Going for Ablation April 26th

[IaneFortin]

Well it's finally set in stone. I have surgery on April 26th for SVT ablation. EP seems to think it's AVNRT and is quite sure of success. He claims over 95% chance of success. Getting pretty nervous since it's only a little bit more then 2 weeks from now. I have to go back to the heart Institute on the 21 to do all the blood samples and other ECG tests. I guess from there I'll be put off any medication so it'll be a rough few days before surgery.

To anyone who has had ablation tell me how it went for you. It's comforting to hear others experiences. This site has been great for support and I will definitely tell my story once the procedure is done.

Thanks
Iane F.  

[Darlingorla]

Best of luck Lane - I am sure you will do well  I go for my ablation for AVRNT at TGH on June 15.  Look forward to hearing from you as to how the procedure goes and what they find ...

[IaneFortin]

Only a few days until the procedure, still quite nervous about it. but hey, I guess that's normal. I've been off the meds for a day now. My god what a hard battle with your system that is. A little over 48hrs and I'll be in the OP. Hoping for great results. I really don't like needles ;)

Iane F.

[Mom2four85]

good luck, with meds it's pretty easy and they make you as comfortable as possible
btw if you're cold during surgery, make sure you ask for a warming blanket - which is heavenly!
I had a much different experience with my ablation, but 2 other procedures that week were  easier  :)

[Darlingorla]

I guess you live in Quebec, Montreal?  I live outside of Toronto and am booked for catheter ablation at the end of May, Toronto General Hospital, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre.  I have AVNRT, which type, either AV node or extra pathway, they are not sure.  Either way it is being suggested that the curative rate is around 90%.  That is good enough for me to be rid of this debilitating condition which is ruining my life.  The small risk of this procedure far out-ways the anxiety it has been causing me for so long.  Bring it on, I can't wait to get it done ...be happy that there is a cure!

[IaneFortin]

Thank you for the replies, it's good to hear some positive out of this procedure. I will definitely be posting after my ablation. I want to help out those who need info as much as possible. This site has helped me so much is so little time. Most of the questions I've asked, have been answered and that helped a great deal.

Iane F.

[debbier]

Good Luck, I had an ablation on 1/20, I was scared to death but it was easy.  My dr does not use drugs so I had to do it being fully aware and it was not as bad as I thought.  I would do it again tomorrow if I had too.  I had svt and a-fib taken care of.  The recovery was easy, I had to stay the night so I was exhausted the next day when  I came home, no discomfort in my groin area at all.  The next day I went shopping all day enjoying the quietness of my heart, lol.   I did have some slight chest burning pain for about 2 weeks on and off from the ablation but nothing I needed to take anything for.

[ireneo]

I've had 3 ablations. Yes, the first time I was scared, very scared. But it went so smoothly that when I had to go back for more, I was able to face it. I get sick just going to the normal doctor for routine stuff. The thought of an ablation was overwhelming.

I'd say the hardest part was getting the IV put in. :-)  Then they took me to the cath lab, hooked me up to various ECG machinery, started the Versed and I just floated away. Later on in the procedure they used fentanyl to handle any discomfort I might feel.

Later I woke up back in my room, had to lie flat for several hours so the tiny incisions would seal up well. They gave me a turkey sandwich and sent me home.

I would recommend having some soft undies (I used boxers) so there's no pressure on the incision sites. I had some bruising and tenderness for a few days, felt a bit tired but was back at work within a week. And I'll tell you that most people experience some flutters and skips for weeks or even a few months after an ablation. That's just the heart healing. It doesn't mean the ablation was a flop. Too many doctors forget to mention that part.

Hope to hear from you again.

[Jerry_NJ]

Well I haven't had an ablation but will respond anyway.

Given the 95% chance of success I expect to see some happy reports form you in the future.  Remember it can take time for the healing, so keep the faith if you are not immediately 100% following ablation.