1. Community
  2. Heart Health
  3. Cardiac Arrhythmias

Ablation procedure for Wolff-parkinson-white syndrome, step by step

Posted , 8 users are following.

Jennaray
Jennaray

Hi, I'm having an ablation done as I was diagnosed with wolff-parkinson-white syndrome. The Electrophysiologist said he thinks the area is towards the centre on the upper left hand side.

I'm nervous for the procedure. I've read the clinical side of what happens, but from a patients side what actually happens, is it sore, what is the sensation, how long do you have to lay there, do they strap you down so you don't move. How was the recovery in hospital after the procedure and how long before you could drive etc.

I don't do well in small spaces, locked rooms and the thought of being strapped down so you don't move is making me quite anxious. Please truthfully do they do that? Why can't they put you under general anethetist for the procedure if it takes so long. Sorry for the paranoid questions, as you can see I'm quite anxious, I would appreciate the answers please so I can try prepare my mind for the whole thing which is just over a months time.

Also lastly were you happy that you had it done.

Thanks take care.

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • Portacrean
    Portacrean Jennaray

    Posted

    I don't know of anyone who has had this done. How ever , I've read a lot about the procedure and some type of anesthesia was always given. It may not put you to sleep completely but you won't really care either. Pretty sure you'll be given some options. But the procedure is not considered invasive , which is great. So hopefully , someone who has had it done will jump in here and we can learn what it's like from experience , not a book written by medical people.

  • glynis21184
    glynis21184 Jennaray

    Posted

    Hi Jennaray,

    I may be having this procedure for dangerous Arrythmias at Wythenshawe hospital under a Dr Brown. He has made a video about the procedure for the British heart foundation showing actual pts having the ablation. It doesn't look like they are tied down and they look comfortable. If you google Dr Brown at Wythenshawe Manchester you see options, put in ablation and you should be able to see the video for yourself. It is very reassuring. Hope this helps, good luck. Glynis

  • k3rivers
    k3rivers Jennaray

    Posted

    You will be so happy after this procedure as I have been where you are and it will give you your life back of no more racing heart
    • Jennaray
      Jennaray k3rivers

      Posted

      Thanks, I think I'm going to try move my date closer, just coming out of an abnormal rhythm at the moment, lasted awhile, quite scary.

      Thankyou

    • Deeone
      Deeone k3rivers

      Posted

      Hi

      I'm curious about the ablation procedure in general. I have been experiencing irregular heartbeats for going on 6 months now. I've had numerous EKG's all normal. Wore a monitor for 2 weeks and had 1 episode of Afib. At the time I was training for an event and really stressed and not sleeping well. After All of this had an echo done on my heart all normal. Also did a stress test and thy ran me for almost 20 min all normal. I'm just curious as to whether or not I am able to have this procedure if they cannot find a problem? My heart doesn't really race when I do have an episode it's usually below 100. But I'm just really tired of this feeling and just want my life back. It never happens when I'm working out only I do Crossfit 5 days a week. When it does happen I'm sitting or laying down or doing something leasure. Sorry for the long email but any info would be greatly appreciated.

    • Jennaray
      Jennaray Deeone

      Posted

      Hi, I also find it happens more when I'm not doing physical activity,?

      I probably still wouldn't have known if the ecg machine hadn't generated that first result in 2014. The anethetist wanted a copy for his files, I'm presuming they don't see it so often?

      But it just finally made sense (although it wasn't to know you now have a problem. .)

      But I had those symptoms and the doctors couldn't pick it up for almost a year and a half prior to them finally catching it on "paper" It makes you feel like think it is all in your mind. They have now got it recorded 3 times on "paper" 2014, 2015, 2016.

      My Cardiologist with 2 of the results 2014, 2015, actually said to me are you sure these are yours.... that was prior to him trying to "kill" me on the treadmill. And surprise my results showed normal!! Before my angiogram the ecg picked it up again for the same cardiologist, my Angiogram was fine.

      I found my episodes gotta more frequent as the years past and in a way it was a relief to find I wasn't crazy. I know one of the medicationsessions I'm on does agrivate it, the Electrophysiologist I saw about 2 weeks back told me that, but I knew that already as some side effects of meducation are increased heart rate but I was hAvington this before I was on the's meds.

      He said the condition is not from anything I did, but is a birth defect. I'm having my ablation done on 18/7/16. Don't give up trying to get answers.. when you go to a Dr or Specialist tell them about wolff-parkinson-white syndrome.

      Sorry if this is not helpful but don't give up, you know your body better then anyone, trust your instincts. All the best.

      Let us know what your investigation turns up.

    • Jennaray
      Jennaray Deeone

      Posted

      Sorry me again, I also wondered if I should have it done, as the Electrophysiologist said only a very very small amount of people die from it, so I could leave it, have meds (with even more side affects I suppose) or the ablation. I looked up what other people have said and this site finally made me feel more at ease about it, Im still thinking even with my procedure in a weeks time what if they find nothing!!! my crazy heart beat one of the worst I've had and longest and people on this site saying they were so glad they had it done helped me finally make me more at ease with my decision.

      The choice needs to be yours as things can also go wrong in any procedure. It's a very hard decision. All the best..

    • k3rivers
      k3rivers Jennaray

      Posted

      Hi!  Have the ablation as it will give you your life back!  I had it and alot of other folks for your condition and similiar.
    • k3rivers
      k3rivers Deeone

      Posted

      I would just monitor your episodes as they do not sound too bad for an ablation yet.  My opinion, ablations great for SVT or WP syndrome but for ectopics.............never heard of any cures yet.
  • melissa20822
    melissa20822 Jennaray

    Posted

    I had ablation for AVNRT. I was scared going in too. I have lived with this for years. It was starting to limit the things i did and where i went. I opted for a GA. I was not aware of the procedure. I stayed overnight and was discharged home. No more meds which i had been on for 10years and were not working anymore. I still have a few flutters and thumps. I only wish i had of done this years ago. Hope your procedure goes well.

    .

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.