Hi Jim, we haven't met but I've been following your posts. I am also a type A and over thinker. Like the chicken and the egg. Are we type A because we're A fibbers or A fibbers because we're type A. The time before my first ablation was so anxiety provoking I started using klonopin. That actually helped a lot but it was hard because of my over thinking all I could imagine was the side effects from klonopin and then the effects of not taking something and the damage i might be causing from worrying. And so it goes on and on till a major anxiety attack rears its ugly head. But low and behold the time finally came and afterwards though I had an incident I was ok. A fib came back and another ablation was scheduled. This time my attitude was totally different and it made all the difference in the world. I decided to use some behavior modification techniques and challenged every negative thought I had. I redirected this over thinking into changing my thinking. I looked up every possible positive technique and figured out how it could change my out come. I got lucky and there was a cancellation and I went a month earlier than scheduled. That was in June and I am still in NSR. You have so much positive stuff going for you. So many good things to focus on and your a winner already.

It wil be over soon. 3 days and counting. You will be feeling great and enjoying your granddaughter to the hilt!!

Good luck!

My bad, I meant Dec 6th.

I am so greatful for all the kindness everyone has shown me. I am overthinking for sure and I know come Thursday, I will be ok. I just have always been like this since I had my kids. I am confident I have the right Dr. and the right hospital... I just wish I had't had to wait so long. I would have done it the same day had that been possible! :)

In any event, I am glad to hear your sucessful story. It give me incredible hope and who knows... maybe even the first time! :)

You mentioned you had "an incident". I am assuming something prevented them from getting the ablation completed? I just had a friend who's son had an ablation last week but becuase he wasn't given general... he got squiming around and they had to abort until next time. He was safe and is home fine but they just couldn't get it first time...

I enjoy talking as this helps me a lot... Write back when you have time...

Your friend
Jim

Jim: You remind me of me. I want to control things and I obsess/overthink. I don't like to wait, particularly when I don't feel control over what I am waiting for. When I feel like that, I sort of ignore other things around me and have trouble enjoying all the good things in my life. When I don't enjoy things around me because I obsess, I start thinking about what I could lose... because I am not enjoying my life or having fun. I recognized myself in you when you started talking about your kids and wanting to be around for them. Apparently, you have muffled your own feelings and fears. It is ok to want to have the ablation and a great quality of life for YOU! It is like they say on a plane... put your oxygen mask on first so you can help those around you. So think of this as putting on your oxygen mask and then you can help your kids. They will appreciate that you had the ablation when you are running down the street after them.

I am so glad I could play psychologist with you :-). Anyway, I have to work so hard not to overthink and I had to take a look at why I do what I do. I think we have a great group here also.

petey

I understand your fear. Anything with the heart is scary. For my wife and I, ablation was a great decision. The operation was scheduled about 3 months after we agreed to do it. That 3 months were full of mixed emotions and anxieties. The closer it got the more I thought maybe I shouldn't do it. But I did and it worked and I have done well since then (December 7, 2006). Hang in there, it will be over before you know it.

mcbill: We like to hear success stories. Can you tel us about your afib history, type of afib, your age (if you don't mind), where you went for the procedure, how many ablations, ad anything else you think would be helpful. Thanks.-petey

tel should be tell

ad should be and

Jim,
I know exactly how you feel. I had to wait a month for my ablation and it was very difficult. The good news is that it went very well. I was so impressed with the operating room so full of high tech equipment. But, I only saw if for a second as I was "out". The next thing I was half awake and was told I had ice packs. So, I proceeded to tell everyone I had had a vascetomy and seemed to have no control on my mouth.(I am a female). I heard lots of laughter.

My process took 6 hours. I was very comfortable and sleepy when I finally woke up. I had an easy night and went home the next day. I was very sleepy for a few days but did not have any pain. I had mine done on October 12th this year. I am thankful to still be in NSR as my afib was 24/7 and I had had 6 cardioconversions. I only have had a few "flurries" and a few "cramps" in my heart but none for a few weeks. I definetly would do it again if needed.

December 13th I am getting a pacemaker as an out patient. That is so hard to believe that it can be done that way. My pluse never accelerates so I am looking forward to my new turbo booster as the doc says I will feel good. He says I don't know what good feels like. But, I tell you, I am a lot better since the ablation.

Good luck and think good thoughts. Let us know how you are when it is over.

Oh yeah, you want to know my age. 69 years young

Remember it isn't how many times you get knocked down, it is how many times you get up.

Petey, McBill and Biya,

Thank you so much for the awesome thoughts and comments. Petey, I think we are a LOT alike!

I am sure I will be here for support all week!

Jim

Good Evening,
I am getting closer to Thursday and working hard to just get it behind me. My 13 year old son told me today that he was going to take care of me when I get home. Hearing him say that almost made me cry! My kids are so important to me I can't imaging letting them down. Its where alot... not all... but alot of my fear comes from.

I know I will be ok but what a feeling it will be when its over! :)

I miss all of you and i wish I had noticed last night that you were having a hard time Penny.... I am glad you are doing better!

Jim

Jim: After your ablation is successful, don't be one of those NSR snobs that stop posting. :-) petey

No way Petey! I am here for good. NSR or AFIB! :)

I promise!

Jim :)

Jim,

Hope all goes well on Thursday. It's almost here...finally. YOu will be SO happy when it's over. Good luck!!

Your son's comment was priceless!

Hope it went well for you today Jim! I have a 13 year old son too (and a 15 year old daughter) It's why we get scared - thinking about them. It's cool. By now hopefully you are recovering and thinking about a holiday season with a quiet heart.