Day 2

[Kellyjelly]

After a good day yesterday I have woken up with lots and lots of palpitations. I’m not moaning or freaking out and after reading the factsheets a lot more than I needed to I know that this is totally normal but just wanted to say it’s rubbish. I was enjoying so much the feeling of a really quiet heart that came immediately after ablation and on day 1. I was thinking I might be one of the lucky ones that don’t feel too much as they recover. I wonder why a lot of people have that initial feeling of quiet heart immediately after the procedure. Is there anyone that had the ablation and felt just great from day 1 with no bumps and thumps, just curious?

[Lurcherlass1]

I 100% empathise

[Kellyjelly in reply to Lurcherlass1]

Has yours settled down any? I know that it’s only day 2 and I need to keep my sh*t together but it’s horrible. 😪

[Lurcherlass1 in reply to Kellyjelly]

I had 2 days after this last ablation that were symptom free and then all at once I had really debilitating palpitations and bounding heart beats that were worse than anything I have experienced before. Another 7 days on from then, and I am still getting flutters and occasional abnormal heart beats but it is definitely better than it was.

I totally understand why you are anxious and have had a cry this morning. I was so down last week. And while I read all the information leaflets going and knew all about the fact that experiencing AF and flutters and racing heart beats is all quite usual post ablation, it's still a bit of a psychological hill to get over, particularly when you've had that lovely brief period where your heart feels.......normal. As has been pointed out your heart has had one heck of a pummelling and it is going to take ages to heal. I keep reminding myself about how long it took my finger to heal when I burnt it badly on a hot saucepan. It took weeks, and that was nothing as intense as the burning my heart experienced.

Take it easy and be kind to yourself. Both ablations I had took me longer to get over both physically and emotionally than I ever thought it would.

[Kellyjelly in reply to Lurcherlass1]

Thank you so much for such an understanding and kind reply 😊💕

I’m really pleased to hear that the debilitating palpitations have settled down and you are feeling a little better. That must have been really hard to cope with.

I really feel like you understand and the way you describe it as a psychological hill to get over is exactly how it feels.

I hope so much that you are through the worst and you will feel better and better. Take really good care of yourself too 😊

[jeanjeannie50]

Morning Kelly

In the early days after my last ablation (3rd) I discovered I could stop my heart misbehaving by tensing my body and pushing down whilst breathing out for as long as I could. Then about 4-6 weeks later I had a cardioversion which really set me on a better path.

As you know I still get AF, but it's been nowhere near as debilitating as it used to be and I can lead a fairly normal life when I have it. Now it doesn't come for hours or days, but months, then I get months without it. I much prefer the way it is now to how I used to be.

Have you been given a number to call if you're worried? If so don't hesitate to call because if it should return they'll have you in mind for a quick cardioversion.

Hope you will soon revert to sinus rhythm again.

Jean x

[Kellyjelly in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thank you so much Jean 💕 I think I’m in NSR but just lots of horrible palpitations and feeling like it’s trying to go into SVT with a few seconds of short bursts and then it stops. It was so lovely yesterday to hardly be aware of my heart.

I’m so glad that your AFib is so much more manageable, so even though it’s not gone you feel better and that you can function. It sounds like you were like me in that it completely debilitated you.

I think if I get worried I have to call the EP secretary, she is lovely and will point me in the right direction I think. At the moment I feel that this is what I was told to expect and the factsheets says it’s normal and I’ve read lots of people here that have had the same but I just feel fed up and don’t like it. I said in my original post that I wasn’t moaning but I actually am, aren’t I 🙄

Sorry to be a moaning Minnie.

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Kellyjelly]

Look Minnie, we understand! So you're quite entitled to moan at this stage, if that's what you would like to do. Sometimes it's quite good fun to have a moan! 😊

Jean x

[Kellyjelly in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks love 💕

[sue13hils in reply to Kellyjelly]

Hi I have had two ablation and my consultant said if heart corrects itself then that is good I always think of that my first ablation lasted 9 years hope you feel better soon.

[Kellyjelly in reply to sue13hils]

Thank you so much for that 😊 what a good way to look at it, I will definitely keep that in mind. Wow 9 years, how wonderful.

Thank you for your good wishes.

Take care 😊

[CDreamer]

Morning Kelly - mmmm.....didn’t happen for me.

Hope you feel better soon - rest, rest and then more rest.

[Kellyjelly in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you for your reply 😊, so you were one of the lucky ones that had your ablation and recovery was plain sailing? Thank you for the good wishes, definitely feel like resting today 😊

[Petrified in reply to Kellyjelly]

I think we're all different. I felt brilliant for the first 3 weeks. Just over 3 weeks and feeling jittery with a 'buzzing'in my chest. As you said, even though we know it's going to take a few weeks before things settle, it still catches you out when you get symptoms. Hope all goes well for you. You should read the Dr John post ablation factsheet. Someone put the link on this site today - it's really helpful and gives you a good idea of what you can expect over the next few weeks. Good luck

[Kellyjelly in reply to Petrified]

Thank you so much for such a helpful reply 😊

I agree we are all so different, that’s why it’s so good to have a place like this where you can come and share how you feel in good moments and bad. I’ve noticed that there is always at least one other person that can relate to how you feel and sometimes many people can.

I read that link, it’s really helpful isn’t it. The more information you can get, the better I think.

I hope your buzzing feeling subsides soon and you get back to feeling great. Good luck to you too 😊 take good care.

[CDreamer in reply to Kellyjelly]

No you misunderstand- it was anything but plain sailing. The first made all a lot worse, the second did work but took me 9 months for my HR to come down but it did give me 3 + years free of AF & when it did return it I wasn’t quite as symptomatic.

[Kellyjelly in reply to CDreamer]

Oh sorry, didn’t understand your reply when you said “mmmm didn’t happen fir me “I thought that was what you meant. Did you mean your ablation wasn’t a success?

[CDreamer in reply to Kellyjelly]

I’ve had 2, as I said above No1 made me a LOT worse so I had a 2nd 12 weeks later. But it really doesn’t matter what happened to others - just what happens to you.

So many variables such as age, fitness, other health issues, genetics, emotional balance will all influence how you respond.

What is it you are concerned about?

Talk about your specific worries - is it not feeling well right now or that AF may return? Really track your worry thoughts - writing them down can really help.

We can help & support you but only you are able to give yourself the best chance of a good enough outcome & the best thing you can do right now might be to do something you really enjoy - watch a good film, read good book, listen to your favourite music - doing things you enjoy releases endorphins which lowers stress hormones & promotes healing.

Very best wishes CD

[Kellyjelly in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you so much for your lovely helpful reply. 😊

Little bit of crossed wires with your reply I think, sorry about that. Sounds like you have had a tough time especially after your first, I didn’t mean to offend I just really didn’t understand. I really do think it matters what happened to others, not just myself.

I wasn’t really concerned about anything to be honest, I was just sharing how I felt in that moment and I asked if anyone had just felt great from the get go and I was just curious, nothing deeper going on, no worry thoughts to track at the moment. Thank you though, it’s a good idea and I will keep it in mind.

And thank you so much for your tips on what I can do to relax, I’m doing just fine with all that. I’m reading, chatting to friends and completely resting. I’m not stressed I’m just getting over an ablation and all that entails. I am giving myself the very best chance of a good outcome, that’s all I want. Having my lovely family around is releasing plenty of endorphins 💕

Thank you for your good wishes, take good care 😊

[Hidden]

Kelly, please don’t take this the wrong way but having read the fact sheets you now have a good idea of what might or might not occur after an ablation. I can understand why the forum is a bit of a lifeline but I wonder if you should strike a balance because you should be resting and perhaps not spending as much time posting and responding as this may be adding to your stress levels. We only want you to recover and of course if something really worries you then we will be here for you but added stress at this time is not a good thing. You may find it better if you could focus on some “non AF” activities from your armchair .....I know from my own experience that this can be beneficial......hope you understand the point I’m trying (probably not very well) to make......

[Kellyjelly in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your honest reply.

It has made me feel really sad and silly. I am trying to help where I can and distract myself from how rubbish I feel this morning. It’s not adding to my stress but your reply really has.

[Hidden in reply to Kellyjelly]

Do not be sad or feel silly....what you have been through has been very challenging and demanding and you must do whatever you want to cope with recovery period.....we all luvsya and want you to get better...xxx

[Kevinder23 in reply to Kellyjelly]

Just try to relax and don’t worry I would be exactly like you such a big thing for you to go though xx but you are doing well don’t let panic or let anxiety take over your ok and on the other side you will get there ring secretary if your worried but if it’s to be expected relax lots of love xx godwilling

[Kellyjelly in reply to Kevinder23]

Thank you so much kevinder23 😊

That’s so kind of you xxx

[BobD Volunteer]

Glad you have read the fact sheet but it is important to be patient. Just because you do not have a giant zip up your chest doesn't mean that you heart has been attacked, beaten to a pulp and hung out to dry any less. Think of that groin wound and the bruise you will find which will likely amaze you as it develops and when that fades to grey you will know that you are STARTING to heal. Worry in six months but not now please.

[Kellyjelly in reply to BobD]

Thanks BobD for your helpful reply. 😊

[avma]

Hey Kelly,

I can’t tell you how it feels, because I’m not at that stage yet, but when reading all the experiences I guess it can happen. What BobD says seems to be a good reference point that you can tell the healing of the heart on the groin and bruise healing?

I feel with you and understand that you were feeling great yesterday and so hopeful and today you feel like sh... very understandable that you panick, I would too, oh yes sure of that.

But... do you have the same sensations as you had before the ablation or is it better? Do you have the feeling that nothing changed or is it a feeling of that they pooked in your heart for 4 hours and burned tissue in your heart?

I think it’s important that you can express what you feel good, bad or anxious, I believe this forum is full of nice and understanding people who can offer advice and comfort. And better to get it out of your system, better for your ❤️!

[Kellyjelly in reply to avma]

Thank you so much Anna, 💕

The sensations I’m having are different and are part of the recovery, you are so right.

I’ve had a good cry and a big cuddle from my mum and lovely husband and I’m feeling a lot better. I think the enormity of it all has just hit me. It’s over and I just need to get better now, it’s natural to feel scared and a bit strange after the procedure I think.

I think you are right it’s good to be able to share how I feel, I have had so much support from so many lovely people especially over the last few days.

Thanks again 😊

[avma in reply to Kellyjelly]

You’re welcome 😊!

[Petrified in reply to Kellyjelly]

A wee cry is no bad thing!!! I think it's such a relief to get it over with - don't know about you but I was terrified before it. Binge watch Netflix, drink tea, eat chocolate and be a Diva!!! Do whatever makes you feel better.

[Kellyjelly in reply to Petrified]

Aw thank you so much 💕

Yeah I was really scared too, it’s such a big build up and then it’s over. You kind of don’t know what to do with yourself.

I’m being so well looked after though, I’m very very lucky. ❤️

[Hidden in reply to Kellyjelly]

And you know, though you had a local some of the meds to help you relax and get through the procedure may beginning to get out of your system . This can definitely be a setup for some brief mood swings and crying jags.

More hugs! OOOOOOO

[Shcldavies]

So sorry to hear that, but it is not unusual, remember I felt OK after the first week of bumps and erratic rate and still improving slowly 5 weeks after my ablation. I am sure you will to. I really don't think anyone knows why, not even the EP, it will have something to do with the hearts healing process (its probably swollen inside and starting to generate new cells to heal the burns). Do not do anything just rest and sleep (you will get fed up of it but it will help the heart heal sooner). After a week I was just getting the odd ectopic and these have been getting less frequent and less noticeable since.

[Kellyjelly in reply to Shcldavies]

Thank you so much for your kind reply, I’ve been and read all your updates again today to remind myself of all the tips you’ve given me over the last few weeks, It’s really helped.

I’m glad you are improving day by day.

Take good care and keep updating, it’s so helpful 😊

[jeanjeannie50]

How's your heart now Kelly?

[Kellyjelly in reply to jeanjeannie50]

So much better Jean ❤️ I’ve stayed in bed again because I felt so off this morning and as the day has gone on I’ve felt more like I did yesterday. Thank you for checking, that’s so kind of you xx

[Jupiter33]

Hang on in there Kelly, I'm sure things will improve, slowly but surely. Since my ablation last Thursday, I've experienced a few runs of fast beats and the odd missed beat over the last 5 days but today nothing. It's as if the AF is trying to take back control in a battle with NSR but can't because of the ablation and things are improving for me. I'm no expert but the EP told me this may happen but also emphasised that this did not mean the ablation had failed. He told me it can take 3-4 months for the scars to develop fully to prevent any signals getting through.

From reading your previous posts your Ablation was for SVT to prevent the AF. If that's wrong please correct me. Looking on the internet the success rate for SVT ablation is 80 to 90%, so the odds are in your favour. Best thing you can do is get as much rest as possible and let your heart get on with healing itself. I've spent the last week loafing about but I'm back at work tomorrow. That'll be test for my ticker.

Take care,

Steve

[Kellyjelly in reply to Jupiter33]

Thank you so much Steve, it’s good to hear how you are progressing. It sounds like you are really getting there.

Yes you’ve got it spot on, I had an SVT ablation to prevent AFib I didn’t know the odds were so in my favour, that’s really good to know. He said he was 90%sure, can’t ask for better than that, can you.

I’ve actually felt much better as the day has gone on and I’ve really rested again.

How are you feeling about going back to work, ready or a bit apprehensive?

Take really good care and don’t do too much too soon 😊

[Jupiter33]

I think I'm ready to go back now but I'll ease myself into it and it's only 2 days then the weekend. I'll no doubt be spending the first few hours chatting to my colleagues about my experience and it's definitely an experience as you well know. We're a select group us ablaters. We should get a medal or a certificate for what we've been through.

Your EP says he's 90% sure he's got it all and he wouldn't say that if that wasn't the case. He has his reputation to worry about after all. It has improved for me over the last week and I'm sure it will for you as well.

Onwards and upwards Kelly.

[Kellyjelly in reply to Jupiter33]

It will be so good to start to get back to normal won’t it, good idea to do two days to ease you in just go steady. Yes, I agree with you about EP he was absolutely thrilled with his work, a round of applause went up in the cath lab when he declared me cured 😂

It’s strange to make the transition from pre ablation to post ablation, hard to get your head around it. It will come as I get my strength back.

Yes indeed, onwards and upwards my friend 😊

Good luck at work, take care.

[Hidden]

Hi KJ. No one I know. Just visualize all your little cardiac cells healing over the ablated tissue. And getting better by the hour. Insides need to heal too-just like a skin incision that sometimes itches as scabs are forming and new tissue growth is taking place.

Not always comfortable but it's our normal tissue healing process-inside and out.

Sending good vibes. xx irina. PS You're on the other side of the mountain.🐱👍😂!

[Kellyjelly in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much Irina for such a lovely reply 💕 such a good way to put it, I can really visualise it.

Thank you for your good vibes, I can’t believe I’ve actually climbed the mountain and got to the other side. Hope you are ok and feeling good. Take care xx

[Hidden in reply to Kellyjelly]

💕