Hi all just a quick update it's now 12 months today since my cryo ablation at Freeman Newcastle by Dr Murray.
A bitter sweet celebration of being free of afib after my mum passed away 3 weeks ago unexpectedly. 74 bless her and a strong woman never scared to say it how it was, with a heart of gold.
Most of the people on here know but for those who don't, after years of suffering frequent extended bouts then lapsing into permanent AF after a bad virus, I made the decision to have the cryo ablation April 19. I had a 7hr+ op which was seemingly a new procedure for them at Freemans, and after a long recovery process with a few bumps on the way, am glad to say it was the best thing I've done in terms of getting QOL back to where it's been of late .
Now able to walk 3/4 mile isn't something i used to be able to achieve , yet can now easily accomplish that, and cycle for 10-12miles which I enjoy more than ever its like a new lease of life, even gardening 🙄 which I hated is like a hobby I never had, love it very therapeutic and relaxing .
A change of lifestyle has certainly helped, I'm more relaxed in general, and my focus on diet and exercise has definitely changed for the better and it certainly changes your outlook on life after years of reduced capabilities which I suppose you just block out and consider it the norm with afib so aggressive as it was . The last year wasn't all roses with a hospital trip in July 19 in lanzarote admitted with flutter, reverted by cardioversion, a bad experience, but thankfully this hasn't reoccurred since fingers crossed and Dr Murray when seen in Aug said it May have been post op inflammation, or just a blip in my recovery . Would I do it again, have the ablation ? Absolutely, if needed, and without hesitation, I got my life back which is something you can't quantify.
I guess like everyone this damn covid scenario has changed our lives temporarily for the worse, but I'm certain that if we can endure years of torture with what I think is one of the most debilitating and demoralising conditions namely afib, then we can get through this supporting each other .
This forum has been a great source of support and kindness and the words of quit a few resonate and have lifted my spirits in bad times and had kind humour at times when needed , I can't thank every one of them but they know who I am talking of am sure , at low times they really talked sense and made rocky roads become smooth runs, some truly genuine individuals who spend their own time making others feel less vulnerable .
Anyway need get back to gardening, and saying that still makes me laugh, stay well, stay safe, and hopefully we will all be discussing the ups and downs of 2020 next year and chatting about how we came through it.
In the words of my mam, "nothing you can't do if you put your mind to it".
Ian.
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Ianp66
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Great positive post Ian which is much needed right now I am sure. Thank you. Enjoy the gardening as I suspect we will have to contend with great changes in our lives for quiet some time. It is hissing down here so no such luck.
Thanks Bob, us car nuts are a Hardy bunch aren't we, I'm with you on the timescale, I think this is for the long haul, especially with some idiots behavior and attitude to isolation. Cloudy with sunshine here so no escape form the jobs, installing an irrigation system this afternoon, keep me focused, take care mate.
Two hour window in the rain so about to get out the big drill and start digging out some concrete to put in a repair post for the "Armco" down our drive.
Good to hear from you.
I'm pleased that you are in a positive place.
Sorry to hear about your mum, it's really hard to lose someone.
It's 8 years today since my dad died of cancer at 66. 13 months into his retirement.
Cheers mate, got to be haven't we, it's full of turns isn't it life. She's going to be big miss, but she wasn't one for dwelling on the negative, in this situation we are all in its a good trait to inherit. Hope you and yours are well.
All the best Ian, sad of course about your Mum, she sounds like my kinda gal....lots of great memories I’m sure.........stay well.
Hi Ian, I'm sorry to hear about you losing your mum so suddenly, just can't begin to imagine what a shock that must have been.
Your post is positive re your ablation and that's good to hear. How lucky are you to have regained some of your energy and life back - could you send me a piece of that please?
Thanks Jean, it was so sudden and its taken 3 weeks to arrange the funeral which was last Monday and so unnatural not being able to console family keeping a distance at a time you want to console others .
The energy thing is priceless as you say very lucky, wish we all got same results from the ops. You, Bob, FJ, Mikee and CD amongst so many others I can't list have been an inspiration on here and helped me endlessly at low points, the hugs greatly accepted.
Ah good stuff I noticed its been better managed over your kneck of the woods, not so much here, well the idiots aren't adhering to anything just us sensible people staying isolated so it's a mixed bag. Worrying thing is I think we may all have to think long term as Germany and Japan has had a spike after relaxing measures, until a vaccine or effective treatment plan is available I would guess itl be battle to keep the stupid at bay here unfortunately.
Our borders (National, State and regional) are closed and there has been strict quarantine and isolation laws in place (with fines of up to $50,000 or a year in jail). Almost all cases here are related to overseas travel and/or cruise ships. We are down to 36 active cases in Western Australia (14 are in hospital and 4 are in ICU). The governments here have been excellent. We’re hoping there isn’t a second wave and no one is celebrating yet.
Exactly how we should of handled it Kaz, been letting in thousands since first isolation orders by air, utter negligence and I think we will pay dearly for it.
I too am in WA and am so thankful of the way the corona virus threat has been handled in Oz. I just hope they don’t open the skies to international flights too soon. Better safe than sorry🤗
Well done I am glad you are well and enjoying life with out AF . The Abilation was the best thing I did just not doing great come down with flu symptoms most likely the virous in to week 2 now and turning a corner all I did was go shopping once a week and walked miles. I thought in my mind if I can get through A F I will come through this it's the tiredness with this virous is hard - Glad your well Una x
Ah no, take care of yourself Una, we did so well as you say coming through AF, loads of fluids and rest, and don't get too run down get seen before you get too fatigued x
I second what you say about quality of life. Ablation was the best thing. I still have medicine, still get PACs but QOL is 99% better than before the op
Lovely to hear your Ablation Op, despite the blip, has turned into a rip roaring sucess! Fantastic news. Chers the redt of us up. Thank you.
Am so sorry to read of the sudden loss of your Mum. What a shock for you and your family.......and so sad you and others cant be physically comforted with hugs etc. Our Mums are a special relationship so when they pass its always a big deal. Big hugs x
Very true, a big miss and don't think itl sink in properly until this mess is all over with and life goes back to some form of normality, indeed a lot of family's are going to be suffering the same unnatural scenario , I think itl be an extended period of delayed loss in stages for quite a few, thanks for your kind message.
Sorry for your loss:-(. But so good for you to hear that your health is on the bright side of life now. Ablation can be a real gamechanger 👍, I wish you a lot of walking, gardening and everything else.
I am so sorry to hear that you have lost your mother. I think we all vividly remember the day we became 'orphans' and to lose a parent in these times must be doubly hard as so many bereaved are being denied some of the very comforting rituals that accompany the death of a loved one.
On your health front, I am so pleased that everything is going well for you and your positive outlook is admirable given what you and your family have been through. Long may your steady heart continue. x
Thank you, it's a difficult time for us all I think, but we all have to stay strong and help one another even if it is just chatting away and keeping each other in good spirits.
Sorry to hear of the loss of your mum ,the grieving process so much worse due to social isolation ( just lost mother- in-law last weekend due to the virus). Fantastic that your ablation so successful and can totally relate to how amazing it is to be able to walk/cycle as normal again. Positive posts really help others who are just starting on the horrible AF journey. Stay well.
It's a strange one for sure, let's hope this horrible situation has something positive soon, we could all do with being able to move freely around to a degree, being the social animals we are.
So good to hear you Ian, well done you. Keep up the cycling and the gardening !! Great to hear u are still in NSR . I needed this boost today, my 1 year anniversary is July, also still in NSR, but feeling a bit down re other related factors that are setting me back.
So thanks for the confidence boost. We will all get there 😊
Stick in there, I had loads of moments of doubt and anxiety, especially when healing the first 9/10 months I still had a few off days and little blips . Others on here were a great comfort and rightly reassured me it was a long route to recovery, something I can vouch for. I can imagine it's harder for you with all the stress of the current lockdown and its implications, but be kind to yourself and take each day as it goes that seemed to help in my case anyway. And if one piece of advice I didn't heed I could give, is don't go too quickly and listen to your body, gently build up over 12 months to a level of exercise that is comfortable..
Yes thanks Ian, have been trying to do that. I also struggle with anaemia and just had another bout.
Was doing v well just before with finally getting out to cycle. Hoping it won't be too long a set back .
Your recovery does sound inspiring if it was permanent before. Mine was persistent and think they just got in there in time.
Also thinking of you on losing your Mum.
Hope I will be saying something similar to you, on my recovery come July. Guess the set backs remind us how much we have been dealing with in this battle to get back to NSR
So sorry to hear of your loss, Ian, but cheered by your health news. I deeply appreciate your warm and thoughtful post, especially in these difficult times. This forum is certainly a blessing.
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