Convergent ablation

[Tux18]

I’m scheduled for a convergent ablation. I’m out of rhythm approximately 78% of the time and my heart rate fluctuates throughout the day over 100. The procedure that will be used is not common , I don’t think.

The electrophysiologist will ablate behind my heart on the outside by using a “needle” going under breast plate (not like hybrid when incision is made under breast plate). Then he’ll ablate the inside.

PresentlyI get through the day quite well, don’t push myself, don’t get out of breath, or have pain, but the percentage of time I’m out of rhythm continues to increase and the rapid heart rate concerns me.

The question I keep asking my self is: should I put my body through this procedure knowing it will take quite some time to recover fully and of course there could be complications.?

However, if I do nothing I have no reason to believe that the afib will only increase and become permanent and the racing heart might wear my heart out. Plus it’s very tiring when it races off and on sometimes for no reason.

The hybrid convergent operation is similar to what I will have done. if any of you have thoughts as to whether it was worth it to go through the hybrid or convergent ablation I would appreciate hearing from you. Thank you.

[CDreamer]

It’s a very difficult decision and one only you can really decide as none of us can predict what may or may not happen.

I do think that this type of dilemma does make us question and that’s really not a bad thing. When faced with this type of decision myself I put it to myself in the following way:-

If I do nothing and my condition worsens - how do I think I will feel?

If I go through with the procedure, whatever the consequences, how do I think I will feel?

After some deliberation, meditating on the question I came to the conclusion that I was ducking out from fear of something bad happening but not thinking of what good might happen but if I did nothing I was just going to have regrets at doing nothing and ducking out from fear.

I know fear but I also know that the old adage that the only thing we fear is fear itself is also absolutely true.

You also need to have faith in the doctors performing the operation - hence if they are confident it does help.

Hope some of that may help you decide.

[Tux18 in reply to CDreamer]

CDreamer, how thoughtful of you to reply and with such good insight concerning my situation.

Those were good questions to ask myself. And it is fear that sometimes holds us back, fear of the unknown, fear if all the what if’s.If I do nothing there’s no doubt I’ll not improve.

At this time , my plan is to move ahead and have the procedure/ablation.

As far as the doctor is concerned I know he is highly respected in his field and has an excellent bedside manner. My thinking is that he wants this to be a success not only for me , but he would not want to jeopardize his career so he must have confidence in what he’s going to do.

Your response helped a great deal. A week from tomorrow is my appointment. Thank you so much for your response. Blessings to you.

[CDreamer in reply to Tux18]

You’re very welcome, pleased it helped & wishing you all the best for a positive outcome.

[CDreamer]

PS - I haven’t had the procedure but I know of it and saw a presentation of how it can help many people for whom it would be very difficult to ablate the rogue pathways from a normal catheter ablation.

[Hidden]

Words of wisdom from C Dreamer! I really can’t add anything to what’s been said. I was due to have a hybrid convergent procedure last month but both that and my pre-meeting with the surgeon have been postponed. Like you I’ve had doubts, and wondered if my heart was strong enough for another procedure, but I try not to worry or to think about the discomfort I had for a time after my last ablation. I want to get it done before I get any older

I’ll be rooting for you on the 10th!

[Tux18 in reply to Hidden]

Marjoram27, it sounds like you have had at least one ablation prior as I have. Like you, I think it best not to wait as I’ll just get older . If I’m going to do it it’s best to get it over with. Hope yours gets rescheduled soon. It is helpful to know others who understand afib and to have their support Thanks for your reply . I’d like to know when yours is rescheduled so I can “root” for you!

[Hidden]

I do hope everything goes well for you today. No reason why it shouldn’t, I’m sure you’re in good hands. Take as much time as you need to recover and help it work

Wishing you all the best!

[Tux18 in reply to Hidden]

How kind of you to think of me, Marjoram27. Saturday I was contacted and told my ablation had to be postponed due to COVID patients taking up beds. Disappointing yet thinking there must be a reason for it. I have no idea when it will be rescheduled. Thank you for thinking of me.

[Hidden in reply to Tux18]

Oh no, that’s awful. I’m sorry to hear that. I thought that I was unlucky - I’ve had four dates now and three have been cancelled. I’m now anticipating that it will be done 23/9, but who knows?I hope you can do nice things until your next date!