Terrified of Upcoming Cardiac Ablation

[Labonita_ca2014]

I am going in for a cardiac ablation in 2 weeks and was feeling only slightly nervous until I read some comments about how the burning hurts and is very intense. I know I will be only mildly sedated and I have an overactive vagal response so am worried about that.  It probably doesn't help that I also have an anxiety disorder : ( I know I can't live with these continuous runs of pvcs anymore as it is limiting my life drastically. If anyone could shed any light on this, I would greatly appreciate the support.

[tom_h]

Well, good luck!  Let us know how it goes.

[Labonita_ca2014]

Sorry-yes, it is a pvc ablation and they said I would receive conscious sedation.

[Labonita_ca2014]

Thank you so much for the wonderful suggestions and support. I guess that's what I'm needing right now-support. My procedure is October 22nd. Although I can't wait to get rid of these unbearable pvcs, the procedure still scares me. I am almost more scared of my anxiety than the actual procedure- if that makes sense. I just have to trust in the anesthesiologist and like you said-they don't want me jumping around on the table!

[itdood]

I can't think of anyone that wouldn't be nervous for that type of a procedure.  I have an anxiety disorder too, I had a different sort of surgery in April of 2013 and I was very nervous.  But it went fast.  I've had GAD for so long that I've learned some coping techniques.

Oddly enough, some folks with constant PVCs won't get any under under general anesthesia so that's why they can't completely knock you out.

I've always found that the more nervous I am prior to something stressful the better I do at the actual event.  So try to deal with, and feel the anxiety now.  It's OK.  

Try out some coping techniques too.  I've done things like memorize things I can recite to myself if I get panicky.  I've always found that by me making myself focus on a talking, even if it's in my own head, helps greatly.

One way or another you will figure this out.  

[tom_h]

Yes, I agree with what Michelle said.  Your extreme fear needs to be expressed to your electrophysiologist ASAP.  They need you to be completely relaxed and remain perfectly still during the procedure.  We had a forum member a couple of years back who had her procedure terminated shortly after the procedure began because she was trembling uncontrollably.  The physician could not safely work on her.  they rescheduled her procedure a few weeks later with anesthesia and her ablation for SVT was successfully performed, and she has now moved on with her life.  You need to say something to them very soon so they can set up the proper arrangements!

[MichelleP_3811]

Are you going in for a pvc ablation?  Did the EP say you would be awake or is that just what you read?  The setup for Pvc ablations are different then svt ablations and it is possible they will put you out all the way but if not I would think once you are mapped they could sedate you quite a bit more so that you fell to sleep.  They do have to do a lot more burns for pvcs then they did for my svt issue.  It was a deep pain but not unbearable.  I would tell them of your concern and anxiety and they will address it for you.  I know when they were about ready to burn me they gave me a higher shot of sedation so just let them know your fear and I am sure they will accommodate your concern.  The last thing they want is for you to be jumping around the table.  Best of luck with it and let us know when it is so I can send prayers your way and do come back and let us know how it all goes. Be strong and wishing much success at becoming pvc free.