Ablation for PVCs

[Bahrain22]

I've been told by my EP that he recommends that I have an ablation, as I have PVCs. I'm only 40 and currently take Flecainide twice a day, 50mg per time and have done this for around a year. I'm terrified of having the ablation done, as any heart procedure sounds terrifying to me. I asked could I have it under general anesthetic and the EP said no.

Is it worth it, will it name my PVCs go away? I've read quite a bit on here that you still may have to take Flecainide afterwards anyway, so I'm not sure I fully understand the benefits. Any advice would be gratefully received.

[Lovefrance]

Hi there, If you have been advised to have an ablation, I think you should go ahead. It’s a procedure that aims to control your irregular heart rhythms.It will be done under general anaesthetic and out the same day, although I chose to stay overnight. Any procedure concerning your heart is worrying but these people know what they are doing and for them is something they do on a daily basis. Lots of people on here have had this done and I’m sure others will give you the support you need. Just think if this works for you how great that will be.Hope this helps.

[Duddo]

I've had two ablations for atrial fibrillation. The second was more successful but still needs to be controlled with 2 100mg flecainide per day. I still get occasional lapses (flutter) but never for very long and I am able (at 73) to cycle and take long walks. I am glad i had the ablation because i feel it has improved things a lot. I had the first without anaesthetic and the second with. Even though i was out for 6 hours, i would still prefer to have it done under anaesthetic.

[OrdinaryGuy]

Go for the Catheter Ablation. I have had two and my atrial fibrillation events have stopped for over a year now. Also there is no need for regular Flecainide if the procedure is successful. It is a procedure and not an operation on your heart - i.e. not open heart surgery. There is no need to be concerned about having the procedure. The Cardiologist is the specialist and you will be sedated or under a light anaesthetic all the time and not aware of what is going on. It is a day procedure and relatively easy to handle and recover from. Best of luck.

[Ianc2]

There are no guarantees but the EP should have informed you of the benefits that you will probably enjoy. Have you helped yourself by getting your weight , your waist size, your exercise levels and your food balance right?

[wheezybronch]

I had AVTs, Atrial flutter, Af, every day was a challenge, My heart rate was much too fast. I also have angina. I eventually had an ablation at Royal Papworth and it was like a magic wand, no real problems since. If offered an ablation personally I would take it, it has varying degrees of success mine was very successful others have to have it repeated, many carry on taking oral meds but usually at a reduced rate. AF can vastly increase your chances of a stroke. I have had multiple lacunar infarcts, you can have these with no real symptoms but the damage is greater over an extended time and has an accumalative negative effect.