I had an ablation for AV node reentrant tachycardia...horray !!

Hi, all !!

   Just wanted to offer some encouragement for those of you considering cardiac ablation. My SVT problem was due to an extra AV node (the natural pacemaker of the heart). I was diagnosed in 2000, at 40 years of age. Over the years I have had episodes of arrhythmia that would not stop on its own and I would need to get a shot of Adenosine at the ER. I chose not to be on a daily beta blocker, as my attacks were not all that often....maybe several times each year.

   I decided to have my ablation once I re rentered the workforce. I had an episode of tachycardia away from my "home hospital" and realized that this was more than inconvenient..it could be dangerous. Long story short, I scheduled my ablation.

    It was done at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island, NY just three days ago. 

I was lightly sedated during the procedure. The entire EP study and ablation lasted 90 minutes. I felt some pulling from the catheters (one in groin and one in neck only because I had conductivity on both sides of the atria) but no pain. I felt my heart being put into tachycardia, but again, no pain. Afterwards I laid flat for five hours. Painless.

   The procedure was a walk in the park for me. My ablation was considered a success (permanent!) and all I have to show for it are two small insertion holes and some light bruising at my neck and groin. I was told to rest and not take stairs or lift heavy items for a couple of days. I was told not to exercise for 10. I take an aspirin a day. Otherwise there are no restrictions. 

   Of course, not everyone's ablation will go so swimmingly, I imagine, but I wanted to let you know that if you are considering yours.....DO IT !!! You will be SO happy that you did. Now I don't have to spend each day wondering if I'm going to end up in the ER. That's not a way to live a life. I can have a cup of REAL coffee, or a glass of wine. I can plan a trip where I can be on a plane for more than four hours. I never have to worry about the threat of needing to take medication for this, anymore.

    I'm so grateful for modern medicine, and the ability to have heart work done without an open heart procedure.  My doctor was Dr. David Hoch.

 

                  blessings to you, Sue