1st Time Ablation: How to calm my anxiety?

Your anxiety is normal if you spend time thinking about someone rummaging around in your heart. For me, the essential issue was my confidence in my cardiologist/electrophysiologist. I had a Pulsed Field Ablation (non-thermal) on June 3. Had no issues, good follow up testing and no evidence of afib. The procedure experience itself was similar to a colonoscopy: great anesthesia, woke feeling fine with minor discomfort in the groin area where the catheter was inserted. Since then I feel fine, have good energy, and exercise when I want, and spent a month running around Europe. Who knows what the future holds but I am very glad I did it. I wish you a great procedure!

Per this topic I sent a reply about this to one of the people that sign in periodically. This is in some way a repeat as other may not have seen it. I live too far from Mayo for routine cardio care, can't fly right now but do travel by car 200 miles each way to a highly respected medical facility. I commented previously because I may be facing this question as well and anxiety would certainly be my companion on that . I saw a proactive cardio update from Mayo that they are using a new approach called "pulse field ablation" with great success. When I say "new" .. if I understood correctly, this approach has been researched for several years and several positives. May be worth pursuing. I would do so if that becomes my next best option

I recently went in for an ablation procedure about two months ago to treat probable svt. I have had arrhythmia problems for about 25 years but recently was getting progressively worse, so I decided to have the procedure. I stopped taking metroprolol three days prior. The ablation procedure went well, I had no complications from it whatsoever and the problem ended up being an extra pathway in my electrical system which I was born with. Svt ablation has a 90% success rate. I feel so much better knowing that I don't have to worry about those scarry episodes anymore.

It's OK to feel anxious and climbing the walls. It is a scary time and you have some extra issues that the typical Afib ablation doesn't live with. I just had my 2nd ablation in 5 1/2 years and I waited 6 hours to be called back for surgery. I was climbing the walls. Unbeknownst to me I had a GI virus sending me back and forth to the restroom while my bowels emptied. I awoke cramping like I had to go again. Thankfully it was empty in there. I cramped for another day. Good news is I recovered and am improving. Now I have to start treatment for 2 tick diseases (not Lyme) that were found just weeks before my surgery. I hope you have some who are close to you to hold your hand but meanwhile accept your fear and try like heck to find a way to take the edge off. I understand and I think the last think someone needs it to be told everything will be OK when you are in full throated feeling everything is closing in around you.

Have never had ablation, but have other issues. Make a list daily of things you need to do, and focus on doing them one by one and check off as you go. It helps put your mind on other things. And when in bed at night and in morning, pray for peace of mind.

I’ve had 4 ablation procedures over the years. Post field ablation is the latest, and the greatest. You should be just fine. Prior to this last ablation I was required to stop thinking Sotalol for 5 days prior to the procedure. Because afib is so tough on me I was very much concerned about stopping the drug. I stopped it , and never had a problem. Remember, your drug has a half life, so the second day may be no problem at all. Even after that you will probably be fine. Face your fears this way; you have much to lose by not moving head, and everything to gain with the procedure. My attitude was simple. My quality of life with out the procedure wouldn’t be worth living, so moving ahead was a no brainer. My faith gives me comfort knowing if I succumb, and die prior to or during the surgery, I’m by far better off. I pray for His will, and then put my faith in God.

You will do great. The greater risk and worry is not having the procedure. At the time, I stressed over my ablation, 2020, and then in 23 the pacemaker “install”. Listen to your MD and trust their guidance. The real relief is that these fixes/procedures are available as we age.

I’ve not read all of the reply’s but I can tell you personally that you can find comfort in the fact that you are going to feel sooooo much better after your ablation. I have had a wonderful experience with Dr Kapa in Rochester. I was so confused with the conditions I had confusion, clumsiness, terrible fatigue, attention span issues and sleeping a lot during the day. My ablation was July 1 and not looked back.
My local electric facility told me “ great news, no AFIB “ which left me with my head spinning, why do I feel so bad so I sent some Kardia readings to Dr Kapa who right away scheduled an ablation. I’m very thankful and can assure you Rochester Mayo is going to make you better. You may be there a few days but you will love St Mary’s hospital. Very best wishes, Bob