Cardiac Ablation - walk in the park

Hey There

I had my first ablation on the 9th Jan and I have to say it was a walk in the park. My doctor was absolutley brilliant and I couldn't fault him he was very very reassuring and I felt safe with him I think he was the only person who managed to calm me down before the procedure. I thought I was asleep through the whole thing but when I spoke to the doctor after he said I was awake through the most of it as he was telling me thing bits started coming back to me although I don't remember any pain what so ever. He did say he gave me enough morphine to knock out an ox :)
Now I'm home I feel a bit on edge as I'm not taking any medication and I'm on my own now. However he did say he was very confident he got the irregular bit (not sure what they call them). The first day I got home I couldn't sleep and felt like I was on pins but each day I'm getting better and trusting that my hearts now fixed. I do feel 100 times better but I think even after a successful ablation you still have it niggling in the back of your mind. I'm sure with time though this will eventually become less and less of a hinderence!
If anyone has any questions about the ablation and what my experience was like I would be happy to help. I think I read too much into what I was having done before hand and this made me petrified. I think if you have never had an ablation before the best advice is don't read about it as you come up with lots of ideas of could or might happen, but wont happen.
Dont get me wrong I appreicate everyones comments to me, its just it wasn't half as bad as everyone said and I no everyone has different experiences.

Thanks
Clare

[sueinns]

Hi Clare.  I had my ablation yesterday and it wasn't bad at all.  

It only took them 2 and 1/2 hours. They were able to bring on the tachycardia pretty quickly.  They abladed twice and the second time was successful.

The worse part for me was when they inserted the catheters.  Even though they freeze the area, it felt achy when they put them in. You do not feel them once they are in although I did have the odd crawly sensation in my chest (interesting but not scary or uncomfortable).  

I didn't have much in the way of drugs - just two small doses of Versed.  Love that stuff - it works immediately.  I could have asked for something during the zapping but this part only lasted 30 seconds and felt like bad heartburn.  The nurses were always on the ready with meds if I needed them.

I remember everything - the speeding up of my heart, talking to the doctors, etc.  None of it was frightening.

During the EP study (1st part of the procedure when they are looking for the electrical problem), I finally got my definite diagnosis - Supraventricular Node Re-Entry Tachycardia.  The doctor told me that without ablation, I would have had this condition for the rest of my life.  There is only a 5% chance the ablation didn't work.

Everyone is different.  I'm not an anxious person although I was pretty nervous the day of.  What helped for me was educating myself on the procedure and listening to what the doctors had to say.  They were great.

I'm off my meds now too.  Have to take aspirin for the next 6 weeks because the SVT was on the left side of my heart.  I was told that as my heart heals, I will get the odd sensation of it starting to race but it's nothing to worry about and will abade in the next couple of weeks.

[clarehudson]

Yeah I'm on asprin and some anti-biotics for the wounds.
When they inserted the catheters I remember it felt really incomfortable but I don't remember it hurting. I was only in for 1 hr 20 mins I told him before we went down you have to get it the first time. I don't remember him zapping or what it felt like! :)
I'm glad I've had enough.

c xx

[rosetoes]

First let me say that I am so happy that your ablation went great!  I have been browsing the website hoping that you would post soon.  I know that you were so so nervous...as I am now.  I am going for my first EP visit today in prepartion for an ablation.  I too have AVNRT -SVT and hope that I can rid myself of this debilitating disorder so  I can re claim my life.  

You give me great hope, because I shared in the fear that you had and to hear you say it was a walk in the park is so encouraging.  Please tell me the details.  How long did it take, were you aware of them starting the SVT (that scares me so to think that they are going to start the rapid heartbeat)  when did they give you the medicine, what meds were given, how long did it take and is your chest sore now.  When do you go back for a post op visit..please give me blow be blow.  

Again, I'm so happy for you...best wishes.

[clarehudson]

I was in bits before I went down to the lab it was awful. I had to sit and wait while he finished the lady before me, when she came out she wanted to speak to me as they all knew just how scared I was. I went to talk to me and she said that its nothing. Going to the dentist is worse and she was right.

I walked into the lab and they told me to get on the table (at this point I was a wreck) they put this cold pad on my back and I laid down. My doctor then gave me some medication that made me feel really relaxed and calm, I didn't this about what I was having done again then. I was half asleep through they whole thing. When they put the wires in you can feel them doing something but its not painful at all its more like just feeling him putting pressure on your legs and that was over really quick (or it felt like it was) I don't remember much of the middle bit so it can;t of been so bad as I think I would have rememebered at least something. I woke up properly when they were testin my heart after they had zapped the bad bit to make sure the SVT didn't start off and they had got the correct bit. I was really scared about them increasing my heart rate but I must admit its not scary at all as they control it with the wires and they didn't keep it beating irregular for very long it was literally a min if that (or what felt that long). Then they wheeled me into the recovery room where my mum was waiting for me. I was expecting massive gashes in my legs they are literally 5 lines about ___ that big! I had to lay down flat for an hour then I had to sit up with my legs flat for 2 hours but it flys by! You can move your ankles too its not as if you have to keep them dead still!!!! I had a sandwich waited a couple more hours and went home with asprin and anti-biotics to take. I have to go back and see him in 4 weeks I think. What I asked too is that if they could put the heart monitor on mute as if your heart rate goes above 100 it beeps (which is normal) and I thought if it beeped it would scare me more!
Hope this has helped and if you have anymore questions just asked and I will answer them!

Clare x

[clarehudson]

I was in for 1hr 20 mins! I forgot to tell you that bit. I mentioned to my doctor that on here is says it takes 2 n half hours to 6 hrs and he started laughing as said it doesn't it takes 1 n half hours if its successfull

X

[rosetoes]

Great, I feel better already...by your post I know how scared u were...and I feel the same way.  What hospital did you go to in what city?  It is just the anticipation and the thought of the procedure itself.  I will see my EP doc this afternoon and will post on my findings and schedule.  Thanks again and I will be back in touch I know for more reassurance.  

[clarehudson]

Well I live in England but I no all the procedures are done pretty much the same way. Let me no how you get on then this afternoon.
I was petrified I almost passed out waiting for it to be done. They gave me more sedatives than usual as I was so scared. jus try to be open with your doctor as to how nervous you are. If they don't no they can't help you!
Speak soon
x

[Momto3]

I KNEW IT!!  I told you that you'd be back helping others : )

I'm SO very happy to hear how well things went.  My experiences were similar.  I thought I was asleep, but I was told I was not..weird!

I've been waiting for the great news!  This makes my day!!

Have a stellar weekend!!  You did it!!

[bonnytiz]

Hi, thanks for your posts thats really interesting, youve put my mind at rest (well almost) I dont have to have an ablation yet as b/b are keeping things pretty well under control, but I was really scared in case I have to in the future and you hear alot of scary stories!!
I am in UK also (York) and its good to know the procedures that are used here.
Well done for going through it all and Im so pleased it was all ok.
Hugs

[pg1949]

The worst part of an ablation is waiting for the procedure.  So glad that you did so well.  Be prepared to feel a few skipped beats and some PVC's.  I had my 3 month check up last month and was reassured that mine were nothing to be concerned about.  It's a wonderful feeling to not be worrying about a crazy heart anymore.
Take care.

[Barbmag]

So glad that everything worked out for the best!! Continued good health!!!
:)B

[Sunshine47]

Wahooooo for you!! Ia mso glad for you. I am glad that things went smooth and that you are feeling much better. I go for my second the first of Feb. I am a little apprehensive but I know that I am in good hands. Congrats. I hope my next experience is as pleasant as yours.
My thoughts are with you as you heal!!
Karen

[rosetoes]

Hi, just got back from my EP visit and I have my ablation scheduled for Feb 11th.  So I now have 4 weeks to anticipate this.....I will be asking you many question during  the next few weeks, I'm sure.  How are you feeling now?

[Barbmag]

If I may ask, why are you having an ablation? Have you been on meds that are just not controlling your arrhythmias?  I had one in '93 and of course I was scared but it was not bad at all. The worst part about the whole experience was that my EP had the worst bedside manner. I have not lived in the city where I had it done in a long time so he is not longer my cardio! I just love a nice bedside manner!

[rosetoes]

Hi, I'm having an ablation because of AVNRT/SVT.  I had my first episode Nov.2005 and the next one, July of 07 and just recently Dec 07.  All three had me in the er with an adenosine push to convert.  From July this year till now I have been on Lopressor 25mg twice daily....can't up the dosage due to low blood pressure.  The lopressor isn't containing the SVT..  I took a conservative approach in hopes that the beta blocker would prevent svt episodes, but  no such luck.

I sorry to hear about your doctors bedside manner..I sure hope mine is better.  The two doctors seemed nice enough.  One is the head of the EP dept and the other is a second year fellow.  They told me all about the ablation, what to expect, medication that would be given (versed and fentynol).  I hope that I'm out of it for the most part.

I will look for a new beginning starting Feb 12 after all is complete.  I must admit that SVT consumes me now.  Just not knowing when it will happen and always wondering where the ER is located when I travel.

Where do you live?  Im in Chicago and am having my ablation at the University of Chicago Hospital.  There Cardiology dept is ranked among the best.....I pray all goes well.

Why did you have your ablation?  Was it successful?  Would you mind telling me of your experience?

[clarehudson]

Well I'm on day 3 now and I must say I do feel a lot better everyday. I have had any flutters palps or anything yet. I do get a funny feeling sometimes but that is only when I'm sat thinking about it on my own so I need to try get this to the back of my mind now. I haven't had any swelling of anything I've got some medium sized yellow bruising around the cuts but thats it.
BONNYTIZ- I really would recommend Dr Pepper at the Leeds General Infirmary he is fantastic and people travel from all over the UK as he is one of the best I've heard and from my experiance I couldn't fault him. He was so understanding of how scared I was and the nursing staff put me at ease too! I would def if I was you look into seeing him.

Clare

[Momto3]

More good news!!  I'm so glad you're getting better everyday.  Just remember, you MIGHT feel some flutters, speed ups, blips, but it should all settle down.  Thanks for letting us know how you're doing.

[rosetoes]

Im so happy to hear that you are doing well.  It sure is encouraging.  Please continue to update us.  Best Wishes,
Rose

[Thinline]

Hi Clare.  Well I’m thrilled for you that it went so well and you keep getting better.  I know how terrified you were and I’m rather surprised you even got into the door of the hospital, let alone the ep lab to have the ablation!  Well done I’m really happy for you that all is well.

[clarehudson]

I no it was a struggle! I was slightly light headed by the time I was waiting to go down I was hiperventilating and everything! As soon as I laid on the table they give me a mixture of medicines to calm me down so that helped!!!
The only trouble I am having is when I've sat down for a while and stand up the area where they made the cut aches for a bit then once I've walked round a bit it goes! Its really weird!

Clare

[Thinline]

Hi Clare.  I do recall the groin area being sore and bruised and tender for quite a while after the ablation.  Just make sure that the area where they went in stays nice and clean and the discomfort will soon go away.  Told you the drugs would be good!!!  All the best and keep healthy and best wishes.

[rosetoes]

How have you been feeling?  When I get nervous about my upcoming ablation, I go back and read your thread.  Do you think that the meds alone helped you thru the procedure.  I was told that I will be given Versed and Fetynol during the procedure.  Did it knock you out immediately or did you just feel relax and then drifted off?  I also was told they put in a urine catherter because you can't get up to move after the procedure.  Do you remember anything after the meds were first given to you.  I hope they give mine to me the minute I get into the lab...or else there will be a panic attack for sure.   I'm praying that the next thing that I remember after getting the meds is being in the recovery room.  I keep thinking what if I sneeze while the procedure is going on....all kinda of things to make me anxious....and I have over 3 weeks to go.   Any thoughts?

[clarehudson]

You are having the exact same thoughts as me before I went down if you go back and read my pasts prior to the 9th Jan I was a wreak.
The one thing I kept thinking was the meds they give me aren't going to work as I will be so worked up I'd fight them off, but they do! Tell them to give you the meds before they do anything that way when they are hooking you up to the machines etc you don't freak out.
When I was in the recovery room I genuinley thought I'd been asleep through the whole thing! It wasn't until my doc showed me a pic of the catheters in my heart that I actually remembered looking at the screen during the procedure. Now I no for def if I hadn't of had any meds I would have passed out when I saw that but I remember looking at it then just closing my eyes and not thinking anything of it. The meds worked straight away and I honestly didn't feel anything apart from pressure on my legs at the begining but it doesn't hurt just feels funny.
I had four weeks to wait before my procedure too and I tried not to think about it until like the week before when thats all I thought about. Honestly though the waiting before is far worse than the procedure itself I promise. I no some people say they have had bad experiences on here but I honestly think that thats because they weren't given enough meds as if they don't think your scared they are less likely to give you things to calm you down. If that makes any sense????
As for the catheter I didn't have to have one and I don't think the other ladies that had the ablation the same day as me had to have them! I'm not too sure! I could sit up after an hour and I went to the toilet about three hours after.
My mum was telling me yesterday that because they had given me a lot of meds I was repeating myself all the time because I kept forgetting what I said before! :) I'll try find out what meds they gave me before you go in. I no he said he gave me a cocktail of them and lots and lots of morphine!
Hope this helps and let me no if you need to no anything else.

Clare xx

[Momto3]

I'm so glad to see that Clare's story is helping you!  I think it's awesome when people return to the forum to help others : )

I was given Versed and Fentynl for both of my ablations.  They are truly miracle medicines!  The Versed has an amnesia effect so even though you are technically awake for the procedure, you don't really remember.  Like Clare said, you will repeat yourself and keep asking the same questions.  My family thought that was funny : )

For me, I took note of when the Versed was started so I could see how long it would take before I felt anything.  Well, I've gotta tell ya...it was within seconds.  You will feel at though you are about to get the best sleep (like on the couch in the afternoon).  You will be so relaxed and comfortable.  My nurses and anest. knew I was pretty nervous, so I was given the medicine before I reached to EP lab.

My procedures each lasted about 6.5 hours and I did have a foley catheter each time.  However, they must have taken it out sometime while I was in the lab because I work up without it.  YEAH!  

When the anest. game me the Versed, I told her I was planning on "leaving" on a vacation.  I was "airborn" and on my way to the islands within seconds.  : )  You're gonna do great!  AND, I'll bet you'll be back to help others with their procedures.   Start planning your "vacation" now.  Think of warm and sunny places and soon you'll be on your way to a beautiful beach and you'll return with an improved heart rhythm.

Connie

[rosetoes]

Hi Momto3:
Thank you so much for your post...it really helps me.  I have read many of your threads and you are a wonderful, very helpful, positive person and I do appreciate your efforts.  I to am a mom to 3 (19,16 and 6) and i live in Chicago.  

They say that Versed is the way to go and believe me, I will need it!  It is good to know that it works fast and I would probably want it prior to getting to the EP lab.  

Why did it take your ablation 6.5 hours?  Did you have to stay overnight?  How did you feel after the ablation (outside of being sore around the groin area).  I have had a c-section with 26 stitches, I not worried about that.....but how did your heart react to the ablation?  

I read your post regarding my question to the Dr about fellows participating in the ablation...I guess I'm looking for something else to worry about.  I was considering going to the Cleveland Clinic to have the ablation, but then I'd worry that when I got home, if something would happen, I would be 350 miles away from the EP Doctor.  I will have the ablation at the University of Chicago Hospital and my doctor is the head of the EP department.  Very impressive resume....Board Certified in EP, Cardiology and Internal Medicine...has written many periodicals regarding EP procedures and conditions, etc.

Please know that once I have my procedure I look forward to assist others in getting over this hurdle.  It is hard not to be nervous and frightened,  but when I think about the few times that I experienced SVT and landed in the ER with an adenosine push...and dealing with these ER doctors who want to keep you overnight for observation because they dont know very much about SVT and that it isn't a heart attack.  

Thanks again and I will remember on Feb 11th the wonderful airborn island vacation I will be on.....thanks again for your words on encouragement and experience!

Rose

[Momto3]

Hi Rose,

'You're very welcome; I'm glad I could help in some way.  Nice to meet another "momto3"....lol.  My kids are all in the 20's now, time sure flies!  Chicago is a GREAT town!  I've been in North Carolina since 2005, but I'm originally from Cleveland.  I miss my family and friends in Ohio, but I do not miss shoveling the 100+ inches of snow we used to get.    

Versed is a great medication!  I've had it for a number of procedures and found it to be very effective and comfortable.  Just let the staff know you'd like it as soon as they are able to give it to you.  I have no recollection of any of the catheters or testing.

I'm not sure why my procedures took so long, but I think it had to do with identifying the source of the problem, ablating and then testing and retesting.  Yes, each time I stayed overnight.  I got to my room around 4:00 in the afternoon and had to lie relatively flat (I could sorta sit up to eat) for 6 hours.  Right after the procedures I felt pretty good; I was starving!!  My groin area wasn't too sore, but I was a little tired after the first ablation because I went back to work too quickly.  Other than that, the only weird thing was that my heart rate was higher than it had been.  Eventually, it went back to "normal".  I'll bet this will be much easier than a c-section!!

Sounds like you did your homework and will be in good hands. I agree that setting aside your anxiety is tough, but do your best to stay focused on a great outcome.   Stay busy and keep thinking about that cruise or beach vacation.  I hear the Greek Isles are nice too...lol.  Oh, you won't need any suntan lotion, but you might want some chapstick : )  (my lips were dry after the procedures)

Remember, we're here anytime you need reassurance or a place to vent.