Catheter ablation for SVT

[lizzyliz2]

I'm due to have this procedure done in less than 2 weeks and I'm petrified. I've been quite lucky health wise (touch wood) and never really been in hospital or had a procedure done before. I'm ridiculously scared of needles, thinking about it is making me feel weak and it's that bad I still have someone come with me to the dentist to have a filling. The pre assessment blood test is also making me very anxious, would I be pathetic to get some emla cream at the age of 25? I put it to the back of my mind as I thought I would be waiting a lot longer than I have. At my initial appointment the consultant said if your a very anxious person there is the option of diazepam, I think I'll
Mention this as pre assessment. Please talk me through your experience of the procedure if you have had it and what to expect.

[lizzyliz2]

Anyone?

[Flatwhite32]

Hi @lizzyliz2, I had this procedure done age 28 (I'm 34 now). It has changed my life, so was well worth it! The worst bit for me was the catheters going in my groin. I was left with spectacular bruising afterwards. The procedure itself was fine. The radio frequency bit hurt a bit, but it was over quickly. I was only off work for 2 weeks, and I'm a teacher so on my feet all day. I was absolutely fine going back! The only time I get tachycardia now is if I have a fever, which is a normal physiological response to fever anyway. I was completely fine when pregnant with DD too! Hopefully you'll get positive results afterwards like me!

[lizzyliz2]

@Flatwhite32 thank you for replying, that's reassuring to hear. My procedure is on the Thursday and I've took the Friday off expecting to go back to work on the Monday, I work an office job sitting down mostly do you think that sounds reasonable from experience? I don't get paid as haven't been at my job for a year yet so I'm hoping I'm well enough to go back on the Monday. Just want it all over and done with and hoping it solves the issue as I've had them since I was about 13 and only recently got it properly checked out.

[Skap]

I've had this done twice. Actually I had two EP studies, they failed to a blate but the procedure is the same.
I didn't have any sedation but if your doctor says you can then take it. You will have a cannula fitted into your hand so that all drugs go in there. That means just the one "injection" which honestly is so trivial it really doesn't hurt more than a little scratch.
You won't be allowed to drive for a week afterwards but you should be fine for work after a few days. Good luck, it's an amazing process if it works.

[lizzyliz2]

@Skap I wasn't aware about having to have a canula, Its always been something that's freaked me out, don't think I could stand having that in my hand as I can't even look at needles without feeling faint and sick. The consultant said I would only not be able to drive for 24 hours which is why I've said to work I'll go back on the Monday. So don't know what's correct now!

[Skap]

They will talk you through all the details at the pre-assessment. I was told both times that I must not drive for 7 days even if I felt ok. This is because you will have a wound in your groin which I guess is vulnerable. However if your consultant tells you 24 hours then you should do as he says.

No one likes needles. I turn my head away and don't look. If a catheter ablation can cure your SVT it's life changing and you should find a way to deal with your fear.

The process was like this.
No food or drink after 3am.
Turn up at 7am (along with other patients). Directed to hospital bed and told to put on gown. Nurse fits cannula. Doctor comes round to get you to sign consent and give you an idea of what time you will be done. Hang around a bit until you are called through. A nurse takes you to the lab and you lay on a table (I recommend warm socks).
A sort of curtain is put up so you can't see what they are doing and they talk you through what's happening.
The doctor gives you a local anaesthetic in the groin. Once numb they start to thread catheter up through a vein into your heart. It does not hurt but feels a little odd. I found it fascinating looking at all the machines beeping.
They will then try to trigger an SVT and if they do they will then sedate you while they ablate it.

[testingtesting111]

Hi, I had mine done in 2016 under general anaesthetic. I was petrified too, but like a previous poster said having had the procedure done has been life changing. I recovered quite quickly - Try to take it easy though.

[lizzyliz2]

Thanks for the previous comments, my procedure is on Thursday, very anxious. How long were you in the hospital from start to finish and what did you do after the procedure?

[WhoWants2Know]

My dad had it done recently. It was meant to be on an outpatient basis, but they ended up keeping him overnight for observation and letting him go the next morning. 3 day later he was driving across country and felt great.

[JellyfishAndShells]

I had it done 10 years ago - life changing. Lovely nurse was by my side during the procedure - helpful to scratch the side of my nose at the point when you have to be still ! Iwas there from about mid morning to mid afternoon then my DH drove me home and I went to rest in bed. You have to be careful about the entry point in the groin until it is healed properly but I had no pain or after effects

My very best wishes to you, OP

[testingtesting111]

They did my op in the afternoon so I was in overnight, otherwise would likely have been discharged the same day.

Mine was under general anaesthetic, so I was pretty tired for a few days and pretty much slept / took things easy as I found I was getting tired quite quickly.

Recovery wise, it was really quick. Least painful op I've ever had! Just don't overdo it.

Good luck

[wineandsunshine]

How did it go op?