Having a 2nd ablation done a good idea?

[tstar40]

I had one done last year with no success.  It was a very scary and painful procedure with a poor outcome.  The doctor recommends I try it again but I just can't seem to face this again fully awake.  Is it not possible to be put to sleep or frozen some how so I dont feel anything?

[ksig]

Like ireneo, I have had Versed and was in and out but did not really feel much pain.  I did however feel it once but it was a dull ache not a jabbing pain.  When it happened, I told the attending that I felt pain and he just added a tad bit more medicine to the IV.  I have had 4 ablations and a pacer implant, all under conscious sedation.  I also had a couple of electrical cardioversion using the same med.  It would not hurt to ask about using the med.  No one needs to hurt during a proceedure.
ksig

[ireneo]

It's not unusual for them to use Versed which creates a conscious sedation. That sounds like an oxymoron but you feel like you're floating and tend to doze off. They can ask you questions if needed but after the procedure, you tend to forget any bits and pieces that you might remember at the moment. They also gave me fentanyl for any pain that may have occurred during the ablation process.

Extra beats, usually called ectopics, are difficult to pin down during an ablation. Some folks have tens of thousands a day and are offered an ablation to reduce or remove them. I only have a few hundred to a couple thousand a day so am still in the "normal" range. My ablations were for atrial tachy problems.

Good luck at your doctor visit next week. S/he may recommend trying a medication to reduce the sensation/number of ectopics. But it's not unusual for people to have some each day. The lucky one are those that don't feel them.

[tstar40]

Thanks for your reply.  I have extra beats but the Dr. has never given me a name for it.  the extra beats just started one day at the age of 39 and are always present.  The only time they dissappear is when I'm exercising and sometimes when I'm sleeping.  The fear is so overwhelming I dont know how to accept a second procedure.  I see the Dr. next week and am going to beg him for optins.  In this "twilight state" so many people mention, you are awake but don't feel pain? ? ?

[ireneo]

I've had 3 done and each time they gave me medications that put me into a twilight state and to handle any discomfort that might come from the procedure. I can't imagine going through that without any medication. I've read that for some people they have to be alert for part of it because their arrhythmia is difficult to trigger otherwise. Can't say mine were like that.

You didn't mention what the ablation was for.