Ablation any advice, success stories, what to expect.

[centrex]

Cannot belive I get to post a question!!!

A little about my self I have went to the ER several times in V-tach.  Monitors showed a heart rate of 290 at one point.  I do not respond to medicine for conversion they always have to shock me.  I do not always have to go to the ER usally after 30 min I convert on my own. But these epesoids have got to be damaging my heart muscle.

I had an EP study done in march of 06 and they found the arrhythmia starts around the atrium.  But they also found a place that could start them in my ventricules.  They did not do the ablation at the time becuase they wanted me to change my life style, and I take Metoprolol 12.5 2x aday.  But I still have episodes of vtach.  So they are going to do the atrial ablation on me in Feb. This is what I have wanted all along. they belive by doing just the atrail it will take care of my problems with going into vtach.  If this does not work then I have to go to Cleveland for the ventricular ablation.

My questions are for all who have had the ablation done.  What can I expect afterwards as far as being discharged, limitations on what I can do.  And second did the ablation work for you?

Thanks

[barbara6852]

Well I am reading your posting 6 years after you wrote it.  I am going in tomorrow morning to Virginia Mason for an ablation.  Hopefully your misfortunate experience did not happen there.  I hope you are still with us and admired your positive attitude that even though your life was forever changed, you were thankful to be alive.

[orion5180]

SORRY FOR U WAS HE A TRAINED ELECTROPHYLOGIST????? ILL  TELL U NOW I HAVE THE BEST IN THE USA AND IS WORLD RENOWN ALL CARDIOLOGISTS SPEAK HIGHLY OF HIM KNOWS HIS STUFF INVENTED A 3 LEAD PACEMAKER TO BE ABLE TOSTIMULATE THE LT VENTRICLE THEREBY INCREASING EJECTION FRACTION BY 30 PERCENT THERBY INCREASING CARDIAC OUTPUT.  HE IS NOW DOING A STUDY IN DETROIT MICH AT HARPER HOSPITAL INSERTING A VAGUS NERVE STIMULATOR IN THE NECK HELPING TO OVERIDE THE SYMPATHETIC AND PARASYMPATHETIC SYSTEM  INCREASE CARDIAC OUTPUT AND DECREASING HEART FAILURE AND ITS WORKING.  

[orion5180]

awfully young  but it happens  im a retired nurse anesthetist  ive put enough people asleep for the procedure  its relatively safe 1st  normal electrical conduction is SA NODE TO AV NODE TO PERKINGEE FIBERS TO BUNDLE OF HISS.  WHAT HAPPENS IS YOUR HEAR DEVELOPES A DIFFERENT PATHWAY USUALLY ONE CLOSE TO THE AV NODE AND IF THIS CONTINUES U CAN DIE AN ABLATION HELPS TO ERADICATE THIS ABERANT CONDUCTION.  BUT I WOULD ONLY HAVE IT DONE BY A CARDIOLOGIST THAT WAS TRAINED ALSO IN ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY ( THE HEART ELECTRICLE FUNCTIONS)  IF HE BLASTS THE AV NODE NO PULSES BELOW THEN A PACEMAKER IS REQUIRED  I HOPE HE KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING I HAVE HAD A A FLUTTER ABLATION PLUS A NEW 2 LEAD PACEMAKER PUT IN IM STILL A LITTLE SCARED BUT YOU GO ON WITH YOUR LIFE
TOM

[lboris]

Smiley, it's possible that you will need another ablation.  I had my first ablation for SVT spells in 2010, and it was cryoablation (where the offending areas of the heart are frozen to destroy them).  That was somewhat successful, although I had some minor spells even shortly after my ablation.  It significantly did, however, reduce my symptoms, and I was able to keep things under control for the most part using short-acting Metoprolol only when needed.  

After a while, however, my spells became more frequent and again increased in severity.  I have recently been told by a medical professional (now, after my 2nd ablation), that they get more repeats in those cases where cryoablation was used the first time.

I had my second ablation on February 14, 2012, and that was with radio waves to burn the offending areas to destroy them.  They had to get VERY close to my AV node to get the right tissue, and it's my understanding I came very close to having to have a pacemaker.  (I had made peace with that eventuality, anyway, figuring that would be better than having frequent spells.)  

Since I had the second ablation, I have had a few premature heartbeats, but whereas previously, those would have caused SVTs, now, my heart just keeps beating steadily.  Two weeks after my surgery, we went to Mexico, and I have enjoyed a wonderful week here with no SVTs whatsoever!! I'm thrilled, but of course, am knocking on wood!  

I guess if I were you, Smiley, I would definitely go back in and tell your EP what is happening.  They may recommend a second ablation. Believe me, if a second one will stop your symptoms, it's worth it!

[Smiley2000]

There is a difference in Uterus ablation and Cardiac ablation.  But the word "ablation" means:  destroy!  so basically you can have ablation in Uterus as well as it destroys abnormal areas - so in actual fact the liquid ablation will work well in Uterus to "destroy" the first layer that could stop bleeding issues.  But the liquid procedure will not work in a heart!

[Smiley2000]

My understanding of ablation:  completely burn and destroy the abnormal area!  I don't think it can reverse itself.  What can happen is that you can develop another area that cause havoc and might need ablation for that again.

I had SVT attacks (Supra ventricular tachy) and they ablated 1 extra AV node, but there is still 2 left that they could not ablate.  I was told that for now the SVT will be fine, but there is no way of telling what the other 2 will do in time.

Up to date:  no problems with tachycardia.

[blessed272]

has anyone had the what I was told liquid ablation?, where the fluid is absorbed into the uterus better than heating, freezing or even Nuvasure which is like a webbing inside your uterus.  All in all I know all three are to thin out the lineing of your uterus, but my Dr. told me he prefers using the liquid method instead of the other three I mentioned.

I'm thinking about doing it, but after reading everyone elses stories I have become extremely leary, but I have not heard anyone speak on haveing an ablation done due to heavy periods which was my reasoning for wanting to do it.

[HollyB874]

I had an ablation about 9 years ago and have had no problems until recently...I have been having a few irregular heart beats that have been scaring me...I had a condition called Paroxysmal Atrial tachycardia (PAT) it was quite severe to the point where I was in the hospital at least once a week to have IV medication to stop the heart. Should I see a doctor incase the surgery has reversed itself...has there been any cases where it has reversed itself after so long? Ugh please help.....

[centrex]

Thanks for all the replies. meisterd78 sorry to hear about your experince.  I certinly hope mine goes well, but still hate to hear about your case.  Right now I am wearing a king of hearts monitor.  I am on my fourth day and wouldnt you know it, no abnormal beats!!

[meisterd78]

I was diagnosed with AVNRT in August 2003. I had several SVT episodes, but my GP didn't believe that I had a problem. She dismissed my crazy palpitations because I was young. About 12 episodes later, I actually passed out at work, with my pulse at over 240...I worked in the doctor's office, so it was kinda hard for her to not believe me now. It took about 45 minutes for the ER crew to get my heart rate under control, and it took several doses of adenosine.
I was referred to a cardiologist named Dr. Belz in Seattle. I couldn't be on beta blockers because I have asthma, and the two interract. Beta blockers actually make your asthma much worse, so I was short of breath all the time. Dr. Belz wanted to do an EP study and cath ablation...since I didn't have many options, I agreed.
I have never been the same...During the EP study he "accidentally" ablated my AV node. If you don't know what that is, well you kind of need it. I lost all function in the lower part of my heart, so I have no ventricular heart rhythm. I had a pacemaker implanted a few days later.
I am grateful to be alive...It could have been worse, but my life has been forever changed. I travel a lot less due to not being able to go through metal detectors at the airport...they just frisk me every time, which is a little more than awkward. I have an appt every month for a pacemaker check. I am the youngest person ever that sits in the cardiologists waiting room, so I get stared at every time.
There are moments or anger, then those are quickly banished by gratitude that I am still breathing.

[Sweetwaterguy]

I am a 63 year old male and had my ablation for a fib six weeks ago.  My procedure was done under general anethetic by very experienced people at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City.  Apparently some centers prefer to keep the patients awake.  Everything was very routine except my recovery.  I passed out on the way home and got an expensive ambulance ride back to the hospital.  The next morning I was dischrged again.  The problem was dehydration.  I have not tolerated amiodarone very well.  It seems to make give me nervous hands and my handwriting which has always been poor is even worse.  The good news is I feel great and have resumed normal activity, and I have a rather vigorous lifestyle.    I will be off medication in another couple of weeks.  So far six weeks into it, I have had no irregular heart beats.  If that continues after I am off the meds, I will proclaim success.
Good luck.  I wouldn't describe ablation as "easy" but it has very low risk.  To me, it was worth it.

[Momto3]

I have had two ablations for pvcs.  The first procedure ablated an area in the right side (RVOT), and the second procedure was for the left side (LVOT).  Each procedure took about 7 hours and an overnight stay in the hospital.

Prior to the procedures, I was given an IV sedative (Versed) and pain medication (fentynl). The combination of medications worked well to keep me comfortable and "out of it." I have very little recollection of the EPS' or ablations.  Others have said they felt the catheters and burns.  That's something you may want to discuss with your doctor, ahead of time.

After the procedures, I was taken to a regular room on the telemetry floor and monitored until my discharge the following morning.  Both time, for the fist 6 hours (to prevent bleeding), I had a sandbag on my groin at the catheter entry point. I had to lay somewhat reclined, but was able to sit up enough to eat and read. The second time around, the doctor placed a "plug" in the femoral artery, which dissolved about 3 months later. I was told to watch for bleeding, increasing swelling, redness or pain.  The first time, I had the ablation on a Friday and went back to work on Monday (too soon).  The second time, I waited a week (much better).  I wasn't in any pain, but I was a little sore and somewhat sluggish.  Initially, my heartbeat was faster than I was accustomed to.  Eventually, it slowed back to "normal" and the pvcs settled down.  

Good luck!!

[dquenzer]

I had an ablation for AFIB 3 years ago at Mayo.  You can expect some soreness in the groin area for about 3 to 4 days.  Left hospital the day afterwards.  You will probably feel a bit tired, but I was back at work 4 days after ablation.  I recommend clearing your schedule for a week afterwards as a precaution.   I didn't get my total energy back for about one month.  I was on the ablation table for about 7 hours.

The good news is that ablations are pretty successful.  Mine was.

Expect some arrythmias after ablation because of the irritation of the heart.  I had a few bouts of AFIB for a few weeks.  They don't know complete success for about 3 months afterwards.  I still get a few PAC or PVC's but nothing much.