So D-day is upon me and I'm in for my ablation tomorrow morning.
My nerves have been up and down over the past week, although thankfully not feeling too bad right now. They sky-rocketed when I went in for my pre op assessment though, and the kind arrhythmia nurse even got out a plastic model of a heart to help show me exactly what they are going to do ... If she had asked before hand "do you want me to show you in detail with the aid of models what they are going to do or would you rather I just tell you that you will go to sleep while we try to fix you and everything's going to be fine?", I definitely would have chose the later - feeling like a coward now, after putting my feelings in writing
Anyway, I digress. I'm just after some advice for what to take with me, anything I might not have thought of etc.
As always, any help greatly appreciated oh, and Happy New Year everyone. Here's to a NSR 2016.
I have had two ablations, one normal and one by the robot. Both times I was so nervous but don't worry it is over before you know it. You will be well looked after by a brilliant team, to them it's just a normal day in the office lol. Are you being put under GA or local? I was still awake but they sedate you lots so your comfortable. If this is the same as you I would say don't be shy about asking for more sedation (if you are staying awake) however the first Time they gave me so much I felt ill afterwards like a bad hangover. Second time was much better. Again they can give you anti sickness do all is good 😀
Advice I would give is bring water but also bring straws. You won't be able to sit up for two hours after so it makes it easier to drink and you will prob want to afterwards. Also pack a good bag especially if you are staying over like I did, baby wipes are a must as the hospital had no wipes when I was there and they came in handy! Also slippers, to walk around the hospital floor in. Try to relax you will be in good hands. I worked myself up so much I was in an episode both times when I went in to have mine which was great for my EP 😂
but honestly when I came out I was thinking why did I worry that was ok. A lot of worry I think comes from them reading out possible risks but they told me that they are a national average so across the whole country. So not to worry. And it's for legal reasons when really they want to say you will be fine. Where are you having it done?
Thanks for the quick reply.
Firstly, The Robot!?!?!?
I'm going into Leicester Glenfield Hospital, which I know has a very good reputation. Being put under GA as I don't sedate well, they used the maximum allowed dose during a CV and it still wasnt enough!!!
I will certainly pack the things you suggested, especially the straws. I hope there's something entertaining to look at on the ceiling if I have to lay flat for two hours
Yes I have SVT but it's a complex case as they found out during my first ablation which is why they aborted it, unlike normal SVT I have paths in both top two chambers more similar to AF but it's not AF there is no name for it so they just say atrial tachycardia.
The 2nd ablation my EP Prof Schilling decided to use the Hansen robot as it makes it easier for them in complex cases as they can take a lot longer (cause fatigue) and minimises scarring when there is a lot they have to burn. Apparently mine was constant burning as one of the doctors said.
That is strange, I have had the same problem with sedation, they gave me the amount for my weight and it didn't touch the sides! they had to keep giving it to me till I was relaxed but even then I remember a lot and could feel a lot, where as some people say they don't remember anything and just sleep.
Best wishes for Tomorow.
Better still is a sports drinking bottle with a teat! Also some lip salve. tissues. and a suitable bag (small bum bag) to keep everything in close to you when you are laying flat.
Thanks Bob. I have a bottle which fits your description nicely