Medical Ptsd After Catheter Ablation

[speedyheart]

Hi all,

First time poster here. Last Thursday, I had a catheter ablation for SVT. I have a diagnosed anxiety disorder and was obviously terrified going into it. I was administered twilight s station, but it didn't do a darned thing, and I was awake and alert for the entire 4.5 hour heart procedure.

The positives: I had an amazing medical team, and my doctor was nothing short of amazing. He is genuinely a caring, funny, compassionate man who was able to do his best to deal with my anxiety. Even though it was an awful experience, I am glad that he was by my side the whole time. Plus, the procedure was a success! Which is great news.

The negatives: I remember everything. From the terror I felt signing my consent to the 4.5 hours of surgery. I remember everything. And now I will randomly start crying at the drop of a hat. I cannot be alone - I just made my poor husband sit in the bathroom while I showered! I feel a slight twinge and start panicking. And if I'm not distracted I start recalling every little detail, reliving the fear and the sounds.

I realize time will be a huge component - it hasn't even been a week out. I'm already in therapy which clearly is a bonus :) Anyone else ever been awake during something similar? I think I just feel like such a burden on my friends and family because I'm so scared of being alone.

Thanks for your time!

 

[Tigergirl1217]

I've been through something similar when I was six but my catheters went up my peehole. I had to have tests to see what was going on. Unfortunately these tests did more harm than good because I ended up with PTSD. But fortunately when I was fourteen and had bladder problems I put my foot down and said no to catheters. I stayed my grounds and eventually the doctor realized I already have ptsd and these things would do more harm. I'm happy for you that you have great support take care:hug:

 

[yianni]

Hi all,

First time poster here. Last Thursday, I had a catheter ablation for SVT. I have a diagnose...

My sister had this same procedure done last week. Exactly the same experience like you and dealing with ptsd symptoms now. How are you now? Did time just make things better? Did you seek some psychological support from a specialist or considered medication for relaxation? Hope all is well with you.

 

[nicktyler96]

I've had a very similar experience. My Supraventricular Tachycardia was discovered after I collapsed while at college swim practice. In a matter of less than two weeks, I'd been in ambulances, emergency rooms, sent to one of the leading heart institutes in the country and underwent an ablation procedure. I was awake for a lot of it as well and remember so much of it. It's been 9 months since everything happened and I still get flashbacks of waking up on the ground at the pool, riding in the ambulance, and being awake during surgery. I will say that time has helped, though. I don't get as many flashbacks as I did before, and one of the biggest things that has helped me was actually talking about my experience, and making it clear to people that it was traumatizing. I was also willing to voice my fears of being alone afterwards, and I made sure the people closest to me understood my fears and anxieties about having that heart condition. Having a support system that understands you and your situation will prove to be so important. I'm 21 years old and healthy, so this was a very scary experience that I'm sure I won't ever forget, but I keep people close to me who are supportive and understanding and that's helped so much.

 

[Pendragon]

I've had a very similar experience. My Supraventricular Tachycardia was discovered after I collapsed while at coll...

Nicktyler, it is very understandable, and very normal, to have the reaction to the experience you have had with SVT at college. You are so young, and it was a traumatic event. You may have PTSD associated with this experience. I think the big question is, the further out you get from the experience are your symptoms dissipating or are they staying with you. In either case, consult a specialist to help you now and possibly later. The good thing is that you are young and strong and can rebound from this traumatic event, like it is going out of style. I had A/FIB and had an Ablation procedure a few months back. Like you, it went well, as the vast majority of them do. What you and I have to do, is get our tushes back up on that beautiful horse, called life, and ride again. Being a college swimmer you must be mentally and physically tough, that's excellent. You have your whole life ahead of you. Just be sure to talk to a specialist to get you off on the right foot, and whenever you feel the need to talk to someone who understands. Live long and prosper. :tup: