I had general anesthesia, but the EP said I would come "in and out of it, but you won't care", which was the case. I was really "out of it" most of the time (7 hours) but I do vaguely remember "waking up" a number of times. Although all I remember was that it was "annoying" because I hardly was really conscious. There is obviously some reason they do this, maybe to check on you, but I didn't "see" anything or feel pain or anything like that.

You said there's a 50-50 chance of it working. Is that what your MD said in your own particular case? The general odds are much higher, in my case 80-90% and I'm still in normal sinus rhythm almost 2 years later.

Good luck!

Normal sinus rhythm two years later is like music to my ears. Thank you for sharing that.

I've had a few blips, and almost had to have a cardioversion but then my heart bounced back on its own. I'm a firm believer that its the skill of the EP that makes the difference. Make sure you get a good, experienced and responsive one!

I was put in what they call a twilight sedation for the 8 hours during my ablation. I must say I was asleep 95% of the time. I do remember waking up, but was put back to sleep. I had my ablation done in January 08 for a-fib and a-flutter. I was told I had a 75% chance of my first ablation working. I am happy to say I am a few months away from my 4 year anniversary, and I have been in NSR since the ablation. Good Luck! Wishing you well, and wishing you enough...

My ablation was in March and I don't know what kind of anesthesia I had but I do not remember being awake. I will be having a cryoablation mid October with the same EP. I expect I will be "out" for the whole procedure. I am looking forward to no more AF.

Do you have an ablation scheduled and if so, when?

I woke up a couple of times during my procedure, but really don't remember much. One funny thing happened. The attending nurse asked me how I was doing once when I woke up, and then told me not to talk. Who knew. My first ablation did not totally cure the Afib, but along with Rythmol, I went almost 3 years without an incident. Recently had a couple and two cardioversions about 4 months apart. My cardiologist and I have decided to go for another ablation in October to see if we can fix it once and for all. Obviously if it was painful I would not be doing it again. My personal feeling is that if there is an opportunity to correct the Afib, then go for it. Good luck!!
Nate

I've had (2) ablations and both used general anesthesia.

50/50 odds, I'd take that any day if I could get rid of AFIB!

Robert

Thanks everyone for your comments. My chances are only 50/50 because I have persistent A-Fib. There is no way of knowing how long I've had it, because I didn't have the irregular heartbeats that accompany it for most people. For me, personally, I'm extremely fatigued and dizzy, and having it is really limiting my doing things, or even wanting to do anything. Along with A-Fib has come this guy named depression, and I'm hoping he will also go away:) I've had one cardioconversion which only lasted a couple days, been on the meds and that didn't work, so now ablation is scheduled for Oct. 19. Please keep me in your prayers. I'm not nervous, as I can't handle things they way they are, and I think I have a great EP Dr. to take care of me. The 50/50 chance of feeling better is worth it to me too I believe. I have a CT scan of the heart on Oct 14 and my blood work and I will be good to go. I will be on flecanide after the procedure and continue on the warfarin.