I'm starting to feel very nervous about my ablation, which is on Wednesday at the John Radcliffe at Oxford. I haven't read any comments about this hospital on this site, but as they have 7 cardiologists (Don't know if they are all EPs) doing ablations I guess they know what they are doing. I had my pre-op by phone last week and at the time couldn't think of any questions to ask (I'm afraid I am of the ilk of 'ignorance is bliss' as to what they are going to do to me!)
Having read many posts about ablations - for which I am very grateful - I wonder if there is anything I must do before I go e.g. No one has told me to shave the groin area, though some people have talked about it on this forum.
I'd be grateful for any advice.
Thanks and a Happy New Year.
Written by
hydrangea
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Since things are done a little differently here in the US, I can't be specific help to the policies and suggestions for your hospital, but I can offer encouragement and positivity for you. Spend these next few days in calm contemplation, picturing how everything will go smoothly and that your heart will respond perfectly. Plan ahead for your recovery. Make yourself a healing space and plan for peaceful activities as you let your heart heal. Be brave, be hopeful, be confident and do everything you possibly can to be healthy in every way going forward. it all makes a difference in the success of the ablation.
As for the pre-op shave, here in the US it is done once you are under anesthesia. Doing it ahead of time give the opportunity for bacteria to get into the hair follicles and that is an opportunity for local infection. I'm sure someone will chime in with the local customs Good luck to you! NSR for the new year!!
There's a cheery thought. I guess if you are the one in 2000 you won't be posting that it didn't go well. I don't mean to be irreverent to a real concern, just trying to keep it light. Think only positive thoughts!!
Why didn't I think of that - there may not be another one due for years! I wasn't seriously worried about that prospect- as you say, I wouldn't know about it.
Each hospital and each consultant has different policies and Ida's about the little things. If they didn't tell you to do it then don't as they are all geared up.
See separate post started a short time ago called Ablation Tomorrow Morning....
You should be absolutely fine with sedation. My annoyance (well more of an irritation) was that I was out for the count too much of the time as I would have loved seeing more on the monitor as to what was going on and listening to them talking.
I had my ablation two weeks ago. I had sedation and was told by the admissions nurse that I had to stay still and might feel some discomfort. However , once I was in the lab the anaesthetist said to me " I am going to connect you to the sedative and you will go to sleep." Then I woke up. I think I prefer the anaesthetists idea of sedation.
Since then I have been fine although my blood pressure was low at first.
Thanks for that. I'll suggest I would like to sleep, perhaps they can control it.
Hydrangea, I've had 3 ablations, 2 under sedation and one under GA. I think I marginally prefer sedation even though procedures lasted over 4 hours each. GA takes a bit of getting over !
Try not to worry too much and keep Grandma's post in mind !
Make sure that you take a bag with some vital supplies like a sports drinking bottle, some lip salve, tissue ,phone etc which you can keep close as you will have to lay flat for some hours after the procedure. Other than that it is a walk the park.
I've had three ablations, all at the John Radcliffe, and the care I got each time was exellent, they really know what they're doing there. There are, to my knowledge, four EPs, all with many ablations under their belt, so please don't be concerned as they are very experienced at what they do.
I would recommend taking something to read as you may be waiting for quite a while before they take you across to the cath lab, and of course useful afterwards back on the ward. I would also suggest packing some thick socks, it can get a bit chilly in the lab and they'll be useful afterwards as well. Keep in mind your overnight bag has to hold all the clothes you'll be wearing as well as the essential items for your stay in hospital. I've learned from experience that a larger bag than I though I needed meant all my stuff wasn't spilling out everywhere!
I'll be thinking of you on Wednesday, as will everyone on this site who has read your post, and wish you all the best for a successful outcome. Remember to rest up plenty afterwards and take extra good care of yourself while you convalesce.
It will be a good start to the New Year. . Get it sorted at the start. I had my ablation in July at the JR and my brother had 3 done there. All by Dr Jenks.
I have nothing but praise from the moment I arrived to the next day when I left. They take you by the hand and guide and talk to you. Ask them to repeat what you don't understand. I was first in and had a TOE And GA. I didn't want to be awake...Let them do their job and I will do mine staying still and quiet. I shaved my groin as I didn't want them doing it...too personal and it saved time. My leg and hip hurt from being in one position for a long time. I took drink, music, book as Bob suggested. There is a drop off point right outside the unit. There will be all other surgeries being done as well. This is the easy bit. Then you have to do as you are told by giving yourself time to heal. The bruises are internal so don't underestimate what you have been through. Time and knowledge is the healer. Any concerns after and you have a direct number to the unit.
And you WILL return to us to let us know how it went. .Just like I and others have done. X
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Good luck to you! NSR for the new year!!
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