upcoming ablation?

[peachtreepiggy]

Well, I just scheduled my ablation for June 17th after a bad night of being up with fibs for five hours. I am really nervous and I don't do well with pain; in other words, I am a chicken! Any advice from those who have survived?

[wilsond]

No not a chicken! If you feel pain,shout loud and clear STOP! Then they will up your pain relief. Best thing I did after years of dithering ( aided by Covid)

[peachtreepiggy in reply to wilsond]

Thank you.....Covid brought the a fibs on! Never had them before despite my mother and brother having them....

[wilsond in reply to peachtreepiggy]

Ah I didn't get Covid. Never have,despite husband getting it. No I meant the lockdown era of Covid putting a stop to anything. X

[CDreamer]

You should not feel any pain during the procedure, I was asleep for most of the time so passed in a flash.

You may feel discomfort during recovery but I can’t remember being in pain. It’s natural to feel nervous as you are going into the unknown but don’t overthink it, stay positive.

Wishing you long lasting NSR & speedy recovery.

[peachtreepiggy in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you.....I can handle discomfort!

[wilsond in reply to CDreamer]

Not my exact experience but as I said, once it became really unbearable I let them know loud and clear and a good response.! Not asleep at all.

[AmandaLouise77]

The anticipation is far worse than the procedure.

[Fullofheart]

I agree with Amanda Louise though it wasn't a fun day out the expectation or fear of the worse was worse than the actual event.I've had 3. Was awake throughout the 2. The last one they did under GA.

If you are very apprehensive they can medicate you before going down for the procedure to keep you nice and relaxed. And if you feel pain you ask for more pain relief and sedative.

You'll be fine. And you'll be well looked after.

[Tamgirl]

I had a recent ablation and was sedated with Fentanyl. I hardly felt a thing except at one point a rather unpleasant sensation (I think when the EP reached the heart!). I must have grimaced as I heard him ask for the sedation to be topped up. The next thing I remember was being asked if I would like a cup of tea and a sandwich. The ablation was much better than I was anticipating. I hope this reassures.

[intheweeds]

remember the team are there to keep you safe and comfortable. I squeaked during my ablation because I briefly felt some discomfort, and they sorted it instantly.

They will look after you well, I am sure.

[Karendeena]

No one could have been more a chicken than me, I postponed a couple of times and almost jumped off the trolley going into the cath lab!! I had my ablation 8 weeks ago today.

My EP told me to think of how I felt when I had an episode and how the fear was controlling my life! This was enough in the end that got me to go through with it.

My advice is just accept that this may be the end of afib for you (well for a time, hopefully a long time) and just think how that will feel.

My ablation was radiofrequency and I had it under sedation. I did feel it at times but they kept topping up the sedation and sending me to sleep.

I was out of hospital the next day and walking to Tesco for coffee the following day. I have had a few blips with GI problems but apart from that I am doing ok.

Good luck and let us know how you get on!

[httpants]

Had mine today. I had general anaesthetic which they did more to keep me completely still during the procedure, not for pain. I was happy being unconscious for it to be honest. I had a pulse field ablation which is the latest technique and is supposedly better and safer than radio frequency ablation. Since waking up I've had no pain at all. The most uncomfortable I've been is needing to pee. They said I couldn't move for 8 hours after so the sutures they put on the incisions in my veins in the groin area wouldn't rupture. So I had to pee in a bottle and that's the worst of it

[TracyAdmin Partner]

Hello

It is completely natural to feel anxious about an upcoming procedure. Have you visited the AF Association webpage: heartrhythmalliance.org/afa/uk

You will find a wealth of support and information about AF and associated treatment options; from informative videos, in-person and online events, patient stories and patient resources.

I am sure many of the members will share their own experiences with you, but if you would like a chat with the Patient Services Team, then please feel free to contact us: heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

You may be interested in joining us for our AF Association Patients Day, taking place on Sunday 06 October, in central Birmingham, UK. For further details: heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

May I recommend one of resources that may be of particular interest to you:

AF Treatment Options booklet

Preparing for an Ablation information sheet

Recovering from an Ablation information sheet

information sheet

[MWIC]

Survivor here - I had mine Dec 23 - I was awake and very fidgety by all accounts - absolutely no pain but definite periods of discomfort and hence my fidgeting

[Morzine]

hi peach tree,

Bound to feel jitters I was jittery before my first. It’s the unknown but trust me once you walk thru the hospital doors their steady calmness makes the whole thing not worrisome in the slightest.

It’s soon over. It’s very high tech stuff and thry do so many.

I’ve had five good afib free years from the first snd just had my second and am day six. This time I was awake in the theatre till abeasthetic knocked me out but was fascinated by it , huge absolutely huge computer tv screen and lots of computers stuff , wiring.

Sue

[LaceyLady]

Hiya, I’ve just posted my experience of my ablation from February, all is ok and gone well. Don’t be afraid 💗