ABLATION.

[Angelbeliever]

I am having a radiofrequency ablation very shortly, for my very rapid heartbeats that keep on happening every few weeks. Has anybody else had one and if so how was it. I have been told I will have to keep still for over four hours which I will not be able to do and it is on my mind all the time.

[HELLYCAT]

Hi. I had mine last weds and it was no where near as bad I thought. They gave me something to relax me but I was awake and talking. There was some pressure in my groin but nothing to bad and when he was causing the palpations to find where he had to be ablate was a bit strange but nothing was painful. I also have issues lying flat as I have Ankylosing Spondylitis and lying on my back causes a lot of pain but they gave me plenty pain meds. Afterwards the nurse checked on me constantly and adjusted the bed to help with the back pain. I'm 6 days on and my groin is bruised and sore, I am having a few flutters in my heart which is normal and feel quite tired so I rest when I need to. It was no where near as bad as my imagination was telling me it would be and I would do it again. Tell them your problems with lying flat they will do all they can to support you. I can't fault the care I was giving.

[Angelbeliever in reply to HELLYCAT]

Thank you Hellycat, that’s very reassuring.

[Driver11]

Hi I've had 2 and been out for both so didn't have any problems The groin settles down very quickly

Good luck

[Angelbeliever in reply to Driver11]

Thank you Driver11 for your reply. Did you have sedation that put you out of it or did you have a general anaesthetic ? I go for it on Thursday, cannot wait to get it over and done with Ime so frightened about the keeping still for four to five hours until the ablation is finished.

[Driver11]

It was full general anesthetic In hospital overnight, out the next afternoon but no driving for 24hrs and needed someone to stay with me first night

[Canary49]

Good luck. I had one in September and it's certainly helped me. I can now walk up slopes far more easily than before without getting breathless. Local anaesthetic and I was in `and out in 40 minutes, of which about 20 were the preparation and afterwards waiting to see if they had successfully zapped the node in my heart(which they had). It was slightly uncomfortable when the chest suddenly felt very hot but it was quickly over. Then resting in bed before allowed home. Very glad I had it done.

[Angelbeliever in reply to Canary49]

Thank you for your reply Canary49. 40minutes is that all it took them to do your ablation.? My surgeon told me it will take four to five hours for my ablation and that was my biggest worry because it’s absolutely impossible for me to stay absolutely still for that length of time. I have had some lovely replies to my concern and I am so grateful to these kind people. My ablation is tomorrow .

[Canary49 in reply to Angelbeliever]

From the moment I went into the lab until the moment my bed was pushed out, it was exactly 40 minutes. I had to be there several hours in advance and had to lie pretty still afterwards for about four hours before I was allowed home. Was advised not to drive for a week. Didn't have to be completely still as I was able to have a cup of tea and a sandwich but nothing beforehand. Wishing you good luck!

[Wk67]

Hi, I had ablation 18 months ago, and found it fascinating! Had 20% ectopics all the time, affected walking, fitness a lot. So grateful for the procedure, zapped 5 places in rt ventricle, couldn’t do 6th as was too close to natural pacemaker spot. Feel so well now. It was about 4 hours , but not a problem. 6 people in theatre, mapping where irregular beats coming from. Went in right groin, not painful, so clever! You will enjoy it! All best, don’t worry, you will be in excellent hands.

[Choccie55]

My ablation took 3.5 hours and I was awake and aware throughout. I was worried about staying still but I did - I’m sure it’s the mix of drugs they give you. It was a bit uncomfortable around the groin and I didn’t like when they paced my heart with medication. The actual ablation just felt like warmth in my chest - they gave me painkillers and oxygen before they started the heat treatment and it kept me comfortable. They will tell you to take shallow breaths at this point too. Afterwards I lay flat for an hour, head raised for another hour then I could sit up for an hour before being allowed to walk about. Make sure you go to the toilet just before you go into the catheter lab. Hope all goes well for you.