PVI procedure

[Henry716]

hi all

Due to have PVI on 7th June and a bit worried about the procedure. Can anyone share their experience thanks

[BobD Volunteer]

Had three and nthing to worry about. Read these useful fact sheets

healthunlocked.com/redirect...

healthunlocked.com/redirect...

I'd rather have ablation that go to the dentist!

[Hidden]

I’m just off to my bed but if you look at the top right corner of this page you will find a number of Related Posts which you should find helpful. In addition, I’ve added links to a couple of factsheets which will definitely help.

api.heartrhythmalliance.org...

api.heartrhythmalliance.org...

Please let us know how you get on…….

[mjames1]

Yes, happy to share my experience. I had my cryo ablation a little over four weeks ago. But first, congratulations on making the decision, because it always isn't an easy one, it wasn't for me.

So, I read a lot about ablation, here and elsewhere. Read the data sheets online, as well as what my cardio sent me, read articles, etc, but I will say there is a big difference between reading about what may or may not happen and actually experiencing it 😀

For me and many others, ablation took a lot more out or me than I expected. It may not technically be surgery, but it is a big procedure and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

I'll skip my in hospital experience as I'm sure you can read it elsewhere and it may differ depending on ep, hospital and specific ablation. I was "first of the day" and did not stay the night but some do.

My going home instructions were not to lift anything over 10 pounds for the first 4-5 days, so I didn't. That gives your groin wound(s) time to heal properly. I had a bleeding issue with mine at the hospital, so I had to be extra careful.

The first week I was told to take it easy, but I didn't feel like doing much other than lie on couch and catch up on Netflix. Took a couple of ten minute slow walks here and there.

I was told I could start "normal" activity in a week, so I started to do a few "normal" things and ended up in bed the next day! Too much too soon, so I took it easy the rest of the week.

The doctor said I could resume full exercise after 14 days. It became obvious to me that this doctor had never had an ablation himself! But, if I had a non-stress desk job, I probably could have gone to work and then back home to the couch.

So here I am at day 33. A bit short of breath at times and some chest discomfort, but no afib, which is good, although still on anti-arrythmics. For the chest issues, I was treated with colchicine, an anti-inflammatory to prevent/treat pericarditis, which occurs to one degree or another in 30% of all ablation patients, according to my PA. Mine has seemed to linger longer than most.

So still taking it easy and no where near my activity or energy level prior to ablation. From the stories I've read, some heal faster, some slower. I'd say I'm probably somewhere in middle.

The thing to keep in mind -- no matter how great you may feel -- is that this is your one chance to heal properly, so your ablation has a better chance of succeeding. Too much, too soon, even if you feel ok, can jeopardize that. So common to read that so and so, felt so good after a week that they went for a job and then -- for some odd reason -- they went into afib And regardless of what you read about the "blanking period" studies show that early afib episodes are associated with poorer long term outcomes. So again, coddle your heart a little so that you do your best not to get those episodes.

A couple of practical suggestions -- Unless you have someone taking care of you, get you place in order -- shopping, laundry, etc -- before the ablation. You are probably not going to feel like doing any of that. You probably won't feel like cooking for at least the first week, so either cook in advance or make other provisions.

Should you develop chest and/or breathing discomfort, make your voice heard to your doctor, as they may want to prescribe anti-inflammatories, like in my case.

Good luck and let us know how you do.

Jim