My SVT Surgery Experience | Catheter Ablation

Brief overview of my experience with a catheter ablation procedure to treat supraventricular tachycardia (SVT!) - 3 months post surgery!

[@victormayer8519]

Had SVT catheter ablation done in 2019 and was successfully ablated. This surgery was super easy and comfortable and best of all i dont remember a thing. If youre scared dont be, its super easy and the best thing you can do to get back to a normal life.

[@KiwikimNZ]

In New Zealand they only give light sedation and a little pain relief and was totally awake and alert the whole way through and was horrible!

[@victormayer8519]

@KiwikimNZ Socialized Medical Care in New Zealand vs Private Medical Care in the US. As you can see, nothing is free. You pay for it one way or another. If I was told I needed to go back in today for a second ablation, i would do it with a smile.

[@defaultplayer2772]

I'm telling my son this, obviously I am more scared than he is. Great to hear you lads are doing great.

[@KiwikimNZ]

@@victormayer8519 yes for sure. Agreed. Plus everyone’s experiences are different dependant on a lot of variables. My SVT episodes were very symptomatic so unpleasant anyway, including shortness of breath, syncope, chest pain and pain into jaw and shoulder and was exacerbated I think by the procedure, also the ablation therapy was targeted on the left side, so they had to pierce through the membrane of the heart from, right side to the left. In saying that, after having SVT episodes almost daily, some lasting 8-9 hours without being able to restore normal rhythm through basic manoeuvres, I couldn’t do anything and would definitely do it again too. I’m still early days and so I’m still getting a few niggles and flutters but nothing like before and I am so so grateful to have had it done for sure! :) hope you continue to do well

[@victormayer8519]

@KiwikimNZ Everything you're experiencing post-op is normal. I still get flutters and short runs of 4-6 beats once in a blue moon, but that is also normal. It corrects itself, and I'm back on my way. The key here is that these random flutters and short runs are all non-sustained. I can exercise, eat heavy meals, and drink some alcohol where I couldn't before before the ablation. Think positive dude it's all good. I lived through 25+ years of SVT and midnight runs to the ER, the ablation is a God send, and I pretty much live a normal life now.

[@brandonflorida1092]

Glad this worked out for you. I wish you the best of luck.

[@glamapandacapital]

Thx mate

[@veronicasawyer77]

i’m getting this done in two weeks. Thank you for this video.

[@dwrety]

Good luck to you. Just had mine 2 days ago.

[@petepamf]

Thanks dude. I've had bad palpitations since i was about 12 years old. I'm 54 now and awaiting ablation surgery and found this video to be the most straight forward as i am a little anxious about it. Cheers.

[@glamapandacapital]

Completely normal to be anxious mate! all the best and hope the surgery goes well 👍🏻

[@veronicasawyer77]

likewise, here. this is really helpful

[@joeperkowski]

How did the ablation go?

[@petepamf]

@@joeperkowski Thanks for asking! Had it 6 weeks ago and haven't had an attack since. So here's hoping it's the end of them! Cheers.

[@joeperkowski]

Ya I am so fed of them damned things I had it happen 2x in past 8 weeks at work no less. One happened today abulance came and I reconverted without adensonie. I am going to see electrophysiolsout in a week and want to get it so depressed@@petepamf

[@rumbletym]

Hey mate good to hear your Ablation was successful, I’ll be on my 2nd ablation next month.

[@glamapandacapital]

Thanks mate best of luck

[@twicestan254]

Thanks for sharing your experience. How are you feeling today? Did the ectopic beats go away or are they less in frequency now? Thanks and God Bless.

[@glamapandacapital]

I feel 100% thank you!!!! The SVT has not returned and I have found magnesium supplementation has really reduced the frequency of the ectopics 👍🏻 hope all is well!!

[@dwrety]

SVT has bothered me since high school and now I am 28. Just had my procedure 2 days ago and my doctor said it was successful. I didn't feel anything during the procedure, not much pain at all not even the IV. But in the recovery, I could sill feel several flatter heart beats. The doctor says it's all normal. And I am asked to have baby aspirin for 30 days after the procedure.

[@glamapandacapital]

That’s all normal mate. The flutters are called ectopics and and normal as the pathway that caused SVT has been removed. They get better over time and make sure to supplement with magnesium citrate.

[@rhyanshelby6572]

I'm getting my ablation in 2 weeks. I started getting episodes at age 10 and they got really bad during pregnancy. I had 30 sustained (5 min-2 hours) episodes on a 2 week heart monitor. I would guestimate I had 300+ episodes my whole pregnancy even on Metoprolol and Flecainide. After birth, they went away for a couple weeks but now it comes back sporadically and freaks me out. I sure hope this thing works because I'm not having anymore kids if it doesn't. Not only was it miserable, but my baby ended up in the NICU for a week due to the effects of the medication

[@glamapandacapital]

Makes a lot of sense given you would likely have elevated pressure on your vagus nerve. You are doing the exact correct thing in getting an ablation, your quality of life will improve immensely. Best of luck 👍🏻

[@joeperkowski]

How did the procedure go?

[@rhyanshelby6572]

@@joeperkowski Good, thanks. I turned out to have Wolff Parkinson White which is a subtype of SVT that they didn't expect me to have. They said you're supposed to be able to do an EKG on someone with WPW even when they're not having an episode and see they have it. With all the dozens of EKG's I've had, they somehow didn't know I had WPW until they were doing the ablation. But they got it and hopefully it's over now

[@Geoman2123]

Hey mate, I’m in australia too and have SVT, and was wondering if you’re still having episodes?

[@glamapandacapital]

No mate haven’t had it since the surgery!

[@SwaggerBoyJayOfficial]

Would you recommend this? I’m 17 Years Old And Have SVT when I exercise, I’m still considering if I should do it or not

[@glamapandacapital]

It’s up to you mate if it impact your quality of life. Things to weigh up are the regularity and how easily your heart rate can be reset by things like the valsava maneuver.

[@matildakroesen555]

I have mine booked in for 5 weeks time. Im soooo nervous. I was supposed to get it done over 2 years ago but chickened out...legit at the hospital but just couldn't do it. My svt hasnt improved. I have episodes pretty much on a weekly basis usually last only a few seconds but have had a few that have lasted 20 mins and longer at over 200bm. Im pretty much terrified to work out and even worry when i walk the dogs...I have constant skipped beats. I get a headache now after even a small episode.... and just feel awful.....literally lauging too hard can set it off. Its always on my mind and my quality of life has been quite affected by it. I just hope i got through with it this time and it gets rid of it.

[@glamapandacapital]

I was nervous too! But I was at the point where my quality of life was so diminished that I backed myself into a corner mentally, it was ablation or bust! Best of luck with it, you didn’t chicken out, you’ve taken a bit step already, I’m grateful it’s one of the few heart conditions that can be eradicated 👍🏻

[@jakemcateer8712]

Your worry is likely worse than the procedure. I have been hospitalized 4 times for SVT. Given Adenosine, all that good stuff. Had 2 ablations. Hospitalized at 200+ BPM is worse than ablation. I refused to live in fear and payed for it a few times with hospital visits. Finally, I had a "succesful" ablation yesterday It's your quality of life, don't live in fear

[@matildakroesen555]

@jakemcateer8712 Yeah, I feel like it's overtaking my life, but I am also worried about getting the procedure and when you tell people about it, they freak out, which makes my anxiety so much worse. 🙃

[@jakemcateer8712]

@matildakroesen555 I really do understand. But you have an opportunity to live a completely normal life, SVT free. Procedure is a cake walk. Move onto the next part of your life without all that baggage. Speaking from experience

[@jakemcateer8712]

@matildakroesen555 I understand the anxiety and hopelessness of it. I'm sorry you're going through it

[@kalakey]

I recently had to get cardioversion. 3 doses of adenosine did not work. I am considering this procedure.

[@glamapandacapital]

Certainly explore it. The procedure is not particularly invasive, and can dramatically improve your quality of life!

[@rickyromero8716]

Sorry to bug you again mate. Would you also get shortness of breath after ablation? I think it’s anxiety induced but will talk to my cardiologist about it.

[@glamapandacapital]

Yes mate like slight tightness in the chest, it’s normal. My cardio was poor for about 2-3 months after but back to 100% pretty soon thereafter.

[@candicep80]

I don't know if you are still checking comments, but I had a question. I had my ablation 11 days ago and I've had a few palpations, which are getting to be very few now. However, my heart rate sometimes goes over 100. I played tennis today and it went up to 162 bpm. Did it take some time for your heartrate to go back to a lower number? I feel like it is running a little higher than normal. Just curious if you had the same and if it went down after some time?

[@glamapandacapital]

Yep my heart rate was slightly elevated for about 2-3 months post surgery that is due to the procedure! You have to know that you have undergone a relatively invasive procedure (I.e burning the inside of your heart) so it takes a few months to settle down. Great to hear on the palpitations reducing!! I’m still planning on posting more just life been hectic ^_^

[@candicep80]

@@glamapandacapital Thank you so much for taking the time to respond back. I have been watching all the videos I can to find out what is normal before and post surgery. My ablation seemed to go quickly. It was 1.5 hours from start to finish and the doctor is confident that it worked. I am glad to hear your bpm went down after a few months. Everything else seems to be okay other than an elevated heart rate as of now. My SVT episodies really were an issue only when playing an intense game of tennis so that is going to be the ultimate test when I return to tennis matches. Today I played for a few hours and my heart rate was a little higher than I would have liked, but no SVT. I'm flying to Greece in a few weeks and I am glad I got the ablation before my trip. I can't imagine being in an airplane or foreign country and getting SVT. Your comments and video really do help a lot of people, me included. Writing from USA. Thanks again.

[@glamapandacapital]

@@candicep80 thanks for the kind words! If you have anything further feel free to ask. I may just take a bit to respond given how hectic work/life has been lately!

[@SuvradipDasPhotographyOfficial]

brother i have pvc around 7k in holter, severe chest discomfort, uneasinesss. i am planning to get this done. pray the best for me...

[@glamapandacapital]

Have you been properly diagnosed with SVT mate? if so, best of luck and hope everything goes well!

[@SuvradipDasPhotographyOfficial]

not SVT, but having severe discomfort unable to any activity not even able to sleep, my surgeon has suggested me Ablation to get relieved. On holter i recorded 8500 pvc recently@@glamapandacapital

[@AnaMartinez-yq8es]

I am 3 weeks post ablation, I'm having some discomfort in my chest at night. Did you experience anything like that?

[@glamapandacapital]

Yes mate probably for a month just mild chest tighteness / discomfort. Definitely goes away 👍🏻

[@Sunnychahal-bx4mj]

M 35 yrs old and have svt since i was kid currently on flecanide n metroprolol but suggest ablation but m too scared get get ablation but i know i have to one day

[@glamapandacapital]

hey mate - depends on the severity of your episodes and how it impacts your quality of life. For me - it was 100% worth it given how active I am, and the SVT was really impacting my quality of life. There is risk with all surgeries and I was nervous too! Best of luck with it mate

[@PeteHob]

Just as a side note, how did you like being totally exposed to everyone in the cath lab for period time? There were about 8-12 people in and out of the lab when I went through this. But I was under general anesthesia

[@glamapandacapital]

it was fine mate - wasnt too worried given what i was in there for! freezing room though too keep all the equipment cool!

[@ishumitamohan9464]

@glamapandacapital My svt returned after 5 months of ablation. I’m going to have second ablation. Anyone has any experience on that? Is it normal?

[@glamapandacapital]

Sorry to hear that mate - was was the surgery report from your doctor post surgery? Was it an empirical ablation or were they able to identify the issue?

[@mayradiaz2643]

I was diagnosed with SVT this year and it’s so scary my doctor said I will will need the procedure done all this time I thought it was stress he said no that I was born with it , thank you for sharing , have u been SVT free ?

[@glamapandacapital]

Hi there - yep! SVT free since the procedure!

[@muddyduck4524]

How fast were your beats before the surgery when you experienced svt? Ive had 2 episodes, 10 days apart both times heart rate getting to 240 bpm

[@glamapandacapital]

Yes mate around 240-250bpm. Not a fun feeling!

[@muddyduck4524]

@@glamapandacapital I agree. I'm a very nervous anxious person. I'm terribly terrified of the ablation surgery. Is there anything more you can say about it to maybe ease mind and to not be so worried

[@glamapandacapital]

@@muddyduck4524 hey mate - what helped a lot for me was weighing up life with and without the SVT. The condition had gotten out of hand and was really impacting my quality of life. Furthermore, the surgery itself was a breeze. I was barely awake (as you are heavily sedated as it helps with the chances of catching the condition) and it’s actually pretty cool! It’s a pretty quick surgery and all and I’ve had a great recovery. I was definitely nervous going in, but more so about getting sick before the surgery and about it being delayed. Once I was in the clear it was out of my hands, I’d come to terms with it mate

[@adrianacoates1353]

just got my ablation. ( feb 8th) BEST SURGERY EVER NO PAIN ACCEPT THE iV lol I hate Ivs other than that no pain slight palpatations here and there I felt so amazing I havint felt like this at all in my life I can breath better and everything. Worth it they diagnosed me at the hospital when my gasteritis triggered the attack ( gasteririts is an indigestion issue. high sodium and high fat and high acidic foods can cause an attack ) after the last episode I had ( which lasted 3 hours) they had to use a medicine called adenosine. Scary medicine cause it makes u feel like ur gonna pass out. Other than that they stopped my heart and reset it. After that they told me I needed surgery I cried about it the first few days then the day before yesterday I was excited for the surgery my heart always pounded out of my chest and I have asthma so it really didint help at all. I felt an svt attack coming. Gladley it waited till I got to the hospital they did the surgery and they solved it !!! it was the best surgery ever no pain you van take tyeonal no other medicine cause of the blood thinning. If your considering on getting it get it

[@glamapandacapital]

Great to hear mate! Haven’t had to use the adenosine prior to my ablation but have heard it’s a funny one!!! Glad you are on the mend!!

[@Jeynaro]

What is the recovery time for this type of surgery? I think I’m going to get it but I just recovered from a broken arm and I don’t want to be inactive again :(

[@glamapandacapital]

No heavy exercise for 2 weeks mate, after that no restrictions but best to not do heavy weights for 6-8 weeks according to the surgeons

[@rickyromero8716]

Did you ever get a short run of SVT post Cather ablation? I just had one yesterday that lasted 3-4 seconds on SVT and I am on my second month post ablation. Let me know brother. I feel like my ablation was a failure :(

[@glamapandacapital]

hey mate - not really, i would get consecutive ectopics which felt uncomfortable but never again the rapid fast rythm for an extended period of time.

[@rickyromero8716]

Hey man how are you doing now? I went the ER and was in ICU because my SVT episodes will come and go. I’m on strong medications at the moment but it sucks cause I feel dizzy all the time. With your expensive would you recommend an ablation? Godbless man and hope you answer.

[@glamapandacapital]

I’m doing fine mate, SVT condition has not returned! Quality of life is much better mate. I was on beta blockers and agree you feel really horrendous on them! I would certainly recommend it if it’s impacting your quality of life.

[@rickyromero8716]

@@glamapandacapital thanks for reply brother. Going to see an electrophysiologists in 2 weeks! Godbless !

[@robindimal6787]

Hello what are you doing when you are in actual procedure? Because you said you are awake when you ablate. Plss tell me because i have this procedure on december 12. And im scared

[@glamapandacapital]

Hey mate - most people simply fall asleep or are semi conscious, let me be clearer you are still massively sedated (it feels like you’re in a dream or almost falling asleep) it is one of the most pain free procedures mate. Best of luck!

[@rickyromero8716]

Hey man, I got my ablation 2 weeks ago. I just started having a lot of skipped heart beats and flutters. Would you get this as well post ablation? And how long does it take for these beats to subside ? Also can you drink alcohol?

[@glamapandacapital]

Hey mate that’s completely normal, they got much better after c.3 months, I found magnesium citrate 1x daily really helped a lot as well as getting good levels of potassium and hydration. Alcohol typically is not good for it but I was able to have a beer or two about a month after. The skipped beats are a result of the ablation of the defective area and the heart adjustment, I don’t notice it anymore!

[@rickyromero8716]

@@glamapandacapital thanks for the reassurance brother! Are you able to drink alcohol now though? Or we can’t ever have alcohol?

[@glamapandacapital]

@@rickyromero8716 I was fine to drink probably 1 months after mate, but you’ll have no restrictions provided you had a successful ablation!

[@marilur3411]

Abliation on July Dr said I was just getting sedated and they were gonna put medication to provoke my heart irregular palpitations this is so scary and ived heard it’s horrible feeling a you’re totally awake and it’s painful 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@glamapandacapital]

hey mate - everyone has a different experience but to me it felt like a normal SVT episode when they provoked the condition. It is a blessing that they were able to because that meant that they identified the defective area. I was like half-way asleep, i was concious but i was borderline knocked out.

[@KiwikimNZ]

To all of those saying their ablation was a breeze, is because you were anaesthetised or under heavy sedation. Where I got mine done it was horrible, light sedation. They had to go through into the left side as well. 2 hours later. I can say it was painful and I’m not a whimp . I was beside myself. In saying that everyone’s experiences are different and my SVT are very symptomatic so it wasn’t nice being in SVT while having the procedure.

[@tdg223]

Did those skipped beats ever stop??? You did not have those prior. Im on the fence on getting this done. Nervous

[@glamapandacapital]

Yes mate - they have reduced in frequency a lot, I don’t really notice them anymore. For the avoidance of doubt im 11 months post surgery and no SVT episodes since 👍🏻

[@tdg223]

@@glamapandacapital awesome, how long post surgery until you could go back to full activity, exercise all of that?

[@glamapandacapital]

@@tdg223 after 2 weeks you are fully cleared mate! It’s best to not do heavy weights like deadlifts or squats for 4-6 weeks though minimum due to the way the surgery is performed (they go through the femoral vein in the groin and this has to heal!)

[@tdg223]

@@glamapandacapital ok, thanks. I am averaging an episode every 3 years, 180 bpm, i can get myself out of it , so two choices take 50 mg beta blocker or go to hospital and they can get me out of it right away by injecting adenosine in my heart, heart stops completely then restarts, its a crazy kinda awful feeling or get the surg and be done with it. Finally thinking about getting it done.

[@mindofown]

Thanks for sharing, how is it going? still no SVT?

[@glamapandacapital]

Yep no SVT mate!

[@mindofown]

Fantastic news, have my Electrphysiology consult in 3 weeks and your story gives me some hope@@glamapandacapital

[@philippunger455]

I‘m having my ablation in 2 days. I‘m a bit stressed thinking about them burning something off in my heart. But I‘m willing to do that, because for the last two years I have had a major decrease in quality of life. Always anxious when working out and always looking out for next hospital

[@glamapandacapital]

Hey mate - are you getting put under or sedated? The feeling was like a warm sensation in my chest. I empathize cause I had to stop working out and playing golf and doing things that took me away from hospitals! You’re making the right decision mate

[@philippunger455]

I’m getting sedated. I’m just a little nervous because i hate having SVT and knowing that they’ll trigger them and I might be able to feel them makes me nervous. Another thing I’m afraid of is having worse arrhythmia after the procedure, so that I’ll need a pacemaker, medication ir stuff like that

[@rickyromero8716]

Are you still SVT free ?

[@glamapandacapital]

Yes mate! No more SVT ☺️

[@mrchris389]

I had the procedure done. Said 98% success rate. I was the 2% that it failed for

[@glamapandacapital]

Hey mate sorry to hear that. 98% is very odd though, my surgeon definitely did not quote that success rate to me at all.

[@mrchris389]

I'm over in the UK so it might be different

[@saransanjay4117]

Brother are you going gym after the surgery ?.. I'm afraid of cardio exercises...🥲

[@glamapandacapital]

Hey mate - I took it really easy for about a month after surgery. I gym 5 times a week now and golf once on the weekends. I’m very physically active which is why I HAD to give th e surgery a shot mate.

[@veronicasawyer77]

I really don’t wanna do this with twilight. I would much rather be knocked out because I had a really bad experience during an angiogram being only sedated. I was far too lucid 🫣

[@glamapandacapital]

Completely understandable! I am not sure of the level of sedation for an ablation compared to that procedure, but honestly I had grown so anxious about the condition that I was fine with the thought of only temporary discomfort during the surgery. I was obviously worried, but it felt like a weird dream in the end really!

[@veronicasawyer77]

@@glamapandacapital thank you so much for sharing your story and experience as they are really helpful. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. I need a solution to SVT as my heart rate is regularly at 200. I had a stroke last year in my occipital lobe and lost much of my vision. i’m only 44 and have the health of a senior 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@dwrety]

The reason for that is the doctor want to trigger your SVT during the procedure so that they can pin point the exact pathway that's causing it. Total sedation might just prevent SVT completely. I just had my procedure 2 days ago. The last thing I remember of the procedure is they put a mask on me and I was completely out. And next I was waking up in the recovery room. So you don't actually feel anything. Honestly the IV needle might just the most painful thing you would ever experience in that day. Good luck to you, the sooner you do this, the better.