Blossom

[Blossom30]

I’m going to have an ablation because of I have AF

It’s f anyone has had this done I would like to ask is this painful in the groin area where they insert a catheter after it has been done, like the day afterwards ??

thank you

[Knavesmire27]

Hi Blossom, I have had ablation surgery 3 times now and there is potential of more. One of those times I was given a general anesthetic but I was awake for the other two. They will give you a local anesthesic in your groin. To be honest all I felt was a pushing sensation when they inserted the catheter , but no pain.. Your body will be covered so there is nothing for you to see and there is usually a nurse who will sit close to you (near your head) and talk to you and make sure you doing ok. When I had mine there was about 11 staff in the theatre and you are constantly monitored throughout. When they do the ablation it just feels a bit warm around the area they ablating but it is not uncomfortable. They may also give you some mild sedation that can help. I know it is scary and I think part of that is because you are awake but you are in good hands and the technology and equipment they use is amazing. Good luck and take care

[SpeckledCoast in reply to Knavesmire27]

Hello Knavesmire. I am in the same position as Blossom & likewise, mildly anxious. I just want to say thank you for your words. They are very reassuring & reinforced to me the benefit of being part of this forum.

[Blossom30 in reply to Knavesmire27]

Thanks

[Blossom30 in reply to Knavesmire27]

Thankyou so much

[30912]

I've had two ablations, although the last one was 7 years ago, I can't remember having any pain, discomfort or other issues in that area. Had to lie flat for a number of hours afterwards and just took it easy for the next couple of weeks.

Good luck with it.

[Blossom30 in reply to 30912]

thankyou

[Lexi72]

hi blossom I had an ablation for ectopics about 8 months ago. Mine was under local not general. I felt really safe and secure (NHS at best) and recovered in 2 days. The catheter inserted through groin area via a blood vessel and taken out when finishedI was given a local anaesthetic so it did not hurt and also put in happy drugs to keep me calm. You just felt a bit of pressure. The ablation did hurt in my case when they zapped the heart after the initial mapping. But they then upped the pain relief and it was manageable. You are then kept in for monitoring for the rest of the day and once they are sure the wound has closed you can be sent home. You need someone to go home with you and you then just need to lie down until you are fully recovered. The whole experience was very efficient with about 8 staff looking after you in the Cath lab during the process. Lots of screens to watch and your will be really well looked after best wishes Lexi

[Blossom30 in reply to Lexi72]

thank you

[Myrtleinmygarden]

I have had one ablation 16 months ago. It took longer than was anticipated as I kept on going into AF. I was under general anaesthetic. It took me some time to recover, and I hope I won’t have another. I’m pleased I have been stable for 7 months. I take 2.5mg bisoprolol twice a day, 20mg rivaroxaban, 20mg statin. I am78, 79 later this year.

My groin area wasn’t a problem thankfully, but it took some time to recover.

Best wishes.

[Blossom30 in reply to Myrtleinmygarden]

Thankyou

[Longbay]

I have had it done twice before and i can assure you that the procedure is only a little uncomfortable, afterwards the groin area is tender and there will be some bruising for a week or two. Nothing to be concerned about.

[Blossom30 in reply to Longbay]

Thankyou

[Sixtychick]

I had my ablation in Sept 2023. I was given sedation and local anaesthetic, so can’t say I felt anything when they inserted the catheters. I did get a huge nasty looking bruise in my groin afterwards though, which lasted quite a while, but it didn’t hurt. I didn’t have to stop my anti- coagulant, just had to stop my Sotalol for 2 days, which started my AFib off. I did feel a bit of pain when they treated certain areas of my heart, but the EP did warn me and it didn’t last too long. The fear of it was worse than the treatment. If it keeps the AFib beast away, it’s worth going through it. Good luck.

[Blossom30 in reply to Sixtychick]

I agree I’m so fed up with this AFib as it’s quite bad I will try anything thanks for your help

[Sixtychick in reply to Blossom30]

You’re welcome.

[Sixtychick in reply to Blossom30]

👍

[GCWhits]

I didn't find it was painful in the groin, either during or after the procedure. There was a hell of a bruise for several days though! One thing I would say is that they need the area where they insert the catheter shaven. The nurse will do it for you, but if you think you wouldn't like that, then you can do it yourself beforehand. That's something I would have liked to have known in advance.

[Blossom30 in reply to GCWhits]

Thankyou

[Jalia]

I think you've had some pretty good replies which I would echo. I've had 5 ablations and a LAAO (through the groin) 4 of these under sedation and had no problems with groin pain. Remember no heavy lifting though !

Good luck!

[Blossom30 in reply to Jalia]

Thanks