Ablation Update

Only time will tell if my ablation was a success. I traveled four hours from my hometown to the hospital on Tuesday and returned home Friday evening. The procedure was on Wednesday and took over seven hours. I was heavily drugged, but was not put to sleep. What a feeling! Even with narcotics, it felt like my chest was on fire.

Three bad electrical circuits were found. The doctors tell me two of the three are corrected, but only time will tell if the third will cause atrial flutter again. The inside of my heart was burned 57 times and it currently feels like someone is sitting on my chest. I have difficulty taking a deep breath, but am told my breathing will return to normal in a few days. My cardiologists were great! Because of my congenital problems, I get lots of attention and saw five cardiologists and three residents during my stay.

After the procedure, I had an echo, EKG and pacemaker/lead check-up to ensure my heart is as normal as it can be for me. Once I’m back to “normal”, I plan to buy a new mountain bike to celebrate!

Lying in a hospital bed gave me lots of time to think and appreciate the great people and things in my life. I wish to thank everyone I have met through the club. Your support and friendship means to world to me.

Blake

11 Comments

Welcome back!

by tcrabtree85 - 2007-05-26 01:05:14

Blake,
So glad things went ok. Oh man do I ever feel for you being awake for that procedure changes a lot. I was also awake for mine and man nothing could explain that feeling but you sure explained it well. I go back in for my third one soon. It sounds like your a pro at this procedure also by now.
Please keep us updated on how you are feeling and what not. You are in my prayers!

Tammy

Thanks

by Suze - 2007-05-26 03:05:36

Thanks for taking the time to update us, Blake . We were wondering how you were doing. I can't even imagine going through any proceedure while awake for 7 hours!! They couldn't drug me enough....well, maybe they could.

Anyway, thanks for the report. You sound very upbeat and postive. Sometimes that's half the battle, isn't it?

God Bless,
Suze

WAY TO GO !

by Stepford_Wife - 2007-05-26 06:05:46

Hi Blake.

I'm so glad that it went well for you. You are now a formal member of the ablation club; congratulations.
I was kept in a twilight state during all my ablations, and all of them lasted several hours as well.
The inside of my heart looks like a flight pattern, for a major airport, and all for nothing.
I hope you'll be more fortunate, and yours will be successful.
Welcome back, take care of yourself, and best wishes for a speedy recovery.
I'll keep you in my thoughts.
~ Dominique ~

"Ain't no mountain high, aint no valley low..."

by valerie - 2007-05-26 09:05:21

song stuck in your head now? lol

Woah! A 4 hour drive, and then a 7 hour procedure, and then another 4 hour drive back home. That's intense! I'm glad you got it over with though.
Anyway, make sure you get shock absorbers when you get your mountain bike. Get it? Pacemaker>> "Shock">> get it??
lol
take care and please keep us posted.
~valerie

blake

by jessie - 2007-05-26 10:05:07

hi am glad you are home. hope your soreness is disappearing. we had a good cruise. every time i came off the boat i had to be searched by hand but not too bad. they were very nice and tried to make me feel comfortable. it was a princess cruise and it was very good. i would reccomend it. god i hope i never have to go through what you guys have had. take care friend and all the best and you will be in my thoughts and prayers maureen

glad you're ok!

by bambi - 2007-05-26 10:05:56

Hi Blake,
I'm glad you're ok and on the mend! I've had 2 ablations also, and after the second, my Dr. said he couldn't burn anymore. I "woke" up during the second one and yes! it does feel like your chest is on fire! It felt like a hot poker was being stuck into my heart! It pretty much traumatized me for awhile! Anyway, I hope this ablation you had really helps you! Take care and rest.
Bambi

Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

by pacergirl - 2007-05-27 07:05:15

Greetings blake!

So glad you are getting on ok and recovering at home. I love the mountain bike idea. I know you will allow your body to heal properly before you enter into any activities! You know me though.... Get back in there and enjoy yourself as you are able. You deserve a medal for bravery for doing what you did! (7 hours! My Goodness!)

Take care and speedy recovery to you!
Pacergirl. ;-)

Hi Blake!

by Rewiredaussiegirl - 2007-05-27 09:05:20

Hi Blake!
I am so happy that you got through that one OK!I
I was so worried about you.You have been so good to all of us with creating this website.
I have got a mountain bike and if you lived Downunder we could have had a race!!You would have to give me a good start though as I am a lot older than you !!
Take care Blake and keep smiling!1-Regards Kay

hmmm

by valerie - 2007-05-28 04:05:11

interesting comment Susan. That's "a horse of a different color."

:)
~valerie

I agree.

by Stepford_Wife - 2007-05-28 12:05:42

You are right Valerie, it's deep.......verrrry deep. : )
Just joking, of course! : )

~ Dominique ~

Burning Chest

by Pepper - 2007-06-25 01:06:42

I felt the ablation also. luckily the last burn was the worst and it stopped in just the nick of time before I was about to yell out. I did mine last week and am still waiting for my arm/shoulder to feel better becasue they inserted my PM afterwards.

Now I take flecanide and I get headaches ans sometimes dizzy. Guess I'll wait until my check up next week to talk to the Doc.

You know you're wired when...

You can take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’.

Member Quotes

The experience of having a couple of lengths of wire fed into your heart muscle and an electronic 'box' tucked under the skin is not an insignificant event, but you will survive.