Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Support Group

Atrial fibrillation (AF or afib) is an abnormal heart rhythm (cardiac arrhythmia) which involves the two small, upper heart chambers (the atria). Heart beats in a normal heart begin after electricity generated in the atria by the sinoatrial node spread through the heart and cause contraction of the heart muscle and pumping of blood.

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Heart, Blood & Circulation
/ Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Support Group

EP Consult Tomorrow RE: Ablation or Meds?

jcolacino
jcolacino
Good Evening,
I have an appointment with a second EP tomorrow to get a second opinion on if I should try an ablation. My first EP told me that because I am young, (45) the odds are in my favor that the ablation would be sucessful. He said that the sucess rate was 50 to 65% and that if any doctor tells me a higher rate, they may not be being 100% honest with me. The odds of having a mishap was about 3% or less but that number scared me. The EP I was speaking with does about 2-3 a month so i thought I should talk to someone that possibly does more... Maybe even talking to the Clevelend Clinic.

Tomorrow, I meet the lead EP at the University of Rochester hospital and I hope I hear a bit more encouraging news. I am scared because I don't know what to expect. I am almost afraid to ask but I want to relax a bit.. Can anyone reassure me that the proceedure itself is painless? Can they put me completely out?

I don't mind discomfort once its over but the anticipation drives me crazy.

My Afib usually comes frequently for a month or so and then tends to leave me alone for a month... no real pattern but when i have it, i can really feel it. It sucks!

Anything to help comfort me would be awesome!

Jim
ecofr
ecofr
I was out completely, and only minor discomfort after the procedure.
Only 2-3 procedures a month does not seem good.
Take care.
Ecofr
deleted_user
deleted_user
I understand your anxiousness about the procedure, but I was totally out and did not feel anything. The only small complaint I had after the procedure was heartburn, but that is very common and I was prescribed nexium and carafate syrup for 30 days.

I agree with Ecofr, I would not consider an EP who performs 2-3 procedures a month, but rather look for an EP who does at least 2-3 ablations a week.

Best wishes and keep us informed about your plans.
CLane
CLane
Hello Jcolacino- I was completely out for my ablations. I experienced some chest discomfort for a few days and a sore throat but I tolerated the procedures very well. I am in agreement with other posters...I would seek an EP that does 2-3 per week, rather than per month. Good luck with your decision and take care, Carrie
RN52
RN52
I had two ablations and was completely out for both of them. The first one, I had a sore throat, lower back and chest pain afterwards. The back pain comes from laying flat for 6 hours after the procedure.The first was RF ablation. The second was cryo and I had no pain at all and did not have a sore throat either. The anticipation can drive you crazy. Once I made the decision, I just wanted it to be over. I may consider having a third in the future if the meds stop controlling my AF. I am hoping if so, it is in the very distant future and even better technology has been developed. Good luck!
DeeMR11
DeeMR11
I had a successful cyro-ablation 1 year ago. Was told always will have at least 1% chance of A fib returning, but for now, life is good. My EP does 2-3 ablations a week. I was looking for someone with this kind of experience. He's not hard to talk, and takes the time to explain things------which is quite important.
D.
jcolacino
jcolacino
Well, Today I met with a new EP at the University of Rochester and have increased confidence that ablation may help me. I was impressed with his team of specialist as this is what they focus on. I actually liked the first doctor as well at Rochester General but I decided to move forward at the U of R becuase they do more proceedures and I feel that practice has got to help!

I am still very afraid but I think since afib begets afib, I want to try this while I am young. I just hope they put me out and when I wake up, all the tools are back on the table and there is a tenderloin on my food tray! :) Well... maybe some ice chips!

I am scheduled for December 6th so I have alot of worry ahead of me. Any words of comfort sure will help but I wanted to say thank you to everyone here. What a wonderful resource for those suffering and unsure what to do!

Thank you again for everything and maybe I can help someone soon!

Jim
ecofr
ecofr
Do not worry about pain. They gave me general anesthesia, but I heard that some EP's do not put you out completely, you may want to ask the EP if this worries you.
And don't count on a steak, it is not typical hospital food ...
Best way to help us after your ablation will be to keep us up to date.
Take care
Ecofr
deleted_user
deleted_user
Glad to hear that you are happy with your choice. I wish you peace leading up to the procedure and NSR forever after!

Kelly
deleted_user
deleted_user
Well good, you made your decision and I 'm sure it will give you some peace of mind.
Don't worry about the procedure. The SOP for Afib ablations is general anesthesia and you will not feel anything. "All the tools" are only two catheters, and they most definitely will be removed before you leave the EP lab. :-)
You will do just fine and you most definitely will feel 100% better being in NSR.
Everybody here is rooting for you and we are sending you lots of positive thoughts and prayers for your ablation on December 6.
Please stay in touch and let us know how you are doing.
All the best Heide
jcolacino
jcolacino
I just wanted to say thank you once again to everyone for taking the time to help me through this! I sure am glad I found this website as I would feel alone otherwise!

I will keep reading (and writing) as I move down this road towards NSR.

Looking forward to Dec. 6th! :)
Jim
lchandless
lchandless
Hey Jim, we are in the same boat. My husband Chris, 48 years old and healthy was diagnosed with AFIB May 2012. We have 3 daughters and live very busy lives. He has had episodes of Afib on and Off since then, and did not respond well to Flecainide. His episodes normally would last 3-8 hours, then he would self convert. Met with an EP a week ago tomorrow and he has been in a constant state of AFIB...Not racing heart, fuctional, but out of rythym. We got a call today that his EP had a cancellation for Friday and we are scheduled for surgery. Are we scared...Yes but very hopeful!! Ready to get off this roller coaster for a bit. Hang in there...Best wishes to you. You are not alone!
jcolacino
jcolacino
This is so strange but I think my worry about waiting for this ablation has increased my AFIB! :)

I am counting down the days just to get it behind me and to hopefully be in NSR most of the time...

Jim
lchandless
lchandless
Jim, So an update..... Both doctors tell us AFIB isn't going to kill you but definately messes with your mind as well as your quality of life! Chris strggled with Flecainide having episodes 2 times while on a reg. dose 50mg 2X day. so went off of it 2 weeks ago. After meeting with the EP had a 6 day episode and asked our local cardio if he could do " pip" approach with the Flec. Within 4 hours converted to nsr AFTER 6days straight afib. We've learned that this is a learning process and be very proactive and question everything. It definately isn't a one size fits all kind of condition. Chris went back in NSR last night and if feeling a breath of relief!!! Our three daughters and I am too! Heading out to Palo Alto Thursday after work for 6AM ablation on Friday. I will keep you posted. Have faith, breath and get some sleep. This is a common condition, while a huge inconvenience.. especially for a working family. you will be ok! I have learned we aren't alone and this web site has been an amazing wealth of knowledge and comfort. Email anytime! We are here..:))
NYNM
NYNM
Hi, glad you're a bit more relaxed. It is very important that you have an competent and experienced EP. It does make a difference.

Do you know what specifically you are scared of? I had an ablation a few years ago, and, thought the afib did eventually come back (but not as strongly) I had no issue with the procedure. I also was totally anesthsized and felt nothing. I had minimal pain (none really) and returned to work after the weekend. A few small points to ask about which were more annoying that the ablation itself: the TEE, having to stay overnight in hospital ( just don't like them, like most people), and Luvenox after the procedure. But overall, OK. Let us know if you have any questions & good luck!!
heart2222
heart2222
I can certainly empathize with your anxiety before the procedure. I went thru that bigtime. I think it's the length of time of the procedure that is daunting and also the time flat on your back afterwards.

I had conscious sedation, but it seems the majority of people get general here on the forum.

Each EP is slightly different. Best of luck to you!!