Hello. I thought I would share my Ablation experience which occurred on Monday (19th Dec). I have found it helpful reading people’s thoughts here, so these are mine.
Briefly I have done endurance sport for 30 years, rowing, running and cycling. I noticed 2 years ish ago my heart would sometimes behave strangely, peak and then not settle below 130 bpm. This year it deteriorated to the point where I’ve had to stop riding my bike which coinsided with me seeking help. NOTE: should have sought intervention earlier folks.
So I was diagnosed with exercise induced AF in September, ultimately being able to prove the instances using a Kardia machine. This is an amazing piece of kit and saved me months getting treatment.
I decided quickly to have the ablation procedure even though I was nervous about it. I would add that at every turn the healthcare people reassured me it was a safe process. I hah never had an operation before (lucky I know) for context.
A week before I had come to a level of acceptance. I did a fair amount of background reading so I knew roughly what was going to happen but that can only prepare you so far.
Monday arrived, I got to the hospital in plenty of time and was admitted. The admissions process took about an hour, BP, weight, height taken, cannula installed. Groin was shaved. I then got taken upstairs to theatre. I spoke to my EP, he reassured me everything would be fine and I reiterated I was very nervous, which was written all over my face. I walked in, there was 5-6 people in the room. Everyone was engaging, high energy, chatting. I must have looked like a rabbit in the headlights. Within a few minutes I was being sedated. The process took 2 hours though I had no concept of time.
During the process my vagal nerve was stimulated which was unpleasant but passed. I had Cryo AF and the process felt like a heart freeze. Strange, odd, uncomfortable but ok. Upon returning to the ward I was on a monitor for 4 hours and then allowed to return home. After just an hour of the procedure I felt ok. I left in normal sinus rhythm.
I’m 48 hours past surgery now, feel very positive about it. Not slept great but that’s ok. I’ve just got to rest. My groin wound is healing nicely and hopefully I can start walking to the shops in the next few days. Been TOLD to take it easy though by everyone.
I hope this is useful. I was very worried about the Ablation, which is probably normal, but it really was ok. I am no hospital hero! As a friend of mine said these people are experts. The Dr that conducted my surgery had done it 500 + times. You are in safe hands.
I hope everyone here has a good Christmas. I’ll post again later as a recovery update.
cheers, thanks, bye,
Boouie.
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