12 month ablation update

[Kiwi2]

Just wanted to give you a 12 month update after my second ablation. My first cryo ablation in January 2015 helped but was not successful and I needed a RF ablation which I had on the 30th October 2017.

Recovery was slow and took quite a long time with many ectopics and strange beats but no AF. Someone on here said, when your puncture wounds in your groin have healed your heart will be healed also. This really resonated with me as you can't see how angry your heart is inside after the procedure.

I have had no AF and feel really well. I am still taking 1.25mg bisoprolol and nothing else.

My life is back to normal with going to the gym a couple of times a week in addition to yoga. Slow deep breaths help if my heart feels unsettled.

Thank you to everyone on this site as you never feel alone and always feel supported.

Bella

[BobD Volunteer]

Hi Bella, so glad all is well with you. Long may it continue.

Bob

[Kiwi2 in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob, I enjoy every AF free day as I am aware it may come back at any time

[Hidden]

Fabulous post Bella, particularly helpful for me because I had a cryoablation in July 16 followed by a RF ablation almost 3 months ago. Need I say any more!!!

[Kiwi2 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Flapjack. Wishing you a good recovery too. How are you feeling?

[Hidden in reply to Kiwi2]

👍...all good thanks Kiwi.....

[Pam296]

Hi Bella. That is great news.

[Kiwi2]

Thanks Pam, how are you now? If you want to meet up again, just let me know

[Gincalpe]

So pleased for you Kiwi2. Hope you stay AF free and enjoy a good QOL.

[Kiwi2 in reply to Gincalpe]

Thank you, me too

[Bmwpaul1971]

So nice to hear a positive story. Good luck 👍

[Kiwi2 in reply to Bmwpaul1971]

Thank you

[Marcus30]

Could I ask if those ectopics etc all settled down, and how many months it took?

Are you keft with some degree of extopics and strange beats?

Also were caffeine and alcohol triggers and if so are you able to partake in moderation without concern?

Cheers,

Marcus.

[Kiwi2 in reply to Marcus30]

Hello Marcus30, yes the ectopics have settled and it must have taken around 8/9 months. If anxious or rushing I may get some fluttering and then just take some deep breaths and the heart settles.

I am sure caffeine and alcohol were triggers, especially red wine. I now have a couple of cups of tea in the morning and then herbal and one cup of decaffinated coffee. I don’t drink alcohol often, and can tolerate a glass of white wine which I couldn’t before.

What stage are you at and I hope that helps. Please feel free to ask further questions.

[Marcus30 in reply to Kiwi2]

4 mths post 1st ablation but have developed atrial flutter which lasts for many days!

now booked in for a 2nd procedure to hopefully stop this!

Many ectopics post ablation but settling with time, and hoping eventually to have 2-3 glasses of wine a week, and a decaf cappucaino each morning.

fingers crossed (but the flutter is worse than the fibrillation!).

[Thompson123 in reply to Marcus30]

Hi Marcus ,

Iv just come across your post , I wondered how your feeling now ? Have the ectopics settled ? .

Im 10 weeks post ablation for the past months I been having constant ectopics my Kardia keeps coming back saying atrial Bigeminy. Some flutters too . I just got the day when everything’s settles and I came feel better .

Many thanks

[Marcus30 in reply to Thompson123]

My flutter comes on and generally doesn't stop until I DCR, however the last 2 times it came on it self reverted after 13 days and 1 day!

However I'm booked in for 2nd procedure next week to hopefully fill in the gaps causing this.

My ectopics are far far reduced from what they were even 4-5 months post ablation, so all seems to be settling but still have 10-20 ectopics per day.

in themselves that would not worry me at all except that any one may lead to being back in flutter...which is a problem.

Advice: don't worry too much about what your monitor says.

Worry more about what you are actually feeling

Ultimately just ask your EP their thoughts on what you are, are not experiencing.

But at 10 weeks I wouldn't place too much emphasis as can take 3 to even 6 months to settle down.

Do you seem to "go into" flutter or fast HR for a period of time? hours or days?

or just the odd few seconds run of a funny heart?

Cheers,

Marcus.

[Thompson123 in reply to Marcus30]

Hi Marcus ,

Thank you for your reply. I have runs of ectopics for hours one after another then it turns into atrial flutter this lasts up to an hour I take a double does of Flecainde and it does stop it .

Not every time dues it turn into atrial flutter .

I’m just had an 4 day monitor get results in March .

It’s so hard to work and run around after 3 small children when your heart is all over the place . I struggle to relax as for some reason the ectopics start with force when sitting or trying to sleep .

Iv just start magnesium I heard good stuffs about this .

Sounds like you have gone through the mill . Wishing you all the best for next week and a. Easy recovery.

Michelle

[Marcus30 in reply to Thompson123]

He Michelle,

for what it's worth my advice:

- Initially I presume you had your first ablation 10 weeks ago for AFib?? can I ask how long had you suffered Afib and how long would each episode go for before self reverting? I was about 1 year increasing from monthly to every 5 days the last few months, ranging from 2 hrs to 12 hrs.

- if you were somewhat similar, have you had any actual Afib episodes since ablation ? Or just ectopics and flutter? (which is irrelevant if you have in the first 3 months but a somewhat good prognosis if you haven't).

- flutter can come about due to the ablation itself (no they never told me that prior!!) but is a very high chance to be fixed with a second minor procedure.

- Are you able to ask your EP questions before your scheduled re visit post surgery or not? I couldn't!! (grrr).

- When is your next EP appointment? I suspect they will simply say... yep if still happening after 4 months (which may or may not) a second go to touch up a few areas will highly likely fix.

So try not to stress too much atm.

Cheers,

Marcus.

(Ps: i'm no psychologist and don't have children, but I reckon it's most important to explain to the family that when your fluttering and ectoping you may need time alone and not be able to do your normal things, and may be really down. So long as they all understand that, support is imperative during this time, and you need to be able to have time away if possible. I have an incredibly supportive partner who understands all that!).

[Thompson123 in reply to Marcus30]

Hi , Thank you for taking time to reply to me Marcus really appreciate it . Some many lovely people on here with great advice and support . It lovely to talk to people that understand.

Iv had three ablation in 16 years . One for SVT second for AVNRT and the third for AT and AFib . I was only diagnosed with a Afib this year . Each episode and last from one hour - morning to night . Luckily Iv always be able to revert with be help of Flecainde.

I had a 7 day monitoring two weeks ago Iv got to wait until my three month check up in March to get my results. So long .....

I’m thinking like you I may need a touch up with an ablation.

I’m learning to be more kind to myself

And take time when I can and not do housework 🙈 . My partner works nights and I’m a teacher. Difficult to find time I got too .

Fingers crossed you second ablation sorts everything for you .

Wishing you the best of luck

Michelle.

[Alann996]

Brilliant news and long may it continue 👍