Pre Op nerves : Just sat waiting to... - Atrial Fibrillati...

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Pre Op nerves

Ianp66 profile image
30 Replies

Just sat waiting to have an ecg at the Freeman Newcastle under Dr Murray, just Signed paperwork for the 12th for my ablation. Under sedation seemingly! , what's everyone's thoughts? The "you won't remember" I questioned, as I had a spinal operation on the same premace 12 years ago and remembered vividly most bad Parts which haunted me for years when told much the same .

Then the risks I signed away, phrenic nerve damage, etc, etc, any experience of prhenic nerve damage? . Not used to being nervous but now questioning everything, minds gone into overdrive .

Those who have had sedation, what's your experience? and do you think I'm just thinking about it too much, control freak syndrome?.

Sorry for all the questions just freaking out a bit.

Ian.

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Ianp66 profile image
Ianp66
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30 Replies
meadfoot profile image
meadfoot

Would you feel more comfortable having a general aneasthetic. If so could you ask your EP if that is possible. Also could you ask to speak with the anaesthetist for reassurance if going the sedation route.

My EP uses General aneasthetic as a general rule Unless there is a reason not too. I would prefer a GA personally but we are all different and there will be people who have had sedation for ablation who will reassure you it was fine. Remember medics have to give you the worst case scenarios re side issues to protect themselves as well as the patient. It doesn't mean anything will harm you in or after your procedure.

I understand your anxiety and reservations we all have them whatever procedure we are going through its only natural. Best wishes.

Ianp66 profile image
Ianp66 in reply to meadfoot

Thanks for the kind reply, think nerves are now getting better of me, the nurse did a quick check and itl delay it 2/3 month's if I opt for general over sedation . Maybe I just bite the bullet and go for it at least it's over and done with. Feel daft as I had ops in past but this is making me very anxious.

meadfoot profile image
meadfoot in reply to Ianp66

It's understandable. Something about having our hearts in the mix which spooks us out more than usual stuff. All very normal. You will be fine whatever you choose. They will top up your sedation ongoing, you will be fine. They will take good at of you.

Seeking a change to a GA will inevitably postpone and delay your procedure which probably will not ease your current anxiety levels. I’ve had both and as long as you let the team know if you are beginning to feel uncomfortable, they will increase the sedation and you will be fine. Recovery tends to be quicker and better too, so try to relax and look forward to the benefits of having it done......

Ianp66 profile image
Ianp66 in reply to

That's made my mind up with quicker /better recovery, the nurse did say the same. So grateful for all the support on here, guess I'm just nervous and it's one of those "oh it's here" moments.

LMor profile image
LMor

I have mine tomorrow under sedation!! That thought has crossed my mind many times.....OMG I don’t want to know or feel any of it....grrrrr lol. Good luck with your op. I’ll try and let you know if I remember any of it

Ianp66 profile image
Ianp66 in reply to LMor

Oh wow, good luck hope it all goes brilliantly , am sure it will, think on my part it's just last minute nerves. Where are you having yours done if you don't me asking .

Ian

LMor profile image
LMor in reply to Ianp66

At the QE Birmingham

Ianp66 profile image
Ianp66 in reply to LMor

Well am sure you will be telling us how good your doing in a few Days, it's like a run of ablations all of a sudden, must be funding made available.

LMor profile image
LMor in reply to Ianp66

Mine was originally in November last year but I cancelled due to Christmas etc. Didn’t want to feel ill and had too much to do!! Lol. It’s scary!!! 😮 but it will be fine.....🙂

Ianp66 profile image
Ianp66 in reply to LMor

Don't blame you this is perfect timing really, rubbish weather, not too warm, and Netflix and sky full of good series, keep you occupied for a week or two if necessary. Be out on the bike by April /May just in time for a bit weather, if its fixed il even ride if its chucking it down as long as I get no more tachycardia everytime I exert or exercise.

C66t profile image
C66t in reply to LMor

LMor I hope you are doing realllly well and that abl went well. Rest and more rest you know the "rules" 👍👍💕

LMor profile image
LMor in reply to C66t

Thank you. I’m doing great. The procedure went really well and I knew nothing about it. Lots of bleeding from the groin 3hrs after having it done but the wonderful staff sorted that for me very quickly. I’m so glad it’s done now and it wasn’t anything like I expected or worried about. They’ve even given me my own room.....thank you for your thoughts and comments x

wilsond profile image
wilsond

Good luck both! Best wishes xxxx

Ianp66 profile image
Ianp66 in reply to wilsond

Thank you 👍

Gincalpe profile image
Gincalpe

Before I signed the consent form all risks were clearly declared and percentage chance of them happening. I did not let that stop me signing as the benefit of the ablation for my QOL was definitely worth it.

Ianp66 profile image
Ianp66 in reply to Gincalpe

It's worth a chance to push Afib back a bit, risks are there with everything we do I suppose.

porridgequeen profile image
porridgequeen

I had sedation and the medics really do look after you watching for discomfort. Even though it was only sedation I slept through most of it!

Best of luck, you will be so happy with yourself when you are at the other end.

Ianp66 profile image
Ianp66 in reply to porridgequeen

A lot more at ease with everyone's comments, got to go for it try help keep it back as its so frustrating keep getting out of breath doing moderate exercise etc

Stephanie6637 profile image
Stephanie6637

I have had 2 ablations under sedation at the Freeman and both were ok. They really look after you and someone sits next to you all through it watching for signs of pain etc and giving more drugs if needed. I really don't remember much about my second ablation except the beginning and end of it. The staff on ward 27 are really good and the level of care is excellent even the food is ok.

Ianp66 profile image
Ianp66 in reply to Stephanie6637

Thanks Stephanie, that's reassuring, hopefully it will be the same for my op.

Stephanie6637 profile image
Stephanie6637

Let me know how it goes and if you have any questions etc just ask.

GordonS profile image
GordonS

I've had 2 ablations with sedation and on both occasions because of complications ended with more of the fairy juice being pumped in. The first time I do remember saying Ooh that's a bit hot and then waking up in recovery and the second time I had a bleed but was eating a sandwich after half an hour later. I didn't remember any of the bad stuff and I must say that recovery is much better and quicker than a GA which always seems to make me nauseous.

Ianp66 profile image
Ianp66 in reply to GordonS

That would do me gordon hope I remember about the same

radagast58 profile image
radagast58

I've had two ablations under sedation and apart from some pushing and prodding I didn't find it at all traumatic. Make sure you mention your concerns to the Anaesthetist. I was sat up with a cup of tea and a sandwich very quickly

As others have said doctors have a duty to explain all risks otherwise you are not giving informed consent.

Bear in mind that recovery from a general anaesthetic can be slow and that a GA carries it's own risks!

Newcastle is a well respected centre of excellence for electrophysiology so you are in good hands.

All the very best

David

Ianp66 profile image
Ianp66 in reply to radagast58

Thanks David, feel a lot calmer speaking to everyone, thank you,

Ian.

Khatpi profile image
Khatpi

Best of luck to you both. Including your recovery and healing phases. Don’t push yourself , that’s so important. Listen to your body as it knows what’s best. 🙏🏻 Sarah from San Diego

Ianp66 profile image
Ianp66 in reply to Khatpi

Thanks Sarah,

Ian.

LMor profile image
LMor

Hi Ian. How you feeling about the upcoming ablation? I hope you’re not stressing too much. I’m doing remarkably well still. I know it’s only the second day but I even put the washing on this morning....I have to keep reminding myself that I’ve just had an operation. lol. I hope you are ok 👍

Ianp66 profile image
Ianp66 in reply to LMor

Not to bad, little nervous but keeping positive. Wow your doing fantastic, haha just take it easy don't forget you got to give yourself a week to rest and heal, at least ,your recovery is remarkable hope mine is even half that good.

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