Ablation Experience

[Boouie]

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.

[CDreamer]

Wishing you a speedy recovery, which I am sure will happen - as long as you rest and only gradually return to you normal life and long lasting NSR - which I am sure will also happen as long as you moderate your exercise intensity.

[Physalis]

Very similar to my experience.

[jeanjeannie50]

Pleased to hear that all went well Boouie and wish you a speedy recovery. I was a bit hyperactive before my AF kicked of, cycling, cross country running, swimming, riding, long walks. We thought we were keeping ourselves fit didn't we!

Jean

[Boouie]

thank you, yes Exactly! Been active all my life, maybe just too ‘intensely’. Lesson for me Jean.

[wilsond]

Great news and thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas to you ,too. Plenty of tv for few weeks please or you will have wasted your time!!!🙂🙂

[BobD Volunteer]

Well done. now rest and carefuly read the attached link.

healthunlocked.com/redirect...

Merry Christmas.

[Boouie in reply to BobD]

got it thanks Bob.

[Jalia]

Sounds all good! Thank you for sharing. Hope all goes well for you now.

Happy Christmas !

[mrgwair567]

Good news that all went well, take it easy and have Merry Christmas!

[fairyfeathers]

Rest and more Rest! I wish you well going forward

[emmap985]

Very helpful Boouie to explain the procedure as I have been too scared to have it done. Were you aware of lying there for ages or were you sort of beyond woozy and unaware. I know I would panic otherwise if too awake. I wish you a speedy recovery and Merry Christmas to you! Emma

[Boouie in reply to emmap985]

Hello Emmap985,

Happy Christmas to you. Let’s deal with the worry first. I was very anxious about the whole process despite being told it would all be fine. I found the concept very daunting and had all sorts of fears about being sedated. It’s natural I think. However I would say my mind & unfounded fears made it worse than it was. I can’t tell you not to worry but you WILL be fine.

The sedation experience was odd. I thought it wasn’t working but I had no sense of time. I was lying down obviously but it wasn’t sleep….and nor was I conscious. Which I think is how it’s meant to work. Again, the fear or your internal monologue is causing you more anxiety than it warrants. It is a big deal - but these folks are performing this procedure all the time.

I hope this helps.

Best Wishes to you, on your journey.

Boouie

[emmap985 in reply to Boouie]

Very well explained thanks so much. Merry Christmas to you and a Happy new year ! All the best on your recovery. Emma

[Balgaj]

Thank you for Boouie for giving an insight into what happens during a procedure. My husband is on the waiting list so I'll show him your post as it is reassuring to see how positive the experience has been for you. Have a lovely Christmas and all the very best for a speedy recovery!