Catheter Ablation

[Blueflags]

Hi everyone, its been a long time since I last posted a message, apologies. I would just like to ask anyone about their experiences with Catheter Ablation for AF. I had my second one last November and I expected some discomfort having had my first one two years previous to that. I was given a sedative and dropped off into a light sleep, but woke up in excruciating pain as the procedure progressed, they had to stop as I couldn't tolerate the pain. Consequently the procedure couldn't be completed to the extent that they would have liked. Since the second ablation I have been reasonably okay on Bisoprolol and Apixaban, but dread the thought that I may need another. I would ask for a general anaesthetic next time, but not sure if they do that.

[honey1958]

Hi Blueflags I had ablation under sedation a few weeks back and was nervous having found the transesophageal echo under sedation awful!

The consultant was understanding and started the sedation before the procedure and also used morphine. There were some brief painful moments but nothing like as bad as I expected and would have another if I had to.

Like you was told for GA wait would be much longer so went for it. I just kept telling them I needed maximum drugs and that's what I got

[kenhaem]

I just had mysecond one too. Both under GA I would not accept anything else anyway, but did not have choice

[Loveswimmimg]

Hi , I’m sorry to hear that you had such a bad experience. I had some pain during mine but it was tolerable. I’m sure that you could ask for a general next time but hopefully you won’t need another one! I was told that after a general you would need to stay overnight, and of course recovery would take a bit longer, but it’s probably worth it in your case. I hope you continue to do well and they have managed to do enough to keep the problem under control for at least a while. Good luck!