AV node ablation.

[quiltergran]

I have been offered a AV node ablation, is it extremely painful, love to hear your experiences.

[CDreamer]

Can I just check out do you really mean an AV node ablation? You would only be offered that following a pacemaker implant and is usually a last resort option for very symptomatic AF when all else has failed.

A PVI ablation - Pulmonary Vein ablation on the other hand is a treatment for AF which many of us have undergone, with varying success. No, it is not painful as you are sedated or under GA. There is some discomfort during the healing process but I couldn’t in any stretch of imagination call it painful, a day or so of taking paracetamol.

[quiltergran in reply to CDreamer]

hi I already have a two chamber pacemaker fitted and am on the maximum Flecainide, so the next step is a AV node ablation and to start the pacemaker to work the lower chambers, I get no sedation.

[Buffafly in reply to quiltergran]

I feel as if there has been a misunderstanding somewhere. Your pacemaker is already working your lower chambers part of the time. When your AV node is ablated - under sedation I’m sure - your pacemaker will need adjusting but you wouldn’t need sedation for that.

[Eastwick]

I had my av node ablated and it was a fairly quick process. Don’t remember any pain but I did have quite a lot with other ablations which lasted hours. It was the best thing I did for my quality of life.

[quiltergran in reply to Eastwick]

Thankyou that was encouraging, I have had the pacemaker for four years as I was having spells of passing out with AF and as I am at the maximum medication I can take, I have been offered a ablate and pace ablation hate waking up and having ectopics and wondering if this is going to be AF. Did they reduce your medication at all, as 300 mg of flecainide really tires you out.

[Eastwick in reply to quiltergran]

On no medication at all apart from Elequis, not needed once your av node is ablated. Apparently I am in permanent a-fib but never feel a thing as the pacemaker does a wonderful job. I am now on my second pacemaker. The first one lasted 7 and a half years, but I am told that this one is good for 10 years

[quiltergran in reply to Eastwick]

Thankyou for your encouraging reply. Good luck for the future.

[2learn]

Hi, pain is relative, some people feel less, sedation is more effective etc. So from your experience with any other procedures have you needed a lot of pain medication or little, thats probabaly your best guideline.