Does it hurt Doctor?

[Bbbananas]

I have been advised to have an RF (radiofrequency) catheter ablation of the heart. This basically involves having catheters inserted in the groin, neck & perhaps other sites, to trigger & map electrical disturbances, and to ablate (eliminate/destroy) the abnormal heart tissue.

Hopefully this will eradicate my need for medication to control my SVTs - which are becoming more frequent & symptomatic, and medication is causing side effects (Verapamil 240mgs MR).

Apparently this is usually done under local anaesthetic, but GA can be considered - would this be cowardly & potentially more dangerous? I know the procedure needs doing, & my life may well be the better for it - not as though it stops me doing much(!), but I am a coward when it comes to pain.

Has anyone had this done? Did it hurt?!!!

[Sqad]

You must be joking.....the pain is indescribally horrendous and that doesn't take into account all the blood that flows when they take out the catheter...............abattoire comes to mind.

[Bbbananas]

@rsehole !!

Sorry for the duplication folks - thought I'd posted it in health and fitness then wondered why it had disappeared.

[bigmamma]

Lol@sqad !

[DEN53]

Salla - just thank your lucky stars Sqad is not doing the procedure - I think hearing the term 'you are just going to feel a little prick' would take a whole different meaning if Sqad was in charge - ha ha ha ha

Good Luck xxxxx

[Bbbananas]

Nice one Den - very good !!
Bless him.

[smudge]

Hi salla - yes I have had an ablation procedure done & mentioned it on here a couple of years ago, see my posts on this link:

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Body-and-Soul/Q uestion475364.html

However, the 'old' symptoms recently reappeared, but since starting medication (one pill a day) to control the angina pain & arrhythmia, I feel very much better! Even able to run up the stairs again, without getting puffed out!

Everyone is different, but I'm sure you will be absolutely fine, so think positive & let us know how you get on.

Take care.

[Bbbananas]

Thank you for that smudge - it was interesting and reassuring that you didn't mention any pain! I think the only way I could lay still for 5 hours is if I could read at the same time - but I shouldn't think that's possible?

[smudge]

You're very welcome Salla.

The reason I didn't mention pain, is because I can honestly say I didn't experience any - only discomfort here & there.

The worst part was having to lay still for 5 solid hours during the procedure, then all the next day, as I'm an otherwise very active person.

I'm sure you will benefit from having this done & I wish you well. Take care. -xx-