Ok so I’m really nervous about an ablation! Want to start living my life again but so scared too - anyone else the same?

[12Potter]

I’ve been refused twice because BMI too high - I know what to do but I’m emotional eater & struggle with low mood. I seem to jeopardise my chance to turn this all around for the better...

[Hidden]

Whuss!! Not really, almost everyone is apprehensive about having one but so many are pleased they did. I can’t remember how many ablations are performed in a year but I think it’s well in excess of 8000. We rarely hear people say that they wish they hadn’t had it and bear in mind most forums tend to attract people with problems. Have you managed to reduce your BMI, it is very important because lifestyle changes have a massive impact on the success of an ablation.

Whilst any procedure carries a risk, the risks associated with having an ablation are deemed to be low. I’ve had two, and if needed, I would not hesitate in having a third. The two factsheets below will provide some useful information about preparing for, and recovering from an ablation. I’m sure others here will come up with some helpful advice too.......

heartrhythmalliance.org/res...

heartrhythmalliance.org/res...

[12Potter in reply to Hidden]

Haha that made me laugh! That really helped, esp knowing you’d do it again & the leaflets are 👍🏻. Good point re forums & no, I’ve not seen any detrimental posts on here. Can I ask the outcome of both ablations? seems most of us need more than one? I’ve changed so much in past 2 years, no longer drink, smoke, caffeine, mostly cut out meat, daily celery juice, do yoga, daily meditation & try get 8 hrs. Fluctuate weight but took on board importance success dependent. I’d like to know if you changed your lifestyle before ablation? 😃

[Hidden in reply to 12Potter]

Just cleaned my teef and about to climb into my pit.....promise to answer in the morning 😉

[Hidden in reply to 12Potter]

Good morning, reply as promised 😉.

I had a Cryoablation which is often tried first because it’s a relatively quicker and easier method for treating the pulmonary veins which are frequently the main areas which cause AF. However, because the tissue around the veins is not always uniform, the expanding balloon used to freeze and scar the tissue can miss bits which happened in my case. So a second RF (radio frequency) ablation was carried out to treat the missed beats with heat. Everything was fine, but after 7/8 months, I started to have AF episodes but I have now had thyroid treatment and so far, no AF so a third planned ablation was postponed🤞.

As far as lifestyle is concerned, I have always been a bit of a goody two shoes! I rarely drink, stopped smoking when I was eleven when my mum caught me, avoid caffeine and eat well, mainly due my wife’s inherited cholesterol problems so my BMI is just in range.

If you think an ablation is right for you, I don’t think you will regret it, good luck.......

[12Potter in reply to Hidden]

Goody two shoes & a fabulous wife - perfect combo 😁. Thanks for sharing. I hope absence of episodes continues for as long as it can for you (I’m sure your mum will let you know if not - us mums can be scary!!)

[Hidden in reply to 12Potter]

It’ll have to be via a very, very long distance phone call, I’m 74 now 😉

[12Potter in reply to Hidden]

Hahaha I’m sure she’ll be listening regardless!!!!! 😂

[The_Lord_is_with_Us]

I had acute Generalized Anxiety Disorder 20 years ago ... and still went in for 4 ablations. Don't worry .... I had 3 around 10 years ago ... and one this OCT. The one's I had 10 years ago weren't that big of a deal ... and the one I had recently is very much improved from the earlier ones.

You'll be in hospital .... done with the procedure (while you're sleeping) in a couple of hours. Up and walking the same day within hours of the procedure. Overnight for observation and home the next morning .... feeling much better, glad it's behind you .... and wondering why you were so worried.

[12Potter in reply to The_Lord_is_with_Us]

Well done you for facing those fears very courageous. Brings a sense of calm hearing your words thank you so much 😁

[Sfhmgusa]

Hi , I am a class 1 worrier about all matters medical. Years ago I gave up studying medicine because I was such a hypochondriac but still have a fascination with what can go wrong that makes me a proper worrier.

I have had 2 ablations first under sedation second under G A (which is a particular fear of mine ) my afib seems to be sorted at present but if it comes back, like a shot I would sign up for another. This is not brave but practical, the difference of not thinking every minute “ uh oh?!!” Am I going into afib? And being able to go days without anxiously checking my pulse is a compelling thing. I am only on anticoagulant ( apixoban) now with zero side effects. I was so unaffected by it I worried it wasn’t working for me and had to be checked to allay that worry!

My procedures were July and November last year so I can clearly remember the pre ablation fears and the immense relief after each that was the “ why did I ever worry about that?” Feeling

I lost 2 stone ( from 14.75 to 12.75) which was much harder than the ablation, I now find it easier to keep the weight off as I have less worry and more energy

I know it is easy for me to say but go for it!

Steve

[12Potter in reply to Sfhmgusa]

Thanks Steve - I felt your words “fear of going into a fib” - think I’ve almost got used to feeling the tension & worry & it’s become the norm. Though as I write that I’m thinking get a grip woman!! I’m almost looking forward to the feeling of whatever did I worry about now 😁. Well done you on weight loss. I miss having no energy & unable to exercise - I used to love it. Brings on low mood eating and the circle begins. I’m feeling much more positive after reading yours & other msgs - thank you for taking the time to share your story 😁

[secondtry]

Food can affect your emotions; I suspect you get a short term boost from it but medium/long term your meals need to change and your emotions will change. I am no dietician but I have found reducing gluten by 90%, sugar by 50% and eating organic & full fat unprocessed food plus two brisk walks a day has made a big difference...no more seesawing of my weight which is back to what I was when 18yo! Parting shot: I used my wish to avoid an ablation as a driver to make these better lifestyle choices. Good luck.

[12Potter in reply to secondtry]

I love that! Great spin on focusing fear positively - I’m going to steal that!! Great dietary advise too - well done you re 18year old weight - I’m inspired 😁. Thank you for replying & sharing your thoughts

[momist]

Ablation hesitation. Yeah, I have that. I have been 'on the list' for over two years now, and on the two occasions that I got onto the schedule, it never happened. The first offer came early with a new EP on the team that I'd never heard of, and with only one day's warning. I turned that down, as I wasn't 'ready' and I had just gone nearly 8 months without a session of AF. Of course, that soon ended . . .

The second time, I was scheduled right at the start of the first lockdown, and by the time I'd had my pre-op, the NHS was well on it's way into overload and it was postponed. Then I had a new pre-op during late summer, just as the infection rate started rising again, and I ended up phoning them and saying I was afraid of catching Covid19 and suggesting a further postponement. They instantly agreed (I suspect they welcomed my attitude) and again I have now gone into a spell of low incidence of AF (no sessions since that time!).

I know that it _will_ come back, AF is like that. Now I've had my first vaccine shot, I'd be willing (but still somewhat reluctant) to go for the ablation. It would be better still after the second shot of vaccine. If I get another bad session of AF (they do seem to get worse over time) I'd be up for it right away, but after months without, it seems less attractive somehow.

I hope that you get on top of your BMI issue soon. Good luck.

[12Potter in reply to momist]

Yes funny how when no episodes it’s easy to forget just how hard it is when they do happen. Thank you re BMI I’m def working on it after reading so many encouraging & honest posts.

Good luck getting your ablation soon

[pottypete1]

It is natural to be apprehensive it is a basic fight or flight mechanism that in many situations keeps us safe.

Not being in control is another reservation some have but it must be borne in mind that those who carry out ablations have had years of training and they are highly qualified.

I am somewhat unusual in that I have had about 20 cardoversions and 7 ablations.

These procedures have improved my QOL immensely and I would not hesitate to have another ablation if it were deemed necessary.

Pete

[12Potter in reply to pottypete1]

The control bit stood out to me! You are of course right, they def have the skills & training.

Gosh have you had that many? Wow. Lovely to read they have had a massive impact of positive QOL - thank you for sharing 😁

[Physalis]

Maybe your 'emotional eating' balances up with your being 'nervous of ablation'.

[12Potter in reply to Physalis]

Yes I think you may be right there Physalis - certainly reading all these supportive & informative replies will ease both! Thank you