Recovery advice (pulmonary ablation)

[Sue-R-S]

Hi all

I posted a couple of weeks back about my situation and fears ahead of my procedure scheduled for next Wednesday.

Thanks for all your lovely responses - I’ve learnt a lot, received some excellent advice, and feeling much less anxious.

I’m posting again to ask for detailed advice re the post op period. I’m aware of the ‘2 weeks (1 doing very little and the 2nd doing just a bit more)’ rule but could do with some advice as to what it actually entails and what plans I should make.

To recap - I’m a single mum of an 11 & a 9 year old. My sister has offered to look after them for the first few days and friends have said they’ll have them to stay as well so we have the first week covered for them.

Will I be ok on my own once I’m out of hospital (they’ve suggested I’ll only be in for one night) or will I need to have someone with me?

I was going to stay at my parents for a few days but my sister in law is due to be induced the day before my op and they’d like to go down and see her and the new baby.

[Hidden]

There is no telling how you will be, but some people feel just fine afterwards and have to put the stoppers on and make a point of taking it easy. Much depends on whether you have sedation or an anaesthetic and on how long the ablation takes. Feeling like a limp lettuce is always possible but not a certainty.

What is clear is that the less you do, the better your heart will recover and ready meals and paper plates are fine.

I once heard a district midwife say 'It's good, when you have a new baby, if you're not too house proud' and the same apples to ablations.

[Sue-R-S in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your advice (I especially like the idea of paper plates - hadn’t thought of that!).

I’m having ablation to treat both atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation. Surgeon said it will be under sedation but that the op will be quite lengthy. I had ablation 5 years ago but he’s been quite specific about this being a more complex and lengthy procedure with a much longer recovery period.

[wilsond in reply to Sue-R-S]

I am having the same done,first ablation ,for bith afib and flutter.Wishing you the best ! Please let us know how you get on.

[Hidden in reply to Sue-R-S]

I'm due for the same dual ablation next month (Eek) plus EP study for VTach. Good luck and following with interest x

[Hidden]

Cannot add much to Rellims response other than avoid anything which could put a strain on the entry wound in the groin. Clearly going to be a busy week or so for the whole family, hope all goes well.....please let us know how you get on......best wishes.

[Elaine1951]

Your children will be helpful I’m sure. Suggest they play drs and nurses with you as patient. Have picnics in rye living room with the paper plates. Loads of takexaways and ask friends to do a clean and bed change for you. Star charts for the children to target clearing up etc. V good luck xxx rest will be key.