Ablation and Travel

[rr2465]

Greetings.  I have scheduled a consultation and ablation at UC San Francisco at the end of August for SVT.  This is actually my "second option" - I had my records sent up to these guys who seem to be experts in the field.  My doctor in San Diego wants me on Metoprolol for the next 2-3 months to see how that goes.  I talked with the guys at UCSF and based on my records they think an ablation would be best.

So I am planning on flying up to SF to have the procedure done (depending on the consult) and then flying home 3 days later.  My question is, do you think I can take a flight across the country approximatley 5 days after the procedure.  Just to recap, I would be flying home 3 days after the procedure (to San Diego) and then another 2 days after that I have a flight to the east coast.  Any thoughts?  What is the recovery like?

BTW, I'm pretty healthy 35 y/o, 160 lbs, non-smoker, non-drinker.

Thanks,

Rob

[rr2465]

Thanks for all the suggestions.  I heard back from UCSF and they said that I was OK to travel but I was absolutely not supposed to lift anything over 10 lbs. for a week.

jkfrench - I sent you a personal note about my cardiologist in SD.  

Thanks again for all the responses and I'll keep you posted about happens!

[nicolette36]

i think that with any recent surgery and ablation is microsurgery that there is increased risk of blood clots hence why you should take the aspirin especially if you are flying,i was a bad girl,i only took mine for 2 days!

[jkfrench]

I live in San Diego too.  Who is your cardio out here and do you like him?  
Frenchie

[Momto3]

Ireneo,

Are you still getting away with that line?  

I'm gonna have to give that one a try this Fall....... LOL

[ireneo]

I agree, I didn't have any restrictions after my ablations except the lifting part. I was also told to take an aspirin a day for awhile. Even now, they ask if I'm still taking my aspirin. I just look innocent and say, No, am I supposed to?  :-)  But if you're going on a cross-country trip it might be a good idea to do the aspirin regimen after the ablation. Do ask the doctor what is recommended.

[mabebesc]

Hi,

I was just told to take it easy for a couple of days and not to lift anything over 2O pounds.  I just had my ablation on Monday  and am sitting here at home recuperating.  Yesterday and this morning I felt very tired and  but am starting to feel like my energy is coming back this afternoon. . I would definitely ask the EP about traveling . Everyone reacts differently post ablation.  Some people feel terrific and are ready to resume their everyday activites right away. I felt very tired the day after but I am also a lot older than you ,52 , and am very small (under 100 pounds) so it's not unusual for me to feel fatigue when I lose a couple of pounds.  
Good luck- I'm sure you'll make out just great!
Betty

[Momto3]

I don't think I was given any limitations with regard to travel.  But, this is definitely something I would discuss with the EP.  Especially, since flight prices continue to rise...YIKES!

Good luck with the appointment!

There was a doctor from UCSF that reviewed some of my records, Dr. Nelson Schiller.  They seem to have a top notch program!