Aa
Who here is scheduled for an ablation soon?
Hello, just wondering who here is scheduled for an upcoming ablation or if you've recently had one, how you are doing.
Brandon
Brandon
I remember they put a round mirror at my back chest. Anyone recall that? I had His bundle ablation for wpw. Unfortunately, they still able to induce SVT on the next day but I didn't have palpitation anymore. I have wpw pattern, not sydrome. Now.... I have A-Tachy, A-Fib, SSS and bundle branch block.
Take care and good luck.
Take care and good luck.
Hi all.
Momto3--No, I wasn't intubated, but after re-reading my post I see why it seemed like that's what it said.
I too got fentanyl/versed/diprivan and the last thing I remember is them wheeling me into the EP lab and getting on the table, but by this time, I SOO didn't care! I had a great anesthesiologist who gave me 10 mg of Valium when I got to the hospital. I don't like to take meds (hence the decision to ablate) but I HIGHLY recommend it if you're nervous. It just keeps you from being so scared and thinking about running out of the hospital!!
I'm still at the point where my rate is bothering me, but it turns out that I didn't have the more straightforward AVNRT or WPW, but instead had sinus node re-entry tachycardia. It took them a little longer to find it, so instead of a 30 min-60 min procedure, mine was about 2.5 hrs and they ended up going into my right and left groin. BUT for everyone considering this, please try not to be scared of the procedure. You are safe--there are risks, true, but they are very small. And I was more afraid that day than I ever imagined I could be so I understand how you feel BUT the procedure is NOT bad. I had a little nausea after, but a shot of phenergan eliminated that and my cath sites really haven't bothered me. I have had a little chest pain, but it only lasts a second or two and isn't really a problem, and they told me that this might happen.
dredg, one good thing about your procedure is that they know exactly what they're looking for, and WPW is very amenable to treatment with ablation. There is a little more risk to going into the left side due to the risk of blood clots, but that risk is very, very low. Also, WPW is not always as benign as AVNRT, so take some comfort that your heart will be fixed and you won't have to worry about it EVER. That's what drove me to go ahead with the procedure, and I'm glad I did, even though the tachycardia is uncomfortable, I started a low dose of atenolol prn while my heart is recovering and am much better now. I don't think the fast HR is unusual, it just worried me...
For everyone considering this procedure, you CAN do it. Believe me, I know it seems like you REALLY don't want to, but you can. I'm a big chicken (and I work in healthcare, which makes it worse!) I'm 100% glad that I did it, and once my heart recovers, I should be good as new!
Thank you to everyone on this forum for their encouragement and words of comfort. It helped me tremendously, and if I can answer any questions to return the favor to others, I hope I can do so.
Good Luck to all.
Momto3--No, I wasn't intubated, but after re-reading my post I see why it seemed like that's what it said.
I too got fentanyl/versed/diprivan and the last thing I remember is them wheeling me into the EP lab and getting on the table, but by this time, I SOO didn't care! I had a great anesthesiologist who gave me 10 mg of Valium when I got to the hospital. I don't like to take meds (hence the decision to ablate) but I HIGHLY recommend it if you're nervous. It just keeps you from being so scared and thinking about running out of the hospital!!
I'm still at the point where my rate is bothering me, but it turns out that I didn't have the more straightforward AVNRT or WPW, but instead had sinus node re-entry tachycardia. It took them a little longer to find it, so instead of a 30 min-60 min procedure, mine was about 2.5 hrs and they ended up going into my right and left groin. BUT for everyone considering this, please try not to be scared of the procedure. You are safe--there are risks, true, but they are very small. And I was more afraid that day than I ever imagined I could be so I understand how you feel BUT the procedure is NOT bad. I had a little nausea after, but a shot of phenergan eliminated that and my cath sites really haven't bothered me. I have had a little chest pain, but it only lasts a second or two and isn't really a problem, and they told me that this might happen.
dredg, one good thing about your procedure is that they know exactly what they're looking for, and WPW is very amenable to treatment with ablation. There is a little more risk to going into the left side due to the risk of blood clots, but that risk is very, very low. Also, WPW is not always as benign as AVNRT, so take some comfort that your heart will be fixed and you won't have to worry about it EVER. That's what drove me to go ahead with the procedure, and I'm glad I did, even though the tachycardia is uncomfortable, I started a low dose of atenolol prn while my heart is recovering and am much better now. I don't think the fast HR is unusual, it just worried me...
For everyone considering this procedure, you CAN do it. Believe me, I know it seems like you REALLY don't want to, but you can. I'm a big chicken (and I work in healthcare, which makes it worse!) I'm 100% glad that I did it, and once my heart recovers, I should be good as new!
Thank you to everyone on this forum for their encouragement and words of comfort. It helped me tremendously, and if I can answer any questions to return the favor to others, I hope I can do so.
Good Luck to all.
I had an ablation Monday to treat Afib. To tell you the truth the worst part is getting the bladder catheter inserted/removed :).
I went into the Montreal heart institute Sunday night. I was shaved, had an IV installed and catheterized the next morning. Then down to the ultrasound lab where they inserted a type of ultrasound down my throat to make sure I didn't have any clots. I didn't so I was then wheeled off to the catheter lab. I was second in following a woman having a defibrillator installed.
They went in through my right groin, past from my right side to my left side of my heart and ablated a ring around the four pulmonary veins. I was largely conscious through the whole procedure, drifting in and out of a light sleep for the better part of four hours they worked on me.
I was very impressed with my EP. I had to wait an extra month to have it done since by the time my INR stabilized between 2-3 he was off to Australia for a month demonstrating his techniques to doctors down under. It was kind of comforting knowing the person doing the procedure was respected enough that doctors halfway around the world would fly him in for a month to teach. In the meantime I had an MRI done on my heart
For 36 hours or so following the ablation I had minor chest pain when I inhaled deeply or changed from sitting to lying down, rolling over etc. Since then no real issues. I'm on fragmin for five days until they get my coumodin INR levels up to between 2-3 again.
Best of all no arrythmias since coming out of the ablation. Prior to ablation had multiple short duration bursts of Afib everyday. I'm very pleased and happy I had it done and would recommend the procedure to anyone whose EP recommended it. -lorne675
I went into the Montreal heart institute Sunday night. I was shaved, had an IV installed and catheterized the next morning. Then down to the ultrasound lab where they inserted a type of ultrasound down my throat to make sure I didn't have any clots. I didn't so I was then wheeled off to the catheter lab. I was second in following a woman having a defibrillator installed.
They went in through my right groin, past from my right side to my left side of my heart and ablated a ring around the four pulmonary veins. I was largely conscious through the whole procedure, drifting in and out of a light sleep for the better part of four hours they worked on me.
I was very impressed with my EP. I had to wait an extra month to have it done since by the time my INR stabilized between 2-3 he was off to Australia for a month demonstrating his techniques to doctors down under. It was kind of comforting knowing the person doing the procedure was respected enough that doctors halfway around the world would fly him in for a month to teach. In the meantime I had an MRI done on my heart
For 36 hours or so following the ablation I had minor chest pain when I inhaled deeply or changed from sitting to lying down, rolling over etc. Since then no real issues. I'm on fragmin for five days until they get my coumodin INR levels up to between 2-3 again.
Best of all no arrythmias since coming out of the ablation. Prior to ablation had multiple short duration bursts of Afib everyday. I'm very pleased and happy I had it done and would recommend the procedure to anyone whose EP recommended it. -lorne675
I talked to my EP over the phone a couple of weeks ago. He's an awesome guy, he spend a good 30 minutes talking to me about the procedure. I will meet with him the day before my procedure to discuss things once again, but at this point I know everything about what's going to happen.
I talked to him about going on the left side of the heart. He said that in about 60% of people who have WPW the excess pathway is located on the left side. So I'm just going to bank on that one.
Thank you everyone who have given me encouragement and for telling me your stories. 2 more weeks.
Brandon
I talked to him about going on the left side of the heart. He said that in about 60% of people who have WPW the excess pathway is located on the left side. So I'm just going to bank on that one.
Thank you everyone who have given me encouragement and for telling me your stories. 2 more weeks.
Brandon
Hi Brandon:
Your ablation is right around the corner..how are you feeling? Have you spoke to your doctor regarding your procedure. From your post, I know that you are concern/curious about whether the EP dr. went in groin on the left or right side of the heart. I recall that during my discussion with my dr. (the day of the procedure) he indicated that they wouldn't know if there would be a need to go on the left side of my heart until they were able to map my heart. I know that the left side is slightly risker than going in on the right side. I made a decision that I didn't want my doctor on the left side....that ablation would be for another day. I was so thankful that they were able to resolve my issue by going in on the right side.
From what I have read the risk is slightly higher by 2 or 3 more percent. I have notice that most don't even ask about the left or right side entry. I have a sister who is a nurse and she mentioned it to me and then I did a full blown inquiry into ablations and looked up everything that I could.
I never experienced a higher heart rate after my procedure or the days that followed. I did have some PVC's for a couple of weeks, they weren't bad...it almost felt like it does right before my SVT episodes, but now nothing but a boring regular heart beat, lol!
Brandon it is so worth it...all the anxiety that I had and the two years that I waited to have the ablation was really lost time for me. I stayed stress and the beta blockers (didn't work) and made me lifeless but I was willing to take them to avoid the ablation.
You will be fine, but I do understand how you are feeling. I can't wait for you to post after your ablation and hear about your experience.
Take care,
Rose
Your ablation is right around the corner..how are you feeling? Have you spoke to your doctor regarding your procedure. From your post, I know that you are concern/curious about whether the EP dr. went in groin on the left or right side of the heart. I recall that during my discussion with my dr. (the day of the procedure) he indicated that they wouldn't know if there would be a need to go on the left side of my heart until they were able to map my heart. I know that the left side is slightly risker than going in on the right side. I made a decision that I didn't want my doctor on the left side....that ablation would be for another day. I was so thankful that they were able to resolve my issue by going in on the right side.
From what I have read the risk is slightly higher by 2 or 3 more percent. I have notice that most don't even ask about the left or right side entry. I have a sister who is a nurse and she mentioned it to me and then I did a full blown inquiry into ablations and looked up everything that I could.
I never experienced a higher heart rate after my procedure or the days that followed. I did have some PVC's for a couple of weeks, they weren't bad...it almost felt like it does right before my SVT episodes, but now nothing but a boring regular heart beat, lol!
Brandon it is so worth it...all the anxiety that I had and the two years that I waited to have the ablation was really lost time for me. I stayed stress and the beta blockers (didn't work) and made me lifeless but I was willing to take them to avoid the ablation.
You will be fine, but I do understand how you are feeling. I can't wait for you to post after your ablation and hear about your experience.
Take care,
Rose
You were intubated for the ablation? I had fentynl and versed, but was not intubated and have very, very little recollection of the procedure.
I also had a higher heart rate for a little while after the ablations. Mine was also in the 90-100 range. After a short time (maybe a couple weeks), it worked itself out. Prior to the ablations, I had loads of PVCs and a fairly calm HR. The faster rate felt really weird to me. Hopefully, your HR will go down a bit after a little while.
Glad to hear you are doing well!
I also had a higher heart rate for a little while after the ablations. Mine was also in the 90-100 range. After a short time (maybe a couple weeks), it worked itself out. Prior to the ablations, I had loads of PVCs and a fairly calm HR. The faster rate felt really weird to me. Hopefully, your HR will go down a bit after a little while.
Glad to hear you are doing well!
I am also due to have an ablation on the 20th of March and am nervous. just wondering if i really need this? did you think that?
Wolff Parkinsons White. I've had 2 EKG's which confirm that I have the WPW delta wave. Lucky me ehhh? I'm looking on the bright side though. My EP said that I have about a 90-95% chance of being cured of this SOB. Thank god.
You're welcome. I wish I could make you feel more comfortable with the procedure, but I know from experience that no one really can!
They just ablated the right side, although they did go in on both sides. I was for all intents and purposes asleep during it. I wasn't completely anesthesized (intubated, etc.) but I don't remember ANY of it once they wheeled me to the EP lab. When I woke up, I wasn't sure that I had even had it yet.
I was very scared of the procedure, and am really not very good at being a patient. I know you're anxious but if your experience is like mine, the time leading up to the procedure is WAY worse than the procedure itself. Let them know that you're nervous about it and they can give you medications to help with that (no need to go through the anxiety when there are meds that can prevent it!)
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask. I know what you're going through and believe me, you're not alone.
They just ablated the right side, although they did go in on both sides. I was for all intents and purposes asleep during it. I wasn't completely anesthesized (intubated, etc.) but I don't remember ANY of it once they wheeled me to the EP lab. When I woke up, I wasn't sure that I had even had it yet.
I was very scared of the procedure, and am really not very good at being a patient. I know you're anxious but if your experience is like mine, the time leading up to the procedure is WAY worse than the procedure itself. Let them know that you're nervous about it and they can give you medications to help with that (no need to go through the anxiety when there are meds that can prevent it!)
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask. I know what you're going through and believe me, you're not alone.
Thanks for the encouraging words. Did they ablate on the right or left side of your heart? Were you awake during the procedure or did you fall asleep?
Yes, I'm a bit nervous but more anxious @ this point. I am having mine done on the 20th of March (2 weeks) so I'm in the home stretch. If I could do this today then I would!
Thanks again
Yes, I'm a bit nervous but more anxious @ this point. I am having mine done on the 20th of March (2 weeks) so I'm in the home stretch. If I could do this today then I would!
Thanks again
I had an ablation yesterday (March 4th). The EP doc thought I had AVNRT or WPW so went in to do a study and ablate whatever dysrhythmia he found.
Turns out it was neither. I had, for some reason, 2 SA nodes and he ablated the secondary one. Don't be scared of the ablation. I was a nervous WRECK, but they gave me a valium about 2 hours before and then Versed/Fentanyl/Diprivan during and I hardly remember a thing. It didn't hurt at all during the procedure, although they had to place catheters in both my right and left groin, which are pretty sore today, but no big deal. I'm also still a little groggy from all the sedation, but I imagine that's to be expected.
My heart rate is a little higher than I'd like (90-100 resting and about 120 when I get up to do anything), but they tell me that is to be expected for a few months following the procedure. So far, so good. I just wanted something to fix my dysrhythmia permanently, rather than having to worry about when the next episode was coming and take heart meds for the rest of my life (I'm 41).
Good luck, and again, don't be scared--the procedure itself is not bad. I hope this helps you.
Turns out it was neither. I had, for some reason, 2 SA nodes and he ablated the secondary one. Don't be scared of the ablation. I was a nervous WRECK, but they gave me a valium about 2 hours before and then Versed/Fentanyl/Diprivan during and I hardly remember a thing. It didn't hurt at all during the procedure, although they had to place catheters in both my right and left groin, which are pretty sore today, but no big deal. I'm also still a little groggy from all the sedation, but I imagine that's to be expected.
My heart rate is a little higher than I'd like (90-100 resting and about 120 when I get up to do anything), but they tell me that is to be expected for a few months following the procedure. So far, so good. I just wanted something to fix my dysrhythmia permanently, rather than having to worry about when the next episode was coming and take heart meds for the rest of my life (I'm 41).
Good luck, and again, don't be scared--the procedure itself is not bad. I hope this helps you.
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