Catheter ablation without being put to sleep?

[brisskyy]

Hi all, recently was going to have a catheter ablation, however doc said afterwards that they couldn't induce tachycardia when I was under general anaesthesia and so couldn't carry procedure out. So now I have to have it without general anaesthesia at a later date.

My question to anyone who has had without general anaesthesia is how does it feel, is it that painful, and is it hard to sit through? As it can take long as well. Maybe for pain comparing to blood taking? The pain will mostly be in the heart I guess since there will be local anaesthetic too.

Thank you,

[Lew16]

Hi

I've had ablation for svt a couple of years ago. It is a strange experience but really is'nt as bad as it sounds. They sedate you so you are aware of whats going on but the time passes quick. Some people don't feel pain at all some do. I did feel it but they just injected painkillers through the cannula. As its a different kjnd of pain its hard to explain but bearable. Took 3-4 hours for me. Good luck & try not to worry too much.xx

[Wasp1954]

Like Lew 16 I had an ablation (Dec 18) under sedation. It took four hours and was a strange experience. I was more anxious about the groin insertion than anything else but it was all a blank! Yes, I did experience pain, hard to describe but I knew exactly when the EP was doing his thing, a low intensity burning that increased in severity and then wained - it wasnt agony, more like a dentist visit and when I mentioned it, I was given more sedation (fentanyl ?). I really found this site helpful in preparing for it. I would say you need to take heed of advice regarding recuperation. I was shot after the procedure and didnt do a thing for a week (and I am retired)! My EP told me to take it real easyas it takes three months for the heart to heal and it IS surgery! Its a breeze and so far I have had no subsequent PAF'S. Best of luck.