Waiting list for Ablation

[BorderMLH]

Hi, can I ask for those who have had an Ablation, did you have general or local anaesthetic and if awake does it hurt? I’m in a waiting list and absolutely dreading it! My Bisoprolol is being changed as I have been on it for a year and a half now and when I’m into AF nothing is bringing it back into sinus rhythm. Often in AF for a week or 2! My gp is writing to my cardiologist to see if he can try me on Sotalol due to the side effects of the Bisoprolol. Hopefully this will help me whilst I am waiting for the Ablation. Today was marvellous as none AF I did a small jog!

[Lovefrance]

Hi there. Don’t worry about your ablation. This is an every day procedure.I was given the choice of leaving the same day or staying in overnight.I had general anaesthetic. I suffer with anxiety so thought it best. If you are that worried, I suggest you do the same. But honestly you will be fine. I know it’s easy to say don’t worry. You will anyway but try to stay calm and just think they are so used to doing this procedure and if you have a general you will have a little sleep, wake up and it will all be over. Hope this helps.

[Ianp66]

I'd post this on the AF association, that's where most of the relevant answers will come. I had an ablation two years ago next month, not on any meds anymore, off bisoprolol, though that's more for rate control, fast tachycardia, than AF. I'd try get a referal to an EP, Electrophysiologist, they are the experts in the hearts electrical field, which is AF. That was a game changer for me. When I had paroxysmal AF like you I was prescribed flecanide as a pill on pocket to take whenever it came on, and did help initially. AF though does develop the more it's left in lost cases and I wish I had an ablation earlier. Hope this helps, but pop your post into the AF association page which the links at the top of here, and more can help, comment.

Ian.

[Bimclsh]

I had an ablation 4 years ago and I've been fine ever since. I was awake, though sedated, for most of it and was even able to watch what was happening on screen. There was no pain, just a slightly heavy feeling in the chest at times, which I assume might feel a bit like mild angina? I had been placed on Amiodarone for a few weeks before the operation so that my sinus rhythm would be regular for the ablation. However, about an hour or so in I went into afib, so they put me fully under for the remainder of the procedure. I was told later by the cardio nurse that this does sometimes happen and can even be helpful as it can help guide the surgeon to the precise locatiion he needs to ablate. All in all I would say that the whole thing was very straightforward and not anything to get apprehensive about,,,, and just think how good you're going to feel afterwards!

[GreenMonday]

Hi there. My husband had two ablations last year and he assures me the procedure was fine. He was awake throughout just had mild sedation and said it was amazing to watch on the screens. He was home the same day after his ablation in December as he was first on the list. His meds were also changed from bisoprolol to Sotalol and that seemed to help his palpitations. He has his three month follow up call on Thursday and hoping he may be able to stop his meds but they really did help him. I am sure your procedure will help you and your situation. Good luck and take care.

[H-ar4row]

I am still on Bisoprolol and dislike it intensely, Sotalol was no better! Cardiologist said that it helps to keep my blood pressure down and it is the Amiodarone which helps to keep me out of AF, But like most pills it has its own problems, have to keep out of the sun, and they keep an eye on liver function.

[Peony4575 in reply to H-ar4row]

You are not alone in having a dim view of Bisoprolol