Ablation recovery

[Spj57]

Hello everyone, I am currently scheduled for an ablation next week. I only discovered at the pre op that apparently I have flutter as well as paroxysmal AF 😕 The nurse said they will be doing both sides of my heart because of this. I am very worried about the whole thing and I have never had any kind of surgery before. I'm trying to look ahead though and wondering how long recovery might be (I understand I may get episodes of AF for 12 weeks or so) , specifically until I can go for about an hour's walk. Has anyone had similar ablation and could reassure me please! 😊

[BobD Volunteer]

I will add two fact sheet we produce on preparing for and recovering from ablation which you will find helpful. General short form advice is TV remote only week one and week two gently expand like making tea very short walks etc.

healthunlocked.com/redirect...

healthunlocked.com/redirect...

[Buzby62]

I see Bob will add the links for you, natural to be worried but for some the flutter is only found after the AF ablation so they have to have another whole procedure. Doing the flutter ablation on the way out is relatively straightforward I believe, just think of it as two for one.

Have a look at Karendeena ’s posts over the last few months, I’m sure she and others will reply at some point.

Best wishes

[Karendeena in reply to Buzby62]

Yes, I did have two for one 😊❤️

[Jalia]

Yes, I've had this done. Nothing to get overly concerned about. The flutter ablation is performed on the right side and the AF one on the left side. The catheters have to pass through the right side to access the left so, to put it crudely, the flutter ablation will be done en route! Flutter ablation is considerably easier, and more successful than AF ablation.

I had my 5th ablation 6 weeks ago and I'm just weeks away from my 80th birthday . I had quite a few arrhythmias during the following 2 weeks but nothing major. I was your age when I had my first ablation.

You really must allow yourself to rest up , particularly the first week and then gradually a little more activity after that. Don't get over enthusiastic about returning to your full exercise routine too soon otherwise you will undo the good which has been done. Gradually get back to your walking routine. If you're fit anyhow it shouldn't take long.

Do read up the ablation fact sheets published by the AF Association. Lots of info there. I'm sure someone on here will come along and send you the link.

.

[wilsond]

Yes I had flutter and PAF. Flutter is much quicker and easier to fux,and also has a very high rate of success.

You will need to rest afterwards ,both as you will feel tired and also to let things settle down. No hardening,heavy lifting etcThe fact sheets Bob posted are excellent.

[Buffafly]

If they are still handing out the same discharge leaflet I got, it’s very misleading. It said I could return to normal activities in a few days but gave no examples of what that meant. What it actually means is that you should be able to look after yourself adequately in a few days, absolutely not that you should go back to your marathon training, mountain climbing or even lugging heavy supermarket bags about. Best wishes, hope it goes well!

[thejepo]

I have had three ablations the first one aged 46 yrs and the last one aged 56 yrs. minor issue on the 2nd one with a catheter site bleed after being released but was soon put right. I was heavily sedated for two and asleep for one. Glad I have had each one and non have been painful affairs. Recovery time is different for everyone from a few weeks to months so be kind to yourself and don’t rush

[Racquet]

I had a pulsed field ablation exactly 2 months ago. I've had worse times at the dentist.

Seriously, it was done under a general aesthetic and took about 90 minutes. The least good part was having to lie flat for 3 hours so that the repair to the groin incision was ok. I think they put a little plug in there to stop bleeding.

Having turned up at 7 am and being the 2nd of 3 patients that day, I went to into surgery at noon, waist recovery around 2, time flat till 5 and out the door and on my way home by 6.

Before I left, my EP stopped by and said all went well. I asked how long before I could play tennis and he blew me away by saying, "I'd give it a week." Well, i doubled that and played 2 weeks after, just to make sure groin area was fully healed. I am 80 and pretty fit so perhaps it was easier for me than others,

Just left my EP a message saying, :2 months and all is well. Thank you from a happy and grateful heart." Hope your experience goes just as well, SPj57.

[Chilbolton1]

I had my Pulsed Field Ablation end of March this year under ga so was unaware. Like you I was terribly nervous as I’ve never had surgery of any kind aged 68. Had to stay in overnight as bp very low. I found the fatigue has been more than expected, but everyone is different. Feeling much better now, but recovery has been long and still on going. My advice is to take things at your own pace, do not rush your heart has been through trauma and it must be allowed to rest. Good luck, you will be well looked after

[Karendeena]

Hi there, yes, I had exactly the same, paroxysmal AF and flutter and both were ablated at the same time using RF and sedation in March this year. I was terrified! I almost got off the bed before I went into the Cath Lab and cried all the way down.I did it though, the thought of those awful episodes and waiting for the next one was enough.

The recovery wasn't bad to be honest, I came out the following day and went a walk over to Tesco for coffee the day after and each day of my recovery for the first week. I went out for lunch on the Saturday that I had the ablation on the previous Tuesday. I was walking a bit every day. I did have some indigestion for a few weeks and had to take a PPI for 6 weeks as I am sure you will do too.

I had my first follow up with my consultant on July the 8th and he is pleased with my progress. My heart rate is a little faster at around 74bpm but I am told this is quite normal and will probably regulate in the first 12 months.

As far as I know I haven't had any AF or flutter episodes since, which is wonderful.

I am having a 24 hour holter monitor on the 5th of August 🤞all will be well.

All the best and keep us posted. The group helped me so much.

Where are you having it done?

[Spj57 in reply to Karendeena]

Thank you 😊 I am having it done at John Radcliffe, Oxford

[Karendeena in reply to Spj57]

You will be fine. Best thing I ever did. If it stays this way NSR is a fab feeling.I have booked two holidays abroad, one at the end of August this year and two weeks in Cyprus at the beginning of November. Never been abroad since I was diagnosed in 2020 so a first for me. Need some normality now ❤️😊

Do you know what method they are using? Is it cryoblation, RF or pulse field? Are you having sedation or a GA?

[Spj57]

Thank you everyone, I do feel a lot better about the whole thing now. 😊

[Ppiman]

In 2019, at the age of 65, I had my first ever visit to a hospital for an ablation for atrial flutter. I remember well the dread feelings, ones I said at the time that I would never want to repeat; but repeat them I must when my next ablation turn arrives in 2025 as the long NHS waiting list is finally able to offer me its fayre. This time for AF.

So, lucky you! However facetious that sounds, it is, nonetheless, genuinely meant, for it is luck to get this over with in one go. Of course, as with me, there's only a 70-80% chance of success, and a second "mop up" procedure might be needed to take me to ablation number three and an over 90% chance of success, but that is the best medicine has to offer at this stage.

Steve

[CJB5569]

I had a similar procedure last October which on reflection I wished I had been brave enough to face much sooner. It was tested a few weeks later having to prepare & give a Eulogy for my mother. If there is anything to increase ones pulse rate that would be it but I came through it ok and have been symptom free since 🙏 Follow the advice & links provided by Bob D I wish you all the best x

[Obis891]

Hello,I too had your problems and an ablation on both sides. The procedure is really not unpleasant but will leave you with some bruising which will take time to clear. Be aware that it may take some months to be effective as scar tissue forms and this is not psychologically good. I suggest you discuss the success rate with your cardiologist before hand .Roger

[DKBX]

You’ll do fine. I’ve been through six of them. Atypical flutter is what they diagnosed it on me. Don’t worry but don’t expect miracles … do trust your medical team to do the best job possible with the healing technology they have at hand. Take it easy for at least six weeks but go about your daily routine; take up yoga and meditative practices with lots of deep breathing techniques. Minimize anxiety.

“All will be well and all manner of thing will be well.”

[cbc0510]

7 weeks on and seems to be back to normal. You need to take it easy for a couple of weeks as the bruising from the catheter site was sore but not unbearable. As others have said the procedure itself is pretty straightforward considering what's actually going on.

[Jajarunner]

I couldn't walk a brisk four miles for four months. But that seems slow compared to most people. I was quite unwell before all of mine having regular cardioversions sometimes just a few weeks apart so that probably contributed too. Best wishes

[MWIC]

Hi and Yes I had both done same time - recovery is very individual - some people have no problems and are up and about quickly - mine started well and 1st week after felt great then went downhill for about 2 1/2- 3 weeks and number of 4-day events of 160bpm, Xmas day in A&E but then all settled - inflammation apparently - been around 5 months now and all settled and no sign of any AFib or flutter - easy said I know but honestly try not to worry you’ll be fine just take it easy after and prepare to give it some time - best of luck ☘️☘️

[mollymmk]

I had an ablation in March for afib, and during it they found aflutter so they did that too. My recovery was pretty easy, walking is my exercise. I did not have any other heart problems am normal weight and 72. I am on eliquis only and have not had any afib or flutter since. Hope this helps easy your worries.

[localad]

They have to 'pass by' the flutter area (right atrium) on the way to the AF area (left atrium)

Possibly good to get both bits sorted in the same catheter procedure.

Good luck, they know what they are doing!

My hospital didn't even consider catheter procedures were 'surgery.'

George (4 years NSR post 3 ablations for AF and flutter)

[donals]

I had the same problem, flutter as well as paroxysmal AF and I had an ablation on the 6th June this year and so far I am doing very well without taking Amiodarone tablet. Nothing to fear and I wish you the best of luck.