1. < Heart Rhythm Conditions

1st Time Ablation: How to calm my anxiety?

Posted by bigheartedwarrior @bigheartedwarrior, May 17, 2023

Hello fellow heart warriors. I have hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. Had open heart surgery in April of 2021. Long story short, now have arrhythmia and they aren't able to distinguish if it is SVT or V-Tach. I'm scheduled to go into Mayo in June for EP study and ablation and possible pacemaker. I'm extremely nervous now because they said I have to stop my beta blocker for 5 days prior to surgery. I was already having a lot of anxiety about going in for this procedure since they will be inducing a tachycardia event while I'm awake. It's all so nerve wracking. My mental health has begun to decline and knowing I'll be without my meds for 5 days is scaring me bad. How do you handle this? I've reached out to the provider to make sure he wants me to be without the beta blocker for 5 days. Even so, this anxiety is so much. I'm 48 years old. Had the open heart at age 46. My condition is congenital. I just want some normalcy in my life. My symptoms are so bad now I'm no longer working or driving. Can't even clean my house. Walk from bedroom to living room and symptoms amplify. I joined this support group because I'd like to make some friends and also hopefully help others. TIA and much love. ❤️

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cdk43 | @cdk43 | Jun 29, 2023
In reply to @karukgirl "@cdk43, your words are kind and thoughtful. I am sorry that you are alone and have..." + (show)
@karukgirl

@cdk43, your words are kind and thoughtful. I am sorry that you are alone and have no support. You have Mayo Connect support though...and I am glad you are able to reach out to others both to offer support and gain some too. I have never had Afib, so I cannot speak to it, except to say I can only imagine how freaky and scary it must be. To have almost died is something one does not forget. No wonder you have fear and anxiety. I am happy to hear you are feeling better after your ablation. What do you do to help calm your mind when you feel the fear and anxiety creeping up on you?

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Thank you for your understanding. When anxiety overwhelms I deep breath, try to focus on positive things, walk, and meditate. All help but human support helps most. Have made a new friend which helps greatly.

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1 reply
saganjames | @saganjames | Jun 30, 2023

Don't worry. It will be fine. I had mitral valve repair, laac, and an ablation at 78 years old. It's over a year later and I'm just fine. Trust your doctors. I assume you've checked them out so you will be fine. My strongest well wishes are with you. They are powerful.

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Mentor
Debra, Volunteer Mentor | @karukgirl | Jun 30, 2023
In reply to @cdk43 "Thank you for your understanding. When anxiety overwhelms I deep breath, try to focus on positive..." + (show)
@cdk43

Thank you for your understanding. When anxiety overwhelms I deep breath, try to focus on positive things, walk, and meditate. All help but human support helps most. Have made a new friend which helps greatly.

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So true @cdk43! There is nothing like having a friend to share our joy, our worries, and our life with. Mayo Connect is a wonderful place to share our experiences with others, and it's a blessing for many, but it is true that it is virtual support. I'm glad you have someone you can actually talk to and be friends together with. I like that you said you try to focus on positive things...that's one way to stop the negative effects of anxiety. Walking is an excellent way to help both physically and mentally. Fresh air and being outdoors is like therapy. How are you feeling now?

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2 replies
cdk43 | @cdk43 | Jul 1, 2023
In reply to @karukgirl "So true @cdk43! There is nothing like having a friend to share our joy, our worries,..." + (show)
@karukgirl

So true @cdk43! There is nothing like having a friend to share our joy, our worries, and our life with. Mayo Connect is a wonderful place to share our experiences with others, and it's a blessing for many, but it is true that it is virtual support. I'm glad you have someone you can actually talk to and be friends together with. I like that you said you try to focus on positive things...that's one way to stop the negative effects of anxiety. Walking is an excellent way to help both physically and mentally. Fresh air and being outdoors is like therapy. How are you feeling now?

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I have good days and some not so good. When not so good, I try to remember that they do get better. Not having close support is the problem: 3 closest friends died last yr, another had a stroke, and no close family. Nature is my pal.

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marcia1954 | @marcia1954 | Jul 2, 2023

May you find peace and comfort to bring you thru. My help is in God. Prayers, family and friends.

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JT1959 | @jefftalley | Jul 6, 2023

I had an ablation for SVT five years ago and my only regret is that it wasn’t done sooner. The procedure was a piece of cake and 100% stopped the tachycardia, I haven’t had one since. Sleep like a baby, it will be fine.

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dsisko | @dsisko | Jul 10, 2023

I understand that you would be anxious with a procedure you haven’t had before and stopping medication that has helped you. Soon though, you will be better with a new way to help your health. Maybe if you can focus on the promise of a healthier future and use meditation now to calm your anxiety, that could help. Please let us know and remember that you have a new group of friends routing for you.

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dee82353 | @dee82353 | Oct 12 10:55pm
In reply to @ev1 "Please place your trust in your Doctors. I'm sure there have dealt with situations like yours..." + (show)
@ev1

Please place your trust in your Doctors. I'm sure there have dealt with situations like yours hundreds if not thousands of times. We all feel we are the only ones. I know I do. I have had 3 ablations.. you are always asleep for an ablation, well I was anyway, unless your doctor told you differently.... please don't worry about . Please don't worry about inducing tachycardia. I had this done and it was so short I didn't even notice.... This is all so scary for you but you have been through so much worse. You can do this.👍

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I’m so anxious about my ablation for AFIB I hardly think of anything else. I find words of encouragement from those who have gone through it very reassuring. Thank you

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4 replies
bobstokes11 | @bobstokes11 | Oct 13 9:54am
In reply to @dee82353 "I’m so anxious about my ablation for AFIB I hardly think of anything else. I find..." + (show)
@dee82353

I’m so anxious about my ablation for AFIB I hardly think of anything else. I find words of encouragement from those who have gone through it very reassuring. Thank you

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An ablation is a fairly common procedure anymore.
Being off meds was also stressful for me.

But you will be fine. Be strong!

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klm2 | @klm2 | Oct 13 10:07am
In reply to @dee82353 "I’m so anxious about my ablation for AFIB I hardly think of anything else. I find..." + (show)
@dee82353

I’m so anxious about my ablation for AFIB I hardly think of anything else. I find words of encouragement from those who have gone through it very reassuring. Thank you

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I just had my first ablation in July and it went smoothly. I only take Eliquis now and I have gone on two bus vacation trips over a 2 month time frame with no worry about having an event that would ruin the trip for everyone. And I only take Eliquis so no more side effects from the other meds.

It's worked for me. For how long, I don't know. But it was the best decision for me.

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