Hi All - fairly new on here.
Feeling a little anxious as I have my first ablation tomorrow and not sure what to expect. Having been reading the posts on here there seems to be more adverse reactions than positive. I know that everyone reacts differently so keeping my fingers crossed.
If you haven’t already, read the two factsheets below.
heartrhythmalliance.org/res...
heartrhythmalliance.org/res...
You need to bear in mind that hundreds, if not thousands of ablations are performed annually in the UK alone so the numbers of negative comments are quite low. Unfortunately, good news rarely appears on forums so please help to reverse the trend and tell us how you get on.....best of luck!
Thank you for the fact sheets. I will post how I have got on
One of the most important pieces of advice is to make sure you rest, rest and more rest after the ablation for at least 2 weeks.
Even if you do feel as fit a fiddle very soon after take it very easy.
Just because you don't have a big scar up your chest doesn't mean that you heart has not been 10 rounds with Mike Tyson.
Pete
Hi Pete
Thank you for your comments.
It is so true that just because there is no scar that people can see doesn't mean there isn't anything wrong.
Helen
I've had 5, you can scare yourself by looking back through my posts.... but to summarise my advice:
Take the sedation when offered. The entry through the groin is uncomfortable but it shouldn't be unduly painful.
The sensations in the chest hurt from the work they're doing, but it isn't constant. Take sedation if it becomes more painful than uncomfortable - make sure you tell them.
Despite the pain and discomfort you will be able to lie still and relax on the whole (I even had one ablation with a heavy cold/sneezing and wasn't an issue I was really chilled between the discomfort)
Afterwards - you'll be lying still a bit (take some music or radio or headphones or something) and sleep/rest as much as you can.
Everyone is different, there will be many similarities but also some differences so whilst it's interesting to see other's experiences some or all of them may not even happen to you.
Do absolutely nothing for week 1. Do slightly more than nothing for week 2. Listen to your body.
May the force be with you
Thank you for your supportive comments and advice - much appreciated
I think the worst part of my ablation was having to lie flat on my back for 6 hours afterward. Definitely take something like music or audiobooks to keep your mind occupied. And, don't be shy about asking for relief from pain, if you have any. After you get home, do what others here have said...rest, rest, rest. They will tell you that you can resume your normal activities in 2 weeks, but it will probably take a good bit longer than that to feel like doing anything strenuous. Proceed slowly, build back up slowly, and let your body tell you what it is ready to do. And, again, don't be shy about calling the doctor to report anything that gives you anxiety. Best wishes for an uneventful procedure and quick recovery.
Noway!! I just had my ablation 2 weeks ago here in the states and I haven’t missed a beat since! This will be my second ablation and I wouldn’t hesitate to have another one! My first ablation 4 years ago fixed my aflutter and SVT perfectly. It only took 2-3 hours because it’s a lot easier than the afib ablation. They don’t have to cross over into the left atrium. And my afib ablation 2 weeks ago has went great as well. You just need to rest for 2 weeks and let your body do it’s thing! I haven’t had a single missed best since the surgery. Here are a few things for you to know.
1. Your chest will feel tight when breathing for about 2 days. Just take ibuprofen and it will just go away 1 day when you wake up and be gone. It’s the sac around the heart inflamed.
2. No appetite for a few days but this was me only.
3. Headaches and some visual auras in your eyes. This doesn’t happen to everyone but don’t worry about it. Only lasts a couple of days. And you probably won’t get it.
4. Your heart will beat faster as well but it’s the healing process and over tome it will go back to normal. Everybody is different
5. It’s pretty cut and dry. Just rest a lot the first week. And really 2 weeks if you can. Everything will be A-ok I promise!! Write me a message if you have any questions.
Ibuprofen is not appropriate for people with AF as it can be a trigger. It is also contra- indicated with some meds, especially anticoagulants which many of the older people on here are on for life.
I think we all need to be wary of giving any medical advice on this site.
I’m really pleased that you have made such good progress after your ablations.
Best wishes
Pat x
Hope all goes well for you tomorrow. I had no pain whatsoever during, or after my 3 ablations. Tell a lie, I did one night in the week after an ablation when I decided I'd take the electric blanket off my bed! Had a searing pain in my chest for a minute, but that's all. No other pain during or after any of them.
Will be waiting to hear from you how it all went.
Jean
Hi Jean
Thank you for your very positive comments. Reassuring to hear how you got on.
Yes I will post and let you know how I got on
Helen
I am post-procedure now 6 days. First two days were tough. Lots of chest pain to the point it was difficult to breathe. Every day brings some new wired symptom. I have had headache, optical aura, racing heart and episodes of AFib. Unfortunately, the Drs do not warn you of these things (at least mine didn't).
Listen to the folks on here. Just rest yourself. And listen to your body. Good luck.
I had my first Ablation 8 days ago, I was terrified up till the day I had the procedure. I am 71 year old women, I was sent home the same day as the procedure as my doctor was happy with my results. I am so happy I did this. Each day I feel a little better and I am looking forward to the three and six month mark. The best advice is to REST and eat healthy. The worst part is laying still for 4 hours. You will be fine!
Thank you for the positive reply. Glad you are doing well and had a good experience
The staff do this procedure day in week out, for them its routine and they have it down to a T. Relax you are in safe hands. Enjoy the drugs be ready for a bit of pain when they burn you which is over very quickly. I was asleep for a lot of the investigative parts so chances are you will be. Just tell them to really dope you up, I did and it really helped.
You will walk thru the hospital door and they will take over and all your fears will scamper away.....I’m five months post op.....you will wake up and have a wedge in your groin....mine was uncomfortable but not painfull, ask for paracetamol , you mustn’t move, but the time passes.....get home...rest rest rest....first week be waited on...second week still rest at home.....then gradually get back to normal.....listen to your body.dont think oh two weeks is up and go rushing around.........I think you get to read the bad bits but there’s masses of folk have it done and aren’t on this forum or don’t write in......I’d say remember the heart is still healing and look at the bench marks that they tell us 3-6 months.... you will feel pretty normal in yourself on the outside.
Chin up...all will be fine!
Sue
Had my 1st ablation on the 2nd of May 2018, whilst uncomfortable at times I wouldn't say it was painful just ask them to turn up the happy juice if it get too bad, full recovery takes a lot longer than they say it will, my heart rate is only now getting back to pre ablation levels, but no AF or flutter since, so definitely worth the discomfort.
All the best try not to worry
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