I’m home in bed after a very long day. I had my ablation today and I’m so pleased it’s over and I’m home.
I just wanted to say the biggest thank you to every single person that has replied to my questions and supported me through the last few weeks. ❤️❤️❤️
I went in at 7.00am and sat in a waiting room with a bunch of very quiet scared looking people for an hour. That was one of the hard bits. Went up to the ward, got sorted out with cannula etc and then I was taken to the cath lab. I was a bit overwhelmed and started to cry, the nurses reassured me and got me laid down and comfortable. They gave me a little but if sedation and I felt a little bit more relaxed.
The EP put the local in my groin and then put the first two catheters in no problem, when he tried to put the third in the pain was very bad, he just couldn’t get it in. He tried and tried and It was really hurting so after a lot of struggling he decided to try a bit more local anaesthetic, that helped and it went in.
As soon as the wires reached my heart it went straight into SVT swiftly followed by AFib. I didn’t like it, I’ve never been able to tolerate my arrhythmias and today was no different. He did the mapping fairly easily because my heart was so sensitive. He found the problem and tried to ablate but each time he did I would go into SVT and AFib and then back to SVT. In my discharge letter he says that during the ablation I was almost incessantly in SVT. I had 6 burns in total and only felt two, one of which was very painful but he explained to me after that he carried on with the burn when I was in SVT and that’s why it hurt so much.
The whole thing took 4 hours and at the end he proclaimed I was cured! Or at least he was 90% certain he had got it. He did say though that I have a very low threshold for AFib so there could be other triggers in the future, eg weight increase, blood pressure increase etc but for now the SVT trigger is gone.
As for sedation it looks like I’m in the “It didn’t touch the sides camp”. After the initial injection I asked repeatedly for more as I was really not very comfortable, I was given more and more and nothing happened. I remember every moment and when I spoke to him afterwards he said I had enough to put a horse out.
So after all that I can honestly say it wasn’t the nicest thing I’ve ever been through, childbirth is definitely worse and I’ve had some dental experiences that have been a little worse but I would definitely do it again if I had to. Without a doubt.
The EP asked me what my favourite part of the procedure was, I said the end, he said me too 😂😂
He also said if there ever is a next time I will have a GA because I can’t tolerate my arrhythmias at all, don’t think I was the bravest patient he had ever treated 🥴
But I feel brave, I’ve done it at last after 30 years of feeling scared. My heart has had a few little wobbles but nothing much and I do feel strangely good, at some points I’ve felt great this afternoon, which feels a bit strange. I’m going to spend the next week watching old musicals with my mum and doing absolutely nothing.
So there you go, I now have my own ablation story to share with you all, and hope now understand that each story us completely different but sharing them with each other really helps ❤️😊
Take good care everyone and thank you again x
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Kellyjelly
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I'm glad it went ok and fingers crossed it's worked. I am in the same camp as you as regards the sedation not seeming to do a thing and I wasn't the bravest patient either 😂 Hopefully a second ablation won't be necessary. If it is, I recommend the GA! I hope all goes well, take it easy.
That's fantastic news kellyjelly rest up and enjoy the musicals with your mum. It's a huge relief when it's all over and done with and you survived it! Nothing beats that feeling. Good chance 90% onwards and upwards. Xx
So sorry to hear that the sedation did not work for you. I know you were very anxious about the procedure and that could have been the reason you did not respond well to the sedation. You certainly did the hard yards here and if it is needed a second time please opt for a GA. You have survived the hardest course. Well done. You must have extreme strength without knowing it. Good luck for your recovery.
I spoke to the EP and he said some people just don’t gain the sedative effect from the drug, maybe it is down to anxiety.
Thank you for your good wishes, take care 😊
Hi Kelly..pleased it's all over for you. I must say though that you didn't have the best of experiences! Fortunately the experiences I had with my 2 sedations were much more favourable!!
As you say, we seem to have quite different stories. Now you deserve to just spoil yourself rotten and PLENTY of rest.
Thank you so much 😊 parts of it were uncomfortable and it was horrible and quite scary at times but the overall feeling I’ve been left with is I would definitely do it again. He did say that he chose the sedation I had because he really wanted to get the arrhythmias going and was worried if I was overly sedated they wouldn’t be able to.
😂😂😂 during, I really don’t know why they make you wear them. I think they are purely for modesty reasons, you are on a cath ward which is mixed and everyone is in hospital gowns that tie at the back so I think they are to stop arse flashes 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
So pleased you're the other side of this now. I was thinking of you. I too had my ablation on Friday. They wouldn't give me sedation at the start but said I could have some when they started the burning if it was really painful. For the same reason as you said, about getting the arrhythmia going. Unfortunately they were unable to gain access to my right groin (had a young lady Dr being supervised) so they fetched in Professor Peters who also tried but was unable to get access so left groin tried and they were in. I had to be given sedation and pain relief when they started the burning as the pain of the burning was quite intense in my collarbone and shoulder but it didn't have much effect. Told at the end that ablation was successful so onwards and upwards now. If I have to have this done again I will opt for a GA definetely. So here's to us🍷Kellyjelly and hopefully an AF free future (or at least a good few years respite from it!) Take good care x
Thank you so much loobylou777 😊 I actually think it’s quite common for sedation to have little effect from all the replies I had about sedation.
Sounds like your experience was very similar to mine. I’m so glad that it’s all done and we are on the road to recovery. How are you feeling? I’ve been feeling weirdly good but I’ve had a few feelings of faint and dizzy spells and a few palpitations but nothing bad. Mind you I literally haven’t gotten out of bed 😊
Wishing you a very speedy recovery, take really good care and let me know how you get on xx
Yes really quite good by yesterday. I only spent the first day lying down. A few thumping beats have kept me awake for short periods but nice nsr otherwise. Not feel dizzy or anything. Groin that they couldn't access artery in is quite bruised and bleeds everytime I change dressing but it's OK after a bit of pressure and a lie down. Lying with my feet up watching catchup now. Other half is out shopping 😁 Take care and a speedy recovery to you too xx
Sounds like you are recovering really well. Hope the groin wound Heals soon soon. My groin wounds are the biggest surprise to me, i thought it would be a big cut but it’s 3 absolutely tiny holes in a neat little row. The bleeding stopped quite quickly and I’ve had nothing since, no bruise or anything. It was very tender yesterday but feels so much better today. I’ve just had an hour of fast heartbeat after my lunch 😪 I was hoping the fast heart after eating might stop after the ablation but maybe it won’t. The EP thought it unlikely, far too early to tell, I know but it was annoying.
Enjoy your catch up tv, I’m going to venture downstairs tomorrow to start the film marathon with my mum 😊xx
Oh so pleased for you that is done I was thinking of you today ,, I may get an abaltion eventually and I could really identify with your thoughts and fears . Godless and hope you get plenty of rest and we’ll done you have been really brave xx
Thank you so much 😊 I hope my story doesn’t sound too scary. It wasn’t, I was just very scared. Also I have never tolerated SVT,AFIB or flutter very well so it was a bit of a shame that my heart was doing that with every movement the EP made and the rates were very very fast. I always freak out when I go into bad rhythms and today was no exception 🥴
The biggest thing I’m taking from today is that I’ve given myself a chance and I would do it again if I had to, no question.
Hi Amanda, I was thinking about you when I was writing my post. 😊
If I hadn’t had the problem getting the catheter in and he had known how easily my heart would jump into bad rhythms so he could have risked heavier sedation then I don’t think it would have been bad at all.
Also some people really wouldn’t feel scared when they are in a cath lab in SVT and AFIB. I just don’t handle it ever, wherever I am 🥴 so it was a combination of things that made parts of it uncomfortable for me.
If I had it again I would know what to expect and that’s takes away so much fear and both the EP and myself would probably agree to heavy sedation/ GA because of my reaction in arrhythmias.
What’s really important is that even though parts were unpleasant for me I would do it again.
I’m new here. I read your posts earlier because I did a search and you came up. Congratulations on your procedure. I hope your recovery is a swift and effective one.
I’m new to this. But I too can’t tolerate the AF at all it destroys me when it’s violent. I’ve had lone episodes for a few years but am now in constant AF for around a month, but it’s more gentle this time. High pulse though. Your recovery may I hope, give me hope for my future. I’m feeling very upset still at the moment.
Enjoy your films and being pampered. I will cross everything that your procedure has fixed it for you.
Glad it is all over for you and I hope it has been successful, only time will tell.
I too could not tolerate sedation for ablation and had my last 4 ablations under GA and it was much better for me. The problem is the waiting is longer as they have to arrange for an anaesthetist too.
The majority of ablations are successful first time and there is every chance that you will be in that category.
To give your body the best chance make sure you now rest as much as possible over the next 2-3 weeks.
The EP was absolutely thrilled and said that I need to accept now that it’s all over and get on with my life without it. I hope so much he is right.
When he explained my AF threshold is really low I got a bit fixated on that and started worrying but he said that being optimum weight, having healthy blood pressure, good diet, excercise, sleep etc would go a long way to protecting me from potential triggers in the future. So I’m going to get myself in good shape to give myself the best chance.
My mum arrives tomorrow to look after me and I’m literally not moving for the next week and probably the one after that too. 😊
I really really hope that it will work for you and that you never ever have to do it again 🤞.
When I read your story again, It’s like I was there with you on the table, we are very very alike 🤗.
I hope that when I will go for mine, that they will be able to go all the way this time even under GA and that like you I will have a good story to tell and that my heart will not feel like crap anymore, but that it will feel renewed 🌞.
I feel like we are very similar too, the way we react to things and the fact we are going through this at similar times, your ablation experience helped me so much when I was waiting for mine.
I am so hopeful that your next procedure will be the one that nails it for you and you can start to feel better. No long now Anna stay strong 😊💕
Great news Kelly and well done for managing to recall and record the procedure in such detail. Time to relax now and recovery from the experience so that you get the maximum benefits from everyone’s hard work......sleep well!
I like detail as you can probably tell from my posts. It wasn’t hard to recall it at all it was a very big day and i was very present despite the attempts at sedation.
I’ve got major relaxing on the cards for the foreseeable.
Thanks for your good wishes
Hi K. I am so happy for you. It's over-take it easy and let everyone who is willing wait on you for the next 4 + weeks..
And please don't feel like a coward. Braver patients than you(esp men-sorry fellas) have cried and even needed to be put to sleep midstream to continue the procedure.
I had local with general standby-just a fancy US term which means an anesthesiologist is the one monitoring and giving sedation as needed. Baby toddler nurse here needed enough sedation to choke a horse and if there is ever a next time will choose GA.
I wonder if that’s the difference between the knock out sedation and the hardly touch the sides sedation?? Mine was administered by the EP, mostly and once by a nurse not by an anaesthetist. I didn’t have a designated nurse watching me, I had to ask the EP for more when I needed it.
Thank you for making me feel like I didn’t wimp out. I know what you mean about GA in the future .
"That's my girl" been and done it and lived to tell the tale. How good to hear from you so soon and well done. You can tell from all these lovely posts that you have a great following and everyone is delighted for you. Now follow the advice and do nothing this week and even less next week. You can of course keep us up to date on your progress....
Meantime I am so pleased for you and wish you a speedy recovery.
Thanks BobD, I have to agree I have had root canal on a par with yesterday’s ablation. Didn’t last quite as long and didn’t feel quite as safe in the dentists though 😄
Thank you for sharing your experience today - amazing how we all react and cope in different ways. I've not had ablation yet but, could well be in the future.
I they say you have to keep still (for obvious reasons) but I would imagine its difficult if you don't feel sedated? & did you have to lie flat for few hours after - or were you able to have a pillow?
Glad to hear you are home safe & sound - take care & let us know how you get on - expect you still on medication or did they change it?
I didn’t find it too difficult to stay still and I thought that would be really hard, I was worried about that before my ablation. I was lying on a warm air blanket that kind of wrapped around me and was actually very cosy and comfortable. Like you I was worried about lying flat afterwards for hours but it really wasn’t that bad, no pillow or anything and they ask you not to move your head towards your chest. I was very lucky though, they let my husband come up and sit with me as soon as I was back on the ward, so that was a great distraction. In all they had me lie still for about 4 hours and then I was allowed to get dressed and walk about.
The EP stopped my medication immediately, I only take flecainide and had not taken it for 10 days prior to the procedure. I asked if I should take it if my heart struggles while recovering and he said no really try and avoid it. He also said if I go into a sustained run of arrhythmia of any kind get an ecg done so that he can see what it is, but he also said that he really thinks that is highly unlikely.
His strongest piece of recovery advice was get on with your life knowing that you have had an extremely successful ablation. I hardly dare to believe it could be over.
You mention that you have stopped taking medication- does that include an anticoagulant? I thought that that was compulsory for several months before an ablation and for several months after.
I have never been on anticoagulants and my EP said I didn’t need them before the procedure. He prescribed them for 7 days following the ablation to reduce the risk of a blood clot he said.
That is really interesting. I will have to raise this with the EP next time I see him- he was adamant that I must be on anticoagulant for at least 3 months. I would certainly prefer not to take the stuff.
I was thinking of you yesterday Kelly. Glad it’s all over. Fingers crossed there’s no more issues. Enjoy your rest. You’re experience sounded a lot like my first ablation which wasn’t a success- I knew that before I left the cath lab. The sedation didn’t touch the sides with me and I felt a lot of pain. Because my arrhythmias could be triggered so easily my EP said the next time we’d use a GA ... and the next time ... and the time after that. In my experience my first ablation under sedation was worse than childbirth (because I had complications with both pregnancies I wasn’t allowed to feel any pain so was given an epidural before being induced).
It’s so interesting that your first ablation was similar, that’s the amazing thing about this forum someone can always relate to the experience you’ve had and that provides so much comfort.
Thank you so much for your good wishes, I hope you’re doing ok.
Great news Kelly, hope I'm as brave make sure you get that rest. I've got a feeling I'm going into the hose dose camp as well, as I had an op years ago n my back the same and remember everything when I was told I wouldn't, would you have sedation again please r go under next time.?
I wasn’t very brave but you will be, I’m certain. I honestly would have it done with sedation again, it wasn’t that nice but I have never been able to cope with my arrhythmias and because my heart was so sensitive it was just going into SVT and Afib constantly. I actually think most people would have coped better than me with it. In my discharge letter the EP mentions that AFIB particularly was very poorly tolerated by the patient and that despite large doses of Fentanyl remained anxious, tearful and responsive to discomfort. so even though I would have it done under sedation again I don’t think my EP would be so keen. He has also written that if further treatment is required it will be done under GA. 🥴
Yes same here they said you will fall asleep in a minute, I was like why am I still awake? Haha nothing was touching it. Mind you they couldn’t get a Canula in me so had to put it through one of the tubes in my groin.
I’m doing great few blips here and there just small runs of SVT not seen AF for about 5 months thank god!
They are keeping an eye on me as just found out I’m pregnant 👶🏻🙌🏻
Oh how lovely! Congratulations 💕💕💕 what wonderful news.
I had the same, one dose in my cannula and the rest he put in my groin as he worked on my heart. It was rubbish sedation haha, because I did a post about sedation I thought I hadn’t had enough so just kept asking for more 😂
So glad your ablation has been so successful and your AFib has gone.
Take really good care and enjoy your pregnancy 😊xx
Thank you so much 😊 I was worried that because parts of my experience were unpleasant it might scare people, but I really wanted to get across that even though it was a bit uncomfortable and scary I would still do it again if I had to.
I will be tap dancing my way back to health, in my own head of course. 😊
Hi is so good to hear you are doing well take care hope its a new start for you x
I'm so glad it all went well Kelly and was thinking of you yesterday. Sorry to hear you had pain, I had none of that with my two ablations under sedation and the third was with a GA.
Thank you so much Jean 😊 even though parts were scary it was overall a positive experience with hopefully a really good outcome.
I just wanted to say thank you for your support and being so friendly and welcoming to me when I first posted 💕 you’ve helped me a lot over the past few weeks, everyone has.
Thank you for your good wishes and I will definitely be keeping you all up to date with my healing x
Thank you so much 😊 I don’t think I was the easiest patient but the EP seemed thrilled with his handiwork so 🤞thank you for your kind wishes.
Take care 😊
Well done for going through with what sounds like a very challenging experience. The main thing is that it sounds like it’s worked, so you can look forward to feeling normal again. As others have advised take it easy for the next few weeks.
Thank you so much 😊 I just can’t stop thinking today how incredible it would be if 4 uncomfortable hours in the cath lab could actually stop something I’ve been living with for so long 🤞🤞
My daughter asked me today how bad it was in comparison to my worst SVT, AFib and Flutter attack that I suffered in December and it doesn’t even come close. I think that’s a really good way to look at it, even though the experience was challenging i would do it every month if it meant I never had to suffer an attack like that again.
Take good care 😊
I think you are extremely brave, luckily I had mine done under GA.
Oh I am so happy for you! I’m a scary cat as well and your story gives me some comfort to eventually go through with the procedure. Please keep us posted on your recovery and above all rest up! xx
Aw thank you so much 😊 I’ve just replied to someone else that it wasn’t even in the same league as my worst encounter with my arrhythmias in December. I would do it every month if it meant I didn’t have to have an episode like that again.
Well done Kellyjelly I’ve broken out into a slight sweat reading you story, but very pleased for you. Best wishes for a enjoyable and healthy future free from AF.
😂 well it wasn’t a lights out and wake up in recovery experience for me but worth every second if it has killed the beast 🤞 I would do it again without hesitation if it meant I could be free of the awful arrhythmias I suffered.
Thank you so much for your good wishes 😊 take good care
Glad it is over for you and you find success with this ablation. Mine was in September and haven’t had any episodes since! Enjoy spending time with your mother!
You ARE brave, dear heart! You faced down your fears and followed through. No one waltzes into this procedure fear-free. I think you are a Force of nature for what you’ve endured. I feel that way about everyone on this forum.
So so happy you are on the other side now. Enjoy your recovery ♥️
Thank you 😊 from what I understand the EP can give you a good idea of how the procedure went at the time of ablation. I’m not counting my chickens but they tell you if they believe the ablation was a success or not, mine was deemed a success. Now I just have to hope as it heals it holds. If it doesn’t I will have it done again. 😊
I had an ablation for SVT in Feb 2018 and after the wobbles sorted themselves out, it was so weird how normal I felt. So I absolutely understand that. My EP said that he had some folks demand for an ekg because they thought their heart wasn't beating simply because it was so quiet. Hope your recovery continues to go well! I think you're super brave. I was under GA and can't imagine being awake/aware for it because I was an absolute mess, sobbing and terrified beforehand. I probably made my husband way more nervous than he needed to be. Haha
I’m so pleased that your ablation has been a success. It’s strange isn’t it, I didn’t have expect to feel good. My heart is a bit bumpy today and going a bit fast on and off but in the background I feel better if that makes sense.
I do feel quite brave even though I was a bit of a wimp too. I suppose you can still be brave even if you are crying. My husband has been through the mill too the poor thing, it must be hard on them.
Thank you for your Ablation journey, it is interesting hearing different experiences. Well done and it's good to hear that you would have another if required. Let's hope one is not needed. Lots of R and R now, take care.
Thank you so much 😊 I love reading everyone’s experiences too. Fingers crossed that will be my first and last ablation🤞I’m resting up and letting my heart heal.
I don’t think there is a person on this forum that wouldn’t appreciate your comprehensive account, thank you Kelly. So pleased it is all over, now you just enjoy having your mum with you! best wishes x
So so pleased it’s all done now for you, make sure you rest now. We too have had good news today, Colin my hubby been back after his ct scan to be told they got all the cancer when they took the kidney out so he can now concentrate on getting his heart sorted x
I m glad you are home to your own bed Kellyjelly(love your name). Japers that was a rotten experience. I wouldn't have handled it as good as you did. I wonder how experienced the EP was? I ve had 2 ablations g/a all the way for me. Im way to nervous to cope with the "trauma".😉 Rest rest rest now and remember- dont lift more than the tv remote this week. Well done u.best wishes for full recovery.☺💕☝🌷🌸🌹🌼🌻
Thank you so much 😊 it is so nice to be in your own bed isn’t.
I know I’ve given a blow by blow account but honestly even though I experienced pain and my heart was almost constantly in bad rhythms it wasn’t traumatising. When I was preparing mentally for the ablation I kept my expectations very very low so maybe I that’s why even though it wasn’t a nice experience I am not troubled by it at all and would do it again without hesitation.
I have to defend my EP, he is really experienced and despite my heart being really sensitive and my constant protesting he continued to nibble away (his words) until he got it. I think that other EPs might have abandoned the procedure, I’m so glad he didn’t. He did say if we ever do it again I will have a GA, maybe he was more traumatised than me 😂 I don’t think I made his job very easy.
Thank you so much for your kind wishes, I am taking the resting advice very seriously and am going to do absolutely nothing again today.
Take good care 😊
Congratulations, Kellyjelly! I'm amazed by the sedation aspect. I've had 2 ablations and the EPs insisted on GA both times cause they didn't want me to move. Wondering if it's a UK/USA difference in approach? So interesting!
Glad you made it through successfully! Feel free to PM me as you enjoy the musicals and let me know what you're watching...I'm a huge fan myself and they are so healing. ❤️😻🎉
Today is the start of the musical marathon so any suggestions will be gratefully received.
I think it varies from EP to EP and what their preferences are, he did say that he wanted me to have light sedation and he warned me before the op that I might feel agitated during the first half of the procedure and that most patients don’t like it too much.
I thought I had really prepared mentally but for some reason I really didn’t expect my heart to be in bad rhythms so much and hadn’t really thought about how awful that would be for me, I have never tolerated my arrhythmias at all. Although he did say that my heart was super sensitive and it’s not usual for it to be incessantly in SVT during an ablation. That coupled with the sedation failing to sedate me made for an interesting 4 hours 🥴
He also said if that’s how ill my arrhythmias have made me he can’t believe I have waited until now to have an ablation.
Even though it wasn’t a nice experience I’m not troubled by it or traumatised, my expectations were very low so I think that’s helped.
Take really good care, I will definitely stay in touch during the musical marathon. An American in Paris is first on the list! 😊💕
Thank you so much Kardy, I’m the bravest not brave person I know 🥴 I need to be brave now because after a really nice honeymoon period of quiet heart since the procedure I’ve woken up with lots of palpitations and little bursts of fast heartrate. All completely normal after the procedure but rubbish all the same 😪
Yes, I've heard this heart all over the place can last for up to 3 months but i've read SO many people say that afterwards it all settles down and your free of it. I'm sure that's going to be the same for you 😘😘
Just seen the detailed description of your ablation experience, sorry that the sedation didn’t hit the spot, but sounds as though your EP was very satisfied with his work. What a great response from all the members of this forum.
It’s still early days for you, so I think what your your heart has been doing this morning can be safely described as ‘normal’. Take it easy and enjoy some TLC from those near you.
My ablation was 4 weeks ago, my heart rate varies between 75 and 95 and Kardia shows normal readings. I will have a monitor for a week fitted on Monday.
Unfortunately I’ve had complications in the groin which still have yet to be resolved, I had an injection of thrombin 2 weeks ago which sealed the femoral artery but yesterday after a scan it looks as though there is still a blood flow from the femoral vein. Back to the vascular dr tomorrow. Has anyone else had similar complications?
Everyone has been so lovely, I value this place so much.
You are right it is so soon after the procedure, I’ve had a good cry and a good cuddle and I’m feeling a lot better. I think I’ve been running on adrenaline for a while and the enormity of it all being over has hit me this morning.
I’m really sorry to hear about your complications, that must be a worry. I hope it gets resolved soon and I’m sure someone will have been through something similar. Might be a good idea to do a separate post too.
Take really good care and I hope you feel better soon 😊
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So glad to read your ablation was a success.
76 years old with A F
My recovery from my pulse field ablation April 15.
apixaban and hematuria 
shortness of breath
3% Afib burden and proposed medication
