Update after visit to Professor Ng and forthcoming ablation

[Karendeena]

Thank you all for responding to my previous post about my upcoming ablation (26th March). I will read the responses in the morning and respond as I am tired and confused Here is an update after my appointment.

I appreciate that Professor Ng is world renowned and I am probably in the best hands within the UK.

I asked him my questions around the risks and he frankly answered them to confirm that oesophageal fistula is the serious complication that has a high mortality rate (1 in 1000). He did say that they avoid going to the back of the heart to reduce this risk. Stroke is another. He also said sometimes bleeding occurs around the heart that 'can result' in the chest being opened.

He has now said he has to 'check' to see if I will be under GA, previously told me sedation, but says new technology, where they can be quite precise and takes shorter time requires a GA although he didn't explain why.

My final fear is the contrast used which can damage kidneys. I have a rare genetic condition called HLRCC that can result in an aggressive form of papillary kidney cancer (I am scanned every year). I already know I have kidney cysts that could turn malignant so the odds seem to be against me

Not sure what to do now as time is running out. I am due for my pre op assessment on the 19th March 🥺

[CDreamer]

My fear for you is that you get the peace and quiet to recover so please pay attention to Bob’s excellent advice on your original thread, stress is the last thing you need when trying to recover. Put some strategies in place for managing your stress.

I think everyone goes through the ‘am I doing the right thing’ as the date approaches but you also need to ask yourself if carrying on as you are is going to be better?

Sending best wishes for a successful outcome and a peaceful and speedy recovery.

[Karendeena in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you CDreamer. I suppose I am lucky that we have a lodge in a nature reserve in Lincolnshire where it is very quiet and I could go there. I would be a bit scared as it's off the beaten track and the nearest hospital is 40 minutes away in Lincoln. I would also dread the thought of getting the next phone call had something hax happened at home which has become the norm lately.It's the stress that bothers me ax I can't get away from it now matter how I try. Thank you for your kind words ❤️

[Ppiman]

I would mention the kidney issue by emailing the Glenfield cardiology secretary for Prof Ng, but then just go with the flow and trust this excellent doctor to do his magic!

Steve

[Karendeena in reply to Ppiman]

Thanks Steve 🙂

[BobD Volunteer]

Sounds like he may be thinking pulsed field which is GOOD NEWS. Do remember that doctors tell you all the bad things that can happen so that you can't sue them if it all goes pear shaped. In twenty odd years I have yet to hear of a death during/from ablation. When my EP gave me the spiel in 2005 I asked him when he last killed anybody to which he replied in horror that he never had. I then told him to put me on his list for the week after he did so I knew he would be more careful. We are still friends!

[Karendeena in reply to BobD]

Bob, you have really cheered me up!!! ☺️As I lie here in bed thinking my world is about to end 🥺

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Karendeena]

My work is done!.

[Iamfuzzyduck in reply to Karendeena]

I asked the murse last week if I needed the procedure and if I would die having it, and she laughed and said no I am not going to die having it!

[Tapanac]

they have to tell you everything now. Once upon a time it was all come in have any operation done and hopefully go home. It’s the same with pills just taking a paracetamol sounds dangerous in the pamphlet. Do try not to worry. Easier said than done I know only too well. Hope all goes well for you and rest afterwards

Pat xx

[Buffafly]

When I asked my GP for HRT because I was struggling at work he pointed out that I had a breast condition that put me at risk of cancer. My reply was that that was a future possibility but my problems were in the present so he agreed. You are in the same boat. Why suffer for years in case of something that may never happen and is being regularly watched out for? Best wishes ❤️‍🩹