Go in with the idea that you will be much better off after the ablation. It is natural to question whether it is the right thing to do or not. But once you decide, you need to go in 100% positive. With any operation you have to give up control and have faith in the doctor. All you have to do is show up. When you awaken, your world will improve. petey

Hi daisy0808, Congratulations on your decision. I have not had one, but I think Petey gave really good advice!

Our group has changed a lot over the past 2+ yrs. that I have been here. The reason is, most of our group has had an ablation. They are busy living their lives without the torment of afib. They have better things to do than to worry about the myriad of afib issues, so we don't hear from the too much.

Some do check in every so often, and I know they will have some thoughts to share with you.

I am very Happy for you!!!!!

I had an RF ablation 14 months ago.
No afib since, don't worry about occasional arrythmias in the first 2-3 months after the procedure. Petey advice is good, have faith in your doctor.
One thing I wish I had done is to ask the surgeon about the shape of the pouch in the heart where clots may form when in afib. I don't know whether that info can be easily obtained during the procedure, if so try to find out.

It is natural to be nervous as the date approaches....IKNEW I was making the correct decision, and I loved my EP. However, the night before the ablation the nerves did start to kick in. Mellanie Truehills sent me an email that night - "Don't be nervous. Think of this as your LAST day with Afib." Didn't stop me from being nervous, but it did help. That considerate email and 10,000 Hail Mary's got me through it! You will be so happy you made this decision. Best of luck to you! NSR forever, for all of us!

Bill

I had an ablation 2 years ago, and so far, it's been a success.
The hardest part really, was thinking about it ahead of time!!
Just look at it this way------ by Dec. 12, you'll be on your way to recovery.
If you're worried about back pain right after the ablation when you'll need to lie still---- you can arrange ahead of time to have pain medication put in your IV.
If you're worried about anything, do ask questions to ease your mind. I found that the nurses at the hospital were very ready to answer my concerns. And one tip-----heated sheets are great! Just let know whenever you feel cold (or nervous).

Recovery time is different for everyone. I didn't experience the soreness afterwards, but didn't have much energy for about 6 weeks. Lived in pjs for while, and let my family wait on me. It's OK to give yourself a break, and take it easy. Soon you'll be back to normal activity.
Good luck to you. Please keep us posted.
D.

Good luck daisy! You have already received some great advice. One piece of advice I usually advise someone who is having an ablation, is to bring some throat lozenges with you. If you are having a TEE right before the procedure, it can make your throat sore and dry. I learned this with my first ablation and when I went in for my second ablation, I was prepared with my own throat lozenges and it made a world of difference! Try to relax (I know that is easier said than done). I think the anticipation is the worst part...kind of like when you are a child waiting in line at an amusement park, waiting to ride a roller coaster. You feel nervous and excited at the same time. Try to focus on the excitement for the possibility of the ablation controlling and curing your symptoms of afib. I will be thinking of you as your ablation day approaches and look forward to your updates. Please keep us posted. Take care, Carrie

Thank you guys for all the wonderful advice, it was a really hard decsion to make. When I am not in afib I feel pretty good, I am not right now so I think I am second guessing myself because I feel good at the moment, if I was in afib I would be ready to go right now.

I really like my new EP and he spent allot of time with me explaining the "rules" as I call them. I was surprised at the answers I got and answers to questions I did not think to ask. Nothing like my old EP thats for sure! He knows about foods, activities and other things that can set it off, who knew I would find one that believed what you say happens and gets it?

Hi Daisy, I remember folks saying they had to lay still on their back for quite awhile after the procedure. Several said it was good to take something to listen to, like books on tape or music, on an ipod or whatever you have.

My Thoughts are with you!!

Good luck Daisy. I had an afib ablation about 4 months ago . 2 days after, had a self converting 2 day episode of aflutter. Then 6 - 7 weeks later, I had a 2 week aflutter episode that I had cardioverted. I was disheartened and folks here advised me not to lose faith. It has been 9 weeks since my cardioversion and I have had no more episodes. I have a few flips and skips but they go away pretty immediately.

I ran 5 miles today with no issue and continue to extend my runs. I stopped taking the Flecainide a month ago (but don't think it was doing anything good for me). So this is a long way of saying that you might have some bumps in the road after the ablation. But keep the faith. Even though we are told these post ablation episodes are common, we still wonder if the procedure really worked. Try not to worry about it!

In retrospect, If I had another episode since I am now out of the so called blanking period, I would tell myself that I got the first ablation out of he way and the next one will be faster and be another positive step.

The only other advice is that after 4 hours after the procedure you still feel sleepy or out of it, don't eat anything to avoid stomach issues.

You will get through this and have the advantage knowing that you took decisive action to get rid of your AFIB.