Ablation - unpleasant after effects

[El-P]

2.5 weeks ago I had a catheter ablation (pulse) as a day procedure. I had an allergic reaction immediately after and was given steroids, cleared it up. Then had a bleed from the puncture site, that was stemmed & redressed. Discharged same day, in the evening puncture site bled spectacularly, spoke to ablation hospital and then ended up in A&E in a different hospital so that I could be monitored over night. All good with no further bleeds so discharged from hospital.

A few days later started had chest/back pain (aches rather than stabbing pain) on the left hand side, felt dizziness, light headed and fatigued, spoke to original hospital advised to go to A&E, spent 4 days in hospital including an echocardiogram and MRI of brain, but thankfully no heart attack or stroke. Symptoms still ongoing, advised by hospital cardiologist to rest up for 2 weeks.

I’ve been at home for 5 days and have constant light headedness (worse in morning) chest aches, some palpitations, some dizziness and fatigue. I’ve taken time off work as can’t function properly at the moment. Vitals all good, in NSR but feels like I’m in AFib. Previously I have had cardioversion to deal with persistent AFib, which has been successful for significant amount of time (years) and I have not needed to take beta blockers or arrhythmia drugs. I am only on blood thinners, dealing with pain with paracetamol. I am going to speak to GP in a couple of days, but not seeing ablation cardiologist until September.

It is scary to feel like this all the time, especially given that I had none of there symptoms prior to the procedure. Has anyone experienced anything like after an ablation, if so how did you deal with it, how long did it last and do you have any advice for alleviating these symptoms?

[BobD Volunteer]

I have to say that resting post procedure for at least two to three weeks is vital . You obviously havent been directed to our fact sheet on recovery so I will add a link below. Apaart from the bleed, mcu of what you describe is common.

healthunlocked.com/redirect...

[El-P in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob, that’s a very informative fact sheet.

If I’m honest the first two weeks where I was in and out of hospital plus boiler breakdown with workmen in my house for 3 days was all very stressful, so I reckon I’m abit behind on the 2 to 3 weeks of rest for recovery. Good to know it’s all normal but do wish I felt as good as I did before the procedure.

[LowT]

One of many possible considerations

From ChatGPT:

“While cardiac ablation has the potential to positively influence autonomic function by restoring normal heart rhythm, the immediate aftermath of the procedure can sometimes reveal temporary disturbances in autonomic regulation”

[kkatz]

I had same symptoms.Arythmia Nurse advised being proactive with pain killers for a few weeks.Just take it easy for a few weeks.

[BorderTerri]

I had ablation in February and as yourself had a formidable bleed from groin area on day of discharged at home. Days later diagnosed with pseudo aneurysm which was darn painful. With regards to other after effects heart flutters and weighted feeling in chest but no considerable pain. Everyone is different take your time.