Heart pain post-ablation for WPW syndrome: this is what I've learned and also AMA!

[Nait]

I was having both a-fib and SVTs, and it took a while to figure out that WPW could have been the cause of both.

My ablation procedure took about an hour to get ready for (prep), then about an hour on the table, and 30 minutes before I was back in my room. I had to lay unmoving for about 5 hours before I could move (blood thinners made the risks of bleeding from my groin where the 4 punctures were higher), stayed overnight in the hospital, and went home at 6am the next morning.

I've felt a few skipped beats, or as I've called it the "shift" that my heart would do before I used to have an SVT, though haven't had any irregular beats other than that.

I get a sharp pain at about nipple height, 2 inches left of the centre of my chest, and what feels like about 3 inches deep for 10-15 seconds when I do too much (walk quickly or exert in any way), though from what I've read that's normal too.

The doctor and literature they provided say that you can go back to normal activity after a few days, though the nurses I've spoken with have all said that 2-3 weeks before normal activity is to be expected.

From what I've read online, that sharp pain (sometimes burning pain) can continue to happen even a year later, though the severity and frequency decrease over time. If anyone has experience that pain, I'd love to hear about what you've gone through.

If anyone has any questions about what I went through, the process, etc, I would love to help soothe your nerves (I was a mess before the procedure).

[tom_h]

A number of people here reported brief but sharp pains which persisted  persisted for a couple of weeks.  I had more of a burning aches which would sweep over the center of my chest before fading.  I found Advil very effective in providing relief. It lasted perhaps 2 weeks after the procedure.

[Nait]

Thanks for the info. I've gotten the burning pain too, though much more localized to the same spot I get the sharp pain. Knowing that other people experience the same thing goes a long way to soothe the nerves.

[Nait]

Thanks for that info! The internet has become the best and worst resource for information.. There's so much out there, but knowing what applies to you is challenging! Someone with a LOT more knowledge than I should put together an "everything you need to know about your ablation" list, then a, "everything that might worry you if you read too much about bad things" list..

[tom_h]

Did you general anesthesia during your procedure.  If so, it could be some irritation from being intubated.  Or like you said, you just might be getting sick.

I had 54 years of SVT, and because it was so much a part of my life that I didn't think to investigate it until 2010.  It was then I discovered the near miracle of the electrophysiology procedure and cardiac ablation.  I jumped at the opportunity, and never looked back.  Rest for a little bit, then get back into slowly.  You most likely be 100% for a month or so.  But I was up and walking the next day, and back to work in 4.  Best of luck to you!

[Nait]

Hi Tom, I had local freezing in the leg, and was given versed to keep me calm/sedated while the procedure happened. I seem to be ok walking around the house for a few minutes at a time, but more than that and the pain is too much. It's probably just a case of some people recover faster than others. I'll update my thread as anything develops / as I get better to help people in future who are.. as paranoid as I am about these things. On the bright side, my sore throat is better this morning. I still feel it, but at an 0.5/10 level. Thank you much!

[Nait]

Here's another "me being paranoid" issue.. It's been a week since my ablation, and I have a mild sore throat today - it hurts at a 2/10 level while swallowing. In the literature for recovery it says that a sore throat could be indicative of a atrial esophageal fistula. Looking that up on google doesn't give me any useful information. It could just be a slight cold forming (being in the hospital exposed to so many people), though any information would be appreciated!

[researcher09]

If you just had WPW ablation and it sounds like that because you had a very short procedure, then AEF should not be a worry as the EP would not have been ablating in an area adjacent to your esophagus.  

[MichelleP_3811]

I as well had some random sharp pains that came and went pretty quickly.  I had a lot of ectopic activity as well that has since settled down to minor activity.  No svt episodes since the ablation 4 years ago.

[Nait]

Glad to hear yours was successful. It's only been a week, though I believe mine to be as well! Thanks for the info - as I mentioned in the other comment, knowing that other people experience the same thing really helps with the "oh my god is something wrong with me" questions. My doctor was amazing, though the after-procedure communication and questioning/information available left much to be desired.