Going home
Depending on your procedure you may be discharged the same day or the following day. If you go home the same day, you should rest for the remainder of the day and limit the number of times you use the stairs.
Driving
You will not be able to drive for 48 hours after the procedure. If you have a group 2 LGV/ PCV licence, please ask your arrhythmia team for advice, or contact the DVLA. You can find more information about this at the DVLA website (www.dvla.gov.uk)
Pain relief
If you feel any discomfort from the puncture site, you may find that taking simple painkillers such as paracetamol will help. You must be careful not to exceed the recommended dose as stated on the box. Occasionally patients get pain from inflammation of the lining of the heart after the ablation. Usually, it is mild and can be treated with painkillers, but if it is more severe, please contact your GP or the arrhythmia nurses, on the number at the end of this leaflet.
Looking after the puncture site
You may have a shower the day after the procedure. If you prefer to have a bath you should wait 1-2 days. Take care when washing and drying the puncture site. You should check the puncture site daily for the first few days after you get home. You may experience some bruising but there should not be any swelling. If you do notice any swelling, please contact your GP or the arrhythmia nurse specialists. It would be unusual for bleeding to occur once you are at home. However, if this happens you should lie down and apply firm pressure just over the puncture site for 15 minutes. If the bleeding does not stop after this time or you have any numbness, pain or swelling you should contact your GP, NHS direct or local Accident and Emergency department.
Heart rhythm following the procedure
It is quite common to experience palpitations following the ablation. Palpitations can occur for up to three months after the procedure, which is normal. If your symptoms are continuous please contact the arrhythmia nurse specialists for advice.
Resuming normal activities
You may have been given sedation during the procedure. Although you may not be aware of it, sedation can remain in your system for up to 24 hours and can cause you to be less alert then normal. It is important that you do not drink alcohol, operate machinery or sign legally binding documents within 24 hours of the procedure. If you are discharged within 24 hours of the procedure it would be advisable to be escorted home and have someone stay with you overnight. You should arrange to take approximately 1 week off work, although this varies depending upon the type of job you do and procedure you have had. Your arrhythmia team will advise you if you require longer. You should avoid lifting heavy objects for 1 week.
Exercise and physical activity
Resuming to your normal levels of exercise should be a gradual approach. You can start to resume your normal exercise activities within a week of discharge and build up these activities when you feel ready.
Medication
Your consultant may have made changes or additions to your medications following the procedure. If so, you will be given a supply of any new medication to take home with you. A nurse will discuss your medication with you before you go home. Details of your prescribed medication will be sent to your GP and it is important that you order further supplies before you run out. It is very important that you continue to take all your medications as instructed by your consultant. Your medications will be reviewed again when you come back for your follow-up appointment.
What happens next?
You will be seen in an outpatient clinic approximately 4-6 months after the procedure. You will be contacted by letter and informed of the date, time, and place to attend. If this appointment is not convenient, please contact your consultant’s secretary. Please note at your follow up you may not be seen by your consultant but by another member of the arrhythmia team who can discuss your care with your consultant if required.
Who do I contact if I have any problems after I go home?
Please contact the Arrhythmia Nurse Specialists Monday to Friday between the hours of 8am to 4:30pm on 01253 955787. For help out of these hours please contact your GP. If you need immediate help and are acutely unwell, please contact you GP for assessment or go to your nearest A&E department. If you have access to the internet you may find the following websites helpful www.bhf.org.uk www.arrthymiaalliance.org.uk
Type of Procedure:_________________________________________________________________
Date of Procedure:_________________________________________________________________
Consultant:________________________________________________________________________
Additional information: ____________________________________________________________
