Hi there-
I might be able to shed a little light on the ablation process as I have had 7 cardiac ablations. I was suffering too many PVC's (premature ventricular contractions). While everyone has PVC's and most are not harmful, I was experiencing roughly 100,000 per days so my cardiologist decided to perform an ablation. When you arrive at the hospital the day of your procedure, you will be given an IV, your groin will be shaved as the cardiologist needs to access the femoral artery/vein in the groin for the puncture site. (On my last ablation October 2020), I had an arterial and two vein puncture on my right groin and two vein punctures on my left groin. When you are wheeled into the catheterization lab, the cardiologist will perform the punctures and then thread a "guidewire" from the groin up into your heart to map out where the trouble spot is. Once the trouble spot has been located your cardiologist will either use heat to burn the trouble spot or use cryotherapy to freeze the trouble spot. In either case, once that is done, the trouble area should be gone and the heart will reroute the bloodflow and rhythm. (The body is an amazing thing and I am shocked by all that cardiologists can do for us). After the procedure, you will be taking the recovery room and have to lay flat for 5-7 hours. I would love to tell you that this an easy process and for some it probably is; however, in my case, my ablations cured my rhythm issue for about 2-3 years and I had to have more of them. I am sure you will be just fine with one (that is my prayer for you). Overall, the process is not that bad. Prior to having my ablations I was placed on both Metoprolol and Fleccinade which horrible side effects. In addition, I also have a pacemaker- but I had my pacemaker placed when I was 29 and I am now in my mid 50's. My pacemaker was a separate issue from the ablations. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers on your surgery date as I will be have my torn rotator cuff surgery on the same day. Blessings, to you!
Warm Regards,
Sherry Kirby