u/Bananamouth

Hey all,

Last Friday it was the day. My ablation was scheduled and I was nervous as hell.

Made my way to the hospital by public transport. I live in the Netherlands, so that's no issue. My wife does not have a driver's license, so my wife and as well as my mom were there the entire day waiting for it to be over and for support.

Arrived at the hospital. Checked in. First I had to do some blood tests and one more ECG. Then made my way to my room. A comfy bed and some sexy gowns were waiting for me. Got changed and waited for someone to show up.

The nurse came in, asked me some questions and told me to wait for the head of nursing. She arrived a little later and explained to me how long I had to wait (there were 2 before me) and what to expect. The friendly way she spoke and the support of family calmed me down.

The waiting was the most horrible part. All of the sudden the nurse came in and explained to me it was time. I laid down in the bed and they drove me to the recovery area which was adjacent to the surgery area. Here me and my wife had to part ways (horrible feeling) and I got moved to the surgery rooms.

As soon as I arrived there, a whole bunch of surgeons, EP's and other people showed up explaining me what was going to happen. They made me feel so relaxed. Got my IV inserted and got some final check ups. Then I had to walk to the surgery table and had to lay down. I got connected to all sorts of wires and tubes, my CPAP mask was being put on (I was being put under full sedation, not full anesthesia) and they made some small talk while some Dutch party music was being played from the speakers. It made me laugh. From the moment they said that they started the sedation process, I basically fell asleep as I don't remember anything else.

Next thing I remember is waking up at the sleeping ward being asked if I wanted water. "Yes please!" as I was not allowed to drink all morning.

I started waking up and felt a slight burning sensation in my chest but nothing else. Then it was time to take me back to my own room. I could not wait to see my family again. As I'm being driven back into the room, I yell out "Your Uber Eats delivery is here" and my wife starts crying because she was so relieved or my joke was shitty. I hope it's the first option.

In all seriousness, we were all relieved. Been home since Friday, took 2 days of full rest and since then I've been doing very small things around the house and been gaming a little. Also went out for a haircut today (2 minutes walk) and taking it easy. This Friday I'm taking the train to see some friends as I'm not comfortable driving long distance yet and even there, I will do minimal walking and take it super easy (it is a long scheduled meetup and people flying from different countries to come see each other, bunch of gaming nerds who know each other for over 20 years)

Well that was it really. Happy that part is behind me.

Take it from someone who was a nervous wreck before the procedure; Do it! I had dentist appointments which were worse than this. I hope you all are doing well! Not had any AFIB since but for some reason I also didnt have any AFIB the full 6 weeks prior to the surgery. Pain is very minimal, some light bruising in the groin area, keeping that clean, and sometimes some discomfort on the chest and left side. That's it.

The first picture is around Christmas , 2024. The second picture in July, 2025.

Health-wise not doing well. Artrial fibrilation mixed with anxiety. Things did not get easier. My symptoms got worse during the end of last year. When that happened, a lot of other things happened. My dad passed away suddenly during his holiday to Marokko. While that happened , I was in the middle of a change of jobs and doing my final exams for my driving test. My entire world came crashing down. I literally crashed as well. A day after the funeral of my dad, I fainted while cycling to work. (I was going to visit for a cup of coffee as I had time off because of my circumstances)

Picked up by an ambulance was probably the scariest personal health scare I ever had. From that day on, I changed my eating habits. As much healthy eating as possible, mostly only drinking water, coconut water and one coffee to start the day. My weight has always been an issue but I needed to change.

Today I've lost 32 kilo's in total. I'm not there yet. My health is still a concern, getting surgery in August/September. But I will do everything I can do get through this as good as possible. Today, this picture was taken and I'm so happy on how far I've come when it comes to my weight. Now it's time for my health to catch up. Just wanted to share this little "proud" moment I have. Unfortunately there is no magic cure. Just eating and living healthy (and an amazing wife who will drag you out of the house to go for walks).