So, I arrived at the Golden Jubilee Hospital in Glasgow at 0730 this morning. I was called in to a room in ward 2c where I donned a rather fetching but rather revealing gown and filled out all the required forms. The staff were warm and welcoming and very reassuring. Around 0800 the surgeon who also happens to be my consultant, Dr Gary Wright, arrived and explained what was going to happen and when (I was first up!). Again he was very reassuring and calmed my nerves from stratospheric to high alert! After signing the consent form and chatting to the anesthetist I was led through to the lab where the procedure was to take place.
Now dear readers I would admit at that point the big fella's bottle nearly crashed and I was seriously contemplating pulling out. I think my face told that story as the assistant surgeon placed her hand on my arm and said you'll be fine",. So I laid down and after a half Brazilian off we went. Tbh I have a limited memory of the procedure as once the sedative hit I went a ilttle giggly before dozing off. I can remember a lot of technical chat, having what felt like an ice cream headache and points where I could feel 3 or 4 almighty thumps but that's about that. After what seemed ilke 15-20 mins (nearly 90 mins) I remember Dr Wright saying "all done" before taking an echocardiogram and the staff wheeling me back to the room.
I was disappointed initially to find myself in AFib which progressed into tachycardia. I was fully expecting to be kept in and cardioverted but Dr Wright came round and declared the procedure an unqualified success. He was delighted that he was able to access both veins and as I went into AFib he could further isolate the troublesome areas. He explained that the AFib and tachycardia was absolutely normal and actually was a good sign of a successful freeze. I also had a sore chest especially when taking a deep breath which again he said was a good sign. He did warn that there may be some rough waters to come but he is confident that this would be successful. I've to continue with Flecanide and Bisopropol for the next 2 months and he will review my anti-coagulents. I have an appointment scheduled for 3 months time. So after proving I could walk round the ward I was released into the custody of the current Mrs Boag.
As soon as I got into the car I reverted into NSR and am now ensconced on the settee eating dinner and watching the football. I do feel like someone has hit me in the chest with a sledge hammer and there's certainly no bedroom shenanigans on the agenda for sometime but overall I feel very confident about the future. Time will tell my lovely friends..........
Written by
Kennyb1968
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Excellent report Kenny! Take it easy and you'll be ok . Your description of walking into the cath lab resonates with me.
I was about to change my mind but the nurses persuaded me not to!
Anyhow 4+ hours later when it was all safely over and I was lying back in my bed the EP came to see how I was......I said that I felt like I had just given birth, ( comparing it to the elation following childbirth ..😬😅.) He said that no-one had ever said that before and that he could assure me that nothing like that went on ........
Well done 💖 When I asked the nurse how come I was panicking over an ablation when I’d gone into a very dangerous spinal op without a wobble she just said ‘It’s your heart’ which really summed it up. Best wishes for your recovery ❤️🩹
Sounds good and wishing you luck with your recovery. I too felt like I had been run over by a bus after my first ablation but all symptoms considerably improved and AF sorted itself out for the next 10 years.
Great report, pleased it went well. Useful information for my ablation on 5th October. I have to be at the hospital at 10.30 so guess I will be on the afternoon list
Great walk through of the event shall we say! I'm still terrified at the thought though tbh. I have been told by my E.P. that it'll be the end of the year at least till I am scheduled for mine, unless there's a cancellation. I hope you're resting and letting the 'current Mrs' look after you and do let us know how you're doing. stay well
Loved reading your report and could identify with much of it, although I didn't experience the brain freeze I was warned about - I'm guessing, I was well sedated when that kicked in!
I had my procedure on July 6th.
Today, I went to a large car show in a very big field. We go every year and I measure how my health is by how much, or how little, of the show I get to see and how many days I can cope with going (it's a 3 day event). I was absolutely delighted to walk considerably further than I have done for several years, without becoming breathless going up a gentle slope, and talking as I walked!
I have chronic lung conditions and have always attributed my breathlessness to that, but I have been feeling so much better and more energetic since having the ablation that I don't think it can be put down to coincidence. After my initial doubts about having it done, I am now really pleased that I did.
I hope that you will also think it was worth it, once you've recovered from being hit with a sledge hammer!
I did say you would be in safe hands. Dr Wright is at the top of his game. So glad it went well - they do know when they have zapped the right spots - and that you are in good fettle. Now look after yourself and stay well.
Good for you, Kenny! May it not bee too long before you are feeling great and up to your normal activities.(You can spare us details of any resumed bedroom shenanigans, though.😜)
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