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Heart Rhythm (Expert Forum)
Typical Recovery from Ablation
Answered by
Michael J. McWilliams, M.D. - atrial fibrillation, Pacemakers, Defibrillators, Arrhythmias (SVT, VT), PVC/PAC, Ablation
Wilmington Health Associates
Wilmington - NC
Questions in the Heart Rhythm forum are answered by Dr. Michael J. McWilliams. Topics covered include heart rhythm issues, arrhythmia, irregular heartbeat, implanted defibrillators, pacemakers, and tachycardia.
Typical Recovery from Ablation
by Hyatt65, Jul 27, 2007 11:54AM
I am slated for an ablation to treat SVT. 1) I neglected to ask my doc whether there is typically any pain involved during the recovery. As I am sensitive and/or allergic to the more commonly prescribed pain meds, I wanted to inquire. 2) Are any other drugs typically given following an ablation?
Many thanks for your input!
Many thanks for your input!
Doctor's Answer
by Michael J. McWilliams, M.D., Jul 27, 2007 02:18PM
, Jul 27, 2007 02:18PM
To: Hyatt65
Hello Hyatt,
In general there is more fear of pain prior to the procedure than any discomfort during or after the procedure.
1) I neglected to ask my doc whether there is typically any pain involved during the recovery. As I am sensitive and/or allergic to the more commonly prescribed pain meds, I wanted to inquire.
I don't think I have ever needed to send a patient home with narcotics after an SVT procedure. Most cases are done with a benzodiazepine like versed and a narcotic like fentanyl. Versed works on the same receptors as alcohol and gives a relaxing feeling as well as affects your short term memory so you don't remember much of the procedure afterwards. The fentanyl is a narcotic pain medication. It also helps you relax and treats any discomfort during the procedure. After the procedure the venous access lines are removed. This is usually just a pressure sensation rather than pain. If you are one of the 2-5% that gets a bruise or hematoma, you may have a bit more discomfort after the procedure. In general, most patients do very well with minimal discomfort. If you don't want narcotics, ibuprofen often works just as well as percocet. It helps to stay ahead of the pain (request the pain medication before you have the pain). It takes time for them to work.
2) Are any other drugs typically given following an ablation?
Some hospitals/doctors will give an anti nausea medication before people get they get nauseated. This is usually reglan, but other medications can be used for this purpose.
If you think about, after the ablation add comments to this post thread about how the procedure when so others can learn from you experience. It is helpful to read it from the patients perspective and you comments may helps someone else.
I hope this helps. Thanks for posting.
In general there is more fear of pain prior to the procedure than any discomfort during or after the procedure.
1) I neglected to ask my doc whether there is typically any pain involved during the recovery. As I am sensitive and/or allergic to the more commonly prescribed pain meds, I wanted to inquire.
I don't think I have ever needed to send a patient home with narcotics after an SVT procedure. Most cases are done with a benzodiazepine like versed and a narcotic like fentanyl. Versed works on the same receptors as alcohol and gives a relaxing feeling as well as affects your short term memory so you don't remember much of the procedure afterwards. The fentanyl is a narcotic pain medication. It also helps you relax and treats any discomfort during the procedure. After the procedure the venous access lines are removed. This is usually just a pressure sensation rather than pain. If you are one of the 2-5% that gets a bruise or hematoma, you may have a bit more discomfort after the procedure. In general, most patients do very well with minimal discomfort. If you don't want narcotics, ibuprofen often works just as well as percocet. It helps to stay ahead of the pain (request the pain medication before you have the pain). It takes time for them to work.
2) Are any other drugs typically given following an ablation?
Some hospitals/doctors will give an anti nausea medication before people get they get nauseated. This is usually reglan, but other medications can be used for this purpose.
If you think about, after the ablation add comments to this post thread about how the procedure when so others can learn from you experience. It is helpful to read it from the patients perspective and you comments may helps someone else.
I hope this helps. Thanks for posting.
The anticipation of that first ablation is far worse than the actual procedure. Getting the IV put in was probably the worst part. Well, having my clothes taken away wasn't fun either but that's the way it goes. I had this fear that I would feel the catheters poking around in my heart. Nope, nothing. I just felt a little pressure in the groin which could have been the doc's hand resting there to guide the wires up. The meds are great! I remember very little. During the first time in the meds were light and I was able to watch some of it on the screen. When it came time to zap they gave me more meds and I was out. Or at least I don't remember it. They were very good about watching me, watching for any discomfort. I can't stand going to the doctor for anything so it must have been pretty easy for me to go in 3 times.
I have had two ablations, both were for frequent pvcs. Each procedure was 6-7 hours and required an overnight hospital stay. I was pretty nervous and worried over what to expect, but it turned out to be fine (both times) and I couldn't be happier with the results.
Each time, I was given versed to relax and fentynl for pain (discomfort). For the first ablation, I had absolutely NO pain, but a little discomfort. The discomfort was very tolerable and was a result of having someone apply pressure to the entry site. The assistant had his hands clamped down on the place where they inserted the catheter, so that caused a little soreness. Other than some bruising, I was fine and back to work in a couple of days.
The second procedure was a tiny bit different in that the doctors had to enter my femoral artery (didn't feel a thing) so when it came time to close up everything, they inserted a "plug" to close off the artery. That was a bit more uncomfortable, but again, manageable. After the second procedure, I stayed off work a few days b/c my leg (groin area) was kinda sore and I was tired.
All in all, the procedures were very manageable and the recovery was just a matter of catching up on some sleep and adjusting to my "new" heartbeat. After the procedures, my HR increased for a few weeks, so that was a little weird, and kind of unexpected.
Nothing more than Tylenol for discomfort if I needed it....
Hope the ablation goes GREAT!
Connie
It took several months before the doctor would consider the procedure a true success. I was able to work and go about my daily life within a few days. My heart rate was faster than I was used to, so that felt weird. The change in my HR was never given a name, but the rate did slow down within a couple of weeks. Does your doctor think your post-ablation "flutters" will resolve on their own?
Oh, when I would exercise and try to lift my hands above my head, it also felt weird. The palps would stir up again. That took awhile to stop, but eventually it too resolved.
What was your ablaiton for? Hang in there! Hope everyday is a bit better : )
Connie