Turned up at St Barts ( nervous as hell ) and the first thing that happened was that my EP Dr Earley wasn’t carrying out the procedure .
totally unsettled me from the off .
then just about to go to the lab and an emergency came in ( fair enough as plenty worse off then me ) which meant I was delayed .
The sedation started at 11.15am and the incision in the groin happened at 11.30am and I left the lab at 5.30pm .
My 1st EP was clearly new and he handed over to his mentor , they found more to do than expected and also found another rhythm issue they needed to ablate .,
The mentor couldn’t do it and they bought another EP in and yes I kid you not he also passed over to another to have a go .
After he done it they couldn’t get me to snr and were just about to cardiovert me when one last attempt and He flipped me back to NSR .
the Ep actually shouted yes with a fist pump and said he wanted to kiss me lol .
yes it was a long procedure and no I don’t want it again ( at 6 hours ) but my God those boys and girls who work at St Barts are legends .
From the receptionist to the Ep they are all brilliant and forget train drivers they are the ones who need the pay rises .
will update on recovery as I go but currently in NSR and it’s now time to rest rest rest with some more rest to follow
Thanks all
matt
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mjm1971
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My second ablation was six hours and that was with sedation only. The man who was meant to have had his ablation after me was sent home. I often wonder why it took so long, but was half dazed when my EP spoke to me!
😝 me too! Last time I was in hospital ( not this tim), a nurse saw me reading them and started to tell me they were not for me, then she saw the look on my face and changed her mind and left me in peace to read them .
Good for you, they shouldn't leave them there if they don't want us to read them. Once in hospital I had the leads to a small portable ECG attached to my chest and asked the nurse politely which button I could press to see what my rate was. She said she wasn't allowed to say, I responded that if she didn't tell me I'd press every button until I found it - she soon gave in and told me. I feel it's my body and my right to know about it.
They are daft sometimes aren't they? I was in A and E due to low BP after my last ablation and hanging around for hours. Was hooked up to one of those mini ECGs. I knew I was in AF and showed them on my phone. "Where did you get that from?" She was quite cross! I showed her how to take a Kardiamobile reading and she was convinced. I was 'allowed' to take my pills... As you say - my body!
I'm not sure that is a record Matt. Sorry. If you count recovery I was from 8 30 till after 5 pm but from around 2 pm was in recovery whilst they tried to stabilise me with a variety of drugs after my last ablation for atrial tachycardia. Not something to be proud of though.
Glad it all came out in the wash as they say and you have got the message regarding rest. Well done.
Sometimes these procedures take a very long time. On my last ablation I saw the clock show 08:30 just before they gave me the general anaesthetic. I woke at 17:30.
I think my longest procedure with sedation was similar to yours but that was the last one with sedation for me thank goodness. I had no pleasure at all being aware of things as they carried out their work.
I agree with you that these doctors are legends my EP did work at Barts for some years with Dr Schilling.
Yes you must now rest as much as you can as the way your convalescence is conducted is almost as crucial as the actual procedure.
Amazing Matt. Unsettling to not have your own EP but it sounds as if multiple others have done their very best for you.This ablation was the first that I have been awake z as nd aware for and I agree, it is actually humbling to see the unbelievable concentration and technology used. One of the physiology specialists helping with the guiding had actually come back early from annual leave to assist. Amazing. I think EPs are generally under appreciated in hospitals. I know that WE appreciate them though.
Good luck with your recovery. If you have any box sets or films you can recommend please do.
Wish we had your problem of unappreciation of EPs here. I live in South Africa. and in the large province of KZN, where I live, there is only one EP, there are sufficient cardiologists, but most people have to go to Cape Town for an ablation.!
My goodness! I have just looked on a map and that is a huge distance to travel for an ablation. Despite all our moaning we are still fortunate in the U.K. waiting lists are the main problem here but generally we don’t have to travel any great distance. Take care x
Good luck with your recovery. I was actually in theatre for 7 hours 2 yrs ago. And found 5 rythmns to sort out. But did not have your run of Doctors to attend to you All the best.
It's so good to read the truth of these things. It is a complex operation that requires extreme care and detailed knowledge. You had the best. Let's hope that you now enjoy the peace that passeth all understanding that will surely come from having a worry-free ticker that is all tickety-boo!
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All the best. 
3 month post ablation-update 
Back home after cryoablation 
4 month post ablation ep visit yesterday 
