After a rough ten days following the ablation, I began to feel greatly improved and returned to work full-time Monday, 21 days post ablation. Yesterday afternoon I began to have chest pain starting in the middle of my chest and moving all across the right side. It really hurt to take a deep breath such that I couldn't. Actually it hurt to just breathe, but that's hard to give up. Thby bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Barb, It is understandable to be scared with this. I think we all have been especially before the procedure. It is great that you have a good support system. Put them to work for you! Best Wishes! Bettyby bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Shannon, Thank-you for your thoughtful answers to my questions. It sounds like you have thoroughly researched the subject and are making a good decision. Our best wishes and prayers for you as you undergo your Lariat procedure on August 4. Do let us know how you are doing with this. Bettyby bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Shannon, How many Lariat procedures has Dr Natale done? Have any of these patients died during the two months following the procedure? What is the experience in this procedure for women and are they at greater risk of complications? Thanks, Bettyby bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Tums was first prescribed for me by Dr. Natale 18 days ago when he did my ablation. It seemed to help more than the carafate. I do take calcium for osteopenia and Dr. Natale is aware of that too. Nobody advised against taking either. In regards to sleep apnea, Dr. Natale did ask me about that during my initial appointment with him. Fortunately sleep apnea is not one of my problems. Howeby bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
You might try chewing some Tums for those symptoms and see if they help. It helped me.by bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
I'm happy to report that I'm feeling great now. Thanks to each of you for your help and encouragement. Bettyby bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Congratulations on taking the big step. Enjoy your NSR.by bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Feeling weak and needing extra rest is part of normal recovery. Be good to your body. Bettyby bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Christy, That is wonderful news! Congratulations and thanks for sharing the good word! Bettyby bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Thanks Murray and Shannon for your encouragement and information. I feel a little guilty complaining after hearing of your experience Shannon for five days post ablation. You certainly had a time of it. Your explanation of what is happening makes it easier to understand. I didn't know why my body was reacting the way it was to the ablation. It helps to know others have been there before aby bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
My ablation took place on 6/24 as scheduled. Found Dr. Natale to be compassionate and his staff to be top-notch. He described my ablation as 'extensive.' The first 24 hrs I felt great. Since then I've been short of breath and tired. A short walk is plenty. Guess I'm holding fluid in my lungs and am supposed to continue with the Lasix/KCL regime another few days. His NPby bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Insurance can be such a pain! Hope you get it worked out to your satisfaction.by bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Best wishes for you on Thursday. And please let us know how you do. Hopefully you will feel much better.by bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
I waited a couple months for an appointment in Austin and then another month of Coumadin before the ablation. Am scheduled for the ablation first thing Monday morning with Natale. Will keep you posted! In anticipation, Bettyby bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Thanks for your good information, Shannon. Keep us posted on how you are doing. Bettyby bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Shannon is a wealth of knowledge about afib. You need a job in Natale's office educating us. Thanks!by bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Barb, they will do the ablation if you have been on a blood thinner for less than a month, if you have a negative TEE first. That's assuming there is a slot for you in the EP lab. Bettyby bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM
Barb, I'm scheduled for a Natale ablation on June 24. I carried a copy of my medical record with abnormal EKGs with me along with the Echo to Dr. Natale. Like other women have found, I was once regarded as a neurotic female when describing awakening in the middle of the night short of breath, rapid irregular heart rate, dizziness, etc. I wish it had been 'bad nerves' but it waby bstevens - AFIBBERS FORUM