Question about post flutter ablation next week

Everyone responds to these things based on prior experience and on genetics....but also on personality. So, we can't predict what the first week will be like for you. However, you will be given instructions to not lift more than 10 pounds, to avoid kneeling and stairs if possible, and to expect some breakthrough ectopy or other heart sensations, maybe palpitations if you sense them, during the first four to six weeks. After that, there should be none. If you develop an arrhythmia much after the 8th week after the first 8 were free of arrhythmia, then it probably bodes poorly for the success of the operation. So, typically, expect some odd blips early, and hopefully they'll disappear altogether by the time you have your Holter Monitor assessment to see if your heart is in steady normal sinus rhythm (NSR). The Holter usually comes, worn over night, at about the 10-12 week mark.

Some ablatees do marvelously and are back cycling and hiking, gardening, inside of 48 hours. They don't look back. Others report feeling listless, drained, sore, anxious, poor sleep, for weeks afterwards. The heavy majority might have a tough two-five days and then things feel and look a lot brighter. Your own intuition is a great guide....do NOT push yourself. If you don't feel like a walk around the block, even at a shuffle.....don't. One day, maybe the next, maybe in a week, you'll awaken and you'll feel different....better....energized. That might be the day you know you can enjoy a walk around the block, going to the grocery store...that kind of thing.

Thank you so much. I’ve not had any feedback like this from my EP. He’s just been optimistic about the entire flutter elimination. I’ve been off the Pacer One for 19 days now and I believe I was having more “skipped beats “ during that time on the drug than I do now. I probably average about noticing 5 to 7 per day. My real concern had been the hr accelerating rapidly to a high rate always after a long swim then being in an overheated location afterwards. This happened 4 times. Two times I was given injection to get back in sync and two times it just went back on its own. I have a normal hr of 45 to 48 and this has been for decades The EP told me he’s confident I have no a fib that it’s the flutter and after burning the cells that will fix it. I’ve had 2 echo cardiograms, a holter for 9 days and multiple ekgs. Anyway thanks for your input.

@stan52
Had two ablations now 10 years apart. My last on June 4th to correct PVCs originating in L.V.

My personal experience with this is after the June surgery my electrophysiologist said to expect some continued PVCs, and non sustained tachycardia as my heart has undergone surgery and will be very irritated. I was told will take several weeks for heart to really calm down.

Mine was through my groin so could not get into water for a week. Other than that was told to do minimal exercise then increase if felt okay. My EP was right about still getting PVCs and non sustained tachycardia but did get a lot better after several weeks.

I had no pain at the site of placing the wires nor any discomfort there at all. I was told to look at the side for several days and report any large bruising, redness or signs of infection. I did not. I could not even find the site had to have my wife look for me.

I think important like my E.P. said need to realize heart has been damaged with the ablation and is going to be irritated for some time but per E.P. and to expect continued PVCs but will get better.

I still have PVCs coming from R.V. now. I am going to have another ablation done on those after my upcoming Holter monitor test.

Based on what I've been told by my doctors, the success rate for A Flutter ablations is quite high. If it's typical A Flutter it's also relatively low risk since the EP will be working on the right side of the heart and won't have to puncture the inter atrial septum. My ablation was 5 years ago and I continue to be pleased with the results. You'll likely have bruising and swelling in the groin and thigh area which should resolve in a few weeks. If your procedure is under general anesthesia and if you have a TEE in preparation for the ablation, you may have a sore throat for a few days.

It’s on the right side and he said it’s quite doubtful he’ll need to penetrate to other side. They will also install a loop EKG. What is a tee? Thanks I’ve learned a lot here.

@stan52 Trans-esophageal echocardiogram. It's like a colonoscopy, but it goes down your esophagus, and it isn't optical, it's ultrasound. Meant to watch that the energy tip or appliance doesn't get too close to the phrenic nerve or to the esophagus itself while ablating tissue.