Dear Gillian,
I had paroxismal atrial fibrillation and had a catheter ablation for this last November at Barts. I slept nearly all the way through the four hour procedure so was only aware of what was happening at one point where I felt very nauseous. However, I did have the complication of a cardiac effusion afterwards but was treated conservatively (no drain necessary) but had to stay in hospital an extra three days. However on discharge it took longer than anticipated to feel really well. I was off work for about 6 weeks as I felt so tired and my heart was fluttering all over the place. At my follow up appointment three months later although it had settled a bit I was still experiencing lots of ectopics which are not harmful but for me usually preceded the fibrillation so I was always anxious that that was going to recur. Eventually after about five months everything settled and I've had no more recurrence of the atrial fibrillation. I am off all the drugs and the warfarin and feel really well and able to do things again. More energy to enjoy my new little grandaughter who was born just as I had my ablation. I am delighted that I had the ablation and with the eventual results. I hope all goes well with you with no complications. It is a really worthwhile procedure I just wasn't prepared for how long the recovery took but I am really very well now and enjoying life to the full.
Best wishes,
Christine
----- Original Message -----From: GillianSent: Monday, September 08, 2008 7:35 PMSubject: [heartrhythm-AA] (unknown)
I have atrial fibrillation and am going into hospital fro catheter ablation on 11th september 2008 i am extremely concerned about this and would love to hear of anyone who has had this to put my mind at rest