Update on the pace part of my pace and ablate. Could be a long post!

[dedeottie]

Well 10 days ago I finally went in to have my pacemaker insertion. Easy peasy I thought. I should have known better as nothing is easy with me it seems!

You may remember that I was having this as an alternative to an ablation because during my last ablation, the needle used to pierce the septum pierced my aorta instead and it was nearly curtains so my consultant didn’t want to do a repeat performance. At that years AF conference I asked an Oxford electrophysiologist for a second opinion who said he would have done another ablation but under GA so I could be kept under closer watch eg camera down throat etc

However GA wasn’t an option in Wales and neither could I transfer to an English hospital. Ok that is the background now roll on to pacemaker day…….

The incision was made for pacemaker ( by a different EP) but he couldn’t get the leads down the vein as he said it was squashed! After much questioning I remembered I had a bad collarbone fracture 11 years ago and apparently this was the likely cause. My records had not followed me from Lancashire! He said he could go in from the other side but on a different day.

While stitching me up he asked about my age and health/ fitness when not in AF and eventually said he would like to offer me another shot at an ablation, this time with him ( Dr Leong) as he apparently does 90 percent of the hospital ablations and under GA. He said that at 65 I was relatively young to have a pace and ablate when in effect I had only had 1 shot at an ablation.

I am still trying to process this but I’m fairly sure it is a good option and the pace and ablate is there for the future. He is giving me 70 percent chance of success and as I am very symptomatic I do need something to happen.

So, it was a traumatic day and I now have a scar I didn’t need but hopefully there is a good outcome and maybe fate/ the universe/ God intervened.

I just need to hope I have worn out all my bad luck.

Through all this I have been buddied by another Forum member who has been fantastic and helped so much to get me through. So huge thanks to her.

Thank you for listening. X

[BobD Volunteer]

Sounds to me like a perfect solution. Things happen for a reason I believe.

[dedeottie in reply to BobD]

It does feel like that Bob. Keep everything crossed. X

[jeanjeannie50]

The second ablation sounds like a good option. Have you any idea when the ablation could be?

Jean x

[dedeottie in reply to jeanjeannie50]

3 to 6 months sooner if there is a cancellation. X

[CDreamer]

Maybe you just needed to meet the ‘right’ EP and this was the only route to get to them?

Hope that it works for you, certainly sounds like an option. Best wishes 😘

[dedeottie in reply to CDreamer]

Yes, that’s how I am viewing it too. X

[Jalia]

This sounds like a pretty good outcome. Look forward to hearing how you get on!

Regards

J

[Singwell]

How wonderful you found a buddy. This does sound like a better solution. Nice to be told one is relatively young at 65 isn't it?? Where are you in Wales? I'm just across the border in Presteigne and usually get sent to Hereford where (luckily) they have no EP and so I got my ablation done at QEH BIRMINGHAM.

[dedeottie]

Lucky you! I am in Llantwit Major in Vale of Glamorgan so am with The Heath Cardiff. If I lived in North Wales I would be sent to Liverpool which would be fab but hey ho! X

[dedeottie]

My buddy has been a stress saver for me. I havnt named her incase she doesn’t want to be named if you are reading this, another big Thank You to you. X

[cbsrbpm]

That sounds very optimistic and I wish you all the best for a successful outcome. I think it’s really worth another try at ablation and I hope you can get it done soon. All the bestBrenda

[dedeottie in reply to cbsrbpm]

Many thanks

[Nannysue1]

Wishing you well and hopefully a successful outcome.

[dedeottie in reply to Nannysue1]

Thanks

[dedeottie]

Thank you.