No matter how many visits I’ve made to the hospital, and my specialist heart care team over the years, there is always a feeling of dread and uncertainty attached to it. Friday, 4th August 2023 was no different. The wait for my catheter ablation operation was over, and I was being admitted to the CDU at the Golden Jubilee hospital in Clydebank for the procedure. As someone who worries constantly, any visit to a hospital; especially one that requires a trip to theatre, will play on my mind for some time.
I have built a really strong relationship with the experts who help manage my condition. The team have been invaluable to me and my family throughout my journey. The Scottish Congenital Adult Congenital Cardiac Services (SACCS) team at the Golden Jubilee are an incredible group of specialised practitioners who help guide me through my appointments, niggles, physical and mental struggles.
The ablation procedure was required as treatment following my diagnosis of Atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter last year. Back then, I was admitted to hospital during my routine check up with the SACCS team. I underwent a cardioversion procedure in March 2022 to help reset my heart rhythm. The Ablation referral and subsequent procedure is part of the specialists plan to help provide the best quality of life for me to enjoy with family, and in every day activities. That includes working, exercising and enjoying gigs, watching football and socialising.
Link to British Heart Foundation - Ablation Info
On arrival at the CDU ward, I was met by a nurse who showed me to my room. I then had to don the hospital issue gown, but thankfully I managed to avoid the paper pants combo. I chatted through my medication with the nurse and had an ECG taken as part of the admissions process. After that, it was a waiting game for my wife and I, until it was my turn to go to the Cath Lab.
My wife Linda and I scrolled through social media, news stories, set up our fantasy football teams and spoke about anything other than my visit to the hospital. When the doctor carrying out the procedure came in to speak to us, I could feel my anxiety building and see the impact it had on Linda, as the worry and anxiety started to show on her too.
Just after noon I was taken to the Cath Lab and prepped for the operation. Cold gel pads and sensors were applied to my back, chest and sides. An oxygen monitor was clipped on to my finger, blood pressure cuff wrapped around my leg and a mask over my mouth and nose. Some bits had to be shaved before they could start the procedure, but I was relaxed, sedated and fast asleep long before the catheter tubes were inserted into my leg vein.
The expectation that I would be awake during this procedure was a significant worry, but thankfully I was sedated almost entirely through the ablation. I recall some instances of interaction with the specialists and a few times my heart rate was increased as part of the arrhythmia mapping, but overall my three hours in the lab, very much passed me by.
On my return to the ward, I had to lie flat for around an hour to help my leg wound heal. Gradually the nurses were able to sit me up in bed and allowed me to eat something. Honestly, a wholemeal sandwich with ham, never tasted so good. That, along with 2 cups of tea, was just perfect.
After around 3 hours in recovery, I was able to sit in a fully upright position. My nurse took me on a short walk around the ward to make sure I was steady on my feet. By 8pm I was on my way home to recover with family.
How am I now?
I’m not as stiff as I was on Friday or Saturday, but still quite sore, tender and swollen around the operation site in my groin. The bruising makes for some quite incredible artistic design and I still feel a bit vulnerable. Every movement is calculated, just to make sure I don't bump or aggravate my wound. I am taking short walks locally to try to rebuild my confidence and work towards reaping the benefits of the work, dedication and care offered by the NHS team at the Golden Jubilee.
