So. I'm 37 with mild genetic HCM. 40+ Cardioversions over the last 10-15 years (Paroxysmal Afib with RVR due to HCM) have led me to Duke University and Dr. James Daulbert for a Afib Ablation on May 23rd. Emory Atlanta wanted go straight to a surgical approach with the Convergence Procedure. That was pretty scary as a first line invasive treatment so I scheduled a second opinion at Duke. Dr. Daulbert @ Duke agrees with me on a more conservative approach, so we are moving forward with a RF PVI on May 23.
Pretty scared =-) Everything from tamponade, accidental perforation to having a stroke is running thru my mind. I had 4 cardioversions last month after a stent of 6 months in solid sinus rhythm so I definitely have to get something done. I cant keep getting shocked every few weeks/months. Hoping I survive this ablation and it at the least calms my afib episodes and reduces the need to go to the ER and get cardioverted all the time.
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Cardioversions are not without risk believe me. I went into PEA (pulesless electical activity after my last (fifth) DCCV ( ECG looks normal but no muscle activity so technically dead) and needed 3 1/2 mins of rib cracking CPR to get me back. Ablation has far less risks IMHO and I have had three.
Holy smokes. First time Ive ever heard of that. Cardioversions still scare the crap out of me. Used atomidate a few times, woke up in convulsions. Profophal (sp) the last few times. The feeling when they put you to sleep is still terrifying. Been dealing with PTSD and panic attacks lately. The struggle is real. That said. I thank god for my blessings, my family and every extra day I have with them.
Here in UK death is one of the things you accept on the consent form for just about anything. When I had my first ablaation in 2005 I asked my EP when last he killed anybody. He looked shocked and said never so iIasked him to put me on the list for the week after he did as that way I knew he would be more carfeful. We are still friends!
I had an ablation March 28th. It was a doddle. I'm fine now and back to work. I don't have the same medical history as you just lone AF and I only had episodes lasting 4-5 hours. Of course it is scary but the medical team are professional and they will keep you safe. They have to mention the risks but do get someone to explain what the numbers mean. My EP took some time to explain it all and it was helpful. Gets the figures into perspective.
Good luck and I highly recommend learning some simple breathing exercises as they really help calm you.
Hi, I had an ablation a month ago and it was nowhere near as bad as I was expecting. I think they have to explain what is a possibility but in reality, it's highly unlikely.
Are you in South Carolina? I have cousins in Greenville and Spartanburg and one of them went to Clemson university.
You'll be well looked after by the medical staff. I went to the states in 1989 and visited the stadium, very impressive. My cousin got excited this year about the tigers winning the college football championship.
Good luck with the ablation.
I felt like you, wrote letters to my kids, went away for a few days to my favorite place to say goodbye to the sea etc etc.
On ablation day my wife had to go and move the car, and 2 minutes later they wheeled me to the lab, an hour ahead of schedule, so I didn't even get to say goodbye properly.
In the lab I was shaking like a leaf, it is cold in there, but it wasn't the cold, it was fear. I was at the point of walking out, but the anesthetist was putting lines in, and the rest of the team were putting pads on etc etc.
I was introduced to the team, even the guys in the back office that monitor what the EP is doing, they are a safety measure to warn the EP if he is going close to somewhere he shouldn't , 2 anesthetists , EP, , his assistant, and countless others.
They are there to look after you and make you well.
THe fear and worry was for nothing, they are so professional. I woke up 5 hours later, in NSR, no pain from the procedure and in the care of some wonderful nurses.
I have said it before, it is the best thing I have done. I'm two years NSR now, healthier than I have been in about the last 20 years. I am so thankful to my EP and his team for giving me my life back, and an opportunity to look after myself.
Hi, I’m 43 with HCM and afib/rvr. I just had an ablation at Duke in December and have been in NSR since. My defibrillator only fired 3 times prior to the procedure and I get the stress that can cause. You are in good hands at Duke. They do them all the time. Also, have you been in contact with HCMA about your issues? Best of luck!
Hey! Yes. HCMA referred me to Dr Wang (HCM program director) at Duke who reffered me to Dr Daulbert (EP). Thankfully my ICD has never fired. Nice to hear you are doing good. Share some details about your experience?
Im 35 and just had an ablation. I was very scared as well. Ikk pray for you. Mine went well and im fetting back to normal. Make aure to vet plenty of reat post. My doctor maxe it sohnd like a breeze but I was completwly qiped fkr a out 2 weeks. 5.t weeks later im almost ba k to nirmal! Goos luck
I was 57 when i had left atria PVI cryo ablation on the 29th Jan 2018. No issues with that and went back to work the week after. Never had afib since. Unfortunately developed rentrant Atrial flutter in the right atria 9 days later possible brought on by the flecainde I was taking for the AFIB. So as it would not stop i had a right atria RF flutter ablation on the 26 Feb 2018 after being at rate controlled BPM of 140 for the intervening period. No problem with that either - Stopped the flutter and its never returned (and not expected to). Been off all drugs since May 15 2018. its great. sometimes get what i think are ectopics, irritating but no other side effects
Said it before, but if afib returned tomorrow morning i would happily have another ablation tomorrow afternoon.
However I do not have any other (known) heart issues.
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