Cardiac ablation aftercare

Thank you! So glad it worked for you. So interesting about the Apple Watch - I’ll tell dad to keep his on!

Forgot to say, the only thing post-op is to take life quietly for as long as you need to. And yes, no heavy lifting unless you want the stitches to give way. Some folk are lucky and get a complete new lease of life which must be wonderful. Not quite that for me but such a big improvement. Good luck to your dad Amber.

I had Cryo-ablation exactly a year ago. I was so grateful to have it done as it was leaving me exhausted and unable to function, quality of life had gone really low.. It also meant my risk of fatal/severe stroke would be greatly reduced. Plus it was something I had the chance to be rid of.

Thank goodness, it seems to have worked, though I was well warned that 1 in 5 have to have it repeated. The whole thing was done as a day patient: in at 8, home at 8. 2 - 3 hours having it done, several hours lying flat post-op.
There were clear explanations at every step and a comprehensive set of after-care instructions given away with me.

What I did find fascinating was being able to watch it all going on in real time on the screen. I also happened to be wearing my apple watch and some days later, when checking my heart rate records, found I could pin-point exactly each time the cardiologist/electrophysiologist triggered afib (so he could locate the rogue areas). And I had been told there would be some painful sensations in my neck/jaw/head and to be sure to let them know. It was the oddest feeling when it happened and they promptly upped the Fentanyl - pain relief was excellent.

I did take a long time to recover (unlike most others) but I was expecting that as I have several other chronic conditions. It took 6 months to become free of Afib, but that's now 6 months totally clear.

Fingers crossed for me next week as I'll be seeing the lovely cardiologist and hope to be discharged!

That must have been so scary! Glad he’s doing well now.

On the train down and feeling pretty nervous on his behalf…

To add to that,my husband had a heart attack ( on a train!!) in July. He needed three stents. One completely blocked artery, two partially blocked. They went in through his WRIST!! Gone are the days of going in through the groin. He was home 24 hours later, and mowing the lawn the next day!!

I had an ablation some twenty years ago, before the first of 4 pacemakers I’ve had. It was to control chronic Atrial Fibrillation. Your father could well be completely cured. I don’t remember any pain,any discomfort, any problem at all. I wish you and your father the very best.

Thank you, foxie!

AmberS - great father, great daughter - good luck !

I found this on the internet from Birmingham's QE hospital, it might help to put your mind at rest.

What can I do when I get home?
Once you get home you can go about your normal routine but there are
a number of activities that should be avoided to allow the groin to heal.
• Avoid lifting heavy objects for 7 days
• Avoid rigorous exercise for 5 days. We suggest walking if you wish to
exercise
• The DVLA recommends that you do not drive for 2 days
• You should not fly within 7 days
During this recovery period patients complain of feeling lethargic and
tired. We expect that it will take up to 2 weeks to feel back to normal
after the procedure.

Apparently it’s quite common for it to return in the first month - doctors don’t count any AF then, they call it the ‘blanking’ month because it’s so common it’s not recorded - but sadly nothing is a guaranteed cure.

My AF returned soon after the ablation. The cardiology team decided me living with it was the least worst option, thsts seven years ago and other than finding hills a challenge I’m fine

I went in to have it done and having read the blurb about after care it was pretty much, none needed. There's no general anaesthetic, a small incision which doesn't even need a stitch and if it all goes to plan, the ablation destroys the errant pathway and you have a normal rhythm. He should feel a good deal better. He will need to be driven home though. Unfortunately, I had the incision and the wire inserted for the ablation (absolutely painfree) and it was found that my arrhythmia was coming from the left side not the right (which is more unusual) I ended up having a GA and an electrical shock to get my heart back into rhythm and I am waiting to go back in for the an ablation to the left atrium. He should know which they are doing as the clinical setting tends to be different as it is a more complex procedure and I suspect the aftercare will be different.

Glad to hear it!

I had one, easy procedure and lived my ordinary life afterwards

I’ve informed him he won’t be lifting a finger! And he responded “Finally, the respect I’m deserved!” Cheeky bugger ?

Yes Amberspyglass, she went upstairs to bed at night, but for the first couple of days she had a bit of help from her husband because she felt wobbly - when she felt tired she stopped a couple of times on the stairs. She did stay downstairs during the whole day for about a week, but after a week she was happy to go upstairs on her own. The hospital gave her a fact sheet with what she should and shouldn’t do, but the main thing was no lifting whatsoever initially, and to stop doing things when she felt tired.

There is no specific aftercare apart from resting and not doing any heavy work or exercise. The main thing is to watch out in case the heart goes back into arythmia. Cardia aversion can last for many years, decades even, but sometimes does not work, or at least not the first time. Ask the hospital about signs to watch for.

Casdon was she able to manage stairs? I want to make sure he doesn’t push himself too hard the first few days.

My sister has had cardiac ablation. She was told not to lift anything heavier than a coffee cup for the first 10 days, and to rest as much as possible. She didn’t feel ill, just tired and delicate, but was back to strength after a couple of weeks.

My husband had this done a few years ago. There was no specific aftercare needed, just rest and light duties for a few days. Mind you light duties and rest for my husband do not exist so he just went on as usual but perhaps not as strenuously.

A relative had this procedure done a couple of years ago; we didn't see him until recently but we thought he looked extremely well, much better than for years.

I don't know anything about aftercare but the hospital will advise you. Hope all goes well for your father.

Thanks, GSM - honestly, he’s my best friend and getting to spend a few weeks hanging out is a treat, even if I will be doing all the heavy lifting!

I know nothing about this but just wanted to say how nice you’re going to look after your father. I hope he has a swift recovery.

I'm going to hide this thread as I don't want to know anything about it as I have been avoiding the procedure all my life.

I have been assured that recovery takes a few days to a week with nothing too strenuous for a few weeks after that, and that it is a most successful operation.