Would appreciate any experiences or info from anyone who has had ablation procedures for flutter and fibrillation at the same time.

[Scorer]

Saw my cardiologist today for a follow -up after 72 hour holter monitor and ultrasound following initial consult. Apparently, I am in atrial flutter most of the time with episodes of atrial fibrillation (up to 3 a day). Has suggested ablation of both the right atrium for the flutter and the left atrium for the fibrillation performed simultaneously under general anaesthetic. Says both procedures will take about 4 hours. Am on bisoprolol 2.5mgs and he is prescribing flecainade as well to help relieve symptoms prior to surgery in about 2-3 months. Plus anticoagulants as well. Am 62 years old and female and my symptoms started about 3 months ago.

Any information or advice would be most appreciated as I am obviously worried, though have great confidence in the consultant. He recommended this site for info by the way.

Thanks

[Beancounter Volunteer]

Hi Scorer

well I have never had an ablation, and I am sure those who have will post, but my understanding is that flutter is easier to ablate than AF, so they generally go for that first, and then see how much AF is left once they have dealt with the flutter.

I am sure many will reassure you about the procedure, not for me to say, but really great news about the anti-coagulation, you needed to be on it.

Don't worry too much (it bring on AF ) But do post as many questions as you like that is what we are here for.

Be well

Ian

[Scorer]

Thanks Beancounter. Consultant has told me that the flutter is a pretty successful procedure and is confident he can sort it. Has given me a 75% chance of success with the ablation to sort the fibrillation. Seems like pretty good odds to me as I can't carry on as I am at the moment. Life is on hold for the time being so hoping drugs may help in the meantime.

[Hidden]

Hi Scorer! I have had 3 ablations, the last one being April 2013 which was mainly for A/flutter & a ' touch up' for AF. By the time of the procedure I was in A/flutter most of the time & found it very disabling & quite distressing . In fact to me it was worse than AF ( apart from when AF was superfast ie over 180 bpm! ).This procedure, undertaken when i was actually in flutter, was done under GA & took about 1.5 hours but my previous 2 ablations for AF were done under sedation & were over 4hrs each in duration. A/ flutter is apparently relatively easy to ablate & with a

high success rate. The procedure itself does, admittedly, sound rather daunting, but you will be well looked after & it is nowhere near as bad as it sounds . Whereabouts are you having your procedure? Do ask if you have any specific questions. Sandra

[Scorer]

Thanks for your reply Sandra. Yes the flutter is very troublesome as it is around most of the time and with a heart rate of about 150 makes me feel very tired. I am feeling quite confident of that procedure being successful. Less so about the fibrillation as so many people seem to have had more than one procedure. Still haven't heard from anyone who has had both done together so maybe it isn't that common? Am to have the treatment at Papworth Hospital near Cambridge where I live. How long will recovery be? Can I carry on as normal? Am retired so no pressure. Am quite frightened about the procedure, but can't carry on as things are and am sure things will be improved. How are you now? Regards Pam

[Maitha]

Yes all will be better after ablation , don't worry .

I had three ablation procedures first one last Aug for. Atrial flutter and it was the easiest one since I had the ablation while I was in flutter , I took only two hours along with study and the flutter stopped directly .

I had two ablation recently for other types of irrythemia , it is really easier than it seems , you just need to choose the right experienced doctor and take a good recovery .

It take only one night at hospital , a week full rest , then gradually increase your activities to normal level .

Actually I went back to work after my first ablation by three days but it was wrong I was feeling tired quickly , but the doctors always telling go and live normal just don't lift heavy things for two weeks , but by experience I think we need rest for around three to four weeks

Wish you well soon .

Maitha

[Dodie117]

I had ablation in November 2013 for AF. Afterwards the EP said I had flutter as well and that whilst they were in there they did both. For about 4 months after the ablation I had many episodes of AF but then settled and for the last 3 months no episodes. It seems to have worked and I feel great. I know it may return but if it does no hesitation in having another. Good luck and try not to worry.

[Scorer in reply to Dodie117]

Thanks for your reply. Gives me hope and confidence. Keep well. Regards Pam