I am finally getting an Ablation

[Slattery]

Well, this has been a changing year for me, I will go on anticoagulants and I schedule an Ablation in June with a top Dr. In Seattle WA. However, I am feeling scared that something may go wrong and I well be in worse condition. I am 71 year old women in good condition other than Afib. Please tell me about your experience with the procedure.

[BobD Volunteer]

I mwould rather have ablation that root canal dentistry. Had three ablations zero issues.

[CDreamer]

Whatever experiences others will disclose may differ entirely from yours as it is so individual, no-one can say whether or not it will make things worse, it's unlikely to but not unheard of. I've had 2 and the procedure itself is very, very straightforward and so much easier than I was anticipating so the hardest part was the lead in time when on several occasions I had the phone in my hand to cancel. I'm glad I didn't cancel as I decided doing something was better than doing nothing in the knowledge that things weren't going to improve, only deteriorate.

What if you don't do something 'goes wrong' anyway?

[Hidden]

Have you been having a lot of a fib? From what I understand, ablation is done to improve quality of life. So if a fib is affecting your life in a negative way on a regular basis, I would think it is worth it.

[Melbuckton in reply to Hidden]

I thought afib for those on anticoagulants was because they come with a risk of dangerous bleeding? So best to try and stop it and come of the drug.

[JTP1]

Hi Slattery,

I am 56 and had my ablation 3.5 weeks ago in Bellevue. I wasn’t mentally prepared for a slow recovery, I was under the impression it would be quick and relatively painless, heard that from many sources. I have learned everyone recovers differently. I have had a harder time, chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue. I wouldn’t be scared of the procedure. Post procedure I would have anxiety waking up with chest pains. Had to remind myself this was normal. Hopefully you will have a more seamless recovery. Good luck!

[Slattery in reply to JTP1]

Thank you for your support. I know we are all different in our healing time, I pray my recovery will be a good experience.

[AIW58]

Hi

I had mine 4 weeks ago under a general anaesthetic and have had to date a trouble free recovery. A few episodes of the visual aura and some frequent ectopics one evening for an hour or two. A small bruise in my groin.

I took weeks off as I thought I'd feel rough but actually I was fine.

Now I'm back at work, and starting exercise again.

I'm to stay on Flecainide for 2 or 3 months,

I'm 59, started PAF a couple of times a year (4-6 hours) about 6 years ago. Started treatment last year when episodes increased to 1-3 a month.

I hope it all goes well for you and that you have as good a recovery as I have, to date - I try to stay mentally prep'd for a delayed problem.

Amanda

[Slattery in reply to AIW58]

Amanda,

I hope my experience is a good as yours. I will try to keep a positive attitude!

[AIW58 in reply to Slattery]

I hope so too. I missed out the two re two weeks off.

😉

[Brizzy5000]

Hi Slattery

Just to try and reassure you that it is not as bad as we all fear, my QOL had became very poor early last year as I was in AF more times than not, had my ablation on the 2nd of May under sedation (not painful just uncomfortable) and no AF since or flutter.

[Slattery in reply to Brizzy5000]

I am having sedation also, why were you uncomfortable?

[Brizzy5000 in reply to Slattery]

I think they were a bit sparing on the happy juice, because I could here every word and when he said No 8 and No 9, 35watts I could here clunk as the power was switch on, then a bit of discomfort in my chest,

This went on for 4 hours in the end they must have upped the juice because I woke up on the way back to the ward, so if you are feeling uncomfortable ask them for more sedation, I didn't but have read posts on here where they have and then they were away with the fairies

[Ianp66]

Got my cryoablation coming this Tuesday, I think the fear is natural, as its the heart it's a little more easy to worry. But for me the bad times I had last year after a stomach bug put me in hospital with 180-190 irregular, and previous to that I had been having 2/3 afib runs a year last 5-6 years varying anything from 1-2 hours to 2/3 days after flecanide stopped working so much. I'm just thinking positive and at 53 hoping to slow / stop this awful, debilitating thing if possible. Be positive, a lot of people on here have had very good success, Brizzie, Una, Kelly to mention a few, all progressing and better than they were, so that's what I'm focusing on... 👍

[Slattery]

I love this site! It is so important to have a group you can talk to when you are going through this new experience. I really appreciate your support.

[zorro15]

Hi slattery. I had my 1st ablation 10 days ago the worse part about it was having to lay flat for 6 hours following the procedure i feel really really great since having it done. I have had a couple of afib episodes but each lasted seconds, and they are expected as the heart heals. Try to have yours done sooner and look forward to it