First of all a very big thank you for all your support and good wishes prior to my Ablation, couldn’t have gone thro it without you.
I had my Ablation on Monday. Arrived at Catheter Lab small Ward to be met by friendly nurse who gave me reassurance and took my BP and did an ECG. I then had a cannula fitted in my arm, no problem with this as she had obviously done many of these so it was a painless procedure. I had to change into a fetching gown and put on disposable underwear and special socks. I had taken a dressing and slippers as had been warned it would be chilly in the Ward. I was 2nd on list. Lots of paperwork went thro and my EP came and chatted to me about what he hoped to achieve and asked if I had any questions. So all running like clockwork. It was soon my turn to walk into the Cath Lab to be greeted by a room containing so much space age equipment an enormous TV screen which ran down the side of the narrow but comfy bed. Lots of friendly staff to reassure. I was wired up to lots of equipment, had sticky pads put everywhere to monitor me. At this stage I wanted to escape but a very kind radiographer looked at my face and seemed to read my mind. She just asked how I was doing, I replied I’m very nervous, is that ok? She chuckled and said how I was feeling was completely normal and not to worry. Then the anaesthetist explained I would have conscious sedation and she would make sure I was comfortable. My EP came in the room and he was wearing some goggles which for some reason made me want to chuckle. So the procedure started.
I would be having an electrophysiology study with ablation (atrial flutter-cavotricuspid isthmus) including 3D mapping. The procedure took approx 2hrs. The puncture wound into the groin was a little uncomfortable but after the local anaesthetic I just felt some pressure. But no pain. The anaesthetist talked to me asking if I was comfy, and said she would top up sedation if I needed it. I drifted in and out of sleep so don’t remember much about the procedure so all my fears about being awake during it were unfounded. Back on the small Ward for a little sleep. Had to lie flat for 45mins or so due to ensure the groin wound was ok. After this time a lovely cup of tea and sandwich. Then a little walk up and down Ward after which groin wound checked again.
My EP came and updated me. Apparently all ok but needed Flecainide 50mg as I had frequent bursts of multi focal atrial ectopics. Had a few issues as needed extensive ablation but block achieved. Took a little longer than he had first thought but as I cannot tolerate Bisosporol I have been put on Flecainide 50mg twice daily. I don’t know if this is because of my extensive etopics or due to tachycardia? I will be contacting my arrhythmia nurse to ask . The day after the procedure I had no pain, just sore groin bit of a headache and felt extremely tired but so relieved the actual procedure was fine, the staff were wonderful so all my anxiety was unfounded.
As of this morning I have little appetite I feel a little nauseous and suffering with gastric issues after eating and my heart doesn’t seem to like me very much after I have eaten. Will ask my arrthmia nyse about this. But all good and I’m happy I had it done! Thank you all again.
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fairyfeathers
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Glad it went well.I had same procedure in May.I was gone from the ward for over 4 hours tho.Still had no contact followup must chase it up.I still get a few ectopics and tacky runs but had to stop verapimil immediately after ablation which worried me but if i get a fast tacky run which i did recently i take 1 verapimil as a pip and so far its worked to get me back yo normal rate in an hour or so.
thank you for your response. I have already got a date for 3 months time for follow up telephone chat. Prior to this chat will have an uptodate ECG. So I’m in the system. You definitely need to ring them to give them a little nudge that you need a follow up appointment. I Have concerns re my new Flecainide meds as I do not tolerate meds very well. But few etopics or similar now and again esp after eating.
No I had neither sedation or GA! Just local in the leg,and then at one point couldnt stand it.and given something nice! I was expecting sedation but was told afterwards they wait and see how patient is doing without*🙄 I have IBS too sometimes,but it is the ablation proceedure that irritates the system as very closr to where they work x
thank you so much for the helpful info I shall mention it to my nurse as is quite annoying that eating plays everything up. I cannot believe they were going to do the procedure with just a local anaesthetic., pleased they eventually gave you something to help.
Glad it went well, and take time to rest and heal.
Had my ablation under GA on Wednesday and the support I have had on here has been such a help. I had a TOE so woke with a sore throat-but sometimes the phrenic nerve is irritated and can cause gastric symptoms.
Will do, one of the things I learnt from here, particularly post cardio version is that we are all different; no arbitrary time to go back to 'life' - gym, work, walking etc. But I took note of the advice given here and really reduced, and will do post ablation.
yes, I find it difficult to pace myself as do not find it easy sitting and doing very little. This wonderful site has been my “comfort blanket” especially when I had so many questions that needed an answer. Plus the advice I received from the caring people on this site helped calm me. So I know where you are coming from. I asked my cardiac nurse how long it would take to get over an ablation procedure, she just said your body will let you know! She was correct, I did a little too much yesterday and my body reacted accordingly, so back to behaving myself and taking it easy. I wish you well.
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