ablation

[Lumps]

Wishing everyone a happy new year at last I have a date for my ablation only 11 days away anxiety and worry settling in any advice very welcome

Thank you

[Jalia]

It's only natural to feel anxious. I've had 4 RF ablations and felt less anxious with each one. My last one did not bother me unduly.

Be assured that you will be very well looked after by an experienced team. Are you having sedation or a General ? I've had both and actually prefer sedation although many would disagree with me .

Is there anything in particular that is worrying you? Do say and we may be able to allay your fears.

Best wishes

J

[Lumps in reply to Jalia]

Thank you for your reply I am not sure if I will be sedated or to have General I will ask questions at my pre assessment

Take care

[Hidden]

Just re-read the factsheets at the top of the Pinned Posts at the top of this page. Keep hydrated try not to worry, (famous last words). If it’s a Cryoablation it’s more likely to be sedation so don’t be afraid to ask for more knock out drops if you feel any discomfort. Depending on your domestic situation, make sure the kitchen is well stocked up for when you return home. No matter how well you might feel after the event, don’t make the mistake of over doing it!

If your groin is black’n blue, just think what the inside of your ticker must look like. When you feel up to it, please let us know how you get on. Good luck, and what a good start for the New Year 👍

[KMRobbo]

Dont worry. It will be fine! The EP will have done it before!

Best wishes for a succesful outcome!

[ForeverHiker]

I was nervous too, but 8 weeks out I am very glad I had mine. No afib at all! Biggest advice: be patient with your recovery and expect some ups and downs. I thought I would be back to normal in a week, but am still recovering stamina, although feeling better each week. The first two days after general anesthesia I was a bit groggy. That cleared up, but I did not feel like myself for a couple of weeks; even had a bit of depression and worry when my heartbeat sped up. This forum helped me see that all that was normal. Also overdid it a few times and felt worn down. Once I got it through my head that I had to let my heart heal, I did a better job managing recovery.

[Sputnik56]

Had my ablation on 1st December. Apart from one run of AF 2 weeks post procedure, all is calm. I am still taking things easy but have just started gentle 20 minute walks. Anxiety is natural, but the team was fantastic, reassuring and put me at ease. I would read and re-read the factsheets available - they are invaluable.

It'll be over before you know it. Best wishes.

[Sixtychick]

I had my ablation on 19th September. I was scared, but went ahead with it. I had sedation. Glad I didn’t have a general, although it did make me a bit dizzy for a while, I shut my eyes until it went away. I also had the biggest bruise in my groin and have suffered from ectopic beats since I had it. It is apparently normal after ablation, so hoping they’ll go away eventually. As for the AFib, I only got it occasionally, so unless it returns, there’s no way of knowing if mine has worked, although the EP came afterwards and told me it had gone very well. Still waiting for my 3 monthly follow-up appointment, which should have been last month, but I suppose with these Drs strikes, it’s not going to be for a while. Good luck with your ablation, it’s easy to say don’t worry, but believe me, if I can go through with it, then I’m sure you’ll be fine. The fact sheets on here are very good, worth printing them out.

[lizzieloo2]

I had my ablation last August and was as nervous as hell but I needn't have worried. The nurses and the EP and anaesthetist (I had a general for RF catheter ablation) were all great, put me at ease and answered all my questions both before and after. It's easy to say don't worry but really I'm sure you will be absolutely fine and will feel glad you've taken the plunge. Everyone on here will support you through any hiccups or worries. Make sure you read the patient sheet on post ablation recovery. Good luck

[doodle68]

Hi Lumps 🙂 I had a cryoablation on October 26, afterwards I wondered what all the fuss was about . I found it preferable to a 2 hour root tooth filling on calcified roots which was hell.

The whole procedure was explained to me in the ward and a canular inserted

I found my slow counting breaths / breathing excercise helped to calm me down and distract when I went into the Cath lab . To begin with all the lab staff introduced themselves which made me feel relaxed and in safe hands

I was sedated not anesthetised for the ablation and able to signal to the kind staff (I had an oxygen mask on in case it was needed so couldn't speak) if I felt discomfort and the sedation was adjusted. I must have been put out at the end when for me cardioversion was require and woke up on the ward eager for a drink. I went home the same day .

I thought the ablation hadn't worked when I went into AF 4 days after and am now taking flecainide to help during the blanking period and that has returned me to NSR.

The only problem I had was bleeding from the groin and a lump there which I had to watch.

I wish now I had gone for an ablation years ago before Covid extended the delay and I reached symptomatic persistent af and a poor quality of life.

[JLONDON]

Hi Lumps I had a 2nd ablation on 20 December and am feeling pretty good after. Glad I did it as I am sure you will be. Please feel free to message me if you have any questions.

[Lumps in reply to JLONDON]

Thank you all for your replies I am feeling a little less anxious I will certainly read the recovery information as so many have suggested thanks again take care

[SCCDL]

I was terrified - and pleasantly surprised at what actually happened. Follow doc's orders and you should be fine. It's normal to be anxious but I bet the main thing you will feel afterward is relief!

[foxglove1]

I was the same very apprehensive but so glad I had my ablation. Had it in January of last year with a general. First week wasn't great and dont want to tempt fate but since the beginning of February last year I have been free. Prior to then I was having af every 4-6 weeks in the middle of the night and had done for years. Wish I had had the ablation earlier but very grateful for now. If I had to have another I would go for a general again. lots of good wishes and try not to worry. x