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ABLATION REPORT FOR AVNRT
So here’s my report for my ablation procedure.
Firstly, I had to come off my heart meds Digoxin, 5 days prior, and Atenolol 4 days prior to the procedure. I had been on Atenolol for 15 years so coming off ‘cold turkey’ was totally brutal to my system. Within 24 hours I was suffering constant palpitations and had a svt event which I managed to bring under control in 10 minutes. I felt wired and my hands would not stop shaking. This continued for the next 3 days – went to local walk-in clinic to get EKG and advice and was reassured that I would be okay. Had my final svt attack at 5:45am, the day of the procedure, just couldn’t wait to get to the hospital and leave it to them to sort me out. My BP hovered around 140/100 for those few days and it got to the point that I wouldn’t check it anymore because it was scaring me (my normal BP is around 100/60) …
Then things followed the usual routine which has been outlined by others; hook up to an IV, sign documents etc. and final meeting with EP to answer any concerns. They got the ball rolling pretty quickly. I had freezing in my right groin, was warned that it might sting but it didn’t and the catheters were inserted and apart from a little achiness, it was no problem. Immediately the catheters reached my heart, boom the tachy started. I was not upset because I knew I was in a very controlled environment. Then they gave me a breather as they continued to set things up (I watched everything on the monitor because I was awake, no sedation). Then the pacing of my heart started and seemed to go on for about 10/15 minutes – it felt a little unnerving, and somewhat unpleasant to say the least but hey I’ve had this condition for 28 years so what’s new – and the nurse stood by me for reassurance which was helpful.
Then I got the dx: AVNRT. A little time lapsed and the nurse came back and said she could give me a small amount of sedation/pain killer for the actual ablation. I said I felt okay and would take the painkiller, Fentyl. I was ablated in 2 spots, close to the AV node and they took out the slow pathway – I felt absolutely no pain/discomfort at all.
All in all I must say at the end of the day it was a very simple procedure for me. It took approximately one hour and I truly believe I had an excellent result because I did exactly as I was told, to stop taking the heart meds 4/5 days prior to procedure and to have no sedation. I looked up old reports from others with typical AVNRT and a lot of folks who didn’t have a good outcome were heavily sedated with Versed and Fentyl. I think it is very important to understand why your EP needs you to be awake during the procedure, and not have your heart heavily sedated. It comes down to a little pain for a big gain and a lot of mind over matter.
At this point I am hopeful that this procedure has worked for me but time alone will tell. I will keep you updated on my progress. I hope that others contemplating this procedure will find my experience reassuring, especially if they are told NO SEDATION. Honestly I was freaked out when I was told this but if I had to, I would do it again, and with no sedation.
BTW – I am off all meds and my BP this morning was 110/60 and my resting pulse is between 55/65. Ultimately the people here on this forum (you know who you are) really helped me get through this – I don’t know what I would have done without you! THANK YOU SO MUCH.
Firstly, I had to come off my heart meds Digoxin, 5 days prior, and Atenolol 4 days prior to the procedure. I had been on Atenolol for 15 years so coming off ‘cold turkey’ was totally brutal to my system. Within 24 hours I was suffering constant palpitations and had a svt event which I managed to bring under control in 10 minutes. I felt wired and my hands would not stop shaking. This continued for the next 3 days – went to local walk-in clinic to get EKG and advice and was reassured that I would be okay. Had my final svt attack at 5:45am, the day of the procedure, just couldn’t wait to get to the hospital and leave it to them to sort me out. My BP hovered around 140/100 for those few days and it got to the point that I wouldn’t check it anymore because it was scaring me (my normal BP is around 100/60) …
Then things followed the usual routine which has been outlined by others; hook up to an IV, sign documents etc. and final meeting with EP to answer any concerns. They got the ball rolling pretty quickly. I had freezing in my right groin, was warned that it might sting but it didn’t and the catheters were inserted and apart from a little achiness, it was no problem. Immediately the catheters reached my heart, boom the tachy started. I was not upset because I knew I was in a very controlled environment. Then they gave me a breather as they continued to set things up (I watched everything on the monitor because I was awake, no sedation). Then the pacing of my heart started and seemed to go on for about 10/15 minutes – it felt a little unnerving, and somewhat unpleasant to say the least but hey I’ve had this condition for 28 years so what’s new – and the nurse stood by me for reassurance which was helpful.
Then I got the dx: AVNRT. A little time lapsed and the nurse came back and said she could give me a small amount of sedation/pain killer for the actual ablation. I said I felt okay and would take the painkiller, Fentyl. I was ablated in 2 spots, close to the AV node and they took out the slow pathway – I felt absolutely no pain/discomfort at all.
All in all I must say at the end of the day it was a very simple procedure for me. It took approximately one hour and I truly believe I had an excellent result because I did exactly as I was told, to stop taking the heart meds 4/5 days prior to procedure and to have no sedation. I looked up old reports from others with typical AVNRT and a lot of folks who didn’t have a good outcome were heavily sedated with Versed and Fentyl. I think it is very important to understand why your EP needs you to be awake during the procedure, and not have your heart heavily sedated. It comes down to a little pain for a big gain and a lot of mind over matter.
At this point I am hopeful that this procedure has worked for me but time alone will tell. I will keep you updated on my progress. I hope that others contemplating this procedure will find my experience reassuring, especially if they are told NO SEDATION. Honestly I was freaked out when I was told this but if I had to, I would do it again, and with no sedation.
BTW – I am off all meds and my BP this morning was 110/60 and my resting pulse is between 55/65. Ultimately the people here on this forum (you know who you are) really helped me get through this – I don’t know what I would have done without you! THANK YOU SO MUCH.
Darlingorla, I am so happy for you. It sounds like you may be looking at a very good outcome. That's fantastic! I am scheduled for Sept. That sounds like a long time away, a cancellation will move me up sooner. Continued success! And keep posting your progress :)
Wow what a great post you just did....i felt like i was back in the hospital having mine done all over again....the only difference was i was given an amnesia med because i was taking it over the top with the nervousness so i too was fully awake and just didn't know it...kind of like my ex husband and my relationship LOL ...i absolutely loved the post and you nailed it on the head.....thank you so much for taking the time to put it all out there for those who are contenplating the ablation procedure Darlingorla.....keep up the great work it so helps everyone on the site........................
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