Ablation recovery-what is reasonable?

[Guitar335]

Hi all, After wrestling with the demon AF over the last 7 years and accepting I can't beat it, however much I adapt my lifestyle, Ive got a date for an ablation, 26th September.

Coincidentally and excitingly my daughter, who has been living in Australia for the past 12 months, is flying in for two weeks, 4 days earlier.

I know there is no way I can see her and do things on the 27th (the day after ablation) but whats people opinion of what I could reasonably do with her on 28th/29th?

Am I sofa bound or is it likely I will be well enough to walk about a bit?

Thank you

[BobD Volunteer]

Read our fact sheets on preparing for and recovering which I will cut and past below shortly. Short walks within your property are fine but no running up and down stairs or long country walks . Above all listen to your body and be sensible.

healthunlocked.com/redirect...

healthunlocked.com/redirect...

[Guitar335 in reply to BobD]

Hi Bob

Im hoping you have been thanked a hundred times before and this is another one for the post op fact sheet. I had my ablation 6 days ago and your fact sheet feels written just for me. Auras yes, migraine yes, impressive bruising yes, one small 10 minute AF run yes, sore throat from TOE yes, higher heart rate than before yes, rest for the first week defo,. Anxiety currently managed positively as a result.

Thank you

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Guitar335]

Glad it helped. I compiled that fact sheet some years ago after asking here for all the things you wished somebody had told you. Flapjack did similar with the "preparing for" sheet.

[jeanjeannie50]

There's no telling really, because it's all down to how you will feel after the ablation. I've had 3 and after the first two I could do little for a week and then very gradually started doing a little more the second one. At home you may find yourself feeling full of life and energy and feel that you can do anything, but be warned, that once you leave your house you can very quickly and suddenly become overwhelmingly tired. Please take note of this as it comes as a bit of a shock after you were feeling so well.

After my 3rd ablation I felt well immediately, but before I could leave the hospital the next day my heart went into fast AF and I felt dreadful, was kept in for another day and put back on my pills. Next day it dropped back to normal sinus rhythm and I was discharged. My heart took off fast again about 6 weeks later and I had a cardioversion. From then on I've been ok, but after a few years went back into constant low rate AF between 60-90bpm which doesn't bother me.

Think of some nice places you can have a little drive to and maybe have a very short walk and then light lunch. Walking after lunch is not a good idea as it can promote AF. Your daughter may want to meet up with old friends too, which will give you time to rest.

Please do not push yourself after your ablation.

Hope all goes well for you. Will wait to hear about it.

Jean

[Guitar335 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

JeanJeannie, thank you for your kindness and the incredibly useful first hand tips and thoughts.

[Guitar335 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Hi JeanJeannie,

6 days post op and feeling on track. Your tips were heard loud and clear and incredibly helpful. Thank you.

I think Im getting the balance right and listening to my body.

[Jalia]

I think Jean has said it all nicely! I never felt chairbound after my 4 ablations. Expect to tire easily and be prepared for this with planned rests though.

Hope all goes well with your ablation and enjoy your time with your family afterwards.

[Guitar335 in reply to Jalia]

Thanks Jalia. Your message has just helped me understand Jeans even further. So even though I may feel fine getting tired could hit faster than expected. Thank you that tip is very very helpful.

[CDreamer in reply to Guitar335]

Exactly - I ruined my first ablation I felt so well so completely went mad on day 2 and ended up far worse off than before the ablation. Everyone’s experience is very different & there young (under 45) fit people who may be back at work in 7 days, others take weeks or even months to feel really on top of things so drop any and all expectations and go by how you feel but do heed Jean’s excellent advice - the secret is to stop and rest before you feel the exhaustion, don’t try pushing through it. Good luck & let us know how it all goes.

[Morzine]

everyones said it all. You may well feel fine in the house but outside the heart

goes “ woah! Stop this”. Jean actually hit it on the nail with what she said.

I’m sure your daughter won’t want to push you. Such a shame it’s happening when you’ve got her here. Maybe drive to a cafe?

The rule of thumb is rest two weeks as the hearts getting to grips with its hurt.

Sue

[Jetcat]

Hi G, after having 3 ablations myself I would say you will probably just be sitting and having a nice chat and catch up with your daughter. I was tired for first few days and my groin area entry points were very tender.(not painfull as such) you will still be mobile so just take it easy, keep hydrated, and give your heart a chance to heal. I’m sure you’ll have a lovely catch up but don’t be planning on anything too strenuous.

Best wishes mate.

Ron👍

[Jajarunner]

You won't be able to move without pain for at least a week due to groin pain. I was also unable to do much (like walk far, or spend a day out) for about three months but I'm a slow healer. But I was fine to have visitors and chat though I got very tired xx

[Mugsy15 in reply to Jajarunner]

Not necessarily, I had no groin pain.

[Fullofheart]

I've had 3...each time I was fine the next day to go out for a quick coffee (with someone driving me and dropping me right outside) and fine to have visitors but not fine to walk or stay on my feet. A slow, flat short walk was possible within a few days, definitely within the week. No driving for a week and take it very easy. I slept downstairs and avoided steps for about 3 or 4 nights post procedure to help the groin to heal.

[2learn]

Hi, personal experience is that other people do not understand the kind of tiredness you can have from an ablation, or a stroke. People might say you look well, you haven't done anything, so why are you tired, its just a little walk, little might be 4 mls to a fit person but too much post ablation. My impression is people's perception of tiredness depends on their own health and fitness not yours. There may be pressure to do more. So as people here say look after yourself and be firm its your health, even when you want to do more just be wary. If the ablation fails because you overdo it you will be really fed up. Good luck

[Ducky2003]

I felt pretty delicate for at least a week. Obviously, no driving but even getting in and out of the car was an effort and sore. As others have said, we are all different but even if you feel great, it could so easily go pear shaped if you overdo it. Just take things steady.

[lizzieloo2]

I had my ablation on 8 August and my cardiologist said I could walk the dog the next day (2-3 miles) despite the paperwork telling me to rest for at least a week. I did what the cardiologist said as I felt OK and then continued to do normal things like cook, wash up and water the garden. Unfortunately, what with the dehydration and tiredness from the day leading up to the procedure, I had an AF attack on the second night which went after about 6hrs after a cup of tea. I then took it easy for a few days and started walking the dog again on about day 6. I felt tired, had a mild headache and short-lived aura migraines for about a week. So I would say I would have been happy to have someone stay (as long as I didn't have to cater or run round after them) but I wouldn't have wanted to go out sightseeing. I'm now at 5 weeks post ablation and have been back to full strength for a couple of weeks although I do find I get tired more quickly still. Hope this helps and that you manage to enjoy your daughter's visit