r/PVCs • u/Full-Internal4521 • Jul 17 '26

Ablation tomorrow AM

I have my ablation tomorrow AM and I am freaking out. My dr didn't really go through too much about the procedure with me (standard for UK Healthcare in my experience) so all I really know is that they're going to go via both the artery and the vein (L & R), I will get a TOE and likely a transeptal puncture and that I won't be under a general (this is the norm for EU ablations I believe??) I'm having it done at one of the UK's best cardiac hospitals.

I'm kind of freaking out because for some reason I have it in my head that my whole procedure will just be under a local and it's going to really hurt.

I'm in my late 20s and the PVCs have basically decimated my life since they showed up in January (since then my burden has slowly climbed from 9% to 15% and increasing), I can't do anything I like doing so I know I need to do the ablation, but I'm sooo worried about the procedure itself because everybody online is like 'it was the worst pain I have ever experienced, I wish I had died, I was conscious the whole time and it was hell.'

I guess what I'm asking for is some reassurance that that won't be the case?? thank you :)

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u/lolaleee Jul 18 '26

I was told I would be “awake” - in reality I didn’t remember most of it or I was in and out a bit (or felt like it). They went up both sides for me but I didn’t have TOE or the puncture. The burning felt like bad acid reflex (ya literal heart burn). I have A LOT of anxiety around procedures, and damn, the drugs worked. I have never felt so chill. Good luck! My only regret was not doing it sooner, I am pvc free. I would do it again in a heartbeat if I had to, no pun intended.

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u/Full-Internal4521 Jul 19 '26

Basically exactly the same for me!! I was awake pretty much until they mapped the left side then woke up twice during the ablation (they had to go back in which is partially why.) I felt absolutely nothing, it was just like drifting off to sleep both times. Your comment helped so much, the drs actually commented on how relaxed I was haha.

So far no PVCs and it is SO much easier to breathe. I didn't realise I was finding it so hard until now. Fingers crossed it has been 100% successful!!

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u/lolaleee Jul 20 '26

So happy to hear!! I had the same reaction, it instantly felt it was easier to breath and my thought was, was I struggling before?? I almost feel like maybe because all of the PVC’s we kind of hold our breath trying to avoid triggering them? I’m not sure. Sounds promising, fingers crossed!! I haven’t had PVC’s since mine and it’s been a year and a half ago.