Recovery after ablation

[rceclan]

Could anyone tell us how long is the recovery period after a RF or Cryo - Ablation, how does somebody feel after the ablation. It is allowed to travel by plain some days after the intervention? Thank you.

[BobD Volunteer]

That is not a simple question to answer as it will depend a lot on which method and if GA or sedation. No driving permitted for 48 hours although you won't feel like it anyway. You will feel a a bit knocked about. Just because you don't have a big zip up the front doesn't mean that your heart hasn't had a good kicking. Rest as much as possible for at least a week and then be careful not to overdo things for another week or two. No heavy lifting.

The recovery period is actually three to six months as that is how long the heart takes to form the scar tissue which should block the rogue impulses so you can get odd rhythms and funnies during the first three months or so.

RF is usually a longer procedure than a cryo so most likely longer recovery during the first week or so. Ditto GA takes a while to clear the system.

Regarding plane travel I would get clearance from your EP on that although I can't see any objection. I do know of people with desk jobs who went back to work a few days after ablation but I would always err on the side of caution.

[rceclan in reply to BobD]

Thank you, BobD

[CDreamer in reply to rceclan]

I took a short flight - 3 hours - about 10 days after the ablation and my EP had no problems with that as he had many people flying in from Middle East for Ablations and who flew home a few days after that.

I was fine on the flight but quite tired on arrival and rested up for day after, would not have wanted to work or do anything active!

[Mike11]

You can travel by plane quite soon but often your travel insurance won't be valid