Catheter ablation surgery

[W212]

Next Monday having to go for catheter abalation, just wondering what is the procedure and the pain I'll experience

Many thanks

[jeanjeannie50]

I can honestly tell you that the procedure for an ablation is no big deal and usually pain free. Are you having it done with sedation or a general anaesthetic? I've had three by the way, two with sedation and one with a GA. It's always nerve racking when you're waiting for the date to have it carried out, but afterwards you will think it wasn't as bad as you thought.

Be aware though that recovery afterwards can take time, often EP's lead you to believe that you will be fine from the next day onwards, but you may find that you get periods of extreme tiredness which can last for weeks. Whatever you do make sure you get plenty of rest for the first week and then very slowly build up your stamina a little over the second week. Do nothing strenuous for the first two weeks. You may find that one day you feel really well and then the next day not, that's all normal. Listen to your body it will make sure you know when to rest.

Hope it's a success for you.

Jean

[W212 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thank you very much, really helpful not sure having it at Broadgreem heart and chest think having GA, always thought it would take longer than it said

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to W212]

In my experience ablations can take anything from one and a half hours to six. One of mine was six and the person due to have theirs after me was sent home.

[istimewa in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Hi Jean,Your description has been informative for me, thank you!

I am also planned to have an ablation. I have AF & other arrhythmias troubling me due to having hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. I was taking bisoprolol which did suppress the irregular rhythms well but nasty side effects that wouldn't fade made drug therapy not a viable option. 6 weeks of nasty recurrent, multiple tongue ulcers to the point that I could only drink protein shakes and watery baby foods. Also, unremitting constipation despite juggling several laxatives & psyllium husk. It was horrendous! So, now the cardiologist suggests ablation therapy instead. I didn't realise that it might take up to 6 hours to complete an ablation! I am scared of the journey post-ablation and what the days afterwards would be like.

[Jencalverley]

I had two abalation S first was only one hr and really they ran out of time finishing the procedure second one was 5 half hours all done successfully and came off bistropol. The only thing I didn’t like was the cold mat they stick to your back it was a shock. Then the puncture of the instrument in your groin not painful though. Just my sedation not quite kicked in but glad I had it done. I have a few flurry’s time to time but nothing like it was. Good luck Jenny

[istimewa in reply to Jencalverley]

i am also planned to have an ablation. I have AF & other arrhythmias troubling me due to having hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. I was taking bisoprolol which did suppress the irregular rhythms well but nasty side effects that wouldn't fade made drug therapy not a viable option. 6 weeks of nasty recurrent, multiple tongue ulcers to the point that I could only drink protein shakes and watery baby foods. Also, unremitting constipation despite juggling several laxatives & psyllium husk. It was horrendous! So, now the cardiologist suggests ablation therapy instead. I am scared of the journey post-ablation and what the days afterwards would be like.

[Jencalverley in reply to istimewa]

After the first day just wanting to sleep I was fine up doing normal things been great since sept 2019. Good luck

[BorderMLH]

Can you please keep me posted on how you get on? I’m under a cardiologist and waiting list for ablation but I’m so very frightened. The risks are 1 in 1500 death, 1 in 500 risk of mitral valve damage requiring repair or replacement, 1 in 300 stokes, 1 in 200 risk of pulmonary vein stenosis, 1 in 200 risk of phrenic nerve injury and 1 in 100 risk of pericardial effusion. There is a risk of bruising to the groin which may occasionally require vascular repair. Then my cardiologist finishes the letter with ‘overall the risk of major or life threatening complication is 1in 50. After recently loosing my husband, I don’t know what to do with these risks and potentially leave our children. I’m on bisoprolol and Flecainide still AF but not so prolonged. The letter is worrying and I understand every procedure carries risks but these are quite a lot to consider. Good luck and I would love to hear from you afterwards xx

[istimewa in reply to BorderMLH]

Hi BorderMLH - 1 in 1500 death, 1 in 500 risk of mitral valve damage requiring repair or replacement, 1 in 300 stokes, 1 in 200 risk of pulmonary vein stenosis, 1 in 200 risk of phrenic nerve injury and 1 in 100 risk of pericardial effusion : are all these the risks associated with the ablation procedure which you were told by your cardiologist please? (very long and quite high risk probablilities)

[BorderMLH in reply to istimewa]

Yes absolutely by my cardiologist. In a letter.