Ablation fears - update

[Diamondcat]

Thanks to all you kind people for your thoughts and support. I had a call from my local cardiologist yesterday who said I am the ideal candidate for this as I am relatively young at 51 ( although I feel ancient) and the benefits outweigh the risks, bet he stressed there are risks. I have my pre assessment appointment by phone on Wed and have a huge list of questions to ask. I’ve never been to Barts or had any appointments there which I think is making me more nervous. Not sure I like the idea of being awake while someone tampers with my heart, think I would rather be knocked out until it’s over. I know I sound ridiculous, just have so many conflicting feelings in my head.

[Easternmost]

Hi,

I’m hoping I can reassure you a bit! I am 53 and was diagnosed with heart flutter earlier this year. I had an ablation on October 19th at Barts and they were superb. I suffer health anxiety and had never had any sort of procedure, so I was very scared.

I can truthfully say that the Covid swab was the most uncomfortable part of the day. I was in at 10 and out by 5.

They give you ‘gin & tonic’ after meeting the team and feeling a bit woozy I was chatting about my job when they said I was all done!

Recovery was peaceful in a small ward of 4, but I had total privacy.

They were very thorough about blood pressure checks etc.

Once home I had some achiness around my shoulders and neck, so took paracetamol and I had a headache second day in. No bruise at the puncture site on my groin and my husband had to put his glasses on to see where it was!

I took it VERY easy for the first week, very gently for the second and I have returned to work on half days this past week. I am doing all the usual household chores, but no heavy lifting, pulling and being careful bending.

I started on 10 minute walks on the flat and have now got up to 30minutes with two hills. Just take it slowly and rest if needed.

The hospital will send you an App for your phone to monitor heart rate and I have found this reassuring.

The biggest battle for me is the anxiety that I will do something to make it return, but I understand that a lot of people have this.

The hospital will tell you about the slight risks, because they have to. Remember that you have been recommended to have this because your personal benefits will be greater.

Best of luck and if a wimp like me can have it done, frankly anyone can!

[Diamondcat in reply to Easternmost]

Hi Easternmost

Thankyou for your response. It is so good to know that you were well looked after and are feeling ok. I know it’s the best thing and I would be crazy to turn it down. My QOl has been rubbish for 3 years and I am desiderata to get back to feeling like my old self again. Can I ask were you told to isolate prior to the procedure and if so how long for? Were you awake when they did it? X

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Diamondcat]

If you have not done so already please read the two fact sheets on preparing for and recovering from ablation.

[Easternmost in reply to Diamondcat]

Glad to be of some help. I was awake - I remember feeling like I’d drunk too much and can recall clearly chatting to the nurse about my job and then it was all done!

I had to shield for 1 week beforehand and take a Covid test at home. I then had another Covid test when I arrived at hospital and although I wasn’t told to shield once home, I chose not to have any visitors just to stay safe.

I checked with Barts before returning to work (large secondary school) and they said it was fine so long as a facemask,handwashing & distancing in place.

Anything else that you need to know please ask - I had so many questions before 😊

[pottypete1]

I have had a number of ablations and the last 4 were all done under General Anaesthesia.

However I do understand many find sedation fine even enjoying watching what was going on.

If you are scared you could discuss GA this might be an option for you.

Pete