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pace and ablate

Creweboy profile image
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Having suffered with atrial fibrillation for over 8 years, having tried Bisoprolol, Amiodarone, my cardiologist is in the process of pace and ablate. I have had a pacemaker fitted over three weeks ago. I was told that the pacemaker would not stop my ongoing AF until the AV node had been blocked.

really worried about the ablation process. I’m told I will be awake. Stressful

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Creweboy
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Knavesmire27 profile image
Knavesmire27

Hi, I have have had ablation surgery 3 times. Yes you are awake but they do give you some sedation. They normally go in through your groin but will give you plenty of local anesthetic as well. They will put up a screen near your chest and a nurse will usually be sat near you at all times checking you are ok. Yes, it is a bit of a strange sensation when they first do the incision but it's not painful. When I had mine there was an average of 10 members of staff in the operating theatre so you are in very good hands. The ablation itself just feels like a warm sensation in your chest but again not painful in any way. The doctor or physician will usually keep up a commentary explaining what is happening when. Afterwards when back on the ward you have to lay still for a couple of hours but usually because of the sedation you will probably sleep anyway. By the end of the day you should be able to get up and walk about. I hope this helps a bit and good luck

Fullofheart profile image
Fullofheart

I've also had 3 ablations, but not av node. I was awake for 2 of mine and under general for the third.It is a bit scary and not how you'd want to spend a day but as the other reply says, you're in good hands and if you're in pain or discomfort they'll increase sedation. It's in their interests to keep you nice and calm (and still). And they want you to make a good recovery so you'll be treated with care. If you're very anxious before they can offer medication.

I was properly awake for first two and awake for the recovery period and found the lying still a little tiresome and uncomfortable but entirely doable. Do read the fact sheet written by patients that AFA produce. It's really informative about the procedure and the recovery.

Driver11 profile image
Driver11

My 2 ablations were under a general so I didn't know anything Good luck you'll be ok

AustinATV profile image
AustinATV

Hi CrewboyI suffered from both SVT and a slow heart rate, for which a pacemaker was fitted 18 months ago. About 4 months ago I had an ablation procedure carried out and this has totally resolved the SVT issue

In relation to having the ablation, I found the procedure was much less stressful than I had anticipated, the catheter was inserted in the groin area . The greatest discomfort was where the surgeon was pressing down on the groin, this left substantial bruising but nothing serious. You will be given the opportunity of taking a light sedative just before the procedure. I chose not to take any medication however it is entirely a personal choice. The staff were absolutely wonderful at the Blackpool centre and could not have been more helpful. You will feel a bit strange when they stimulate the heart to look for electrical pathways however this is very short lived and for me, the overall benefit of the procedure have far outweighed moderate discomfort. Wishing you well and a successful ablation.

Bjw49 profile image
Bjw49

hi I have had the same procedures. My pacemaker fitted 18th July, my ablation on the 9th October. Had the rate of pacemaker reduced to 60 beats a minute from 80 set at the ablation on the 19th December.

I found the ablation straightforward. I was awake through it all. Everything was explained as it was happening and seemed to be over fairly quickly. The aftercare required lying flat for a couple of hours and then slowly being brought to sitting up over the next couple of hours.

my pacemaker is monitored 24 hours a day and I’ve had 3 “events” but the cardiologist responded within two days of these being reported.no action to be taken,.

Apart from general anxiety of not knowing anyone else who has had pace and ablate so unable to chat things through I am certainly much better and don’t feel the effects of af now.

I’m sure you will be fine. I had paroxysmal AF for 10 years then covid turned this into permanent AF which was not treated by the various beta blockers but because they made me feel like a zombie pace and ablate was suggested.

Not sure how old you are but I’m 77 and now booked a cruise.

ahcm profile image
ahcm

Hi, I had my pace and ablate in 2022 after six years of afib. The pacemaker in June then the AV Node ablation in October. I remember very little of the ablation as I had sedation and it was over before I knew it! I was sitting at home four hours later having a cup of tea! There's no need to worry, the surgeons and anaesthetists do this procedure day in day out, mine was done in the Royal Stoke and my experience was very good. I have had a new lease of life after this. I said goodbye to my bisoprolol and Diltiazem now I just take Apixaban and furosemide. I too took amiodarone for a short while before pace and ablate but I had a very severe reaction to it. Don't stress yourself, you'll be fine.

Igotrhythm profile image
Igotrhythm

I had my AV node ablation done yesterday January 15th. In and out the same day. I was awake for bits of the ablation procedure - prep work and after it was completed - but under sedation for the actual ablation. Never any pain. It was successful. The AFib rattle and palpitations are gone.

10+ years of AFib, palpitations, rapid heart rate sessions, changing various meds and so on.

What a relief to feel normal.

In my view don't stress it at all.

Smile, breathe and go slow.

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