Four Months after Cardiac Ablation - Update

I had an ablation for SVT/AVNRT in Feb 08 after suffering with SVT for over 2 years.   I was terrified about the procedure even though I knew that I was an excellent canidate and the risk was low.  I thought I'd be in the 3% that would suffer a dreaded setback...stroke, heart attack, etc.  

I had a great deal of support on this website and it is honestly why I was able to get through it.  I know that everyone's experiences with ablations are different....hospitals are different and their procedures with meds, care, etc.   Most importantly, everyones case is different, ie. I had to be "zapped/burned only once, some people have more complicated ablations where they burn mulitple sites.  My ablation took 1.5 hours, some take 7.5 hours.  And most times the EP doctor doesn't know the extent of his work until they get in there and start to map your heart.    All these things have to be considered when you are making your decision to go along with the procedure.  From my understanding, my EP doctor indicated your age wont make a difference with a ablation....A 70 year old can have the same results as a 20 year old providing you have a structurely normal heart....I was 52 when I had my ablation and I thought my age could be a factor in my recovery.....it didn't.

I am a new person now.....I have dropped almost 20 pounds, most was beta blocker weight.  I exercise daily and when my heart rate increases (due to exercise), I never give it a thought that it could trigger SVT.....I'm cured and I'm free from SVT.  I plan vacations now with my family and can really get excited about getting on the plane and not thinking what if I have a episode on the plane, etc.  

It was the best decision that I could have ever made, no regrets whatsoever. I'm so enjoying life now and I hope that everyone else is as well.

Take care,
Rose

[Momto3]

Oh rosetoes!!  What a great testimonial for your ablation!!

I'm with you.....my ablations were life-changing for the better.  However, in my case,my heart would still be flip-flopping around if I hadn't developed the cardiomyopathy.  In some ways I suppose it was a blessing.  I feel so fortunate to have a doctor who treats conservatively, yet thoroughly.  I am so grateful to her and to those on the forum who helped me through the anxiety.  Like you, I was pretty darned scared!!  They're gonna do WHAT to my heart?  I couldn't even imagine.  Fortunately, the meds they gave me kept me very comfortable and the procedures went well.

I'm coming up on 5 years this summer....no return of the cardiomyopathy and the PVCs are still only occasional.

Thanks for the wonderful post!!

connie

[ireneo]

That's what I like to hear - a success story. Congratulations on your new lease on life. Sounds like you're making good use of your new and improved heart. That's the way to go.