Two weeks till surgery. So scared.

[Sue-R-S]

Hi, I’m a 42 year old single mum of two fantastic kids. In two weeks time I’m having pulmonary vein ablation to correct some problems with my heart. This will be the 2nd operation - I had ablation 5years ago but the problem has returned and this time they’ve advised the operation will be longer and more complex.

In October I experienced stroke like symptoms and in November I was rushed to hospital with SVT. I’m currently on warfarin and sotolol. I feel so tired all the time, experience chest pains on exertion and life is feeling pretty tough right now.

Luckily family are able to help look after my children (age 9 & 11) whilst I’m in hospital and for a few days afterwards but 5 days after the op it will be just me and them (we’ve escaped from domestic abuse so their dad isn’t an option for helping out).

I’m so scared in case something goes wrong and my children are getting really stressed about it all too. Home is like a ticking time bomb waiting to go off, yet I really want to make these last couple of weeks before the operation count, and is be as funfilled and full of love as possible.

Does anyone have any advice as to support for my children through all of this?

And has anyone else had Pulmonary Vein ablation and willing to share details of how long it will take to recover (I’ve simply been told 2 weeks)?

So many questions .....

[Ashleigh_BHF]

Hi Sue-R-S

Sorry to hear you are all feeling anxious before your ablation procedure.

It's normal to feel worried about your own health, and normal for your children to be concerned about their mummy's health if they know you are going into hospital. It may be nice to take some time out over the next few weeks with them, to do fun things before your recovery from your procedure. Maybe if they felt excited about going to stay with family, it would help you all cope during the time you will be apart.

It may be a good idea for you to call our Helpline on 0300 330 3311 and chat to a cardiac nurse, who can explain in simple terms what a pulmonary vein ablation is so you can tell your children in simple terms. It may help them to understand that you should feel much better after your stay in hospital, and that it's important mummy has her procedure so she will feel better. We can also help answer any questions or worries that you have around the procedure and recovery.

Best of luck,

Ashleigh

[Zena166]

Hi Sue. Sorry to hear about what is happening to you. BHF have got great resources and their helpline is wonderful. I wonder if it’s worth contacting one of the different charities eg Gingerbread parent line etc who maybe able to offer advice. Also do you have a health visitor or social worker that you could talk to and they may be able to offer support and advice for your children. Other options may be to speak to your GP about counselling services for both you and your children as well as young people charities that offer support. It’s brilliant that you are focusing on supporting your children in helping them cope. What an amazing lady you are. But you also need support yourself. So do seek support from some of the many suggestions that you will get from the forum members. Take care and keep us posted and look after yourself. Stay strong. Sending lots of positive thoughts and hugs. Zena

[Sparklecake]

I hope your op goes well. Sending good vibes! Xx