We often get posts from folk who are unsure about having an ablation. It is a big step to take and it’s absolutely right that they do everything they can to check out the pros and cons before taking the plunge and proceeding with the procedure. It’s often not helped because you frequently get conflicting opinions from medics. Most of us start the journey with our GP and if we are lucky, they generally refer us to a Cardiologist with well honed plumbing skills. They are excellent at starting the treatment process, but they may not always encourage you to see an EP, but if you do, EP’s can be very enthusiastic about ablation, so we are already being exposed to differing opinions which probably is a good thing, but often not always helpful.
In my case, I had an cryoablation back in July 2016. Ironically, this was mainly due to my “plumber’s” advice. It all went well, but in October 2017 I had two AF episodes which I know were brought on by stress. In December 2017, I had my review with my EP and I got the impression that he wanted to wait and see how things progressed before doing anything. However, when he checked my previous discharge notes, there was clearly something which prompted him to change his mind. He was quite specific about the procedure saying it would be done under a general anaesthetic, using mapping equipment etc etc.
Like most people, I wasn’t sure if that was the route I wanted to take, but I decided to keep my options open and get on his long waiting list. Since December, I have had 4 further episodes stopped by using a PiP and possibly another shorter episode which stopped on its own. I have just been told my ablation will be on 31 August and I have decided to go ahead based on what has happened since last December, but goodness knows if I have made the right decision!
I guess in the end, the only thing we can do is take on board the advice from those who know our medical history, do our own research and listen to the experiences of others, make our decisions and then just hope we have done everything possible to ensure we have made the right decision......then pray!
Sorry about rambling, but it is Saturday and there is no important football and most of us are fed up with Trump and Brexit!! Enjoy the weekend.
Flapjack I understand how much it must have taken to make your decision I honestly don't know what I will do if I'm offered it I have never had anything done to me surgically and I'm terrified of it More so being kept awake Hope all goes well in August for you It's my birthday that day so hopefully we can celebrate together with best wishes
....and it’s my wedding anniversary that month too......48 years, but only two were happy...😉
To be slightly more serious, an ablation is not strictly surgery, you don’t end up with a zip in your groin. Even if you only have sedation, you don’t feel much discomfort PROVIDED you tell them if you feel you need a top up! Have a lovely birthday and thank you for your kind wishes but please forgive me if I don’t respond on the day as I will be otherwise engaged in La la land......
Hi Flapjack not too long to wait then and I guess that is the worst part once the decision is made . I would want it to happen tomorrow being an impatient kind of person,
I know you have been posting on here for a while so will have read every aspect of the subject of ablation and your decision will be well informed.
Wishing you a successful procedure and a speedy recovery ....
Very interesting ramble though. I am waiting to see someone about mine so posts like yours are very helpful can you keep us posted please. Have a nice day.
Since you had a cryoablation , would I be right in thinking that you just had pulmonary vein isolation?
At the start of this year I was part-way through investigation with an NHS plumber. Aware that my heart could be remodelling, I was unhappy with the delay. I discovered that one of the GPs in my practice had a special interest in cardiology - he was 'old school' and has since retired. I asked him for a recommendation for someone to see privately and he referred me to a plumber in London. After the obligatory ECG ("There's a lot going on there") and a stress echocardiogram he referred me to a sparky for consideration for an ablation and ICD. The sparky felt it was worth trying ablation "aggressively" first with the intention of using mapping techniques and thermal ablation to isolate the pulmonary veins and other hotspots. I had a GA so the hardest part for me was trying to keep still the following night to avoid re-opening the femoral artery in my groin.
I'm glad I made the decision to go ahead, although it wasn't the success everyone had hoped it would be. It seems that I need further ablation involving my AV node so will need an ICD after all. I easily made this decision as there is every chance that I will get my health - and my life - back. Everything I have heard of people with ICDs has been positive. I believe that I am in good hands.
Yes Ian, and although it’s difficult to interpret the notes, it looked like there was some difficulty sealing off one of the veins with the balloon and a “wand” was used to freeze the missed bits and I’m led to believe that’s why I need a second procedure which is quite common. I am sure you are right in your understanding and I wish you well for a speedy and successful outcome......
I feel it in my bones that you have made the right decision and not too long to wait now. We can only follow the experts advice and it will be wonderful not to have the anxiety of waiting for the next episode of AF. Wishing you all the luck in the world that this fixes it once and for all. By the way 1970 was a very good year, I was married on 19th September and it was a lovely sunny day. Bestest to you 👍
Thanks Brenda, let’s hope we can both enjoy a more stable future, I remember we were comparing notes after our CV’s over 4 years ago! And so many good omens too, let’s also hope that we continue to have a lot to thank 1970 for.....take care, us youngsters need to look after ourselves...👍😀🤣
Hi Flapjack. I thought maybe T. would like the UK so much he would stay-no such luck. LOVE the big orange baby trump. irina (US)
in reply to
A lot of people relieved to watch him fly out of Scotland on his way to see his mate Vladimir......
in reply to
You mean his "BRO?"...
And welcome to the Ablation club. Speedy full recovery! irina
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not too long to wait then and I guess that is the worst part once the decision is made . I would want it to happen tomorrow being an impatient kind of person,
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Positive thoughts about having an AV node ablation. 
Older female, need thoughts on ablation decision 
