waiting for ablation

[rbeans]

I am waiting to have a EP/study-catheter ablation  to be done.  Scared out of my mind! It's all I can think about.  The EP Dr. tells me it is a relatively safe procedure but I can't help but worry.  Would love to hear from anyone who has had this procedure done and how they are feeling now. Diagonsed with v-tach caught on haltor monitor.  Was a healthy 42yr old who had the occasional pvc.  One night felt my heart race and almost passed out. I am freaking out about this whole thing. Feel very alone.

[rr2465]

Hi.  You can tack me to the list of recent patients with ablation procedures done.  I had mine done almost a month ago.  I'm not big on needles etc and the procedure was optional for me, so I was really worried about the procedure.  It really was a piece of cake and all the folks on this board helped me through my anxiety.  I could probably write a book about the whole thing by now, but basically I went into the hospital at 6:30 am and I walked out on my own at 4:30 pm.  They had no trouble finding my AVNRT and zapping it.  From what I understand this varies from patient to patient.  Nearly a month later and I feel fine.  If you want to talk more about just let me know.

Good luck - you'll do great!

[RickDG]

Mabe,

I'm also in MA, South of Boston.  Did you have your ablation done at Beth Israel?  I had one done at RI Hosp and the last two at Beth Israel.

[twinbee]

I had my ablation done at the Univ of Penn in January (I also linve in NJ). It took me two years to have the procedure because I was too scared. After it was all over I thought to myself "what was I thinking?'. I would not hesitate to have it done again. Good luck, and I hope you will soon be enjoying NSR for a long time to come.

[RickDG]

Hi rb,

I had my third ablation in four months this past Thursday.  It's normal to be aprehensive beforehand, I don't think anyone can say they weren't.  I don't find the experience particularly pleasant but it's not the end of the world either.  They type of arrythmia you have will determine how the procedure goes.  In my case, I have Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) which is difficult to induce, therefore my procedures lasted 6.5 hours, 5 hours and 4.5 hours each.  Because I'm difficult to induce, I did all three of mine without any sedation or pain meds, except the numbing of my leg.  During my second ablation they induced SVT and I had to be cardioverted (shocked) twice while on the table - no meds.  

If I made it through, you can too.  The worst part for me aside from getting zapped is being stuck on my back for 10 - 12 hours (you have to lay on your back and can't bend your leg for at least 4 hours after the procedure, in my case six because they went up both sides and had to use a large catheter).  

If you have SVT or PVC's, it can take far less time and you can often be sedated or take pain meds.  Walk around as much as you can beforehand, they may even let you walk to the operating room.  Pee if you can too, just in case you end up being in there a while.  Don't be afraid to ask them to numb your leg again if it gets uncomfortable, which it shouldn't unless they have to switch sheaths halfway through.  

You're not alone, there are alot of people here for you.

[mabebesc]

Hi,
I'm not sure if my first post got on or not so I'll repeat it just in case.  I know just how you feel.  I had a successful abalation done on Aug. 4th and I was scared to death..  I was up for the whole thing and I have to say the ablation  was very easy for me.  I felt no pain and I was only in the lab about 2 and 1/2 hours.

  It sounds like you are in excellent hands.  It is so normal to be scared- we all were before our ablations.  I really got myself all worked up for nothing!

It was the best thing I could have done for myself. You are defintiely not alone.  If you have any questions, ask away.  We are all here to see you through this!

Betty

[Momto3]

We're glad you stumbled upon this site also.  That's how I found it too!  I was scared and looking for answers and support.  You'll find lots of both here : )

My first ablation was for RVOT; the second was for LVOT.  I'm told the RVOT procedure is less complicated and most people do very well!!  I was multi-focal, so it took more than one procedure.  

Glad to hear you are going with a "pioneer" at a major PA hospital!  The highly trained doctors are experts in this field and you will be in good hands.  You may, or may not, have to stay overnight.  Seems to be about 50-50.  When you first arrive, you will be given a lovely gown (not quite what you might have wanted...lol), perhaps a pair of matching slippers, and an I.V.  The I.V. does not hurt, just a little pinch.  I also had a foley (bladder) catheter, but they must have done that when I was out, never felt a thing.  

Just prior to going to the lab, I was given an injection (through the I.V.) of versed.  It's a wonderful drug that is used to put the patient in a "comfort" zone.  It has an amnesiac effect, so you will have lots of gaps in your memory from the procedure.  In the lab, you will be moved to a cold table (the lab is very cold, but you will have blankets) and you will be hooked up for EKG, BP and oxygen monitoring.  I don't remember this stuff, but I heard about it....versed!  The only thing I really remember is some pressure (manual the first time, a plug-like device the second time) when the doctor was closing off the main catheter entry site (groin).

Then, off to recovery for a turkey sandwich (standard hospital fare....lol).  I had to lie flat for six hours (propped up just enough for the sandwich), vitals were monitored...went to sleep.  Woke up the next morning, monitors removed, and outta there.  Oh, I was given fentynl in the lab for pain (another great choice).  Demerol tends to make a lot of people nauseous, so you might want to ask for fentynl (if they're ok with that, I'm pretty sure it will be fine).  

Try not to worry.  We'll be right here if you have any questions or concerns.  OHHHHHH, be sure to let the nurses know if you are feeling anxious.  They're wonderful!!

connie