History - diagnosed with persistent fast (24/7) AF in Feb 2009 after heart failure caused by my GP's failure to diagnose fluid around my lungs - i went back 6 times in 11 days getting worse and worse only to be sent away with beta blockers until i had heart failure. I have changed GP's since!
First ablation in March 2011 lasted 4 months and during that period i felt back to normal and great - i had almost forgotten what normal felt like to feel well and have some get up and go about me. However, this do not last and some pathways where either dormant or grew back.
OK then, second ablation 28th Dec 2011, from the minute i woke up post op i didn't feel ok, for the last 18 months i haven't been well, ectopic beats, palpitations, my health and fitness worse than when i was in persistent AF. I am unable to exercise and my heart will not get past 120-125 BPM without chest pain and dizziness, etc. My blood pressure drops when i stand up amongst other issues.
I am 48 and an ex international level swimmer (fro the 70/s/80's)- when i had AF i could manage around 4 or so lengths of slow freestyle and breaststroke on a good day. Since my last ablation i can manage a length and have to sit on the side with my heart rate banging away in my chest, dizziness and it takes 5-10 min's for it to settle down to 'normal' I cannot train nor improve my fitness level or loose any weight either. I will get to why shortly.
TBH Cardiology at Northampton General Hospital have been little help over the last 18 months. i have seen assorted consultants and currently do not have one assigned as i upset the last one - long story, nothing to do with me getting upset or nasty more a moan on line having been in for an angiogram (sp?) and it being cancelled last minute due to the computer catching a virus - i waited 4 hours and was sent home. I posted this experience on line suggesting anyone else booked in that week check their procedures are still happening as the hospital was struggling to reschedule all that days’ cancelled appointments. Reasons behind this where that i takes a lot for me to organise a hospital days, with kids, transport, etc and all the logistics involved. The hospital took umbrage at my innocuous comments and removed me as a patients from my cardiologist i had had since day 1 and who actually diagnosed heart failure when i was admitted to A&E. We had a rapport and he knew me inside and out – literally! But it was seen as a conflict of interests in case anything happened to me under his care – personally i feel they are punishing me for daring to say they had a problem!
Well i see cardiology every 3 months or so, I tell them what is wrong, the organise the odd test and this has gone on for 18 months and during that period my health has deteriorated. I have been admitted to A&E 6 times in the last 6 weeks with heart problems – not even a visit from a cardiologist just kicked out when it settles down and told my cardiologist will be in touch...
My mental health has suffered over time, this is also a side effect of my blood pressure dropping and blood restricted to the brain – Nice! I got booked into see a specialist within the Mental Health Unit – i didn’t want to go but had an appointment – this is where things get interesting!
I spent an hours with a Neurologist, who also happened to be an ex cardio registrar! This was the best hours’ ‘care’ i have had in a long time! Recently thoughts have turned to autonomic dysfunction due to my symptoms, Cardiology are testing to rule it out – the irony is my GP suggested this, not cardiology. Autonomic Dysfunction heavenleigh412-ivil.tripod.... is not funny and i was dreading being told this was the problem. Well it look unlikely as i have been told by my neurologist that subject to tests but from what i describe i have ‘heart blocking’ due to my second ablation and the pathways being cut further down than necessary meaning my heart will not beat over a certain BPM and causing pretty much all my other symptoms and problems. It can be fixed with a pacemaker and special VVVI(?) pacemaker, not the usual type, it is a proactive ‘sensing’ pacemaker but it comes at a cost!.
So an hour spent with one chap who actually sat there, listened carefully and intently and came up with what seems like the actual diagnosis having spent 18 months with nothing other than being told “Its probably as good as you are going to get!” by another department.
OK this is subject to tests and yes, it was my first visit and time this chap had seen me but instantly i knew he understood, he “Got it!” he explained everything, i just wish i had recorded the conversation but i have his letter (CC’d) to my GP and also cardiology detailing his findings and a way forward and what needs to be done.
I will update this as soon as there is more. What i would say is do not take “No” for an answer and get second/third opinions and stand your ground, you know your bodies better than anyone, write down and diarise(sp?) your problems so you can give the people in the know all the right info.
6 months post ablation 
18 months post ablation and Starbucks accident
A-fib free since ablation 18 months ago but now suggesting Apixaban
One month post ablation
