I had a phone call Friday……. ablation now booked Monday 13th May! At Basildon.
I have read lots about recovery and realise it depends how much is done and on the individual.
My imagination swings from a minor procedure with recovery from a few weeks
to a debilitating op, not able to do much for ages, taking months of long drawn out recovery……and everything in between 🤣
Any experiences or advice gratefully received, to help reassure my imagination and help me plan what help I may need afterwards. I know I will be given advice after the ablation by the cardiology staff. Logically I know it will be fine, emotionally I am terrified.
Thank you.
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Tilly1957
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I had my first ablation in 2009 and was really quite mortified at the prospect. It was very different to what I had expected and nowhere near as bad. I was very well looked after. I went on to have 3 more and have another planned before very long.
So, having had the experience of 4 ablations, from my perspective I can say that this is certainly not a debilitating op ! However we are all different so better to tread carefully and not overdo things.
Do get all your housework etc up to date beforehand and plenty of shopping, easy to cook meals etc available. Just rest up for the first week and allow yourself to be spoilt if possible. Second week you can do a bit more but don't overdo it. Listen to your body. I felt fine from this time but then I've never been into 10 mile hikes etc.... Looking after our home, maintenance & gardening has been my domain plus looking after OH naturally !!
Good Advice. Try not to overdo it before hand but if you have every thing set up so that the most you have to do is take a home made (or even shop bought) frozen meal out of the freezer to defrost and into the microwave that will be great. My wife always does this when one of us has to go into hospital for an operation or procedure as you never really know how you will be in recovery and the less either you or your OH have to do around the house and cooking for that first week or two the better. Other than cardioversions I have had a hip and knee replacement in the last few years and my wife said that was just like having 3 toddlers to wash, dress and look after. By the time she got me washed and those dreaded stockings put back on most of the morning was gone and it was time to get me exercising.
Good Luck and read the pamphlets available on the AFA website about ablation and recovery from ablation and I'm sure you will find that nothing will be quite as bad as the scenarios you imagined.
Hi, did you get 4 abalations on the NHS? What was the reason for the repeat procedures. I have been told I need to be out of AF by my NHS consultant but my private one said that is not necessary. I am trying to get as much info as possible before seeing the NHS again.
I had my ablations mainly because I was refractory to drug treatment. I almost always required cardioverting (electrics) to return to sinus rhythm. All on NHS.
At the time of my 3rd ablation I went into fast AF just before I left home for the hospital so I was well away by the time the procedure started.
I am about to have my 5th ablation which will he an endo-epicardial procedure. If this fails then it will be AV node ablation and pacemaker. This all started at the age of 48......31 years ago !
if you haven't already please read our two fact sheets on preparing for and recovering from abaltion as there are lots of helpful hints there. The slower your recovery in the first month I think the better so make sure you are well prepared and or looked after those first two weeks r more.
I am quite sure I wasted my first ablation by accepting the doctors advice that I would be fine in a couple of days. Crawling under a car to fix an hydraulic clutch issue for a friend at ten days set me back into AF and on course to my second ablation!
Hi Bob, I think I might be doing a bit too much but don't feel tired, breathless etc and finding it difficult to actually slow down! Coming up 2 weeks on Tuesday (don't know where that time as gone!!). It's the anxiety that's done me tbh and I continue to question myself whether AI should/shouldn't be going out, then again I am sure my body would let me know. My only issue now is anxiety stopping me sleeping, some wind and would you believe constipation!!! Can I ask what you think, could this be the omeprazole?
Not sure I have an answer. I think most people know my reluctance regarding PPIs used for any length of time. I had several years of them thanks to my stupid GP miss-diagnosing my AF as stomach issues and the battle to had to come of them, was a real struggle. I won't go into all the ins and outs of it suffice to say that long term use casues even longer term use in some cases. Since no doubt you have been given the drug for short term use (maybe a month) then perhaps best to live with it rather than risk the wrath of your doctor.
Try to stay relaxed and stay well hydrated but if things get worse then contact your medical team.
I’ve been suffering some really painful attacks of wind over the past week (I had my ablation just over two weeks ago). It’s really helpful to know that the likely cause is the Omeprazole they gave me to take for the first month, as I’d been racking my brains to work out why. Now I know it’s probably a side effect of taking Omeprazole, I can relax, knowing that I’ve only got to take it for another two weeks. Thanks Karen and Bob for bringing this to my attention. This forum is a mine of useful information 😊
Hi Tilly that’s great news! I agree with Bob, allow a slow recovery - not necessarily because you haven’t the strength or will or anything to do with how well you feel. Go slow because that gives your heart the chance to heal from the swelling and bruising. Go slow because during that recovery time you have an opportunity to become skilled at deep relaxation, breathing and meditation techniques - these have been scientifically proven to aid healing and it certainly worked for me. AF loves anxiety so try not to go there. Go slow because your heart needs time and space to think “ok, so this is where I am now, in NSR!” You need space to learn the best way to deal with the odd run of ectopics (I used box breathing) and momentary AF episodes while the scarring heals.
My EP advised a half hour walk a day as soon as possible, but that could be in small doses. I took things slowly - very short walks in first few weeks - because I knew I was so darn lucky to be alive at a time when ablation is an option for us and I wasn’t going to waste it. And because my husband and a best friend virtually sat on me the first 2 weeks! I planned all kinds of craft and art activities, signed up for Domestika courses I never did, and now, 6 months down the line I feel so great I look back and wonder what all the fuss was about. I keep a health journal and enjoyed seeing myself get better every day and create milestones with gentle trips, outings and getting back in the kitchen! Without my Balance app and the gorgeous voice of Ofuso instructing me on all the relaxing and breathing I could manage I believe it would have been a different story. So, be your own best friend and take full advantage of a proper rehabilitation like we used to have in the good old days! And good luck!
Tilly1957, you sound like a dear soul who would make a loyal friend. First, fear of the unknown is absolutely a normal reaction.
In your heart of hearts, you have already shared that you really know that there is nothing to worry about.
It is like flying to some other country, hoping the plane doesn't crash. In the end, we just turn our will and our lives over to the professionals and hope.
They call it a procedure. It's not even surgery.
You awaken and there you are back from the first part of the journey.
Now is when your recovery is your biggest focus, unless of course you have a cat.
I am thinking you have someone transporting you, running errands getting the meals together etc.
So apply the brakes, move slowly about and remember fluids & breathing are your two best friends. Follow everything the doctors and nurses have laid out for you.
NO stress allowed. Just take direction as prescribed and in the very near future you will be helping another one of us through their afib/ablation journey. All that you are experiencing is
going to be helpful to others. Sending you best wishes and positive energy.
Larry (3 years since my ablation, and still in NSR at 78 years of age)
I second everything Rainfern said. Take everything slowly. I used the breath to calm my parasympathetic nervous system, which helps one’s heart stay calm as it heals. 4-4-8 breathing = count to 4 inhale, hold 4, exhale 8. Breathe into your diaphragm. Works for me, along with everything else Rainfern said. I’m currently into my third month post-ablation #2 and doing fine (after a few bumps—but bumps are not uncommon—be sure to read the links BobD sent—they’re more realistically informative than what you might read on a discharge form, at least the discharge form I got that made me think in a week I’d be back to my regular old busy life. Hearts take longer than a week to heal. TLC what it needs.)
Thank you. Yes, I have read the links. I meditate several times a week, which helps me relax. I will try the breathing technique. I also know EFT (tapping) and a few other things that I can use to help - from my previous life as a complementary therapist. I know it will be fine
One thing to add. As they were wheeling me into the cath lab for my first ablation, I started crying and told the EP, who was right beside me, “I’m scared.” He touched my shoulder and was reassuring. In no time I was out like a light. Post-ablation recovery in the hospital was a piece of cake. When I went into my second ablation, I did so with calm and confidence. It’s really quite an easy experience, the ablation itself under GA, so don’t worry about that part. But then plan to do almost nothing the following few days as your body adjusts and begins the healing process, which takes time and good care.
I have recently had a knee arthroscopy and had a lovely long chat with the anaesthetist about the ga for that and the ‘conscious sedation’ for the aviation….. he really set my mind at rest about a lot of things, even though he won’t be involved in the ablation - was happy for me to pick his brains 🤪
Hi Tilly, I felt just the same as you, absolutely terrified! I even got to the Cath Lab and was crying so much I almost got off the bed! Bit of a wimp 🥺I did go through with it though under sedation, I remember some pain but think they kept knocking me out.
All appears to have gone well and it will be 2 weeks this coming Tuesday and I am still in NSR 🤞
I stayed in hospital overnight and the say after I came out I went a short walk across to the supermarket and had coffee and back again. I have walked every day and had to stop myself from doing more. Today I have been shopping most of the day. I do not feel tiredness but have had daily aura migraines with headaches 🤞but not today. This wonderful forum has advised that this can happen due to the transeptal puncture and will settle. My main issues now are some wind and indigestion. I understand that a PPI is prescribed to everyone and I am taking esomaprazole for 6 weeks. I also have a bit of constipation but hoping this settles too.
You will get lots of support/answers here. Good luck 😊
Hm, did I misread something or are you shopping around and you're not even two weeks out of an ablation? I would say that is not a good way to go about your recovery. But if you think that's right for you, that's your choice. I'm one month post my ablation, still having headaches and I still try not to move around too much except when I really need to or if I need to work for short periods. Don't want to ruin my recovery.
Yes, I have been out and about but generally feel ok. I did check with the arrythmia nurses and they said to do what I feel like as long as I don't lift anything heavy and walk up hills! I suppose we are all different though. I was told I could go back to work after one week but I recently retired so that's not an option 😊My day has been walking about but plenty of time sitting during tea and having as spot of lunch.
Yes, I believe so to protect the oesophagus. Standard practice I understand.I don't tolerate them well, hence they gave me esomoprazole as lansoprazole gave me diarrhoea. This seems to be having the opposite effect
My GP took me off Lansoprazole when I was prescribed it to protect my stomach whilst taking steroids l, she swapped it for Famotidine which seemed ok but the hospital consultant doesn't want me on that, but not sure why. My digestion has never been right since I took the Lansoprazole almost 2 years ago now
I'm also not keen on PPI due to the side effects and problems that they can cause. I am already dealing with a stomach problem that I hope will get better. I was hoping that it might be different with the Pulse field ablation, I'll ask EP. Thanks for reply.
I'm in Devon, on list for Royal Bournmouth hospital. Starting to get the jitters as time gets closer. Why do they give PPI's when you have an ablation?
Because the heart is very close to the oesophagus and to prevent acid and unlceration. There is a very rare but serious risk of oesophageal fistula. This is what frightened me the most and my consultant confirmed it's 'rare' but can result in death, that is the harsh reality. It is listed on the consent form you sign. I am sure you will be told about all of the risks. The good news for you is that pulse field is supposed to have less risks. BobD is much more informed on this and I am sure he will respond
I had a PFA 8 weeks ago and was not given any PPI medication. I believe this was because the danger of damage to the osteoporosis from the treatment have been resolved with pulse field ablation .
I wasn’t prescribed PPIs in the first instance, my EP only seems to give them to people who need them. I did have some oesophagus irritation but only took them for a short while, on and off.
After a short stay on the recovery ward having a craic with the other fellas in there I got a taxi home. I asked the driver to wait while I RAN UPSTAIRS to get my wallet. I paid him then realised what I'd just done! What an idiot!
Understandable but the ablation is easier than Afib! Now that the decision has been made -see if you can relax into the idea that you are in good hands and looking forward to no AF!
I had an ablation in Basildon Hospital 8 years ago, was in overnight, took it easy for a few days following guidance from the hospital. I had a local anaesthetic, again guided by the Hospital. Good luck with your procedure x
very simple procedure. Just tender in groin area for a couple days. Up and around in no time. You will be fine. Mine was done two years ago and everything has been good. Have faith you will breeze through this
I'm sure everyone's experience is different and I went into my cryo ablation two days ago in NSR and feeling OK, no AF for 9 months after a cardioversion. I questioned why was I putting myself through this? I just focused on the long term benefits and aims, in my case getting off meds and hopefully an improved quality of life.
I've experienced a few things since the procedure which have been unpleasant but even at this early stage I'm feeling better and know I did the right thing.
I really felt I was in safe hands before, during and after the procedure. Be assured your medical team will look after you and can advise afterwards if you have any issues.
Was on one of the reasons that the doctors did the ablation was that you were out of af for 9 months? I was told I need to be out of af before abalation by one specialist then told it was not necessary by another. The nhs specialist said CV is short term and if it sticks then ablation is longer term fix but I need to be af free for 9 months. I don't want to take amiodaran to stay in normal beats etc because of the side affects. My private consulant said he would recommend an abalation and to take soltalol instead of amiordaran but the nhs disagree. I am trying to gather info on this site about other peoples experiences.
In my case I was offered an ablation because I'd responded well to cardioversion and was keen to get off the meds and side effects.. I felt better in normal sinus rhythm when reviewed six weeks after the cv and was put on the list.I was on amiodarone for a year; nine months before and three months after cardioversion and had been off it for six months when I had the ablation. It really messed with my sleep and mood so I was glad to get off it. I wouldn't take it again but we're all different. It probably helped me stay in nsr so did some good.
interesting thank you for the reply and information- I do stay out of af for more than 6 wks but less than 12. The docs want me on amiodaran but I have read the side affects are brutal. A private doc sai take sotalol instead and that I don't need to be out of af for a long time in order to qualify for ablation but the nhs disagreed unfortunately as I want to get out of af - thanks
I had a similar experience with amiodarone. For me, lots of adverse side effects. Hope I never have to take it again. I’m grateful that it helped me, but I hope to never have to touch it again. I’m doing really well post-ablation without it. Whew. I love being in SR and off rate and rhythm drugs.
It's early days for me, I only had my ablation on Friday. I'm short of breath, fast pulse and irregular beats. After being in NSR I keep flipping to wondering if I've done the right thing. Trying hard not to get anxious about it and hoping things start to settle before too long.
I’ve been there. So many of us have. The post-ablation blues and worries. Read the links that BobD sent. One’s heart, and whole body in some ways and certainly one’s emotions, do not settle right away after an ablation.
Blips and bumps like those you describe are not uncommon and need to be taken in stride, as it explains in BobD’s links. Your heart has been through what is essentially an invasion and assault. (Medical people probably wouldn’t like that characterization .) Of course it’s going to take time to heal, get calm, settle in, settle down. That’s something, in my experience at least, that EP’s don’t tell you. I had blips and bumps after my last ablation that two months later have all settled down and I’m in normal rate and rhythm. It’s an unpredictable journey.
Keep your EP people informed. Their job doesn’t stop when you’re wheeled out of the cath lab. Be proactive in giving and seeking post-ablation information to and from your doctors and nurses. Your worries belong on their shoulders. Don’t keep your worries to yourself. You have a professional and experienced team behind you. Use them. Be a squeaky wheel if you need to be in order to get the information and reassurances you need.
And know that a lot of us have been exactly where you are right now post-ablation. What you’re experiencing is not uncommon. I know irregular beats are disturbing after an ablation, but remember what a hard time your heart’s been through and that they’re not uncommon. If they don’t settle, turn to your doctor. Oftentimes they do settle, but sometimes they need a little medical help. Mine did need a little help, and all turned out well. It’s all part of the journey we’re all on, one step at a time. May your heart heal well.
Thanks for your reassuring comments. I haven't wanted to eat for two days but have enjoyed a small meal tonight so I know I'm getting better. Taking it one step at a time.
I am like you, no AF since November and due for an ablation on Tuesday. I am seriously questioning whether or not to go ahead-I am terrified!! But I don’t want to go into afib when I am traveling in the middle of nowhere so I don’t know what to do!!! I am glad yours went well!!
I’m sorry you’re feeling terrified. There’s really not much to undergoing the procedure itself, assuming you’ll be under GA. It’s like you took a minute’s snooze and then you’re awake again. If that’s what’s terrifying you, try not to give it another thought. Can you identify your fears? Address them? Express them to others to help disempower them?
Keep your eyes on the prize: sinus rhythm, wonderful, wonderful sinus rhythm. It’s worth a little discomfort along the way. Try to take the discomforts in stride. They diminish and go away.
Mine will be GA but I worry I’ll never wake up again!! I am currently in sinus rhythm although I feel like it wouldn’t take a great deal to bring on the afib again!! Thank you for your sage advice. I just need to remain calm!!
I recently had a ga for my knee to be cleaned out - was quite anxious about it as never had any other op with a ga since I was 10! Am 67 now. My thought now is whether I am expected to keep still when under conscious sedation or if it sedates me enough to keep me from wriggling 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Our imaginations are our own worst enemy. 🥰
I had my ablation in September 2021 at Barts. I’m not exaggerating I went out to a restaurant the same day I had the ablation. I took it easy for a few weeks had a few ectopics over the following months . Changed my life. I had no complications. These forums are excellent however, so often you don’t hear from the very successful outcomes. Go in with a positive attitude you’ll be absolutely fine
My experience of ablation was mostly good. I had one in 2018 and I’m still here to tell the tale. I had AFib caused by cold drinks. Only happened in the winter and I think it’s a stomach issue rather than a heart issue with me. I had mine done at the John Radcliffe in Oxford. Went private and had amazing service. I’m a sports coach and so the overall structure of my heart, lungs and arteries and veins are all sound. I recovered very quickly and very well. My afib only went away following electro cardioversions, however the ablation stopped it in its tracks and I’ve been mostly fine since. I’m not recommending this but, I was well enough to attend a training course with work one week later. Within 3/4 weeks I was back at work doing a full day and at full tilt. I would thoroughly recommend having it done and I’m not sure where I’d be if I hadn’t had it. My afib used to be irregular, but since my ablation I only have’ racy heart’ where my HR goes above 100 when I eat too much or after too much alcohol.
Upto the day of my op, I was upbeat and positive. However when I arrived at the hospital I became very anxious and was pleased when it was my turn so I could get on with it.
Everyone is different, but trust the doctors and staff, they know what they’re doing. Try to look forward to being well again. Read books, Audible is good! ❤️
Thank you. Luckily, I am retired now, although I do look after my grandchildren while my daughter works……. Grandad is going to be just a little busier!
I have been told - see some earlier posts in this thread - that I am not eligible at the moment for an ablation but my private consulatant said he would do it. I hope you don't mind me asking but what did the private procedure costs and any follow ups? Did you still get the medicines needed to go with the procedure on the nhs? Thanks
You must be relieved . We’re waiting to hear if my husband will be having a second ablation as his first had failed somewhere along the line causing his stroke last year, he wasn’t given thinners to continue with for some reason . He had it in 2017, Everyrhing went smoothly with my husband s and he was fine afterwards . Good luck 🤞
I has a phone call with Dr Farwell in December, and he said it would be around May. Every so often I rang his secretary to see how the waiting list was doing! Original referral was in October when I saw a private cardiologist ( best thing I ever did!)
I rang the unit start off November to see what happens next - just to get a rough idea. Told it would either be an appointment or a phone call from the EP/cardiologist, think it was him that told me it would be sometime in May as waiting list is about 6 months. Think I have rung them several times to see if any progression 😊 Next I will have a pre assessment by an admission nurse and have to go there for bloods. Hope you hear something soon…. X
My ablation, for atrial flutter, a rather easier procedure, was followed by a very quick recovery, indeed. In fact, I felt surprisingly normal very quickly with the groin bruise recovering well. But then, "Stop your tablets!" was the instruction, so I dutifully did. All stayed well for a week .... then, bang! My first attack of AF came on and I felt truly ill (feeling much worse than I actually was, I was later told). That meant straight back into hospital for a day, being prepared for an emergency cardioversion, but, no - just one magic 5mg tablet of bisoprolol and all was well.
My son's colleague has had, I think, six ablations for his AF, and has said each one was a straightforward and followed by a quick recovery.
what caused your colleague's son to have so many? If he went back into AF did they do another abalation? Was this on the nhs? I ask as I have said in this thread that I have been told I need to be out of af for a long time before they would consider ablation. I am always in af unless I get a cv but only out of af for about 8 to 10 weeks.
It's my son's colleague. He's now in his mid 70s but still does some part time occasional English teaching - amazing really. I haven't spoken to him in a while and will ask him more when I next see him, but he has lived in Europe during his life and had the ablations in various countries, if I recall, including here on the NHS. He was one of the first to have the procedure, I believe.
I think when AF becomes permanent or "persistent" doctors feel less confident that the ablation will work. Perhaps it then becomes more difficult to find and ablate the errant conduction pathways? I'm not sure. I have read, too, that doctors sometimes carry out an electrical cardio-version before an ablation to see if any return to NSR can be brought about. In your case, it seems that your heart will revert to NSR. Are you very symptomatic? My elderly friend with permanent AF copes really amazingly with his. In fact, I'd say he hardly knows he has it. It seems strange to me to put my Apple Watch on him to check and, lo and behold, it always shows an irregular rhythm and AF.
great points you made there and thanks for the reply. I have read a lot of posts on here and I think I might not be very symptomatic. When I am in permanent af I can function normally but sometimes so tired I can't face walking up the stairs and I'm in my early 50s. However, most of the time I exercise and walk a couple of miles. If I walk when not in af I walk 15 minute miles easily but if I am in af I add about few minutes and inorder to do 15 minutes I will be flat out as it I have ran 5 miles. So I guess when in af then I feel 15 % less energetic, breath more heavily and get out of breath quicker, I have to take a lot of meds. One cardiologist said if I don't take amiordaran ( very toxic) then I could just choose to live with it but my bnp predictor for heart failure is nearly 2000 which is bad but that might not mean I have heart failure and the high levels could be due to the af. I had an ecocardiagram and heart ( eg left ventricle etc) was normal. Many thanks again for the reply. I saw a consultant privately this week when I went back into af and he would do the ablation without amiodaran but as you said they may have guidance to say I must be out of af for some time in order to qualify for abalation. How symtamatic were you - what were your symptoms? I am in af now all the time unless I get a CV but they will i guess say I have to take amiodaran to stay in af but I will suggest sotalol. However, it is complicated before the high bnp showing heart failure . Its a complex situation - if I was made of money I would get private ablation as my private consultant would reccomend it
A private ablation in the UK is around £10-15k I think and often done in an NHS facility. The NHS waiting list seems to be around a year.
I first had atrial flutter (AFl) in 2019 in my mid sixties with a rate of 155bpm. That was hard going, but the ablation stopped it until AF then came along.
The first episode of AF was soon after my ablation a few days after I was told to stop my 5mg daily bisoprolol. I felt truly awful and as if the end were nigh.
The ablation worked though and all was well for a good while except that palpitations were much more frequent than before. Eventually AF started but was very intermittent and not very symptomatic. It’s been more frequent this year, but still not too bad although I’ve always sat and rested with it rather than tried to do much. I really don’t know what I could manage to do with it, although once it came on while driving and apart from feeling very anxious, I was fine.
I saw the specialist who did my ablation last week and he’s setting up a 48-hour monitor and an MRI. That will be on the NHS so I’m not holding my breath! I think he’ll give me flecainide as PIP.
I don’t know a lot about the BNP test but there are different kinds of HF, I believe. CHF is the difficult one to treat, I think. I think we all fear it coming our way and it adds to my stress, for sure. Two people I know have it but they seem well enough so I hope its treatment is far better these days.
thanks for the reply very helpful - my highest heart rate why resting now is about 90 so not near 150 but I have had 130 but I think the flecanide and other drugs stop this
I think some doctors like to use low dose (so generally safe) amiodarone fora while before an ablation then for a short time after. It wouldn’t put me off. Its toxicity is not in doubt but all anti-arrhythmic drugs carry risks. If you search on the internet for “low dose amiodarone safety” you’ll find an excellent study that will reassure you.
I've had two ablations now. The first one I was absolutely terrified, my whole body was shaking on the table but you will have a fantastic team who are with you every step of the way. They give you as much sedition as need to keep you relaxed and comfortable. On my first one I didn't feel much at all just the odd movement but it was nothing like I had envisioned and I actually got off the table and though wow that's was brill, I don't mind that at all haha. Recovery for that took a day. For my second ablation, that was very different. I felt everything right from the word go. It was very painful and uncomfortable. I didn't like it at all. I was told that the reason why that one was so different is because of scar tissue from the first one. It had been just under a year between surgeries. The second one took me a good week to fully recover.
With it being you're first, I think you will be absolutely fine and I think they are definitely worth having.
Why do patients like you need multipy abalations as you have had 2 and another person in this thread knows someone who has had 6? What triggers another abalation and what issues did you have before the first abalation - was it AF?
So I have svt which I've had for roughly 4 years. I've had my heart reset 5 times. My symptoms are fast heart rhythm that won't come down on its own. This can happen anytime of the day but usually it wakes me up in the middle of the night. I suffer with shortness of breath all the time with blue lips. I struggle to do daily household tasks and I'm only 41!! I also get a lot of chest pressure and tightness, lightheaded and very weak (but I do have multiple health problems)I was put on Adizem but that didn't really help much. Then I was put on Flecinide aswell and given my first ablation. Ablation didn't work but I did seem to get better after a good 4/5 months. Then I started to struggle again so they booked me in for another ablation which didn't work. I can have another ablation but I've said I'm good for a few years unless something bad happens I will just stick to my medications.
It's crap but I've accepted that it's all part of my life now.
thanks so much for sharing - it sounds awful. My symptoms are no where near as bad. I am in af all the time. I considered just living with it but I have a BNP of near 2000 and that indicates heart failure so I may have to do somethng about it eg ablation
I would definitely have the ablation and not hesitate. There's so many things they can do to help you have a longer healthier life, ablation should help you with that.On the day there will be multiple people having it done so you won't be alone. The team in the theatre room are so lovely, calm and very reassuring. You have one person right next to you throughout the whole procedure.
Hi TillyHad my ablation at Basildon on 1st December last year. I had cryo ablatio under sedation. All went smoothly and I was home same day. I was obviously anxious, but the team at Basildon were professional and caring. In terms of aftercare, I did absolutely nothing for first couple of weeks. Lots of frozen/ready meals, and the family popping by to run the hoover round and change bedding! My recovery coincided with Christmas, so it was M&S to the rescue - didn't so much as peel a spud. Looking back, I am glad I took things easy and heeded all advice on the invaluable fact sheets. Energy levels are still improving today. I did have a 14 hour AF episode after 2 weeks which left me feeling disheartened, but the arythmia nurses (who are worth their weight in gold) reassured me and lifted my spirits. I had another blip a couple of weeks ago - AF raised its ugly head again, albeit just for 4 hours this time, although I took myself to A&E for medical intervention. The arythmia nurse has spoken to my surgeon and I now have a plan in place. It's likely that I will need a 2nd ablation under GA, but in the meantime they have advised that I introduce Flecainide into my daily routine (50mg twice daily) to see if it keeps the AF at bay as it's still early days. (Currently only use Flecainide as pill in pocket). Didn't really want more medication, as I was hoping to reduce what I am already taking (7.5mg Bisoprolol), but I will listen to the experts and see where we end up. Wouldn't hesitate having another ablation at Basildon if that's the way it goes.
Thank you. I am confident in my ep & the unit. I am already on daily flecainide and as a pip. Hoping to get off it eventually, and the beta blockers! Everyone’s comments on here are very reassuring. Logically I am fine about it.
Hi - i have asked a few people on this thread about ablations. I am in constant af but it is not that debilitating. I have a cardio version and about 10 weeks later I have an AF attack and then it settles down but I am in af all the time. I take flecainide and bisoprobol and other drugs. I'd like an abalation to stay out of af. Did you just have af attacks and it went away after a few hours?
My AF is paroxysmal and symptomatic. My resting HR is high 40's-low 50's, but when AF kicks in it reaches c170bpm. My episodes can last between 6-8 hours. Have had a couple of episodes since my ablation. Just reviewing my meds with arythmia team and will consider whether I might need 2nd ablation at later date, which I would not hesitate to have. Hope this helps
Hi Tilly1957I was also a little anxious about my ablation but after spending one night in hospital following the ablation I had the next day resting and the day after was pushing an elderly gentleman in a wheelchair. It may not be the same for you but try not to worry too much as the outcome can be great. As mine was, as I have been af free since
I had my ablation in September at Glenfield in Leicester. I was terrified. When they wheeled me down to the Cath lab, I could have jumped off the trolley and ran out the door.!🤣, but it wasn’t too bad. I had local and sedation and that made me feel very woozy and dizzy when they first gave it me. I did feel them doing the procedure at times, but it was just about bearable. You have to keep still on your back, while they do it, but they did give me a pillow and also afterwards in the ward, you have to lie still for about 2 or 3 hours. You can move your arms and head and read or look at your mobile phone.I stayed in overnight and went home next day. I took it easy for the first week, although we went out for coffee at the local garden centre, you’re not confined to the house. My husband did the work for the 1st week, nice to be waited on for a change.!! I had a few palpitations for a few weeks, which I did notice, but everyone on here said it was normal, so that reassured me. I also had the most enormous bruise, which took ages to fade. I took an ECG of my heart with my portable ECG monitor, when I got these palpitations and showed them to the Dr when I had the follow up appointment and he said they were nothing to worry about. Apart from that, I was ok. Hopefully you will be too. I’m now, very slowly. coming off the Sotalol tablets, but I have to stay on anti coagulants for life. just hoping now that the awful AFib doesn’t rear it’s ugly head again. Good luck.
I am on the drugs you mentioned and I want to gain some information about ablations on the nhs. The nhs have said I need to go on amiodaran but my specialist says sotalol. I am afraid of amiodaran. What was your experience of sotalol? Also, after the ablation, did you stay out of af? Also, how bad was your experience of AF. I have it now and all the time but it is not totally debilitating and I am just about 20% less energy so get out of breath and tired but can still walk a few miles - I am in my early 50s.
Haven’t taken amiodarone, so don’t know about that. I was swapped from atenolol to Sotalol, when I was in hospital after an episode of SVT, that wouldn’t stop. I had both AFib and SVT. I was kept in hospital for 2 or 3 days, while they monitored me, as Sotalol can cause a rare side effect, called long QT syndrome. I’ve had no problems with it, but it does react with quite a lot of drugs, so I keep a list of drug reactions with Sotalol that I got from the NICE website, on my phone. I always check it, if I’ m prescribed anything new. The. Drs don’t always check. Once or twice, I’ve had to tell them that the drug they prescribed doesn’t mix with Sotalol, I have a list for the Edoxaban and Atorvastatin, I take as well. I first got paroxsysmal AFib in 2014, after a nasty coughing virus. Since then, I’ve had it about 9 times. I get a very fast irregular heartbeat and high BP,, so have been told to go into A&E when I get it, so they can keep an eye on me and try and stop it. When they did my ablation,in September, they ablated both for AFib and SVT. Hopefully, they won’t come back now. 🤞🤞It’s worth going through the ablation, if it stops it, as you are only in your 50’s. I’m 72. You can get information sheets about ablations, from this website. Good luck
thanks for the reply and good advice with the nice website - what is svt? I don't know if I have the temp af or the permanent although I have af permantly if that makes sense. Thank you for the advice. I think I might have lived with it but for the very high bnp 2000 reading that shows very high chance of death from heart failure within the next few years ( having said that it could be the af affecting the test so my prognosis might not be anything like that bad)
Hi Mightnot, Supraventricular tachycardia, or SVT, for short, is when your heart suddenly beats faster than usual, for a few mins or sometimes several hours. I could usually stop that by lying on the floor with my feet up against the wall, but on occassions, it wouldn’t stop and I went to A&E where they gave you a drug called Adenosine, which stopped it almost immediately. Pity, they don’t have a drug like that for AFib. Plenty of information about it on Google, if you’re interested. I had that since I was in my 20’s. Afib didn’t start till I was in my mid sixties. Paroxsysmal AFib, comes and goes and doesn’t usually last very long, and usually goes on its own, persistant AFib lasts longer than 7 days and needs treatment to restore normal rhythm and persistant AFib usually goes on for more than a year and doesn’t stop and treatment usually won’t stop it. If yours comes and goes, then it’s more likely to be paroxsysmal and this is the best time to have catheter ablations, before it occurs more often. Hoping my ablation has got rid of both Afib and SVT now. Hope your ablation is successful. Good luck with it. I’m sure you’ll be fine.
They didn't burn anything in my heart with me so can't comment on that part.The initial recovery was a good few hours, raising my head a bit more every hour, I'm sure I was in recovery for 4 hours.
they told me no lifting for 6 weeks. I was on new medication which took some getting used to.
I had my ablation about 18 months ago and I've really felt the benefit for the past 12 months.
I had a couple of negative effects and will tell you about them as I think it's best to be forewarned about the possibilities.
The first was that when I came around after the procedure, I had the most awful toothache which was jumping around all my teeth - so not localised. I was treated with morphine and an echo cardiogram was ordered immediately. The cardiologist was called back from whatever he was doing and spent quite some time with me, checking me out. He told me that it was not a documented side effect and he had never previously encountered it but as the echo was fine he was guessing it was due to referred pain from the procedure. He told me I must stay and be monitored for a few hours and if all was then resolved, I could go home - which is what happened.
My other negative was that there was no dressing applied to the entry site in my groin. The information sheet I was given at the hospital stated that this would be the case so it was not something that was forgotten. However, having had quite a lot of morphine, the first thing I did when I got home was to go to bed for an hour. When I woke and got out of bed, I could feel something on my foot. I looked down to see blood pouring down my leg.
I lay back on the bed and put pressure on the wound while my husband phoned the ward. I was advised to lie flat and keep the pressure on for 10 mins. If it didn't stop by then, I was to phone 999. The bleeding stopped and I didn't need to call an ambulance or have any further treatment.
I did have a predicted migraine the next day, but it's something I often get ie a 20 min aura with visual disturbance. It may or may not have been connected to the procedure in my case, but it had mentioned it in the info I had been given and so I was half expecting it.
Overall, despite these issues (which seemed big to me on the day) everything was quite straightforward. I had one to one supervision and care following the procedure and don't really remember any other problems with recovery.
I was disappointed that I was still having episodes of AF in February which I reported to the cardiologist, but a month later, they had stopped and I get a very occasional AF episode now which I have linked to infections eg COVID or common cold.
I was very anxious about having the procedure done and even spoke to my GP about NOT having it done as my AF was paroxysmal and I thought it had more or less stopped. She popped a monitor on my finger and continued to talk to me about the benefits of having it done. She then said, 'You clearly didn't realise it, but the monitor showed that you've been in AF all the time we've been talking. My advice is to have it done!'
So I did - and I'm really glad I took her advice. The benefits definitely outweigh the negatives - no more swollen ankles and legs for one thing. Also, I have more energy and am enjoying life so much more.
I wish you all the best for May. Try not to worry - it's nowhere near as bad as you think it's going to be!
Thank you for sharing your experience - I would rather know everything possible. I feel a lot calmer after reading everyone comments, even feel exited!
Since the start of last year the Af episodes have become more frequent and debilitating - specifically after having covid for the first time. . My consultant considered me a ‘prime candidate’ given my age and episode frequency. We discussed all the options in depth. I have given it a lot of thought.
I had a maze ablation Aug 2020 , by a very well respected Cardiologist , an EP specialist who I’ve known and trusted for years .
Everyone is different , but be prepared to allow your body 6 weeks to heal- once I got ny head around that & stopped trying to do too much , I did a lot better .
I've had three ablations and I live alone -- 74 years old next week. My first two ablations were in my late 60s; third one was at 72. My heart's physiology caused some problems for the first ablation, but were easily resolved. The other two were easy, and I was home the next day (for all three). My advice is as everyone else's, i.e. don't overdo it afterward. I was able to take the stairs just fine as soon as I got home, i.e. up and down a few times a day, but be careful bending over at first. I would feel a sort of tugging in my chest. I learned early on to instead stoop while the torso remains upright. Though I was given a medication for indigestion, I didn't need it. I wasn't supposed to drive for a week after, but I did anyway after 3 days to attend the wake of a friend's mother. I know you're full of anxiety! In fact, I was so nervous for my third ablation, that it sent me into a-fib while in the waiting room. Before I knew it I was prepped and found myself waking up in recovery. The best of luck to you -- please keep us updated!
Following having an icd fitted as a precaution to arythmia I experienced a sudden episode of VT with heart rate of 200 last summer. The device shocked me eight times and I ended up in intensive care and was in and out of hospital for a couple of months. My icd was re programmed which was effective at pacing me out of VT but it was happening a dozen times a day, was very debilitating, even though I was on amiodarone. Therefore I had extensive ablation surgery.
My surgery was over 5 hours, so a lot was done, however the relief from VT was immediate and not so much as a flutter since. However, recovery for me was slow. I took was expecting to feel better quickly but, in all honesty, it took a good three months to stop feeling so exhausted and breathless.
Please try not to worry though! Although it took a while to get my strength back I could still look after myself (with husband doing any heavy lifting, hoovering etc) So, you may not be up to digging the garden for a while but, if the surgery is successful, you should be enjoying life again, hopefully AF free.
Also, after a few months, you may be able to come off some of your meds, I felt so much better once off amiodarone! Good luck, you will be fine x
Thank you. I guess they won’t know how much needs doing until they get in there and see what is going on! I will take it easy - luckily ny husband is already used to hoovering, hanging the washing out etc - he is very helpful.
I too am experiencing the same fear and I’ve already had an ablation about 6 years ago.
It was a simple ablation procedure…this time it’s a little more involved and I’m nervous.
I’ve seen three different doctors but still not feeling as brave as last time. And, the longer I wait, the worse the fear gets.
I think it has to do with having faith in your doctor. Unfortunately, I barely know him and that is causing some of my fear. I also know more details about this specific ablation. Knowledge is not always power…
Anyway good luck to you. My ablation is scheduled for July 1st, if I don’t cancel.
I want to know everything I can, despite the fearfulness(human nature) . I don’t know the guy who will be doing it except from
A brief 5 min phone call when he put me on his waiting list, but I have checked him out on the net and feel happy with his expertise. I don’t lije taking meds, I tend to react to non-active ingredients 🙄 I currently take flecainide with a beta blocker (and anti coags) which has helped a bit but not enough. And the ablation is to help with symptom management, to help improve quality of life - so fingers crossed! I hope you can overcome your fears. I remind myself they are specialists and this type of operation is something they do every day, near enough, and they know what they are doing. X
it should not take to long to recover from Ablation as it’s not a very invasive procedure. You will be home the same day and should be ok after a few days rest to recover Just try and get as much sleep as you can as it’s natures way of recovering 😊🔜
I had an ablation in September 2023. It was not bad at all! Since I had no one to watch me for first night home, I had to stay ovenight in the hospital. All in all, experienced no issues, just had to take it easy for a week, no lifting over 10 lbs, no driving for 2 days. Experienced no pain after the procedure was done. Since September, I have had no Afib episodes. I have had only a few high heart rate, but it was kept in check with taking an extra Flecainide or Atenolol before it could have possibly turned to Afib. Heart rate then went back to normal an hour later. I think also being mindful of sodium intake, sugar and potassium will keep things in check.🙂
Hi am 72, and very active. I run two small business. I live with 6 dogs, two cats, five chickens and husband who is my rock. I also do a 30 min yoga routine every other day. I was diagnosed when my NP immediately sent me to the ER during a regular yearly exam. I thought I was slowing down due to age and the occasional dizziness and lightheadedness was also due to age. Eventually, after seeing a few local heart Drs we decided to get an appt at Duke, the best of the best in NC, USA. I remember sitting with my husband, in Dr Bahnson's office listening to the options for the 1st time. He said let's start with meds and see how that route will work for you. When he talked about the other option of having an ablation, I had a hard time focusing on that reality. I immediately said - "I won't be taking that route"....but he did explain the ablation procedure in great detail when my husband asked for more information about it. When the medications he prescribed made me feel exhausted, confused, and unable to do what I do everyday, he changed them. Each time I had great hopes that my heart would be fixed. The meds did not fix me. My anxiety would kick in big time, when for no rhyme or reason to me, the AF would come on at all the wrong times. It would start either just before going to work, at work or in the middle of the night. It was turning our lives upside down. My husband watched several ablation surgeries on Youbube and convinced me to make another appt with Dr. Bahnson to talk about having the ablation. The Dr talked us through the entire before, during and after the procedure. We scheduled the date. I am a complete wuss when it comes to medical treatment of myself. I found the stress test with multiple syringes of liquid substance, the cardiac MRI, the X-rays, and blood tests to be extremely stressful. At that point, I felt if I could make it through all theses appts and tests, I could go through anything. We live an 1 1/2 hours from Duke, so that was also stressful making all these appts while running the dog school and our Dogs for Film businesses. My husband kept me strong and I went through with it. The team at the hospital was awesome. I could not believe how many people were in the OR...they all introduced themselves one by one, as they were arraigning me on the table and hooking up all those electrodes. They explained everything that they were doing. Of course I was freaked looking around and seeing the giant TV's and equipment. Dr Bahnson came in and asked if I had any questions. I said no, and he chatted with me as the anesthesiologist asked me to count backwards. When I woke up my husband was there holding my hand. He told me everything went great. We went home the next morning. The dogs were so happy to have us home even though they had their aunt stay with them. I laid on the couch for the rest of the day. I was worried about walking up stairs to our bedroom but I did not have an issue. I just walked slowly. The next day I laid on the couch but found myself doing small stuff....I fed the dogs, washed their dishes even though my husband kept saying...get back on the couch....I can do everything. My 1st ablation went incredibly smooth. Honestly the pre tests were worse for me. I had to make myself rest on the couch for 3 days. I went on a film set day 4....my husband worked the dog, but I was there.
Be strong... your life will be amazing again. Making the decision was beyond scary for me. But it was the best decision I ever made. I hope your care team is amazing and you have support of your family. I wish you the best! I will look for your posts.
Thank for your lovely story. I remember those days, taking everything in my stride, walking my dog miles along the seafront, yoga, swimming, my job was assistant manager in residential care, with a very demanding manager. Loved it, but the stress was phenomenal because I did t know I had af and was getting more and more exhausted! I retired 4 years before I needed to. Doesn’t help that I also have fibromyalgia and arthritis 🤪 I had trouble with some of the af meds to - felt like a zombie. The current ones are working with the least side effects, but still too many breakthrough episodes. I am looking forward to getting it done! Not long now x
Sounds good. I can’t walk a mile, let alone walk briskly 🤣 It will be interesting to see what I can do in the months after recovery. I used to walk miles along the seafront with my dog.
A memory came up on my face book yesterday. 10 years ago I clocked up offer 28000 steps/16 mikes! I was in trying for a powerwalk marathon, which I completed in May of that year. I ‘hit the wall ’ in the middle of it, thought I was going to die (friends got me through it and to the end) I sm convinced that was the trigger for the AF and the fibromyalgia, as it was downhill since then 🤣🤣🤣 Cardiolgist said no more marathons, everything in moderation. But I am proud for having completed it .
Oh my goodness - you sound a lot like I did before my ablation about a year and a half ago. Please take a deep breath and know that you will be ok and that you will have a better chance of dealing with afib after your ablation. I was under general anesthesia so I don't remember much. The room was cold and I had only a hospital gown on. The people working in there were very nice and the recovery period wasn't bad- just boring! Follow doc's orders to the letter and you should be fine. It is such a RELIEF when it is over! Best of luck to you!
I’m having my second the day after you. Don’t worry just make sure you follow the early advice and definitely do the two weeks of nothing when u get home. Laying the foundations early are the most important I think. Another thing is don’t expect too much too soon and listen yo your body and quite honestly it will soon let you know if you are doing too much . I found last time it was hit and miss I thought I was doing so well but still had days that my body out breaks on. I’d suggest little walks at first and a great way yo go out is if you have a cafe to go yo go cafe , sit and then walk back.
I’m not sure what I’m expecting this time but I guess pretty much the same as last time.
Main thing is as boring as it seems do not do anything much fir two weeks. Can’t say I’m over thrilled to be having another ablation but I got four free years from afib it is worth it if that happens . The ablation itself but so well practiced it’s not yo be feared.
Hi Tilly, I just had my first ablation on March 13 (one month ago). I needed 2 weeks to feel like I could do more, and this past week, I have felt more like myself. I am back going to my gym classes, and this morning at gym, someone told me my paleness has gone away and they thought I looked better! I did have a large bruise on my left hip, but that has cleared up. I have been in normal sinus rhythm the past 3 weeks! I realize each case is different, but I am very thankful I received this ablation. I am feeling better and slowly getting my energy back. Best of success to you! I hope you recover well, and that this procedure will help you.
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