Surgery time.

[Afib2012]

Hey all. As my ablation date creeps closer I was wondering how long the whole process took for those who have had it done? I was told I have to lay flat for about 6-8 hrs afterwards... Can I take something to read while I am laying there or do I have to be still as well?? Will I even want to read??? Hope all of you are doing well!!!

[bulworth]

You will be in a peaceful state so don't worry about it.........the fentanyl will take hours to wear off & you'll be blissfully unaware of time.

[TheStand]

Mine lasted about 6 hours. They told me 4 to 8 hours. And yes you must lay still on your back for about 8 hours afterwards. You could read or watch TV. But with the drugs you'll probably just want to lay there. My wife said I would be in the middle of saying something and just drop off for 5 minutes of sleep so you might not get much reading done.

Your's will depend on what they have to do. If they only go into the right side of your heart you "could" be released the same day. If they have to go into the left side then it requires you stay over night. I checked into the hospital @ 7AM and checked out @ 10AM the next day.

What day is your EP Study/Ablation?

Will keep you in my prayers...

Tim

[Afib2012]

Thanks Tim!! I appreciate that. It's on the 25th. I have to be there at 7am for a 9am procedure. They will do a TEE first. I am nervous but ready. Thanks again!!!

[BobD Volunteer]

Depends where you have it done. I had three done at Brompton Hospital and only needed to lay flat for about four hours. Agree about the not caring too much apart from the last one where I had terrible back pain and REALLY needed to move about to unlock the cramped muscles.

[Summertime13]

I've had several ablations

You can ask for a general anasetic which has risks with it or you can be sedated with less risks you would be wise to talk with the person doing your procedure and make your mind up then.

My last procedure only lasted 3 hours and I had to lay on my back for four hours as you have been sedated you usually drift off to sleep anyway.my last one was just 12 days ago

Good luck

Chrissy

[Hidden]

My 2 ablations took 4+ hours each under sedation. I think i had about 4 hrs on my back afterwards -- was not a problem as i was quite drowsy & rather pleased to come through unscathed ! I could have read if I wanted to.

[Afib2012]

Thanks yatsura. Mine is for atrial tachycardia. It's the 25th. Coming off my meds 3 days prior are what scares me. I don't know what to expect. I appreciate you responding.

[AFAssociation1]

You may find this information booklet useful. It explains the various surgical ablation procedures: atrialfibrillation.org.uk/f...

[bigE]

Hey thanks for the info I've got my date for next month and after seeing the pure op nurse ,who was very good at the Manchester Heart Center,she explained that 5 days before I stop my warfarin then 3 days before I have to inject my blood thinner each day(how crazy I'm not realising that idea).Although the nurse did say that it was only about an hour and half before I would be able to sit up! Mind you may just not feel like it I guess

[lubohohduh]

The Doc doing my ablation is going to have me out for the procedure.. thankful for that I squirm around like a worm in a frying pan even when I am relaxed!