Ablation

[LMor]

Hi everyone. I saw my consultant last week and have already had my appointment through for my ablation in three weeks time for SVT. I am so concerned about the risks. Can I have everyone’s honest opinions about the procedure and recovery time etc and side effects after. I also have hypothyroidism. Thank you in advance.

[BobD Volunteer]

I have had three ablations for AF and would have another anytime it may be needed. No brainer for me. Not everybody is so sanguine I know but I AM a devout coward at heart.

[LMor in reply to BobD]

Thank you. How long did it take you to fully recover?

[BobD Volunteer in reply to LMor]

My last and most successful I felt better right away but mindful of the cock up I made of the first two I took things very easy for the first month or so and then developed as I went along. I suppose by nine months I had forgotten all about AF, not on any meds (apart for anticoagulants of course. ) and not been these last ten years. Never stop anticoagulants in my view.

[Hidden]

Of course there are risks LMor, but they are not major by any means. If you check on the information sheets from the AF webpages the risks are defined but they are rare. You will also find the two fact sheets on preparing and recovering from an ablation helpful too. Most people find they can ease back to their normal activities after 2 to 3 weeks but the initial period of rest is very important. You need to be very careful not to strain or damage the entry wounds in the groin and also be mindful of the trauma the heart has been exposed to as well. It can take 3 to 6 months for the heart to fully heal but provided you are not an “extreme sports fanatic” just do the normal things normally and listen to your body. It can take longer to recover from a general anaesthetic, but that really depends on how you personally react to a GA. Read the fact sheets, link below, and please let us know how you get on.

heartrhythmalliance.org/res...

heartrhythmalliance.org/res...

[LMor in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much for your response. My consultant sent me a list of some of the risks (1 in 500 of having a stroke and 1 in 1000 of death, being the worst). He also said I can’t do anything for a week but can go back to work after that time (I’m on my feet for 8hrs and spend 2 hrs travelling on top of that. How can I return to work after one week if I’ve been told to completely rest for the first. Didn’t make any sense hence why I wanted facts off people who have been through the experience. Thank you again

[Kaz747 in reply to LMor]

I’ve had 2 SVT ablations. I returned to work a week after the first one (carried out under sedation) and a couple of weeks after the second (carried out under a general anaesthetic). In hindsight the SVT ablations were much simpler and less invasive than the AFib and Flutter ablation I had 6 weeks ago - my EP warned me that I’d need a much longer recovery time for the latest one. You will need to see how you feel afterwards. If possible I’d aim to have a couple of weeks off and let your employer know that your return date may be a bit fluid, depending on your recovery.

[Hidden in reply to LMor]

I was given exactly those risks too, though I think it was not only stroke but other things going wrong (like paralysis of the diaphragm) being 1 in 500. I had no problems in three ablations and felt fine the day after and needed to remind myself to take it easy.

I think I'd be looking to take about a month off work - two weeks of doing very little, two weeks of gradually returning to normal. That's assuming all goes well. And it usually does. We do hear of a few things going wrong, but I found being in the hospital (and the cath lab in particular) inspired confidence in all the technical excellence. If something's not going well, your treatment will be prompt and efficient and you will be very closely monitored.

All procedures carry a small amount of risk, as does travelling for 2 hours every day.

[Brizzy5000]

Had my ablation on the 2nd of May for AF and Atrial Flutter end i have never felt so well for years, I did take it easy for 3 months being retired helped but after reading on here about doing things too quickly can set you right back I was determined take it very steady.

As for the risks you have to weight up the pros and cons, my AF was ruining my life, so a risk I was willing to take, there are so many good EP's around these days and they do a lot of ablation's.

I would have it done again in a heartbeat pun intended, so chin up and try not to worry.

[LMor in reply to Brizzy5000]

Mine will be for Svt. I’m not sure if it’s done differently. I’ve had two major attacks this year where I’ve been rushed into hospital and given adenosine to stop my heart. I get lots of ectopic beats and get breathless. I’ve had it all my life but never had two major ones in a year hence the ablation. I’m in two minds as to what to do......

[KMRobbo]

I had 2 ablations in a month. Now I am almost as good as before and am not on any drugs. I would have another ablation tommorrow afternoon if AF came back in the morning!