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Originally Posted by Ellie May  I'm sorry. 
I'm a heart patient, too. Because EP studies are done in such a controlled environment it is fairly safe, but honestly far from risk free. I was offered an electrical ablation for sinus tachy (not A fib), but it came with the warning that there was a 1/5 to 1/4 chance of getting a pacemaker that day. My symptoms are benign and not bad with meds, so obviously I declined. I'm not sure of the pacemaker rate if done for A fib. But..a pacemaker is far from the end of the world.
An alcohol ablation is something different. It is used to cause part of the heart muscle to shrink so blood can flow better. I have cardiomyopathy, so a few doctors have thrown this out there (except my case is too mild). Anyway, it is not exactly trusted fully long term.
Will be thinking of him... |
Ian, my husband was told the same thing, slight chance of a pacemaker but like you his symptoms are not that severe, it's just after the month study of him wearing the heart monitor they saw some things that were of concern. Ian told the doctor that he is NOT to put one in, that he would rather have time to think about it and do it later if necessary. I know a pacemaker is not the end of the world, but he is just 56 and really in very good shape. Plus they did not even give medicine that much of a chance to control this yet. The doc is an "electrician" type of a cardiologist and does this all the time so while we are worried we know he is in good hands and it is sort of a routine procedure.
Thanks for all the well wishes