Scared along with husband for ep study and ablation

[Bearbear13]

How "naked" do you have to be for ep study and will my breasts be open to view or genitals be exposed during prep and procedure? How awake are most people for the procedure?

[tom_h]

I HATE THIS TABLET!!!!!!

Read the journal uf user Jannie411.  She gives a complete rundown on the procedure.   I have included a link to one of them:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Heart-Rhythm/Jannie411s-Ablation---Part-2--Section-2---The-Actual-Ablation-Procedure/show/1499077d
Michelle, myself, and others are always here to answer any questions that you may have.  Good luck!

[tom_h]

At the hospital I had mine done at, UMass, a male orderly prepped the men, and a female nurse prepped the women. I had prepped myself, and had washed with a special soap they had given me beforehand.  So the I was treated with respect and dignity even though I felt I had left mine in the short stay cube.  I had a shot of vallium prior to beimg wheeled down, and was pretty much out of it as I scooted knto the lab table.  But I do remember them building a little blanket support for my arms.  I was made extremely comfortable.  Then a mask was placed over my mouth, and I was breathing oxygen while either propofol or versed (I forget) was introduced to my IV line. Sleep comes very naturally.  It's quite peasant.   Then,  I awoke in the recovery
room.  The electrophysiologist was peering into my eyes. "You won't have any more problem with that.  'Shoulda seen me sooner!".  Within an hour I was alert and eating a sandwich, and posting a brief comment to this forum. within 3 hours, I had my Foley removed, and performed the necessary test pee to make sure I could go on my own, dressed, and out the door for home.
I would recommend that you read the journal of user Jannie41

[MichelleP_3811]

The guy that preps you will see stuff because he does have to put a lot of electrodes on like Tom said but I was not laying flat out naked on the table.  They cover you up really good.  But also keep in mind that these are medical professionals who have seen it all.  If you are passing out it is best you get this taken care of for your own health and well being.  

[Bearbear13]

Thanks for your honesty and imput Tom. I made another reply and meant it to go to you also!

[Bearbear13]

Thanks so much for the info!! We both are very nervous about having the procedure done and was told of a few "horror" stories from other web sites: quotes like "naked and exposed" in front of numerous people in room then being "tied down" and aware of having breasts and genitals open for all to see. Just a few stories, but enough to not want to go through that!!! Plus not knowing how will feel during procedure. I had loop monitor episodes of svt and vt. I had one episode prior of collapsing in bathroom after a run and shower. My husband thank god was there & my heartbeat was over 200. He literally shook me & rolled me on my side and that rythym broke after a minute or so, then i regained consciousness. Want discernment and cured if possible. Just wanted the truth about procedure and what to expect. We are conservative folks and prefer not "let it all be seen" either.

[tom_h]

I have to add that you are modestly draped for the procedure. Leads are attached to your chest for monitoring, and you nether region is covered with surgical cloth.  Insertion is made by puncturing, so there are no sutures involved.   The wounds heal in a couple of days.  Piece of cake!

[tom_h]

Yup, you're bare, Bearbear! ....and cleanly shaven too if you know what I mean ;-) ;-)  I liked the "clean" look so much that that's how I roll now.  You must shave your pubic region as the catheters are inserted kind of where your leg joins your torso.  Believe me, your lady parts aren't any different than the rest of females that preceded you.

Your state of consciousness is largely dependent on the physician.  I had a choice, and selected full sedation.  I remember largely nothing except for entering the cath lab. So basically, I had a great time.  Except when I woke up....... I felt a little pulling "down there".  "OMG! What did they do?  It's bandaged up! They accidentally cut it off!"  It was then I felt the tubing coming out the tip of the bandage. They had stuck a Foley catheter in me while I was asleep and I was peeing comfortably into a bag.  Relax, you'll be fine!  Any "endowment" you have, or lack thereof will be quickly forgotten about by the next patient.  The results are worth the relative brief stripping of your dignity.

[littlegreenman1]

Answer 100% baby nekkid.. and it depends.

[MichelleP_3811]

What are you having ablated?  Afib or accessory pathway svt.  The set up for Afib ablations is a bit different than ones for accessory pathway issues.  I believe that afib people are probably put under but accessory pathway people are given conscious sedation.  It makes you very tired and I believe most people fall asleep.  I kind of tried not to fall asleep because it was kind of interesting to me but struggled to do so at times.  It really is pretty much like going in and getting a couple of ivs put in your legs.  They do have to shave you down there so it doesn't interfere with the catheter going in your legs but they put some sort of plastic or something on there to show only where the catheters will go and you are very covered up with sheets.  My breasts were never exposed.  If you want to read about my ablation you can click on my name and read my journal entry.  I was absolutely terrified to do it but when it was all said and done I was amazed at how easy it really was.  Best of luck with your study.  Please let us know when it is and I will send prayers your way and come back and let us know how it went.