Ablation fears

[Diamondcat]

So after another cardio version last week my heart is playing up again and my medication doesn’t seem to be able to control it. I have been waiting for an ablation and have just had the call that it is planned for 23rd November at Barts. I am absolutely terrified. I know that in theory it’s the best thing but so scared that I will die, have a stroke or I’d make things worse. I just don’t know what do. No one can understand how AF takes over your life unless you have it. One half of me knows they wouldn’t do it if they were worried and the other half of me tells me to just keep on with the meds. I’m trying to block it out of my mind and not think about it.

[BobD Volunteer]

Do you really think a devout coward like me would have had four if there was anything to worry about?

[Hidden]

Get a grip woman......😉

I’ve just read you first post of 5 months ago and it’s clear that you have had a challenging time with AF and now, in 19 days time, you have the opportunity of having a well tried and tested procedure at one of the Countries leading heart hospitals. Of course you are apprehensive, we all were as the reality begins to dawn that someone is going to tinker with your ticker! You could not be in safer hands and in the unlikely event that there is a hiccup, everything they will need to get you back on track will be immediately at hand.

Try to focus on what life might be once your symptoms are controlled and compare it with the hard times you have experienced thus far on your AF journey. I bet there are a good few on this forum who would give their back teeth to be where you are now......don’t forget to let us know how you get on and can you confirm that you have seen the factsheets which are available......

[Buffafly]

I spent a lot of my time in the toilet in the week before my ablation. As far as I know the most dangerous part in the end was my husband’s driving on the way there as we had to make the journey in the dark! What I am trying to say is that everyone involved in the procedure takes such care of you that you are in more danger in every day life except that it is normal to you so you don’t think about it. And you don’t often hear on this forum from people who skipped off among the daisies after a couple of weeks, it’s usually people who had bad luck or didn’t look after themselves carefully afterwards.

I had a hideously deformed spine that was ruining my life in every way. When I was offered a comparatively dangerous corrective op I didn’t think twice. When the surgeon tried to put me off I put my hands over my ears! Don’t wait until your AF gets so bad you would genuinely risk your life to have the procedure, get on with it ❣️

[pottypete1]

Do you think a devoted coward like me would have had seven if there was anything to worry about.

Pete

[LordGabriel]

I was scared- had mine last week. I feel pretty good now. Heart feels fine ❤️

[Newtoit in reply to LordGabriel]

Any after affects?

[LordGabriel in reply to Newtoit]

Seems ok. My legs really hurt still but apart from that, fine! I had a general anaesthetic btw.

[jimb7174]

I’ve had 4 ablations and whilst I understand it is scary I was more scared going for a cardio version. As they only sedate you it’s not as bad as general anaesthetic, in fact I woke up during my first ablation and tried to wiggle my toes!! Anyway my thoughts are with you, however I’m not going to wish you luck as you’ll be in very safe hands and know it will go well, all the very best and do let us know how you get on.

Best wishes

Jim

[jerseygirl49]

I was petrified for my husband when he went for his 1st last March. He has since had his 2nd in July this year. He has no regrets whatsoever and if he needs a 3rd and he is fortunate enough to be offered to him, he will go for it. His QOL has improved so much. Of course you will be worried and anxious that is normal but, as many other have said on this forum and many more will do I am sure, you will be in safe hands at Barts. Sending best wishes and hoping to read on this forum in a few weeks that you're back home and recovering well.

[ETFCfan]

Your worry and fears are perfectly understandable, I was convinced I wouldn’t make it through my last ablation. I’ve had three ablations at Barts and really wasn’t sure if I should just live with it. I decided that they wouldn’t be spending their much needed resources on me if it wasn’t deemed necessary. It’s an amazing place, one of the very best and I felt safe and well looked after throughout. Please try and bury your natural worries and good luck.

[12cupcakes]

I understand how you feel. I too was very scared and insisted that my family be there just in case it was the last time I saw them. But my experience the worst part was the anxiety. It was 2 years ago and all went well. I followed the advice here from wonderful people and a few symptomatic a fib episodes while my heart was healing from the ablation. I have not had any recognizable afi for more than a year now. I know you will be ok so try to relax. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best

[queseyo]

Hi, Diamondcat. I'm in same situation, since my last CV last week my heart still plying up but at diffente "tone". I think I have developped a regular irregularity...sort of constante AF ectopics. Have to have a ECG next week and see my cardilogist...hope to get an ansewer before going completly creasy.

[Slidingdoors99]

I was so sorry to read your post, but completely understand your worries. You’re right about it really being understood by people with AFib. I’m waiting for a cardioversion and so, after reading many comments on this site, I’m thinking that this may be a long journey. Please post how you get on, when you feel up to it!