Having First Ablation: What to Expect

Thank you all for your helpful information. I'm still waiting for an appointment. My cardiologist made a referral, but I am having an echo done and they may be waiting for the results.

I think the main point to remember is what a cardiologist told me: everyone is different re how they experience it. I suspect the cause of it may differ too. Mine may have been caused through years of undiagnosed / untreated sleep apnea (I didn't realize I had sleep apnea but when I learned about it, there is no doubt that I had it for years). Sounds like the procedures and drugs differ too. I had 3 ablations - two thru my groin and the third was just below my left shoulder. I have been taking Diltiazem 120 mg and Propafenone 150 mg x 3 daily but I was just taken off of the Diltiazem 6 wks ago since my heart rate was low. I have traditionally had a lower heart rate both in resting and with activity so the Diltiazem had dropped it too low (although I was on it for about 7 years since my last ablation). Re the procedures - I was not awake for any of them. They lasted 5 1/2 hrs to 7 hrs each because they had difficulty getting me into afib while on the table. Adjusting to afib was my biggest challenge only because mine is exercise induced so I had to give up sports like hockey after 45+ years of playing, running and swimming. But one adjusts their lifestyle and moves on. Good luck with your journey.

I am scheduled for one at OHSU on March 12, 2021. Should I be worried? 20k pvcs

Hi @razorclams, I know PVCs can be just as disturbing as A-fib when they are in that abundance. You will see that I moved your inquiry to an ongoing conversation about ablation so that you could connect with others that went through the same trepidation and had similar questions.
Am I correct that you are saying you have had 20,000 PVCs? Was the ablation their first recommendation?

No, I have been on a variety of medications, the latest one being Mexiletine. Also tried Flecinite. And Metoprolol. They all had side effects. I have been on Metoprolol for about 5 years. Life Style changes helped for awhile. I eliminated alcohol. Also caffeine. Lost 40 lbs changing my diet. Also, living with an adult child with a mental health illness. That has an ongoing stress with it. I have been trying to cope with that and transitioning through retirement. Now, I 3 weeks I will have an ablation. A holster monitor measured 20K PVCs. I trust the doctor. The procedure seems clear it but there I always risks. If it will eliminate the drugs and eliminate the pvcs I believe it’s worth it.

@razorclams Hi I love the handle it reminds me of my clam shuckling days working at a seafood plant.
I also was on Mexiletine for many years and along with Amiodrione kept my arrythmias in check for years. My issue was VT and not afib but ablations can do wonders to solve issues involving Rhythm problems. I've had about 6 ablations and i can answer any questions you may have about them.
Have a Blessed Day
Dana