Hello everyone, just wanted to let you know I have just had a phone call from my Cardiologist's secretary and my ablation procedure has been scheduled for Monday 13th July !! In one way I am really pleased, and very lucky I know, to have got this so quickly ( I only saw the Cardiologist 2 weeks ago), but now I am feeling VERY scared about the whole thing. I know it is the best way forward for me as my episodes of AF are increasing ( have had 2 in past three days), and I am having to take more flec to keep under control. Initially Flec 50mgs twice a day seemed to do the trick, but now I have to take an extra tablet (as advised by my Afib nurse - I ensure six hours have elapsed between doses), as a PIP.
Have watched the procedure on the BHF website - ouch!. Please can anyone who has had this done offer any advice as to how I can try and keep my anxiety levels under control, and any other advice you can offer me I would be most grateful for. I printed off the AFA pt factsheets preparing for and recovering from ablation for AFib, shell read these in a minute.
Thank you all for your help here.
Shirley
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Shirley, as a devout coward I would not have had four if there was anything to worry about. You will be fine. Just do as we tell you in the fact sheets and keep calm.
I have now read the factsheets ( very helpful and comforting actually), and will keep them close to hand, I dare say they will be thumbed through plenty of times!
Thank you again for your support.
Will post my update as soon as I am to able after the event.
The worrying about it is far worse than the procedure itself! It really is ok and you will be fine, just take things very slowly afterwards! Good luck.
Hi Shirley I'm having mine on the 29th, can't wait. I am going to read the fact sheets and that is all. I'm going to occupy myself by doing my usual walks and doing a lot of reading over the next few weeks. I find reading a great way of taking the mind elsewhere. I'm sure yours will go well.
Thank you for your reply, glad to hear you are also getting treatment. You sound very positive about it all, and relaxed.
I think I may have 'over read' about the procedure and now need to 'let if go' as it where. I have been told by the hospital to self isolate now until I have the procedure so no walks for me but I can relax by doing some embroidery while listening to some music possibly classical FM. Thank you again for your support and all the very best for the 29th.
I will post an update as soon as I feel able to afterwards.
I need to self isolate from the 13th, until then I'll walk as usual. Do what you enjoy and keep your mind occupied, that's definitely what I'll be doing.
I look forward to hearing from you once it is all over.
If you feel a wobble coming on message me and I'm sure we can support one another.
Sounds like a great plan....and as you know the "fix" will take away the worry of when the next episode will hit, or where you might be. Take things slow in your recovery and know that most of us have enjoyed the relief that ablation brings for years!
Thank you for your reply. I have just read your previous posts, see what you mean about the recovery period.
I shall be staying with my sister and my brother - in - law for a while after its all done, as I normally live alone. It will be really nice being with them for a while, a great bonus to help me to recover. I really enjoyed walking before this Afib struck - so it will be so good to be able to get out and about again and get back to my walking.
No long treks just local walks, around a park and a nature reserve that sort of thing. I need to be able to drive safely though as they are a short car journey away. But in the meantime I will be able to start short walks when I am staying with my sister as they have access to their local walking areas so I will be able to go along with them.
Thank you again for your encouragement and support I really do appreciate it.
Try Rescue Remedy which you can buy from the chemist. I buy the spray and it helps to keep me calm as I get very anxious when having to go to hospital for anything.
I'm booked in at the Heart and Lung Centre at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton. Never been there before but apparently the centre is quite new - opened in 2004 I think.
Hi Shirley I had my ablation end Oct 2019 I admit I was terrified - fear of the unknown-,I had the heart mapping too and to be honest it was not as I expected! Went in through the groin and was not painful at all! You feel a ‘sensation’ but not too uncomfortable! Wishing you very best wishes xxx
As soon as I am able I will let you all know how things have gone. Trying hard not to get all stressed up about it in the mean time , some days better than others- trying not to over think things.
As BobD has advised me, read the factsheets then relax and keep calm.
Whatever you do, try not to make a fuss before your ablation, because I can tell you that when you realise there's not a lot to them you will feel a little silly. I guess you are going to have a general anaesthetic?
As I understand I will not be having a general anaesthetic, but will be sedated I hope!
On the letter from the hospital it states : 'you are likely to be sedated during the procedure' - so hopefully I will not remember anything . Fingers crossed.
I've had ablations with sedation twice, you won't know a lot about it. I had a nurse watching me constantly and every time I started to become slightly aware he would signal for more.
I had mine done at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, Devon. Where are you having yours?
Glad to hear that Jean, makes me feel less anxious now knowing that I probably won't know about it.
I'm having it done at the heart and lung centre at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton- I live in the Black Country and this hospital is only a few miles away, so not too long a journey.
You will not feel much at all. All I did was starting to burb heavily. The assistant just put a loose mask over my face and increased my sedation. I was 75 when had my first ablation. I took longer to recover my energy after the ablation than I expected. You need to sleep or at least take things very easy for the first week. Please listen to your body. If you feel tired go lie on the bed and have a couple of hours sleep if you can? It took me a-month to get properly back to normal energy levels ☺️ So try and be patient 😊
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