Preparing for ablation for AF

[SpeckledCoast]

Hello everyone. I have suffered with AF since 2007 and am due an ablation in a few weeks. I am also severely deaf and have a hearing dog to support me. Part of the deal in acquiring him is that I have to walk him at least an hour a day. I also live alone with no immediate family nearby for support. My question is would it be wise to keep the dog at home in the immediate days after the ablation? We are a real team & I know it would upset him to have to live elsewhere but Hearing Dogs have said they may be able to foster him for a short while & I know he'd get the best love & care whilst away from me. If I can get through the walks straight after the ablation & providing him with care generally though, it would save a lot of angst about my dear dog suffering separation anxiety & missing home. Advice from members who have negotiated an ablation would be appreciated. Decisions, decisions!!

[BobD Volunteer]

I will add links to the Recovering from ablation fact sheet for you to read. We do say that for the first few days only very short walks close to home are suitable but that after a few days you should be able to extend them. You must understand that you may not be home the same day though. There are all sorts of reasons why a supposed day case may need over night care so you should arrange prior cover for your dog IMHO. Always best to be prepared.

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[SpeckledCoast in reply to BobD]

Thank you for your reply Bob. The fact sheet is gratefully received & very useful. I can turn to a friend who my dog knows well for short term cover. However, beyond 24 hours, the arrangement is unsuitable. It's slowly dawning on me that the best arrangement for both of us might be for Hearing Dogs to take him back temporarily, maybe for a week or so, especially as they have invested in his training.

[Afibflipper]

Everything BobD said. We all recover very differently. I’ve had 3 ablations, non followed the text books. It’s easy to push too hard then regret it later but hopefully you will breeze through with no problems. I’m sure your dog will be fine and will definitely be pleased to see you when he returns home. Hope all goes well for you

[Fullofheart]

What about paying a dog walker for a short period? Then you would not need to break up the team, or lose that valuable company and support; but you don't risk undoing the good work of the procedure by overdoing it too soon?

[SpeckledCoast in reply to Fullofheart]

Thank you. Probably the best idea but because he is a support dog (& I am not his owner) I'm restricted on who cares for him. Basically, it should be me 100% of the time, including walking, otherwise HDs prefer to manage his care

[Jajarunner]

I couldn't hardly walk at all for a month, just too weak. It was a month or more before I could even walk a mile, but I'm a slow healer....

[SpeckledCoast in reply to Jajarunner]

Thank you. Goodness me! I hope you're fully recovered now & the experience has proved worthwhile in the long run. I have come to realise, as Bob suggested, it's better to be prepared & have potential foster care arranged.

[Qualipop]

Try the Cinnamon Trust. They have volunteers who will exercise your dog short term so he can stay at home with you.