is worse.

My own ablation wasnt plain sailing but thats how it sometimes, just waiting

for my 2nd so wouldnt do that if. it was bad. What finally persuaded me was

the realisation that af only gets worse, as mine did.

[rich101]

Hi Thanks. I have been reading and rereading the risks involved. And it just brings home how serious it is.Im not actually to worried about the procedure (maybe a little when they induce the AF)

but as I only get episodes a few times a year my heart rate is norm most of the time.Its a quality of life issue.as I cant exercise ect.....

im going to go through with it, but just an anxious wait.

[iris1205 in reply to rich101]

The waiting is the worst - I promise you! From what I've gleaned from cardiology reports, EP specialists - better sooner when there are less points to ablate than when it is total chaos!

Best wishes - keep us updated.

[Hidden]

Mine was a walk in the park. Out next day, AF gone, no drugs (except anticoags) for another 8 years. I couldn't drive for a week, think that's changed now to a shorter period? I felt a tiny bit tight in the chest for about a week, hardly surprising I guess.

I've had 2 now, although second one aborted, and I'd have a third without much thought.

Koll

[Mrspat]

Just developing this a bit - a moral maze type of question really: if you have had a really bad experience with a procedure, do you think it is right to share it with others who may be considering it? Being supportive or advocating something is all very well and may boost other peoples' morale but as we know, one size doesn't fit all.

I regret hearing phrases like "it doesn't hurt". OK, it didn't hurt for that person but there's an inference that you're a wimp if you don't go ahead.

I may be luckier than some - currently asymptomatic and under control. Sorry, the question was about experiences of ablation and I haven't had one, nor has it been suggested and I'm not pushing for it.

[Rellim296 in reply to Mrspat]

As I understand it - and it probably varies considerably and depends on the individual's general state of health - ablations have something like a 70% chance of success. Horrid things can go wrong, but few of us afterwards seem worse off in the long term even if a problem has occurred. Thus a big improvement is to be expected for most ablatees and to my mind, it is a chance well worth taking as the benefits are huge. I've got my life back! I certainly approached it with foreboding, feeling that it might be my last day of lucid existence. I tidied odds and ends in the weeks beforehand, like updating my Will, writing an advance directive and making final arrangements.

I do think it can be helpful to hear bad experiences, especially when the problem has been resolved. If your own ablation goes wrong, you know you're not on your own. But I think you are unlucky if it goes wrong, rather than lucky if it improves your state of health. Successes seem to outweigh the failures or partial failures.

I don't think anyone is a wimp if they choose not to go ahead.

[Someonesmother]

I just posted on another post that I have had 2 so far no GA I was fully awake both times 5 1/2 first time and over 6 hours for the second but as BOB says it is tolerable and yes you have to lay for a few more hours once it is finished to ensure you don't have a hemorrhage, That first trip to the loo is like heaven when you can get up again!!! Bit of a sore leg and bruising where they put the catheters in to your vein in your leg but I used arnica and it cleared up quickly. Some discomfort obviously as your heart heals but nothing too bad. I understand your apprehension, I was very nervous before my first one and I had to wait for hours as one before me took way longer and so I was delayed by about 6 hours, so much time to think. hahaha I took my ipod and listened to music while I waited and read. Do something that helps you relax. Hope it all goes well for you.

[Jay10]

Hi Rich, I had a cryoablation in 2008 and it was a real life changer for me. My episodes of AF were then up to 2 a week and I couldn't get enthusiastic about anything. Fixing holidays were a real scarey thought as each time we flew I would have an episode. Even a day out shopping set me off. So although the ablation was uncomfortable it was well worth it.

Good luck with yours, Jackie.