I am 66 years old, come from Neustrelitz in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and have been suffering from atrial fibrillation since 2011. For a long time, I was able to cope with the symptoms quite well, but in recent months it has gotten progressively worse. A rapid pulse, palpitations, severe chest pain—sometimes lasting for days—dizziness, and extreme fatigue have dominated my daily life. 

Eventually, I even had to go to the hospital. There, the doctors recommended that I undergo catheter ablation to control the atrial fibrillation and restore a normal heart rhythm. This minimally invasive procedure can only be performed at specialized clinics. I immediately looked into my options. Unfortunately, there are only two clinics in our region that offer this treatment—I would have had to wait three to nine months for an appointment. 

My husband then had the idea to try Berlin. Shortly before Easter, I sent my medical records to the DHZC—and the very next morning I received a call with a proposed appointment right after the Easter holidays. DHZC Senior Physician Prof. Dr. Felix Hohendanner also called me and explained exactly how the procedure would go and what to expect. Everything happened so quickly and was so well organized. I couldn’t believe it—I was moved to tears.& nbsp;

Since my daughter lives in Berlin, my husband and I were able to combine the appointment for the preliminary examination at the DHZC with a visit to her. The ablation was then performed shortly after Easter. I arrived early in the morning and waited in the outpatient area. I was quite nervous before the procedure. Thanks to the sedative, I didn’t notice a thing during the ablation itself.

When I first woke up after the procedure, I didn’t feel very well at first—I was freezing, shaking, my leg was twitching, and I felt nauseous. But I was cared for very attentively and, fortunately, fell back asleep quickly. I was able to rest for as long as I needed. 

Physician Assistant Maren Oehlke, in particular, took wonderful care of me and checked on me regularly. When I felt well enough, she helped me get up and take my first steps. She also removed my stitches and dressed my wound. 

I also really appreciated that Prof. Hohendanner discussed the ablation results with me in detail and explained exactly what I should watch out for after the procedure.

In the afternoon, my husband finally came and picked me up. And the very next day, Ms. Oehlke called me right away to ask how I was doing—I thought that was really special.

Now, just under a week after the procedure, I’m feeling very well. I’m slowly starting to move around more again, and I’m confident that I’ll be able to actively enjoy the warm months ahead. My daily exercise routine in nature is important to me and keeps me fit.

I’m supposed to have an ECG done every three months for a check-up. I do that here in Neustrelitz. The team told me that if there are any abnormalities or if I feel unwell, I can contact them in Berlin at any time. And I would do that immediately. The doctors there know my heart now. I would choose to be treated at the DHZC again and again.