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Ablation experience
I had an ablation 4 days ago for SVT's During the operation one area was treated sucessfully but when they tried to treat another area in a different part of the heart, I had a tremendous pain in my throat and down my right arm and they had to stop. Does anyone know what the pain could have been?
My problems since being home are tiredness and a higher heart rate 88 to100 instead of my usual 74to76. I am hoping that it will resolve. Had it not been for the pain episode it was a better experience than I expected but that frightened me.
Liz
My problems since being home are tiredness and a higher heart rate 88 to100 instead of my usual 74to76. I am hoping that it will resolve. Had it not been for the pain episode it was a better experience than I expected but that frightened me.
Liz
Best Answer
I've noticed that from reports of forum members electrophysiology procedures in the UK seemed to be done without anesthesia. That is very unfortunate. Like Bromley, I too was under general anesthesia and remember nothing at all.... nothing! The shot of Vallium before heading to the lab made me so goofy, I barely remember getting onto the table. When they said they were going to put a mask on me, I replied "Do whatever you want......", and that's all I remember until waking up refreshed and quickly alert in the recovery room after nearly 5 hours of sleep. This method resulted in a very positive experience for me, and gave the electrophysiologist no qualms about burning deep enough to ensure a complete disconnection of the accessory path (I had AVRT) as his patient was completely still, and (obviously) experiencing no pain whatsoever.
That might explain a few transitory pains I have had mid chest which I thought might be a muscle playing up. Nothing major but not what I have had before, just an ache as if I might have lifted something a bit too heavy.
I shall watch out for PVC's and SVT, think of you and try not to panic. Good to hear your experience and very helpful.
I shall watch out for PVC's and SVT, think of you and try not to panic. Good to hear your experience and very helpful.
It's good to hear that your recovery is going well. Just to reassure you, it is extremely common to feel PVC's and brief runs of SVT for many months following your ablation. I also felt "heartache" for a couple of weeks after mine, enough to make me sometimes pause and crouch over in pain. So if you feel anything like that or experience brief arrhythmia, don't get shook up.
So far my heart is behaving remarkably well. I used to wake up often in the night with a racing heart but now, 9th day post ablation It hasn't happened since. As a result I am sleeping much better which makes me feel better all round.
I can remember what went on during the ablation and apart from the pain I experienced that made them stop, it wasn't bad, just a bit uncomfortable at times. The GP thinks the hospital letter takes around 3 weeks so I should know more then.
I can remember what went on during the ablation and apart from the pain I experienced that made them stop, it wasn't bad, just a bit uncomfortable at times. The GP thinks the hospital letter takes around 3 weeks so I should know more then.
I had my ablation just over two weeks ago. I was given a conscious sedation during my procedure so that my heart would not get "too sleepy" as they put it - they explained the heart might not as easily go into a fast rate, which is what they are aiming to do, if I was knocked out. Sounds like different doctors have different approaches, all of which seem to have successful results. I remember very little during my procedure - just a few times feeling my heart racing, but no pain. It was not a bad experience for me. I was tired for a good few days afterwards and had one day where my heart beat very hard (was a little scary). Just after my procedure, while in recovery, my heart rate went up to nearly 100, but it settled down. Aside from a few hard beats now and then (particularly if leaning over), I am feeling very good. I hope your recovery is quick and that you are doing well.
No information from the GP, she hasn't had a letter from the hospital yet. The good news is that my average pulse is now 84 and my blood pressure on the extra bisoprolol prescribed by the hospital is now an average of 105/62 which includes a rather scary 86/46.
My GP has just cut the bisoprolol down by 50% so I am expecting an increase in BP. I am feeling so much better and less 'shook up' and the even better news is that, although early days, I haven't had any SVT's or skipped beats since.
Thank you to everyone who answered my original post. You should all be ' Best Answer' as you made me feel I was not on my own. I shall let you know if I find out what happened during the procedure to cause such pain.
My GP has just cut the bisoprolol down by 50% so I am expecting an increase in BP. I am feeling so much better and less 'shook up' and the even better news is that, although early days, I haven't had any SVT's or skipped beats since.
Thank you to everyone who answered my original post. You should all be ' Best Answer' as you made me feel I was not on my own. I shall let you know if I find out what happened during the procedure to cause such pain.
While I think people react differently to sedation, the type they use plays a big part in the recovery from it. It's been nearly 4 years since mine, but I think they used either Midazolam (Versed) or Propofol (Diprivan). Both have very short recovery times, and are "cleared" from the body very quickly. I've had Propofol a number of times for colonoscopy exams and am amazed at how quick they put you to sleep and how fast the recovery time was. Following my ablation, recovery time from opening my eyes to eating a (surprisingly good) hospital chicken salad sandwich was no more than 20 minutes. It's good stuff!
Perhaps many electrophysiologists are concerned that in a relaxed state, a patient may not readily go into SVT. Interestingly, my physician prefers all of his patients to be sedated. I wasn't about to argue that point with him!
Perhaps many electrophysiologists are concerned that in a relaxed state, a patient may not readily go into SVT. Interestingly, my physician prefers all of his patients to be sedated. I wasn't about to argue that point with him!
I don't think it was supposed to cause such pain, just 'discomfort'. I was sedated thank goodness. It sounds better your way! It has taken me three days to throw off the sedation.
Thank you for your replies. I see my GP on Wednesday and with a bit of luck she should have the hospital report by then.
I also like to know what is going on, the more information the better. I find that knowledge is far preferable to anything my fervid imagination may dream up.
I shall keep you posted.
Liz
I also like to know what is going on, the more information the better. I find that knowledge is far preferable to anything my fervid imagination may dream up.
I shall keep you posted.
Liz
I was asleep for mine. Frankly, there have been times when I would have rather had some pain and known what was going on, rather than sleeping through it. However, after hearing about this I am not sure.
If you have questions about anything, call the doc.
Be well.
If you have questions about anything, call the doc.
Be well.
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