Criteria for an ablation

Thanks to everyone for their comments on ablations. At the moment it’s not been proposed that I have an ablation, but I guess that cannot be ruled out in future if the condition progresses. I have to say that the actual procedure sounds pretty alarming. My strategy at the moment is to lose weight (although everyone says I don’t look overweight, I could lose about a stone), cut alcohol, eat a very good diet and get lots of sleep. The hope is that this will delay the progression of the condition for many years. But, as everyone will know, there are no guarantees...

[CDreamer]

Sounds like a really good plan. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

[jennydog]

Please don't be alarmed at the prospect of an ablation. It's not that bad. Bob said that root canal dentistry was worse and I think he's correct.

Just think, many have had 2 or more. They wouldn't have a second one if it were that bad!

I think that what worried me most of all - a girly thing - was that they were going in through my groin. I didn't have to do any shaving and their paper knickers were a god- send.

When you are offered an ablation, go for it. No regrets.

[dmac4646 in reply to jennydog]

Jenny - I think the root canal comparison is a bit underplaying the recovery time that an Ablation takes - the procedure may be similar in that you need multiple attempts but I don think that the recovery from root canal treatment is anything like as restrictive as an AFIB ablation as Bob's very useful notes on recovery indicate.

[Jhcoop55]

The procedure in most cases is fairly uneventful and relatively safe. A number of patients recover quickly and can get back to a reasonably normal routine within a couple of weeks. However, for others, the recovery can be longer mixed in with bouts of ectopics, coughing or fatigue. Mostly depends upon your overall health going in, the skill of your EP and pure and simple luck.

[dmac4646 in reply to Jhcoop55]

Not much we can do about luck but it has been shown that WHO carries out the procedure can be the most important determinant of success.

[Jhcoop55 in reply to dmac4646]

Agree that a good EP is key. I used a very respected EP for both my ablations abd ultimately they both failed despite my being very fit and healthy with no other heart conditions. In my case, just being more on the unlucky side. Thankfully, my meds keep AFIB and ectopics completely under control with no side effects and no life restrictions, so I can’t complain.

[dmac4646]

Well that is lucky, I am in the same position in that its well controlled and my cardio doesn’t (as yet) think it would be significantly improved by ablation , but you never know the day it changes - here’s hoping we both remain lucky !