Ablation

[kspea1809]

I have SVT's...have for years and understand those of you who say it's like being in prisoned by them.  Being afraid to plan anything because of the fear of having an "attack".  I recently had a ILR surgery, and my EP wants to do the ablation.  I have read many posts and so envy those of you who were so brave to do it,  I want to...and may...but am so scared.  I have not seen anyone saying how it felt, what was felt during the actual surgery.  I asked for Propofol so I'd know nothing, but is that overkill?  My anxiety level is OUT there, so I would have to somehow be relaxed.  So, how bad is the surgery itself?  I want to make up my mind and move on...one way or the other.  

[tom_h]

In my 6 years associated with this forum, I've found that recovery time from this procedure varies greatly, so I can't give you a definite answer.  Speaking for myself, my ablation for SVT was done back in late 2010. It was straight forward, 17 burns, back at it in 4 days, and 100% by 4 to 6 weeks.  I had no TEE done for mine, and aside from an orange-sized hematoma in my upper thigh, left the hospital the same day in pretty good shape.  Aside from the problems that you mentioned here, what else is going on during your recovery?  I'd say the most painful part of my recovery was the intense burning that I have every time I urinated frim the Foley catheter they installed in me.  I had general anesthesia during my procedure and a lot of IV fluid.  So I guess it made sense.  It was actually quite convenient until the nurse pulled what felt like a garden hose out me prior to getting my up and dressed.  For 2 or 3 days afterwards, the pain was intense, and was of course accompanied by the anticipation that it was about to get very painful.  I hope your recovery continues, and smooths out for you!

[mkanak]

I am 67 year old male.  Have been in arrhythmias for 15 years and just had an ablation March 1st.  They did 42 burns which seemed like a lot.  I was under anesthesia for 10 hours and gained 13 lbs of fluid during the procedure.  I was release at noon the next day and am   having a really bad recovery.  They got blood in my lungs during the TEE and I have lost my voice from constant coughing up blood clots the last few days.

I'm a patient guy (so to speak) but COME on.  That can't be right.  Can anyone give comments about recovery time from cardiac ablation?   Thanks so much in advance.

[tom_h]

donna4140 is back and doing fine.  I believe she had cryoablation because her problem was close to her heart's AV node.  during the procedure, the area of interest can be temporarily deactivated by chilling it.  If it proves to be the spot, it can be "burnt" by freezing.  If a chilled location is not the correct location, it can be warmed to normal temperature and no permanent damage is done.  But what you experience as a patient undergoing the RF and cryo ablation procedures is identical.

[kspea1809]

Thanks Tom for the Cryo explanation!  It seems from what I've read, that the Cryoablation eliminates the risk for a pace maker..that sounded good to me.   I haven't seen the Donna you said to watch for, did I miss her??  

[tom_h]

Cryo-ablation is usually done under certain circumstances.  The reasoning is that RF ablation burns deeper and scars better than cryogenic ablation.  There are instances when cryo is the preferred method as the procedure is initially reversible; so they can try the area making it permanent.  Cryogenic ablation though can result in return patients, hence the hence the preference for the RF method.

[merileegal]

Having the ablation done was easier than going to the dentist. It was the easiest of any kind of procedures or surgeries. When I had mine done I have valium and somthing else so I was awake part of the time. I felt absolutely calm during the procedure and was so curious about everything that was happening. For me it was a walk in the park.

[kspea1809]

Three times is 2 too many...but I'm glad they have it more under control.  That would be a bummer to go through that 3 times...I'm still up in the air about the whole thing.  I see my Cardiologist tomorrow for my yearly, and will run it by him.  My EP is in a different practice that my Cardiologist.  Then I see my EP on Wednesday to go over some of my questions.  I am thinking the Cryablation is a better deal, but don't remember if my EP mentioned that.  I am so grateful for this forum however....until now no one understood or could relate to these "episodes" I have.  Thank you all so much for chiming in on my questions and fears!!  Means a LOT.

[tom_h]

..sorry for the typos!  Darn iPad keyboard and autocorrection.

[tom_h]

How "relaxed" you are is usually dependent on your EP, and how he likes to work, and if he feels hencan get your heart going in a deeply relaxed state.  After looking at my history, interviewing me, and looking at the data from my event recorder, he felt confident that he could work on me while I was under full anesthesia which is the state he generally prefers. Consequently, I remember nothing of the procedure except scooting from my bed and onto the cath lab table.  I laid flat for nearly 2 hours before being allowed to get up and motor around a little.  Full anesthesia meant a Foley catheter, and I got toexperience the "pleasure" of having that removed oncei wastefully ambulatory.  Small price though for a really pain free and anxiety free experience.

[ireneo]

My heart is a bit of a brat. The first time they went in for PSVT (triggered it easily along with my premature beats) and they also found atrial flutter. They zapped away and figured it was under control. A few months later I was back to having PSVT too often. My EP said he wanted to try again. He zapped and tested, zapped and tested but after 7 hours he knew he couldn't bring it under control, didn't want to risk having me on a pacemaker so he stopped. But he was very upset about not getting it. I went along for a few years and there was a new variety of ablation (rather high tech computer something or other) and he was willing to try again. Well, he made some headway and although I'll always have my premature beats, my PSVT is greatly improved. I still get it several times a week but it lasts less than a minute. Nothing more than a bit of annoyance. No necessary  medications, no conversions since it kicks back on its own. And I don't need a pacemaker.  :-)

[kspea1809]

Why 3 ablations??

[ireneo]

I've had 3 ablations and I never go to the doctor unless I absolutely have to. So that tells you something. The first time I went in, yes, I was not happy about it. But they gave me medication (Versed) that made me so relaxed, I didn't care what they did. I felt like I was out there watching what was going on. They also used a pain killer in case there was any discomfort. Mostly I don't remember much of anything except the very beginning when they took me to the cath lab. They put all the sticky dots on my chest, put some big flexible pad like thing under my back, scrubbed the groin area. I was so afraid I'd feel the catheters going up into my body but I didn't. I felt the tiny shots they gave me to numb the area but that was it. After that I was in la-la land. Woke up hours later back in my room. Had to lie flat for hours so the incisions would seal up. Then they gave me a turkey sandwich and I went home.

Afterwards I had some bruises in the groin and they were tender. I was a bit tired for a couple days and then I went back to living my life as usual.