Mixed emotions

[RebbyAnn]

Hi everyone!. Haven’t posted in a long while but have been reading posts so many helpful and reassuring ones so thank you!.

I have mixed emotions as I write this and bare with me whilst I explain.

I’m 29 with SVT and paroxysmal AF and have been waiting for an ablation since august which should happen soon after a lengthy call with all sorts of secretary’s to see what the wait is.

Anyway; my question is for those who have had an ablation. I’m curious to know the recovery times?. I’ve read that 2-3 weeks afterwards not to do much at all just to take it easy. But I’m wondering what happens after that?.

Such as alcohol? Or Flying?. Work?

I realise this is a how long is a piece of sting type question and everyone of is different.

I ask because obviously Christmas is coming up but also it’s my 30th in February and I had planned to celebrate that on holiday!. Now I know that my ablation is important trust me I want right off this medications! but I’m wondering if I have the ablation soon ish are these things still possible?.

My symptoms are very well controlled in fact next too nothing at present unless I binge eat which I avoid. So if I didn’t have the ablation end of the year beginning of next Christmas and my birthday are all fine for bubbles and a celebration as alcohol is not a trigger.

Hope this makes sense and reads in the manner I’ve intended. Any guidance would be most welcomed.

Thank you

[CDreamer]

First two weeks are very much rest with some very gentle exercise but beware as I felt so good after my first I seriously overdid things in the first few days and ended up in hospital.

Your heart needs to heal for the ablation to work as it is scar tissue which prevents the rogue signals getting through, this can take 12 weeks so weeks 2-12 - go slow and steady, gradually increasing activities but pace yourself and stop before you tire. No heavy lifting. You may very well experience a higher than normal heart rate - mine took some 9-12 months to settle back into my normal.

Flying - I think you need to ask your doctor - I flew short flight 3-4 hours about 7 days after ablation and was fine - perhaps get airport assistance so you don’t have to walk too far, most important - drink x2 water as you think you want or need.

Alcohol - up to you but I personally wouldn’t chance it at all - not until yu are sure you are clear and recovered. Alcohol will increase heart rate and increasing risk of AF to return.

Where are you going to have the ablation? Have you got a date. I know that in our area the waiting list is mostly 12+ months.

Best wishes.

[RebbyAnn in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you for your reply CDreamer.

I’m in Australia so the wait list should have only been 8-10 weeks and I was referred straight after going into AF in the beginning of August. No Date just yet but I should get a rough idea tomorrow.

The flight would would 3 1/2 hours over to Bali hopefully. I would still like to go if it’s a good few weeks after but if only a short time I will rearrange. Just with it being my 30th had hoped I would be celebrating on my actual birthday.

I work in a fast paced Job on my feet all day might this be an issue?. They are completely understanding and can adjust where possible but I do work a 70 hour fortnight and im the main bill payer so with no sick pay over here taking too much time off isn’t ideal.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to RebbyAnn]

Just to add top CDreamer, Take AT LEAST two weeks off but warn them you may need more. Above all listen to you body and act accordingly. You have a lot of healing to do afterwards,

[CDreamer in reply to RebbyAnn]

Many people ask for a staged return so it eases you in a little more gently. It is so individual I think it is difficult to say if that will be an issue for you but I would caution doing too much, too soon for at least 4-6 weeks.

Heed Bob's advice, you can only listen to your body - if you tire - stop what you are doing and rest sooner rather than later. You may be able to get another job, hopefully, but you can't always regain your health.

Good luck and let us know how you go.

[rosyG]

Hi,

I would bin the alcohol for good- and caffeine, and make sure you don't get overweight as you get older!! Some say these are nit their triggers but they are mentioned at all the conferences I have been to!!

[RebbyAnn]

Hey guys!. Hope all are well,Thought I would just post a quick update.

My ablation has been booked for Wednesday!. They had a GA cancellation and called me on Friday to see if I wanted it so I’ve jumped at the chance.

Feeling a little anxious now it’s closer but nothing to extreme. Friends have been delivering trashy magazines and English tea bags for me today to help my recovery when home on Thursday!.