Seeking advice about heart ablation procedure.

Peter Jason said:

My electrophysiologist has advised this, but I hope someone
here has had this procedure so as to give me some advice.

He wants to book me in in two weeks.

Regards

You left out a bit of info, like "why"....

Anyway, you should head over to (and join) the Yahoo
AFIBSupport Group:

health.groups.yahoo.comAFIBsupportOpen ↗

Many there have had ablations.

Two things to know about ablations: their success rate
varies *greatly* from doctor to doctor (for example, Dr.
Natale at Cleveland Clinc is considered one of the best
here in the states) and there haven't really been any long
term studies.

L.

Peter Jason said:

My electrophysiologist has advised this, but I hope
someone here has had this procedure so as to give me
some advice.

No advice here. Would give you some information but I really
don't have any idea what your electrophysiologist is trying
to ablate for you.

Servant to the humblest person in the universe,

Andrew

--
Dr. Andrew B. Chung, MD/PhD
Board-Certified Cardiologist
heartmdphd.comheartmdphd.comOpen ↗

**
Who is the humblest person in the universe?
makeashorterlink.commakeashorterlink.comOpen ↗

What is all this about?
makeashorterlink.commakeashorterlink.comOpen ↗

Is this spam?
makeashorterlink.commakeashorterlink.comOpen ↗

Peter Jason said:

My electrophysiologist has advised this, but I hope someone
here has had this procedure so as to give me some advice.

He wants to book me in in two weeks.

Regards

Is the treatment you are referring to the ablation via the
major artery in the groin? I had Radio Frequency ablation
for Afib in 2002. It was a new treatment (sometimes
described as a mini maze procedure) only being offered at
London heart hospital and was done at the end of my op for
replacement mitral valve. It was not a great success for
me but I am now in sinus rhythm with a pacemaker. They say
I now have paroxysmal AF but I do not notice it. The
people who had this treatment were recalled for a survey
last year but I don't know in how many it was successful.
Something over 50% I think. The results are to be
published in an international cardiology publication this
summer. Rgds Diana

<[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Peter Jason said:

My electrophysiologist has advised this, but I hope
someone here has had this procedure so as to give me some
advice.

He wants to book me in in two weeks.

Regards

You left out a bit of info, like "why"....

Anyway, you should head over to (and join) the Yahoo
AFIBSupport Group:

health.groups.yahoo.comAFIBsupportOpen ↗

Many there have had ablations.

Two things to know about ablations: their success rate
varies *greatly* from doctor to doctor (for example, Dr.
Natale at Cleveland Clinc is considered one of the best
here in the states) and there haven't really been any long
term studies.

L.

I have developed atrial tachycardia (paroxysmal) and the
doctor said I had developed another "electrical centre" on
my heart, and that this was conflicting with the original
one. I was born with it, evidently; but thanx for the link.
I have been taking Sotalol and this works very well indeed.

"Peter Jason" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

My electrophysiologist has advised this, but I hope
someone here has had this procedure so as to give me
some advice.

He wants to book me in in two weeks.

Regards

Hi Peter,

I myself am a patient that has been studied the past 18
years, I was the first patient in the State of Texas to have
the old dinosaur open heart correction for this! Ouch! And
since have had a closed heart radio-frequency ablation. What
questions can I help you with?

"Sandy" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Peter Jason" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

My electrophysiologist has advised this, but I hope
someone here has had this procedure so as to give me
some advice.

He wants to book me in in two weeks.

Regards

Hi Peter,

I myself am a patient that has been studied the past 18
years, I was the first patient in the State of Texas to
have the old dinosaur open heart correction for this!
Ouch! And since have had a closed heart radio-frequency
ablation. What questions can I help you with?

The electrophysiologist wants me in hospital for 2.5 days;
is this normal? Are there any complications, because I have
to be back at work 5 days later. Also, is it better to be
awake during the procedure or put to sleep? Do I have to lie
on my back for 2 days or can I move around a bit? Does the
operation leave a scar? And does it work? Regards Peter.

Peter Jason said:

"Sandy" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Peter Jason" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

My electrophysiologist has advised this, but I hope
someone here has had this procedure so as to give me
some advice.

He wants to book me in in two weeks.

Regards

Hi Peter,

I myself am a patient that has been studied the past 18
years, I was the first patient in the State of Texas to
have the old dinosaur open heart correction for this!
Ouch! And since have had a closed heart radio-frequency
ablation. What questions can I help you with?

The electrophysiologist wants me in hospital for 2.5 days;
is this normal?

Yes.

Quoted message said:

Are there any complications, because I have to be back at
work 5 days later.

Slight chance.

Quoted message said:

Also, is it better to be awake during the procedure or put
to sleep?

Somewhat awake.

Quoted message said:

Do I have to lie on my back for 2 days or can I move
around a bit?

After the operation you must stay still for a number of
hours. You should be able to move around a bit the next day.

Quoted message said:

Does the operation leave a scar?

Not really.

Quoted message said:

And does it work?

Sucess rates vary. 30-80%. Second (and third) "touchups" are
not uncommon at this stage of ablation developement.

Quoted message said:

Regards Peter.

L.

"Peter Jason" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

"Sandy" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Peter Jason" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

My electrophysiologist has advised this, but I hope
someone here has had this procedure so as to give me
some advice.

He wants to book me in in two weeks.

Regards

Hi Peter,

I myself am a patient that has been studied the past 18
years, I was the first patient in the State of Texas to
have the old dinosaur open heart correction for this!
Ouch! And since have had a closed heart radio-frequency
ablation. What questions can I help you with?

The electrophysiologist wants me in hospital for 2.5 days;
is this normal?

YES, A TYPICAL STAY, SOMETIMES YOU GO HOME THE NEXT DAY.

Quoted message said:

Are there any complications, because I have to be back at
work 5 days later.

TYPICALLY YOU ARE NOT RELEASED FOR WORK OR OTHER ACTIVITIES
FOR AT LEAST TWO WEEKS. DURIGN THAT TIME YOU ALSO NEED TO
TAKE ASPIRIN AS THE HEART WILL RELEASE THE HEAT FROM THE
TISSUE AND YOU CAN DEVELOP A CLOT, SO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS,
DONT DO THIS YOUR WAY.

Quoted message said:

Also, is it better to be awake during the procedure or put
to sleep?

I'VE DONE BOTH, AND I MUCH PREFER BEING 'AWAKE' YET HEAVILY
DRUGGED. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THEY CAN COMMUNICATE WITH YOU
SO YOU CAN VERIFY WHICH ARRHYTHMIA YOU RECOGNIZE, ETC. BACK
IN THE OLDEN DAYS (1986) THEY ONLY GAVE THE PATIENT BENADRYL
AND INSERTED UP TO FIVE CATHETERS IN THE HEART AND THE
SESSION LASTED 10 HOURS. IT WAS 10 HOURS OF PURE MAPPING AND
PLOTTING OF THE HEART WHICH WAS NOTHING BUT PURE TORTURE.
BEEN THERE DONE THAT. YOU CANT HAVE ANYTHING I HAVENT HAD
MYSELF AND I'M HERE TO TELL YOU THE ONE CATHETER ABLATION IS
THE SISSY PROCEDURE, TAKE IT, ENJOY IT, EMBRACE IT, YOU WILL
FEEL BETTER.

Do I

Quoted message said:

have to lie on my back for 2 days or can I move
around a bit?

YOU ARE TYPICALLY UP WALKING THE NEXT DAY, PRESSURE
DRESSINGS ARE PUT ON YOUR GROIN AS ARE SOMETIMES SANDBAGS,
JUST LIE STILL UNTIL THEY GIVE YOU THE GO AHEAD, JUST SLEEP
IT OFF. THAT'S USUALLY IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE PROCEDURE
ANYWAY, NOT THE NEXT DAY. AND DON'T FREAK, EVEN MY SON WHEN
HE WS 13 LOST A CLOT ON A FREEWAY ON THE WAY HOME FROM TEXAS
CHILDRENS AND HE HEMORRAGED IN THE CAR WHILE MY HUSBAND
DROVE. I WAS IN THE BACKSEAT AND HAD TO TREAT HIM FROM
BEHIND THE SEAT WHILE HE WAS UNCONSCIOUS. BAD PART, WE WERE
IN TRAFFIC AND COULD NOT EXIT, AND REALIZED THE CELL PHONE
WAS NO WHE TO BE FOUND. WE ALL SURVIVED AND ARE FINE (I
THINK I AGED 20 YEARS THAT DAY) BUT MY POINT BEING, YOU ARE
NOT GOING TO COME CLOSE TO WHAT I'VE SEEN AND PERSONALLY
GONE THROUGH SO DONT BE AFRAID. NOT TRYING TO SOUND LIKE THE
SUPERLATIVE OF ALL ABLATION SUFFERING BUT WHEN I SAY I'VE
BEEN THERE AND DONE THAT, I AM TELLING YOU THE HONEST TRUTH.

Does the

Quoted message said:

operation leave a scar?

YOU MAY HAVE A TINY LINE, IT WILL BE RED AND PINK FOR A
WHILE THEN TURN WHITE. I MYSELF HAVE HAD SEVERAL
CATHERIZATIONS AND THEY'VE GONE IN BOTH SIDES OF THE GROIN
TWO HOLES ON EACH SIDE TO BE EXACT DURING ONE PROCEDURE AND
I HAVE DIFFICULTY FINDING THE SCARS. YOU WILL NOT WANT TO BE
TOUCHED THERE FOR A WHILE THO, A PSYCHOLOGICAL THING, YOU
JUST WILL BE PROTECTIVE OF IT. I THINK GOING THROUGH THE
SKIN AND MUSCLE IS THE WORST PART, BUT JUST REMEMBER, EVEN
KIDS HAVE DONE THIS.

And does it work?

WELL, DEPENDS ON WHAT YOU'RE GOING IN FOR. DO YOU HAVE
CLASSIC WPW? AV-NODE RE-ENTRANT TACHY? EXACTLY WHAT DO YOU
HAVE? THE SUCCESS RATE FOR ABLATIONS IS VERY GOOD BECAUSE
QUITE BLUNTLY, A DOCTOR WILL NOT DO ONE UNELSS IT CAN BE
FIXED TO BEGIN WITH. THEY DONT JUST GO IN BLINDLY AND START
RADIOFREQUENCYING YOUR HEART TISSUE. THEY ALREADY HAVE SEEN
YOUR PROBLEM ON OTHER PATIENTS MOST LIKELY AND THEY ALREADY
KNOW WHAT TO DO AND WHERE TO GO, EVEN I HAD A STRANGE SCAR
TISSUE RELATED ARRHYTHMIA THAT THEY HAD NEVER SEEN AND THEY
WENT IN SORTA BLINDLY AND DID A MODIFIED RADIOFREQUENCY
ABLAITON AND IT WORKED. I DOUBT YOU ARE GOING TO BE IN THAT
SUB CATEGORY OF PATIENT, SO ASK YOUR DOC QUESTIONS. ASK HIM
AND TELL ME WHAT HE SAYS AND I'LL TRANSLATE IT FOR YOU.

Quoted message said:

Regards Peter.

(PETER I WILL TYPE IN BOLD YOU CAN SEE MY ANSWERS EASILY,
I'M NOT SHOUTING!)

"Sandy" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Peter Jason" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

"Sandy" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Peter Jason" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

> My electrophysiologist has advised this, but I hope
> someone here has

had

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> this procedure so as to give me some advice.
>
> He wants to book me in in two weeks.
>
> Regards

Hi Peter,

I myself am a patient that has been studied the past
18 years, I was the first patient in the State of
Texas to have the old dinosaur open heart correction
for this! Ouch! And since have had a closed heart radio-
frequency ablation. What questions can I help you
with?

The electrophysiologist wants me in hospital for 2.5
days; is this

normal?

Quoted message said:

YES, A TYPICAL STAY, SOMETIMES YOU GO HOME THE NEXT DAY.

Quoted message said:

Are there any complications, because I have to be back
at work 5 days

later.

Quoted message said:

TYPICALLY YOU ARE NOT RELEASED FOR WORK OR OTHER
ACTIVITIES FOR AT LEAST TWO WEEKS. DURIGN THAT TIME YOU
ALSO NEED TO TAKE ASPIRIN AS THE HEART WILL RELEASE THE
HEAT FROM THE TISSUE AND YOU CAN DEVELOP A CLOT, SO FOLLOW
INSTRUCTIONS, DONT DO THIS YOUR WAY.

Quoted message said:

Also, is it better to be awake during the procedure or
put to sleep?

I'VE DONE BOTH, AND I MUCH PREFER BEING 'AWAKE' YET
HEAVILY DRUGGED. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THEY CAN COMMUNICATE
WITH YOU SO YOU CAN VERIFY WHICH ARRHYTHMIA YOU RECOGNIZE,
ETC. BACK IN THE OLDEN DAYS (1986) THEY ONLY GAVE THE
PATIENT BENADRYL AND INSERTED UP TO FIVE CATHETERS IN THE
HEART AND THE SESSION LASTED 10 HOURS. IT WAS 10 HOURS OF
PURE MAPPING AND PLOTTING OF THE HEART WHICH WAS NOTHING
BUT PURE TORTURE. BEEN THERE DONE THAT. YOU CANT HAVE
ANYTHING I HAVENT HAD MYSELF AND I'M HERE TO TELL YOU THE
ONE CATHETER ABLATION IS THE SISSY PROCEDURE, TAKE IT,
ENJOY IT, EMBRACE IT, YOU WILL FEEL BETTER.

Do I

Quoted message said:

have to lie on my back for 2 days or can I move around
a bit?

YOU ARE TYPICALLY UP WALKING THE NEXT DAY, PRESSURE
DRESSINGS ARE PUT ON YOUR GROIN AS ARE SOMETIMES SANDBAGS,
JUST LIE STILL UNTIL THEY GIVE YOU THE GO AHEAD, JUST
SLEEP IT OFF. THAT'S USUALLY IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE
PROCEDURE ANYWAY, NOT THE NEXT DAY. AND DON'T FREAK, EVEN
MY SON WHEN HE WS 13 LOST A CLOT ON A FREEWAY ON THE WAY
HOME FROM TEXAS CHILDRENS AND HE HEMORRAGED IN THE CAR
WHILE MY HUSBAND DROVE. I WAS IN THE BACKSEAT AND HAD TO
TREAT HIM FROM BEHIND THE SEAT WHILE HE WAS UNCONSCIOUS.
BAD PART, WE WERE IN TRAFFIC AND COULD NOT EXIT, AND
REALIZED THE CELL PHONE WAS NO WHE TO BE FOUND. WE ALL
SURVIVED AND ARE FINE (I THINK I AGED 20 YEARS THAT DAY)
BUT MY POINT BEING, YOU ARE NOT GOING TO COME CLOSE TO
WHAT I'VE SEEN AND PERSONALLY GONE THROUGH SO DONT BE
AFRAID. NOT TRYING TO SOUND LIKE THE SUPERLATIVE OF ALL
ABLATION SUFFERING BUT WHEN I SAY I'VE BEEN THERE AND DONE
THAT, I AM TELLING YOU THE HONEST TRUTH.

Does the

Quoted message said:

operation leave a scar?

YOU MAY HAVE A TINY LINE, IT WILL BE RED AND PINK FOR A
WHILE THEN TURN WHITE. I MYSELF HAVE HAD SEVERAL
CATHERIZATIONS AND THEY'VE GONE IN BOTH SIDES OF THE GROIN
TWO HOLES ON EACH SIDE TO BE EXACT DURING ONE PROCEDURE
AND I HAVE DIFFICULTY FINDING THE SCARS. YOU WILL NOT WANT
TO BE TOUCHED THERE FOR A WHILE THO, A PSYCHOLOGICAL
THING, YOU JUST WILL BE PROTECTIVE OF IT. I THINK GOING
THROUGH THE SKIN AND MUSCLE IS THE WORST PART, BUT JUST
REMEMBER, EVEN KIDS HAVE DONE THIS.

And does it work?

WELL, DEPENDS ON WHAT YOU'RE GOING IN FOR. DO YOU HAVE
CLASSIC WPW? AV-NODE RE-ENTRANT TACHY? EXACTLY WHAT DO YOU
HAVE? THE SUCCESS RATE FOR ABLATIONS IS VERY GOOD BECAUSE
QUITE BLUNTLY, A DOCTOR WILL NOT DO ONE UNELSS IT CAN BE
FIXED TO BEGIN WITH. THEY DONT JUST GO IN BLINDLY AND
START RADIOFREQUENCYING YOUR HEART TISSUE. THEY ALREADY
HAVE SEEN YOUR PROBLEM ON OTHER PATIENTS MOST LIKELY AND
THEY ALREADY KNOW WHAT TO DO AND WHERE TO GO, EVEN I HAD A
STRANGE SCAR TISSUE RELATED ARRHYTHMIA THAT THEY HAD NEVER
SEEN AND THEY WENT IN SORTA BLINDLY AND DID A MODIFIED
RADIOFREQUENCY ABLAITON AND IT WORKED. I DOUBT YOU ARE
GOING TO BE IN THAT SUB CATEGORY OF PATIENT, SO ASK YOUR
DOC QUESTIONS. ASK HIM AND TELL ME WHAT HE SAYS AND I'LL
TRANSLATE IT FOR YOU.

Quoted message said:

Regards Peter.

(PETER I WILL TYPE IN BOLD YOU CAN SEE MY ANSWERS EASILY,
I'M NOT SHOUTING!)

I have paroxysmal atrial tachycardia which was diagnosed
from a 24hr halter.

My cardiologist put me on to this electrophysiologist who
booked me in for the 16th June.

I don't like this "being off work for two weeks" thing, and
I'll ask him about this. I also expect him to fix it
permanently because I find hospital stays boring. I have
also a mitral valve prolapse which means the valve will need
a trim; but I'm waiting for the doctors here to perfect the
robotic method since I don't want my sternum chainsawed
open. I could wax long and loud about my complete mouth
restoration involving an oral surgeon and numerous titanium
implants and many visits to athe hospital - but I fear it
might distress you.

Peter Jason said:

"Sandy" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Peter Jason" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

"Sandy" <[email hidden]> wrote in message new-
s:[email hidden]...
> "Peter Jason" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...
> > My electrophysiologist has advised this, but I hope
> > someone here has

had

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > this procedure so as to give me some advice.
> >
> > He wants to book me in in two weeks.
> >
> > Regards
>
> Hi Peter,
>
> I myself am a patient that has been studied the past
> 18 years, I was the first patient in the State of
> Texas to have the old dinosaur open heart correction
> for this! Ouch! And since have had a closed heart radio-
> frequency ablation. What questions can I help you
> with?

The electrophysiologist wants me in hospital for 2.5
days; is this

normal?

Quoted message said:

YES, A TYPICAL STAY, SOMETIMES YOU GO HOME THE NEXT DAY.

Quoted message said:

Are there any complications, because I have to be back
at work 5 days

later.

Quoted message said:

TYPICALLY YOU ARE NOT RELEASED FOR WORK OR OTHER
ACTIVITIES FOR AT LEAST TWO WEEKS. DURIGN THAT TIME YOU
ALSO NEED TO TAKE ASPIRIN AS THE HEART WILL RELEASE THE
HEAT FROM THE TISSUE AND YOU CAN DEVELOP A CLOT, SO
FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS, DONT DO THIS YOUR WAY.

Quoted message said:

Also, is it better to be awake during the procedure or
put to sleep?

I'VE DONE BOTH, AND I MUCH PREFER BEING 'AWAKE' YET
HEAVILY DRUGGED. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THEY CAN
COMMUNICATE WITH YOU SO YOU CAN VERIFY WHICH ARRHYTHMIA
YOU RECOGNIZE, ETC. BACK IN THE OLDEN DAYS (1986) THEY
ONLY GAVE THE PATIENT BENADRYL AND INSERTED UP TO FIVE
CATHETERS IN THE HEART AND THE SESSION LASTED 10 HOURS.
IT WAS 10 HOURS OF PURE MAPPING AND PLOTTING OF THE HEART
WHICH WAS NOTHING BUT PURE TORTURE. BEEN THERE DONE THAT.
YOU CANT HAVE ANYTHING I HAVENT HAD MYSELF AND I'M HERE
TO TELL YOU THE ONE CATHETER ABLATION IS THE SISSY
PROCEDURE, TAKE IT, ENJOY IT, EMBRACE IT, YOU WILL FEEL
BETTER.

Do I

Quoted message said:

have to lie on my back for 2 days or can I move around
a bit?

YOU ARE TYPICALLY UP WALKING THE NEXT DAY, PRESSURE
DRESSINGS ARE PUT ON YOUR GROIN AS ARE SOMETIMES
SANDBAGS, JUST LIE STILL UNTIL THEY GIVE YOU THE GO
AHEAD, JUST SLEEP IT OFF. THAT'S USUALLY IMMEDIATELY
FOLLOWING THE PROCEDURE ANYWAY, NOT THE NEXT DAY. AND
DON'T FREAK, EVEN MY SON WHEN HE WS 13 LOST A CLOT ON A
FREEWAY ON THE WAY HOME FROM TEXAS CHILDRENS AND HE
HEMORRAGED IN THE CAR WHILE MY HUSBAND DROVE. I WAS IN
THE BACKSEAT AND HAD TO TREAT HIM FROM BEHIND THE SEAT
WHILE HE WAS UNCONSCIOUS. BAD PART, WE WERE IN TRAFFIC
AND COULD NOT EXIT, AND REALIZED THE CELL PHONE WAS NO
WHE TO BE FOUND. WE ALL SURVIVED AND ARE FINE (I THINK I
AGED 20 YEARS THAT DAY) BUT MY POINT BEING, YOU ARE NOT
GOING TO COME CLOSE TO WHAT I'VE SEEN AND PERSONALLY
GONE THROUGH SO DONT BE AFRAID. NOT TRYING TO SOUND LIKE
THE SUPERLATIVE OF ALL ABLATION SUFFERING BUT WHEN I SAY
I'VE BEEN THERE AND DONE THAT, I AM TELLING YOU THE
HONEST TRUTH.

Does the

Quoted message said:

operation leave a scar?

YOU MAY HAVE A TINY LINE, IT WILL BE RED AND PINK FOR A
WHILE THEN TURN WHITE. I MYSELF HAVE HAD SEVERAL
CATHERIZATIONS AND THEY'VE GONE IN BOTH SIDES OF THE
GROIN TWO HOLES ON EACH SIDE TO BE EXACT DURING ONE
PROCEDURE AND I HAVE DIFFICULTY FINDING THE SCARS. YOU
WILL NOT WANT TO BE TOUCHED THERE FOR A WHILE THO, A
PSYCHOLOGICAL THING, YOU JUST WILL BE PROTECTIVE OF IT. I
THINK GOING THROUGH THE SKIN AND MUSCLE IS THE WORST
PART, BUT JUST REMEMBER, EVEN KIDS HAVE DONE THIS.

And does it work?

WELL, DEPENDS ON WHAT YOU'RE GOING IN FOR. DO YOU HAVE
CLASSIC WPW? AV-NODE RE-ENTRANT TACHY? EXACTLY WHAT DO
YOU HAVE? THE SUCCESS RATE FOR ABLATIONS IS VERY GOOD
BECAUSE QUITE BLUNTLY, A DOCTOR WILL NOT DO ONE UNELSS IT
CAN BE FIXED TO BEGIN WITH. THEY DONT JUST GO IN BLINDLY
AND START RADIOFREQUENCYING YOUR HEART TISSUE. THEY
ALREADY HAVE SEEN YOUR PROBLEM ON OTHER PATIENTS MOST
LIKELY AND THEY ALREADY KNOW WHAT TO DO AND WHERE TO GO,
EVEN I HAD A STRANGE SCAR TISSUE RELATED ARRHYTHMIA THAT
THEY HAD NEVER SEEN AND THEY WENT IN SORTA BLINDLY AND
DID A MODIFIED RADIOFREQUENCY ABLAITON AND IT WORKED. I
DOUBT YOU ARE GOING TO BE IN THAT SUB CATEGORY OF
PATIENT, SO ASK YOUR DOC QUESTIONS. ASK HIM AND TELL ME
WHAT HE SAYS AND I'LL TRANSLATE IT FOR YOU.

Quoted message said:

Regards Peter.

(PETER I WILL TYPE IN BOLD YOU CAN SEE MY ANSWERS EASILY,
I'M NOT SHOUTING!)

I have paroxysmal atrial tachycardia which was diagnosed
from a 24hr halter.

My cardiologist put me on to this electrophysiologist who
booked me in for the 16th June.

I don't like this "being off work for two weeks" thing, and
I'll ask him about this. I also expect him to fix it
permanently because I find hospital stays boring. I have
also a mitral valve prolapse which means the valve will
need a trim; but I'm waiting for the doctors here to
perfect the robotic method since I don't want my sternum
chainsawed open. I could wax long and loud about my
complete mouth restoration involving an oral surgeon and
numerous titanium implants and many visits to athe hospital
- but I fear it might distress you.

Surprised to read that your valve will be done at the same
time as the ablation, i.e. via the groin. What do you mean
by needing a trim? Not heard that before. Diana

<[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Peter Jason said:

"Sandy" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Peter Jason" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

> "Sandy" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
> -"]news:[email hidden]-
> ...
> > "Peter Jason" <[email hidden]> wrote in
> > message
> news:<[email hidden]>...
> > > My electrophysiologist has advised this, but I
> > > hope someone here

has

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

had

Quoted message said:

> > > this procedure so as to give me some advice.
> > >
> > > He wants to book me in in two weeks.
> > >
> > > Regards
> >
> > Hi Peter,
> >
> > I myself am a patient that has been studied the
> > past 18 years, I

was

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > the first patient in the State of Texas to have the
> > old dinosaur

open

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> > heart correction for this! Ouch! And since have had
> > a closed heart radio-frequency ablation. What
> > questions can I help you with?
>
> The electrophysiologist wants me in hospital for 2.5
> days; is this

normal?

Quoted message said:

YES, A TYPICAL STAY, SOMETIMES YOU GO HOME THE
NEXT DAY.

> Are there any complications, because I have to be
> back at work 5 days

later.

Quoted message said:

TYPICALLY YOU ARE NOT RELEASED FOR WORK OR OTHER
ACTIVITIES FOR AT LEAST TWO WEEKS. DURIGN THAT TIME YOU
ALSO NEED TO TAKE ASPIRIN AS THE HEART WILL RELEASE THE
HEAT FROM THE TISSUE AND YOU CAN DEVELOP A CLOT, SO
FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS, DONT DO THIS YOUR WAY.

> Also, is it better to be awake during the procedure
> or put to sleep?

I'VE DONE BOTH, AND I MUCH PREFER BEING 'AWAKE' YET
HEAVILY DRUGGED. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THEY CAN
COMMUNICATE WITH YOU SO YOU CAN VERIFY WHICH ARRHYTHMIA
YOU RECOGNIZE, ETC. BACK IN THE OLDEN DAYS (1986) THEY
ONLY GAVE THE PATIENT BENADRYL AND INSERTED UP TO FIVE
CATHETERS IN THE HEART AND THE SESSION LASTED 10 HOURS.
IT WAS 10 HOURS OF PURE MAPPING AND PLOTTING OF THE
HEART WHICH WAS NOTHING BUT PURE TORTURE. BEEN THERE
DONE THAT. YOU CANT HAVE ANYTHING I HAVENT HAD MYSELF
AND I'M HERE TO TELL YOU THE ONE CATHETER ABLATION IS
THE SISSY PROCEDURE, TAKE IT, ENJOY IT, EMBRACE IT, YOU
WILL FEEL BETTER.

Do I
> have to lie on my back for 2 days or can I move
> around a bit?

YOU ARE TYPICALLY UP WALKING THE NEXT DAY, PRESSURE
DRESSINGS ARE PUT ON YOUR GROIN AS ARE SOMETIMES
SANDBAGS, JUST LIE STILL UNTIL THEY GIVE YOU THE GO
AHEAD, JUST SLEEP IT OFF. THAT'S USUALLY IMMEDIATELY
FOLLOWING THE PROCEDURE ANYWAY, NOT THE NEXT DAY. AND
DON'T FREAK, EVEN MY SON WHEN HE WS 13 LOST A CLOT ON A
FREEWAY ON THE WAY HOME FROM TEXAS CHILDRENS AND HE
HEMORRAGED IN THE CAR WHILE MY HUSBAND DROVE. I WAS IN
THE BACKSEAT AND HAD TO TREAT HIM FROM BEHIND THE SEAT
WHILE HE WAS UNCONSCIOUS. BAD PART, WE WERE IN TRAFFIC
AND COULD NOT EXIT, AND REALIZED THE CELL PHONE WAS NO
WHE TO BE FOUND. WE ALL SURVIVED AND ARE FINE (I THINK
I AGED 20 YEARS THAT DAY) BUT MY POINT BEING, YOU ARE
NOT GOING TO COME CLOSE TO WHAT I'VE SEEN AND
PERSONALLY GONE THROUGH SO DONT BE AFRAID. NOT TRYING
TO SOUND LIKE THE SUPERLATIVE OF ALL ABLATION SUFFERING
BUT WHEN I SAY I'VE BEEN THERE AND DONE THAT, I AM
TELLING YOU THE HONEST TRUTH.

Does the
> operation leave a scar?

YOU MAY HAVE A TINY LINE, IT WILL BE RED AND PINK FOR A
WHILE THEN TURN WHITE. I MYSELF HAVE HAD SEVERAL
CATHERIZATIONS AND THEY'VE GONE IN BOTH SIDES OF THE
GROIN TWO HOLES ON EACH SIDE TO BE EXACT DURING ONE
PROCEDURE AND I HAVE DIFFICULTY FINDING THE SCARS. YOU
WILL NOT WANT TO BE TOUCHED THERE FOR A WHILE THO, A
PSYCHOLOGICAL THING, YOU JUST WILL BE PROTECTIVE OF IT.
I THINK GOING THROUGH THE SKIN AND MUSCLE IS THE WORST
PART, BUT JUST REMEMBER, EVEN KIDS HAVE DONE THIS.

And does it work?

WELL, DEPENDS ON WHAT YOU'RE GOING IN FOR. DO YOU HAVE
CLASSIC WPW? AV-NODE RE-ENTRANT TACHY? EXACTLY WHAT DO
YOU HAVE? THE SUCCESS RATE FOR ABLATIONS IS VERY GOOD
BECAUSE QUITE BLUNTLY, A DOCTOR WILL NOT DO ONE UNELSS
IT CAN BE FIXED TO BEGIN WITH. THEY DONT JUST GO IN
BLINDLY AND START RADIOFREQUENCYING YOUR HEART TISSUE.
THEY ALREADY HAVE SEEN YOUR PROBLEM ON OTHER PATIENTS
MOST LIKELY AND THEY ALREADY KNOW WHAT TO DO AND WHERE
TO GO, EVEN I HAD A STRANGE SCAR TISSUE RELATED
ARRHYTHMIA THAT THEY HAD NEVER SEEN AND THEY WENT IN
SORTA BLINDLY AND DID A MODIFIED RADIOFREQUENCY
ABLAITON AND IT WORKED. I DOUBT YOU ARE GOING TO BE IN
THAT SUB CATEGORY OF PATIENT, SO ASK YOUR DOC
QUESTIONS. ASK HIM AND TELL ME WHAT HE SAYS AND I'LL
TRANSLATE IT FOR YOU.
> Regards Peter.

(PETER I WILL TYPE IN BOLD YOU CAN SEE MY ANSWERS
EASILY, I'M NOT SHOUTING!)

I have paroxysmal atrial tachycardia which was diagnosed
from a 24hr

halter.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

My cardiologist put me on to this electrophysiologist who
booked me in

for

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

the 16th June.

I don't like this "being off work for two weeks" thing,
and I'll ask him about this. I also expect him to fix it
permanently because I find

hospital

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

stays boring. I have also a mitral valve prolapse which
means the valve will need a

trim;

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

but I'm waiting for the doctors here to perfect the
robotic method since

I

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

don't want my sternum chainsawed open. I could wax long
and loud about

my

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

complete mouth restoration involving an oral surgeon and
numerous

titanium

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

implants and many visits to athe hospital - but I fear it
might distress you.

Surprised to read that your valve will be done at the same
time as the ablation, i.e. via the groin. What do you mean
by needing a trim? Not heard that before. Diana

No. The mitral valve will be done at some future time. I
understand that a prolapse is cause by the mitral leaflets
being too large and so trimming is the way to go - but
perhaps I have this wrong? Anyway I don't want an artificial
valve and so I am having the cardiologist monitor the
situation yearly via echos. I do hope they fix this
ahrrythmia thing once and for all because I really can't
afford the time off work. Regards Peter.

My Dad has had this procedure for Atrial Flutter. It only
required an overnight hospital stay. 3 days sounds kinda
long, but you have a different arrythmia. My Dad was given
conscious sedation ... it is not necessary to be put
completely out. It's your preference.

In terms of success rate, it differs depending upon the
arrythmia. It is highly successful for Atrial Flutter. Not
so high for Atrial Fibrillation.

My advice? Do some research to see how high the success rate
is for your arrythmia. Then you can make a more intelligent
decision. Also, I don't know where you live ... but find a
major hospital or teaching institution that does LOTS of
these. Check to see how many of these your EP has done. It
is still a relatively new procedure. The experience level of
the hospital and physician makes a big difference. Find out
what to expect afterwards. Some EP procedures frequently
require pacemaker implantation, for example. Not sure if
yours does.

We went for a few consults until we found someone who had
done the most EPs of any EP in South Florida (where my Dad
lives) and until we found someone who exuded confidence that
he could help my Dad. Sure enough ... he's been arrythmia
free for 3 years now still on the treadmill at 82
y/o. He'll (thankfully) be watching the WW II Memorial
dedication today as a WWII veteran.

Larry E.

Peter Jason said:

<[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Peter Jason said:

"Sandy" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

>"Peter Jason" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

news:<[email hidden]>...

>>"Sandy" <[email hidden]> wrote in message new-
>>s:[email hidden]...
>>
>>>"Peter Jason" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
>>
>> news:<[email hidden]>...
>>
>>>>My electrophysiologist has advised this, but I hope
>>>>someone here

has

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

had

>>>>this procedure so as to give me some advice.
>>>>
>>>>He wants to book me in in two weeks.
>>>>
>>>>Regards
>>>
>>>Hi Peter,
>>>
>>>I myself am a patient that has been studied the past
>>>18 years, I

was

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>>>the first patient in the State of Texas to have the
>>>old dinosaur

open

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>>>heart correction for this! Ouch! And since have had a
>>>closed heart radio-frequency ablation. What questions
>>>can I help you with?
>>
>>The electrophysiologist wants me in hospital for 2.5
>>days; is this

normal?

>YES, A TYPICAL STAY, SOMETIMES YOU GO HOME THE NEXT DAY.
>
>
>>Are there any complications, because I have to be back
>>at work 5 days

later.

>TYPICALLY YOU ARE NOT RELEASED FOR WORK OR OTHER
>ACTIVITIES FOR AT LEAST TWO WEEKS. DURIGN THAT TIME YOU
>ALSO NEED TO TAKE ASPIRIN AS THE HEART WILL RELEASE THE
>HEAT FROM THE TISSUE AND YOU CAN DEVELOP A CLOT, SO
>FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS, DONT DO THIS YOUR WAY.
>
>
>>Also, is it better to be awake during the procedure or
>>put to sleep?
>
>I'VE DONE BOTH, AND I MUCH PREFER BEING 'AWAKE' YET
>HEAVILY DRUGGED. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THEY CAN
>COMMUNICATE WITH YOU SO YOU CAN VERIFY WHICH ARRHYTHMIA
>YOU RECOGNIZE, ETC. BACK IN THE OLDEN DAYS (1986) THEY
>ONLY GAVE THE PATIENT BENADRYL AND INSERTED UP TO FIVE
>CATHETERS IN THE HEART AND THE SESSION LASTED 10 HOURS.
>IT WAS 10 HOURS OF PURE MAPPING AND PLOTTING OF THE
>HEART WHICH WAS NOTHING BUT PURE TORTURE. BEEN THERE
>DONE THAT. YOU CANT HAVE ANYTHING I HAVENT HAD MYSELF
>AND I'M HERE TO TELL YOU THE ONE CATHETER ABLATION IS
>THE SISSY PROCEDURE, TAKE IT, ENJOY IT, EMBRACE IT, YOU
>WILL FEEL BETTER.
>
>
>Do I
>
>>have to lie on my back for 2 days or can I move around
>>a bit?
>
>YOU ARE TYPICALLY UP WALKING THE NEXT DAY, PRESSURE
>DRESSINGS ARE PUT ON YOUR GROIN AS ARE SOMETIMES
>SANDBAGS, JUST LIE STILL UNTIL THEY GIVE YOU THE GO
>AHEAD, JUST SLEEP IT OFF. THAT'S USUALLY IMMEDIATELY
>FOLLOWING THE PROCEDURE ANYWAY, NOT THE NEXT DAY. AND
>DON'T FREAK, EVEN MY SON WHEN HE WS 13 LOST A CLOT ON A
>FREEWAY ON THE WAY HOME FROM TEXAS CHILDRENS AND HE
>HEMORRAGED IN THE CAR WHILE MY HUSBAND DROVE. I WAS IN
>THE BACKSEAT AND HAD TO TREAT HIM FROM BEHIND THE SEAT
>WHILE HE WAS UNCONSCIOUS. BAD PART, WE WERE IN TRAFFIC
>AND COULD NOT EXIT, AND REALIZED THE CELL PHONE WAS NO
>WHE TO BE FOUND. WE ALL SURVIVED AND ARE FINE (I THINK I
>AGED 20 YEARS THAT DAY) BUT MY POINT BEING, YOU ARE NOT
>GOING TO COME CLOSE TO WHAT I'VE SEEN AND PERSONALLY
>GONE THROUGH SO DONT BE AFRAID. NOT TRYING TO SOUND LIKE
>THE SUPERLATIVE OF ALL ABLATION SUFFERING BUT WHEN I SAY
>I'VE BEEN THERE AND DONE THAT, I AM TELLING YOU THE
>HONEST TRUTH.
>
>Does the
>
>>operation leave a scar?
>
>YOU MAY HAVE A TINY LINE, IT WILL BE RED AND PINK FOR A
>WHILE THEN TURN WHITE. I MYSELF HAVE HAD SEVERAL
>CATHERIZATIONS AND THEY'VE GONE IN BOTH SIDES OF THE
>GROIN TWO HOLES ON EACH SIDE TO BE EXACT DURING ONE
>PROCEDURE AND I HAVE DIFFICULTY FINDING THE SCARS. YOU
>WILL NOT WANT TO BE TOUCHED THERE FOR A WHILE THO, A
>PSYCHOLOGICAL THING, YOU JUST WILL BE PROTECTIVE OF IT.
>I THINK GOING THROUGH THE SKIN AND MUSCLE IS THE WORST
>PART, BUT JUST REMEMBER, EVEN KIDS HAVE DONE THIS.
>
> And does it work?
>
>WELL, DEPENDS ON WHAT YOU'RE GOING IN FOR. DO YOU HAVE
>CLASSIC WPW? AV-NODE RE-ENTRANT TACHY? EXACTLY WHAT DO
>YOU HAVE? THE SUCCESS RATE FOR ABLATIONS IS VERY GOOD
>BECAUSE QUITE BLUNTLY, A DOCTOR WILL NOT DO ONE UNELSS
>IT CAN BE FIXED TO BEGIN WITH. THEY DONT JUST GO IN
>BLINDLY AND START RADIOFREQUENCYING YOUR HEART TISSUE.
>THEY ALREADY HAVE SEEN YOUR PROBLEM ON OTHER PATIENTS
>MOST LIKELY AND THEY ALREADY KNOW WHAT TO DO AND WHERE
>TO GO, EVEN I HAD A STRANGE SCAR TISSUE RELATED
>ARRHYTHMIA THAT THEY HAD NEVER SEEN AND THEY WENT IN
>SORTA BLINDLY AND DID A MODIFIED RADIOFREQUENCY ABLAITON
>AND IT WORKED. I DOUBT YOU ARE GOING TO BE IN THAT SUB
>CATEGORY OF PATIENT, SO ASK YOUR DOC QUESTIONS. ASK HIM
>AND TELL ME WHAT HE SAYS AND I'LL TRANSLATE IT FOR YOU.
>
>>Regards Peter.
>
>(PETER I WILL TYPE IN BOLD YOU CAN SEE MY ANSWERS
>EASILY, I'M NOT SHOUTING!)

I have paroxysmal atrial tachycardia which was diagnosed
from a 24hr

halter.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

My cardiologist put me on to this electrophysiologist who
booked me in

for

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

the 16th June.

I don't like this "being off work for two weeks" thing,
and I'll ask him about this. I also expect him to fix it
permanently because I find

hospital

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

stays boring. I have also a mitral valve prolapse which
means the valve will need a

trim;

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

but I'm waiting for the doctors here to perfect the
robotic method since

I

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

don't want my sternum chainsawed open. I could wax long
and loud about

my

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

complete mouth restoration involving an oral surgeon and
numerous

titanium

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

implants and many visits to athe hospital - but I fear it
might distress you.

Surprised to read that your valve will be done at the same
time as the ablation, i.e. via the groin. What do you mean
by needing a trim? Not heard that before. Diana

No. The mitral valve will be done at some future time. I
understand that a prolapse is cause by the mitral leaflets
being too large and so trimming is the way to go - but
perhaps I have this wrong? Anyway I don't want an
artificial valve and so I am having the cardiologist
monitor the situation yearly via echos. I do hope they fix
this ahrrythmia thing once and for all because I really
can't afford the time off work. Regards Peter.