Ablation worries

[Sixtychick]

I had a phone chat with a heart Dr, this morning. He went on about a catheter ablation again. If it stopped my SVT and AF episodes, it might be worth considering, but I’m very scared of having it done. It does have it’s risks and you can end up with a pacemaker and it can be fatal in rare cases. I also read you have to lie flat in your back for the procedure and for several hours after it. Lying on my back makes me feel light headed and when I get up, I’m dizzy and the thought of having a sedative worries me too. Can any of you offer me any answers to my worries. ?

[IanMK]

I had a catheter ablation (RF) in 2018 to address an arrhythmia. It was straightforward and painless, although unsuccessful as it was discovered that the source was very close to my AV node. I chose to have a 2nd ablation and have a CRT-P device fitted rather than continue with the effects of the arrhythmia and I am glad thatI did. I am an electronics engineer (now retired) and I know that these devices are very reliable. I consider the device as I do my spectacles; they both help me lead a normal life. Clearly this is a very personal decision and I am sorry that it causes you such anxiety. I hope that you are able to take a more detached view. Best wishes to you.

[Sixtychick in reply to IanMK]

Thanks for your reply, thats very helpful. Glad it helped you.The Dr said to try upping my Sotalol by half a tablet, to see if it will help at all. I am thinking about ablation for the future. Glenfield Leicester hospital has quite a good reputation. Keep well.

[Donkster in reply to Sixtychick]

I found holding my breath and push straining down to stop my svt worked sometimes you could try it here’s a link

The Valsalva maneuver is a breathing method that may slow your heart when it's beating too fast. To do it, you breathe out strongly through your mouth while holding your nose tightly closed. This creates a forceful strain that can trigger your heart to react and go back into normal rhythm.10 Jan 2020

webmd.com › valsalva-...

Valsalva Maneuver: How to Do It and When to Use It - WebMD

[Sixtychick in reply to Donkster]

I usually find lying on the floor stopped it, but it didn’t work the last time I had it. Will look at that.

[Donkster]

Hi Sixtychick

Take a look at all my previous posts you will find them helpful I had an ablation for SVT

[Sixtychick in reply to Donkster]

Thanks. I had a look. Seems like it was good for you. I have had PSVT since I was 22. The PAF only started in 2014. I would hope, if I decided to have an ablation, it would help both conditions.

[Donkster in reply to Sixtychick]

Glad you took a look, yes I’m still going strong although I decided to cut caffein out , alcohol and lose weight and this year I can tolerate the cold weather much better.

[IanMK in reply to Donkster]

I used to enjoy a beer or two but prostate issues caused me to curtail those over ten years ago. I switched to shorts for a nightcap and enjoyed having an evening whisky. Sadly, I find that I am less able to tolerate this these days. I still tend to drink coffee during the day but have decided not to stretch my luck and buy an expensive 'real' coffee maker. I try to watch what I eat (although my wife does most of the cooking) but I am not overweight and, although I've never been athletic, I try to keep to an exercise regime and enjoy cycling in warmer weather. I do feel the cold in my extremities, however; notably between the end of October and May. I wish I had underfloor heating 😅

[Donkster in reply to IanMK]

Hi Ian

The cold weather I hate these days, but I guess that’s because I’m getting older, I use to love my drinks 🍺 but it’s a small price to pay for a healthier lifestyle. Instead of cycling go for walks good luck and wrap up

[IanMK in reply to Donkster]

Four weeks to go until the shortest day. The days will be getting longer and warmer before we know it 😄

[Sixtychick in reply to Donkster]

I’ve have decaff coffee and tea for a long time. I don’t drink or smoke and only weigh 8 stone 6lbs. (I’m only 5ft tall) I exercise almost every day and eat 5 fruit and veg each day, plus I take magnesium, COQ10, a pro-biotic, multi vits and 500gms omega 3 every day, as well as my Sotalol, Edoxaban and Atorvastatin. I try every thing to keep me well and spend a fortune on these supplements. !!!

[Donkster in reply to Sixtychick]

Ablation I think you have to decide if it’s for you, mine worked for me fingers crossed I don’t want to tempt fate. Once it’s done you maybe rid of svt good luck

[Sixtychick in reply to Donkster]

Am trying an extra half tablet if my Stotalol first, as the Dr suggested. See how we go from there.

[Loveswimmimg]

Any operation has risks, but catheter ablation is frequently performed relatively safe procedure which has enormous benefits if it is successful. I had one in April and although not completely painless it was straightforward and has done the trick so far. If you are very anxious about lying on your back you could ask for a general anaesthetic. Once you come round you do have to remain on your back for a couple of hours, but they won’t let you get up without someone with you. It’s your decision whether to go ahead, but all I can say is that my life now considerably easier without the constant threat of an AF episode. Good luck!

[Sixtychick in reply to Loveswimmimg]

Thanks. I’m not the best patient, I get anxious, so it’s not an easy decision to make. I shall try the higher tablet dose first, as the Dr suggested and go from there. Glad it worked for you, hope it continues.