I have been asking my really reassuring Cardiologist Dr Ben Brown how quickly I could get an ablation for several weeks now. I have had my paroxysmal Afib for 2 years that move to Persistent about 6 months ago with an episode of heart rate 120-150bpm lasting about 6-13 days every 2 weeks or so.
Flecainide stopped being useful so I have Apixoban and bisoprolol to mediate the effects but feel weak and miserable in the episodes.
on Friday he told me I am booked for an ablation this Friday 10th July, and I have never known such mixed feelings.
Part of me is completely and simply terrified! I am a nervous patient at the best of times and this is not a trivial thing. I cannot think of anything else at present hence this rambling post.
The other (Smaller) part is relieved but obsessed.....I think I must have read and or watched everything on the internet about this matter and I am sure it is the right decision to have the procedure.
This post is Firstly to say Thank you to all those who have posted about ablation (Good or bad) on this forum, and to let all the less than brave (Like me) folk who are wondering know that I will post an update on the thing from a wimp's point of view over the next few days.
The one good thing is that the day before is my birthday (60 ..Yikes!) and My cardiologist has said "have a drink!.. it helps if you are in afib when you come in!" so I will follow his advice carefully!
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Sfhmgusa
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Hooray! And best wishes!! I had my ablation at short notice which was just as well as I was seeing a lot more than usual of my bathroom after I got the date 😨 It certainly sounds like the only option for you 💜
Good to hear that things are going in the right direction. Don't forget to down load our two fact sheets on preparing for and recovering from ablation as these contain facts and advice you will not get anywhere else.
I think everything you say is perfectly normal - I cancelled the procedure at least 5 times daily in my mind in the run up to the big day or convinced myself I didn’t need it! The night before I even conjured up sore throat and sniffles but a throat/nose swab proved negative so purely somatic!
You’ve made your decision so just keep reminding yourself of your reasons for doing this and how miserable being in AF can be and how wonderful it will be to not have episodes.
Best wishes and wishing you speedy recovery and lasting NSR. XX
I am surprised that you have been advised to drink the day before with the aim of you being in AF when to go to hospital for your ablation. I have had 7 ablations, never when I was already in AF.
They normally induce an episode on the cath lab table to suit their planned procedure.
If you must have a drink the day before I recommend you do so in moderation.
Amazingly my heart has been behaving better during the past year than it had for the previous 30 years.
I have discussed the long term prognosis with my EP but as we all know these techniques of ablation are groundbreaking and therefore there is really no way to tell.
ive refused any and all ablations. They have been offered, suggested, ordered, and scheduled and I will not have it. Just dosnt make sense to me to scar the inside of my heart, even though I understand the process and reasoning. (and married to a surgeon) I am still working on alternative methods to the present chemicals and/or surgical treatments. Its been 4 years now, and Im still hopeful and still trying.
Hi Bambi , the big thing is quality of life, including principles so I understand, but disagree with your stand . Any procedure ( for me) is scary and not risk free, but the misery for me with afib was not just feeling weak with any episode, and mine last days not minutes, but when I am in NSR I worry “ will it come back? . I hope the ablation has refinished ( not scarred😀) my inner heart but I need to wait and see. Good luck with your hunt for an alternative but if it gets too much ablation is not fun but not hell either
I usually have the monster 2-3x a week, HR 150-190+, lasting anywhere from 3-30 hours. IF, and I know its not, but IF it was a permanent fix, I would consider it, but its not a cure. I just could not put my body through the risk, scaring, etc. Im sooooo delighted that it works well for some people. I cheer them on, and wish them nothing but the best.
It's a doddle! I too had one at short notice. But I wasnt told to have a drink beforehand and haven't drank since... have one for me! 🍻🥂🍷🍹🍺🍸🍾🚰🚰🚰🚰🚰🚰🚰 the water is for the hangover 🤣🤣🤣
Very best wishes for your 60th - Like you I had quite short notice for my ablation which is planned for Monday 13th July. We both seem to be in exactly the same place just now ( my birthday by the way was yesterday 62 wow!), all what you have described how you are feeling IS ME as well. !😮
I agree with you 100%, the folk on this forum are really wonderful, they have certainly helped me over the past couple of weeks, and now the big day is nearly here their support is invaluable.
If it's ok with you , can we ( nearly) go through this together ? Sending you a virtual hug in the meantime. Mind you I don't think I will be doing any alcohol though, but you enjoy yours and have one for me!
Hi Shirley I will definitely update you on the process and to say I know how you feel is no exaggeration! I have had my telephone pre -screening this morning and they told me I am in overnight on Friday after the procedure. I go for a swab/covid test today at 5.30pm and then need to just stay with our household.
I am sure we both are OK but I have had a rule in my life that routine surgery and minor injuries only happen to other people ..... With me both these things are Major!
Just to say I cancelled in my head loads of times. In the end I got through it by telling myself I can cancel up until the last minute. I got to the hospital and almost did a runner from the waiting room🤭🤭. Didn’t!! That was November 2013 and still free of the dreaded AF. I was 63 at the time. It took 5 months for all bumps and arrhythmias to stop and almost a year for resting heart rate to return to pre ablation rate. Be patient and lazy for at least a month!!
LOL I am using the "I can back out at any time" comfort good to know I am not alone, and to "Help" my heart went into fast afib last evening with all the attendant , weak as a kitten stuff, that I hate. It does remind me how much I want the ablation .
I will certainly be taking it easy after the procedure thanks for your experienced advice
Excellent- all the very best. Plenty of r and r afterwards and please don’t worry ( easy to say) if you have any bouts of AF afterwards. Perfectly normal as your heart and body heals. I had 2 ablations and got quite despondent afterwards every time I had an episode- but have since had 4 good years once all eventually settled down.
Very best wishes.
All the best Sfhmgusa, just follow the advice in the factsheets and all will be fine, in truth we rarely hear from anyone who has regretted having their ablation. Please let us know how you get on........
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