Thinking of a Cardiac Ablation

[CraigSP]

I’ve been reading quite a bit from people who have had or are thinking of Cardiac Ablation. I just want to add my 2 cents.

I had my Ablation on June 18,2018. The Doctor said it went perfectly. 2 days later I was easily walking up/down stairs two Fridays later I was on the tennis court and the next day I play golf. I spoke to my doctor and we both feel it’s because I have a healthy and rigorous exercise schedule. I’m looking forward to getting back to a normal, healthy lifestyle. I would recommend to anybody thinking about cardiac ablation or any surgery to spend six months getting on a good diet and exercise program. It helps with healing like you wouldn’t believe. I am a 53-year-old male that is probably about 20 pounds overweight. At one point in my life I was about 50 pounds overweight.

[Scott1101]

it's alll about the location of your surgery as far as recovery time and extent of burns.

[secondtry]

Agreed, it seems common sense to me to get your body in tip top shape first.

[CDreamer]

If you are able - I would entirely agree.

Unfortunately by the time I wa offered an ablation I was very symptomatic and entirely exercise intolerant - as soon as my HR increased to any sort of burn level - I was into tachycardia and AF. Before AF I was quite fit as I was campaigning a dinghy around the country.

[BobD Volunteer]

I agree completely about being fit prior to any procedure. Before my prostatectomy I was given special drinks for several days to increase electrolytes and energy levels . Thankfully my AF had been stopped by my third ablation or they would not have performed the operation , found how advanced it was and I would not now be here.

[momist in reply to BobD]

Wow, BobD , and what we do without you? Congratulations on your close call outcome!

All surgery will have a better outcome on someone otherwise fit and healthy, as a healthy body has greater capacity to heal itself. Sadly, as in CD's case, the two can't always go hand in hand.

[Brizzy5000]

I was going to the gym regularly about 4 to 5 hours a week I was in my early sixties so considered myself a bit fitter than most, but the AF was becoming more problematic lasting days rather than hours before my ablation I was lucky to get an hour or two in a week, had my ablation on the 2nd of May 18 and so far so good I'm sure being fitter has helped my recovery.

[Ianc2]

After spending years getting unfit, without realising it, I am now having to spend years getting gently fit again. Wonderful things fitbits. After watching doctors on a cardio ward playing pass the parcel with a particularly plump patient, I realised being a reasonable weight is absolutely essential, along with following a healthy diet.