Is being tired the first few days after my ablation normal?

[Deekas]

After an ablation

[BobD Volunteer]

Yes of course read this heartrhythmalliance.org/res...

[willec49 in reply to BobD]

Hi Bob D. Can you provide the entire address for that document on what to expect from an ablation? It won't download for me. I am expecting my first ablation in the near future. Thank you. William

[BobD Volunteer in reply to willec49]

Sorry it works for me. If it is in blue it should load if you click on it.. It won't make any difference if I type the whole addess again as that is what I always do. The system changes it to blue and provides the link. I'll try leaving off the first three w but don't forget to put them bnack in.

heartrhythmalliance.org/resources/view/466 there is also a preparing for sheet no 467 you might find useful.

See also Flapjacks post below.

[willec49 in reply to BobD]

Thank you.

[willec49 in reply to BobD]

Hi Bob, Thanks for your reply. I was able to open it on my other computer. I just changed the "6" at the end of the full address to "7."

[BobD Volunteer in reply to willec49]

466 is recovering from 467 is preparing for

[willec49 in reply to BobD]

Oh, Thank you!

[jeanjeannie50]

I'm afraid you could feel tired for a lot longer than a few days. Some people take months before recovering their energy levels, while others can feel better immediately. I guess it all depends on how much work they had to do on your heart. I've had three ablations and all my recovery times were different.

Jean

[Hidden]

Hi Deekas, I see you are from Canada. I think some members from the USA have difficulty making UK links work so just in case you have a problem, I’ve cut and pasted the content. It won’t look so pretty, but it’s the content that matters. It would help us if you tell us whether or not you could access BobD’s link…..thanks

This fact sheet has been written and prepared by patients, for patients, in the hope of allaying many of the fears and anxieties which often occur following ablation for atrial fibrillation.

It is the result of peer discussion and hopefully includes many of the “things nobody told me” which had caused worry in the weeks and months following an ablation.

Ablation works by creating scar tissue on the inside surface of the heart which blocks the rogue electrical impulses which cause AF. The scars can be made by heat or intense cold but do not form instantly. They can take up to three months or more and that period is often referred to as the blanking period.You may therefore still get symptoms during this time that can still settle down subsequently.

Rest

Although you may not have a great scar to show it, your heart has suffered some trauma and will take time to recover. The general recommendation is to take things very easy for the first week (short walks and only a single flight of stairs, generally within the house, or not very far outside), and a slow gentle progression following that. Some very fit or younger patients may find that they can return to work quite quickly but many others take much longer. Above all listen to your body and don’t push yourself too hard. If you are still working then discuss your condition with your employer and explain that the situation may be fluid. Do not lift anything heavy for at least a week. Above all, you are not a failure and everyone’s recovery is very individual, so do not be rushed.

Palpitations

Because the heart does not heal immediately you may experience some palpitations, ectopic beats (missed beats) or even runs of AF in the time after your ablation. THIS DOES NOT MEAN IT HAS FAILED. If you experience pain, difficulty breathing or are passing out, then please contact the arrhythmia nurse and/or team where your ablation was carried out. Palpitations and other symptoms should gradually fade over time. In fact many patients found that even six to nine months later their quality of life was still improving.

Sore Throat

You may find that you have a sore throat after your procedure. This is probably due to having had a transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) during the procedure to check for any clots which may be present in your heart. It may also be caused by breathing equipment if you had a general anaesthetic. Treat as any other sore throat and it will soon pass.

Migraine Aura

A migraine may shock and worry you but is perfectly normal. Not everybody suffers from this but it is quite common usually about two to three days after the ablation. It results from the trans- septal puncture needed to gain access from the right to left atria. You may find vision disturbance with either flashing lights or blind spots in your sight often with a following headache. Don’t worry, you are not having a stroke or going blind and the symptoms will pass after a week or so. However, if you are concerned then contact the team who did your ablation/arrhythmia nurse, your GP, or if you feel very unwell then go to A&E.

Ectopic Beats

Ectopic beats, which feel like missed beats, can be common following ablation. They are considered harmless but can be distressing when frequent. This does not mean that your ablation has failed. Try slow deep breathing. Use your diaphragm rather than shoulders and breath slowly and deeply for at least five minutes, slowing your breathing down to less than six breaths a minute.

Groin/Leg Bruises

You may find that you get a colourful bruise where the entry wound for the catheter is. You may even find a hard lump there. Don’t worry as this is quite normal. When it finally fades away you know that your heart is beginning to heal so it can be a useful guide to when you can start pushing your recovery a little more. However, if you are concerned at all about infection (pus, increasing redness of the area, temperature, poor wound healing), or the wound site in general, contact your arrhythmia nurse/ablation team or GP.

Fast Heart Rate

It is not uncommon to find that your heart rate is a faster than before your AF started and you had your ablation. Typically, this may be around 85-90 bpm which is a common side effect of the ablation. It may take six to eight months (or even longer) to return fully to earlier levels but don’t worry, it will normalise. Again it does not mean that the ablation has failed.

Bloating and Digestive Problems

Some people find that they suffer from abdominal discomfort post-ablation. This is probably caused by irritation to the oesphagus during the procedure, or sometimes to a nerve near the heart known as the vagus nerve. It will usually disappear within a few days but can be alleviated with normal indigestion remedies . Alternatively, see your GP for other remedies if needed.

Depression, Anxiety, Worry

Many patients suffer with anxiety post-ablation worrying that it has not worked due to some of the above mentioned symptoms. This can be a highly emotional time and these feelings are not uncommon, so please do not worry if you fall into this category. Try to remain positive but if you find that you have such difficulties, then do talk to your doctor and look into things like mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy which can be most helpful.

When to seek medical help

There are a few rare but potentially serious complications that can occur after an AF ablation. These will have been discussed with you before the ablation is done. If you feel very unwell or experience any new or unusual symptoms such as sudden weakness in an arm/leg and/or unexplained fevers it is worth seeking medical attention urgently. If you are just not sure about some symptoms that do not bother you too much then you can always seek help less urgently from the arrhythmia nurse/ablation team or your GP.

The end!!

[Deekas in reply to Hidden]

Thanks buddy very helpful

[Hidden in reply to Deekas]

Did BobD’s link work??

[Deekas in reply to Hidden]

Yes

[Hidden in reply to Deekas]

Thanks……

[Deekas in reply to Hidden]

So are you in USA? Have you had an ablation?

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Deekas]

We are both in England thanks.

[Megams in reply to Hidden]

~Flapjack - can't thank you enough for this indepth information.As previously mentioned here my ablation (8th Feb) but my fact sheet is no where near detailed as yours.

Being a migraineur from the past I am a little concerned about this over & above the trans-septal puncture being as I was born with hole in those dividing chambers which was stitched up 1988.

I will be sharing these concerns on the day.

Thanks again for all the input as I couldn't open article either (as mentioned)

[Hidden in reply to Megams]

Thanks Megams, I knew there was at least one member of the Commonwealth that couldn’t open links from the UK!

Below is a cut and pasted copy of the factsheet about preparing for an ablation. Can I suggest you save this and the copy of recovery as they might be helpful to other New Zealander’s

This fact sheet has been written by patients, for patients, to help them prepare for a catheter ablation. It is intended to provide general, non-medical information that will help the patient understand what is likely to happen during and after the procedure so that they can be prepared for the time they will be in hospital. Of course, it should be used in conjunction with any information provided by the hospital and Atrial Fibrillation Association.

How does AF ablation work?

Almost 20 years ago doctors worked out that many people’s AF is triggered by electrical signals in the heart. These originate from the left atrium (one of the upper chambers in the heart). Ablation works by creating scar tissue on the inside surface of this chamber which blocks the rogue impulses that cause AF. The scars can be formed by either burning or freezing tissue, using a catheter (flexiblewires),whichnormallyentersthebodyin the groin and then passes through veins before entering the heart.

The procedure can be performed either under general anaesthetic, or under sedation and the time it takes may vary depending upon several factors including the technique used, how long the AF has been present, and other individual patient characteristics.

A short time before the procedure it is normal for the patient to attend a pre-operative assessment to ensure that they are prepared and understand the medical aspects of the procedure. It is advisable if possible, to take someone with you as it may help you to remember the information provided and for them to take notes.

Also take along a recent prescription of current medications.You will be asked about your medical and surgical history as well as any allergies you may have and medications you take. An ECG and blood tests may be done. You may be given a fact sheet about the procedure to take home with you. It is important to make a note of any adjustments to medication you must make before the procedure takes place. if you are taking anti- coagulants, please ask the medical staff if you should continue taking your medication, or whether it should temporarily be paused until after the procedure.

Preparation

Obviously, situations will differbetweenhospitals but generally you will be asked to attend in good time to prepare for the procedure. Do not worry if you are in sinus rhythm as the Electrophysiologist can induce AF as and when required. You should also be prepared to shave your groin(s) in preparation for inserting the catheter(s).

The pre-operative assessment will have informed you of their ‘nil-by-mouth’ policy (what you can eat and drink and when) and what medications to take and/or omit that day.

Try to take as little “luggage” as possible but there are some items that you may find helpful an d they will be covered later. For patients opting for sedation, once preparations on the ward are complete, you will be taken to the Catheter Laboratory where you will meet the team performing the procedure.

For some, all the equipment can be quite intimidating but the team will make sure you are comfortable before the procedure begins. Again, experiences vary but generally any pain or discomfort is minimal but should you begin to feel uncomfortable, you should tell the Consultant and he will adjust the sedation accordingly. Patients opting for general anaesthetic will, of course, be unaware of anything until they regain consciousness in the recovery ward.

Back in the ward

Once the procedure is completed and you are returned from the recovery room to your ward you will be asked to lie still and fl at for several hours. This is to prevent any strain on the groin so that the healing process can begin as soon as possible. Your groin area will be monitored closely, as will your blood pressure and general condition. Normally, water will be provided but you might find it useful to takes ports style bottles so that you can drink with minimum movement.

Restricting movement for several hours can be challenging so consider taking a tablet computer or books/magazines but also take earphones so that you do not disturb other patients who may wish to sleep. Some people suggest taking lip balm to keep your lips moist and also disposable underwear as bedpans may be used during this period. A charger for your phone is also useful, as well as money for the hospital television and radio service.

Once the nursing staff are happy with the condition of the groin wound you will be asked to gently walk in the ward and also be encouraged to test your bowel and bladder movements.

Normal hospital meals are provided and it is quite normal for some people to be discharged the same day and some to have at least one overnight stay in the hospital.You may want to take some snacks in with you as well.

Discharge

All being well, it is normal to be discharged later the same day or the following morning. You will be provided with details of any changes to your medication and information about protecting the wound in your groin. Make sure you have contact details for the Arrhythmia Nurse or anybody else that can give you medical advice, should you require it.

When leaving the hospital, it is very important that you are escorted by family member or a friend. You must not carry anything or use many flights of stairs as this could cause damage to the groin. If possible, avoid using public transport as it will be more difficult to deal with any issues should you feel unwell. It is much better, if possible, to go home in a car.

Back home

Of course you will be relieved when it is all over and you are in the safety of your own home but it is very important that you do not do anything strenuous for the first week and not much more for the second. It is therefore useful to arrange to have the freezer topped up and plenty of bread and milk available. If you live on your own try to arrange some help for the fi rst week at least, but do not be tempted to do too much, even if you feel well and able, as it can put a strain on both your groin and heart. It is easy to overlook the trauma your heart has experienced. If your groin is bruised consider how your heart must feel! Additionally, organising adequate childcare if appropriate is also important.

In the UK, the DVLA forbid driving a car for a minimum of 48 hours. But many hospital teams will advise people not to drive for up to a week. This is mainly to minimise problems with the puncture sites in the leg(s). If you drive a bus or lorry or other large vehicle then you should check with the arrhythmia nurse/ablation team about when you can drive those again.

Remember it can take up to three months or even longer for the heart to properly heal. During this time you may experience runs of AF, ectopic beats (missed heartbeats) and a heart rate faster than before. It will be helpful if you record such events so that they can be discussed at your review appointments.

The end!

[Megams in reply to Hidden]

~Wow FlapJack - thank you for even more detail/s & will do as you have suggested

[Snowgirl65]

Tired a few days, you say? Try a few weeks! It does take a while to feel back to normal -- for some, much quicker than others. Just pace yourself and don't overdo.

[Jajarunner]

A few months in my case!

[Foxglo]

Yes definitely, don't try to do back to normal even if you feel well enough. I was so over the moon I felt so well and felt as I did 15 years ago I tried to do too much. One definitely need to take it easy not answering loads of phone calls or messages.

[bonnie54]

Hi, yes, afraid so. You need to be kind to yourself for a few months while the heart heals.

Suddenly had tachycardia about 3 months after mine and thought I was slipping back, but it cleared up.

That was 12 years ago and I have been drug free and mostly symptom free since then. Take care of yourself and stay positive.

[Deekas in reply to bonnie54]

Thanks so much for that positive post.

[Daftpunk78]

Hi Deekas, I’ve had three ablations (two for Wolff Parkinson White, one for A-Fib). Just reinforcing what others has said, it’s very normal to feel very tired in first few weeks rather than just days, and if I could give one bit of advice - don’t try and overdo it in this period. It will set you back further. Take it really steady and expect some odd periods over the coming months as everything hopefully settles. Good luck, Ben

[Mike-tyson]

It took about 4 weeks to fully recover from my ablation 😡