Ablation tomorrow. i’ve been on the list for 18 months.
was told 0730 but hospital called earlier to change to tomorrow afternoon.
Im trying to control my anxiety but failing badly. I’d got it in my head 0730 and any disruption to that is freaking me out. Also when I asked how long I would “be under” the nurse replied in your case 4 to 5 hours! some only a couple of hours but not yours!
I’m paf and not on meds other than apixoban which they want me to stop after tonight’s.
Any tips to help me get a grip please. I want to be brave but failing miserably. x
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foxglove1
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I know how you must feel. I had 2 ablations postponed when I was already in the hospital waiting. On both occasions had to wait another month.
We get mentally ready for it and it is so upsetting.
However in the end it is best to just take a deep breath and take each hour as it comes as in reality stressing yourself will not help at all.
In all I have had a number of procedures and operations delayed. Now these experiences have trained me to take it all in my stride. It again helped me on Thursday when I was in A&E for 10 hours before being admitted to the ward (not a heart issue).
I think your letting your anxiety run away with you. Appointment changes are common, look at it from a positive point of view in that you won’t have to rush around in the morning and you can just take your time. Also they cannot be sure exactly how long the procedure will take place, it will take has long as it will take. I have had two ablations and I know exactly how you feel, I was anxious too. When it is all done you will wonder what all the fuss was about. Go with the flow and don’t dwell, keep as busy as you can so your not constantly thinking about it. You will be fine. All the best !
No I had sedation for both ablations. The second one I had very little sedation and lasted just over an hour. It is the time before the procedure that’s the worst, damn anxiety. 😁
most seem to have sedation. I would prefer that to a general anaesthetic as dr google says can lead to early dementia in the elderly.must stop! leaving for procedure soon. thanks everyone x
Good luck Foxglove. You’ll be fine, and you’ll be so relieved when you’re safely out the other side! Looking forward to hearing about it. Jxx
PS My EP didn’t give a choice of sedation or GA, he prefers GA, so that’s what they’ll do on me (I’m on the waiting list.) I initially preferred the idea of sedation as I’ve never had GA, but most of all I prefer whatever he is confident in. That’s the most reassuring thing of all - they are always going to make the decision that makes them confident of the best result. So rest back and know you’re in good hands xx
thank you, you are all absolutely right and i’m going to look at these replies on my phone when the stress bucket hits me. thanks so much. if it’s not too boring i’ll let you know how it goes x
I was quite cocky when I went for my first ablation. I think I manage to block things out easily, plus we think to ourselves we can cancel if we want.
Someone I'd made a friend of who was on this forum and under the same EP came to meet me for the first time the evening I went in and we chatted non stop. A male nurse told me that I must be the best dressed patient they'd ever had. Flattery, makes you happy. I had a single room with an en-suite and it all looked new. What more could I have asked for.
After my friend went I was asked if I'd move into the main ward as someone was really poorly and they needed that room for her, which I did gladly.
The ablation, well there's nothing to it really. I certainly didn't feel uncomfortable or suffer any pain whatsoever. The next morning I got up and had a shower ready to go home. As I left I was given instructions, which said not to bend down for a certain amount of time - well too late because I'd already bent to wash my feet in the shower! I don't think it hits you until you get home, then you may feel quite drained for a few days. Make sure you rest the first week and then gradually start short walks the second one.
I've had two more ablations since then and I would never have had them if they'd caused problems or been painful.
Wishing you well and I look forward to hearing how it all goes.
I felt just the same as you in the waiting room, I had my ablation September 2018, I would have another tomorrow if needed. I was under sedation but totally aware of everything. Once you have been there once it's all down hill, absolutely nothing to worry about as the teams that carry out the procedure are so professional. You are in very safe hands, be brave and trust me you will look back and wonder what all the fuss was about.Regards Dave.
I was told by my Arrythmia nurse that the bulk of the time - particularly for a first ablation, is taken up electronically mapping inside your heart and identifying the rogue pathways that are causing the arrhythmias. The actual procedure is comparatively quick. It’s nothing to do with how good, bad or complex your condition is they are just painstakingly thorough to zap all the areas that they can .
The change of timing is almost certainly to do with optimising the time for the teams so they can carry out as many procedures as possible that day. Nothing sinister - it happened to me a few weeks back when I had a Watchman procedure as part of a clinical trial I am taking part in and was because they wanted to fit in two more people to have stents fitted that day in that operating theatre.
I’ve had two ablations and would not hesitate to have a third if I eventually need it. True you will feel a bit wiped out for a few days - no pain just fatigue and not able to do much for too long but by this time next week you will start to feel a lot better and resilient. Just take it easy and try not to over think things. It will be fine.
Take care of yourself - you will be in good caring hands and all will be well.
Appointments are often changed.Mi ne was cancelled at very short notice ,2 days then a call come next Monday.Please don't worry.A lot of us go through it .
I've had 3 ablations this last year and each time attended hospital, as requested at 7.30 am and each time went to theatre mid afternoon. First two under local sedation, last one GA. So I think it's a helpful thing that they've let you know, in advance, not to go in too early and just be waiting around.And also, a lie in!!
I don't think it's anything to worry about and the timings sound about right too. It does take a few hours. It's a procedure all about precision.
Sorry it's a little late, but just want to say good luck and hope all goes well today. Please ensure you rest up over the next coming couple of weeks to help your body recover. You may also be interested in downloading our 'Recovering from an Ablation' patient information sheet available from the AF Association webpage: api.heartrhythmalliance.org...
That leaflet is full of really good advice - I had all of those symptoms after my (4) ablations & referring to them for reassurance was a great backup. Think many of us who have/ had AF want to be feeling well & up & running immediately but, as explained it takes time.
My ablation on December 5th was to be at 7:30 a.m., but when I got to the hospital -- and waited and waited to be called -- I was told a patient before me had complications and my procedure wouldn't be performed until early afternoon. I was like you, very stressed, but all went well. My point is we all go through this one time or another so try to stay positive, and here's wishing you a successful recovery.
I had an ablation Aug 3. They said it would be 2 hrs. It ended up being 5 hrs. I feel great. I am glad they continued longer to fix more of the electrical problems. That way I won't have issues earlier down the road hopefully . It wasn't a scary procedure.
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