Six Months On

[MammaCass]

I haven't posted for a while, but I have been about, reading your posts. My ablation six months ago as you know went well, other than a sore throat, diaphragm and a bit of acid reflux following my cryo ablation there were no problems. I was signed off by the EP after three months, told to say on wararin and given an emergency contact number should I need it.

I've had a few bumps and jumps in the last six months but no bag of frogs in my chest and slowly, ever so slowly my fitness has improved. Bowls has become my exercise of choice, I play 3 times a week along with walking the length of the beach at Weston.

Today however I was issued a challenge....climb up the steps on Brean Down!!!! Now for those of you who don't know the West Country these steps rise approx 300 ft straight up, from bottom to top and follow a zig zag pattern up the hillside. So with much trepidation I accepted the challenge, I took my time, rested frequently and completed the challenge.

No problems since, no uneasiness in my chest, I just feel deep sense of satisfaction.

So for those of you who are waiting for your ablation, or have just had one.... There is a life out there, just take your time recovering, dont push it, you'll know when you're well enough. And for me? I'm off to Portugal after Christmas, (travel insurance cost £18 this time) there's a lovely bowling green right on the sea front, I plan to play every day and when I'm not playing I'll be walking the coastal paths.

Life after ablation isn't so bad !!!!!!

[shirlygirly]

After reading your post its given me new hope, still feeling Im never going to

get there after just 6 weeks since mine. So glad things are so good for you

and hope Christmas and New Year are perfect, Lucky you going on holiday

thats just what I feel like doing. Never played bowls but its sounds like it

could be a game played at just my speed at the moment.

Shirley.

[MammaCass in reply to shirlygirly]

Hi Shirly girl, hang on in there, things will get better. Bowls is a great game, I can recommend it, lots of fresh air, bending, stretching and about 1 mile walked during each game, add to that the banter and laughter and you have a recipe for health. Hope you have a good Christmas x

[Rellim296]

Life before ablation can be an existence.

Onwards and upwards!

Have a great holiday.

[MammaCass in reply to Rellim296]

Thanks Reliim how are you these days?

[Rellim296 in reply to MammaCass]

Just doing fine, thank you. MammaCass. No AF for 6 weeks - had two minor attacks in October, nothing since. My ablation was in March, so I am hoping that it's taken full effect. I saw my EP last month and he has offered me a third ablation and I am on his waiting list. It's a year long, so there's plenty of time to see how things go. Hope to be able to cancel!

You seem to be doing really well - very steady. Zigzag steps rising 300 feet is a fair challenge! Nice feeling when you get to the top.

[MammaCass in reply to Rellim296]

Fingers crossed Rellim that everything has settled and you won't need a third. Reaching the top was sooo satisfying. X

[Rellim296 in reply to MammaCass]

I bet it was. Nice to feel that one is a real person again. Capability restored!

[dedeottie]

Wonderful news.x

[MammaCass in reply to dedeottie]

So satisfying Dedeottie x

[BobD Volunteer]

Well done Sandra, Happy Christmas and heres to the next West Country Lunch. Enjoy Prortingal.

Bob

[MammaCass in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob, we hope to be there in March, hope you have a great Christmas x

[Japaholic]

On first reading I got "Bowels has become my exercise of choice...." OMG!! Second reading I got it right

[MammaCass in reply to Japaholic]

Thanks for that...my first belly laugh of the day !!!!!!

[iris1205]

Fabulous news! Thanks for posting this! Enjoy your well earned vacation!

[MammaCass in reply to iris1205]

Thanks Iris, have a good Christmas x

[wpw62]

Brilliant news ! I am nearing my 6th month and no funny heart rates now. Going to walk up inside the London monument today. This will test my vertigo as well! Enjoy your holiday. Merry Christmas xx

[MammaCass in reply to wpw62]

Have a wonderful day in London x

[Jenbo6]

Oh wow! Well done and thank you for sharing you happiness with those of us trying decide whether to ablate or not.

[MammaCass in reply to Jenbo6]

I hadn't realised how Ill I had become before my ablation, having it done has given me a whole new lease on life, and now my fitness levels are up I can do so much more x

[downbarns]

I am so glad things are going well for you. I am 10 months post ablation and have found the same. I swim at least 3 times a week and walking to the local shops is a doddle even going up the hill on the way back. Have a great time in Portugal.

Karen

[MammaCass in reply to downbarns]

Good to hear it's going well for you x

[cbsrbpm]

Very reassuring for those of us still deciding what way to go. I am to have this discussion in March. I had a go at bowls a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it but didn't take it up at the time as it was so expensive at the particular club I visited, went back to work instead but may have another try somewhere else next time. Keep well.

Brenda

[MammaCass in reply to cbsrbpm]

I recommend it Brenda, it is expensive to get the kit but you can pick a lot up second hand, after that it's not too bad and if you divide the annual fees by how any times you are likely to play in a season it's not that expensive. I play 3 times a week, winter indoors and summer outdoors so roughly 130 times through the year if I take holidays etc into account and the fees here are about £100 ish so it's less than a £1 a game. It is worth going to open days to get a feel for the club they are all different. Give it a go it's great fun x

[SuzieA]

How wonderful for you that things are going so well. Long may it continue x

[MammaCass in reply to SuzieA]

Thanks Suzie, fingers crossed it continues x

[Ang3lc4ts]

So pleased you are doing well. I have a question regarding ablation. How long does it take and do you have to lay on your back? I am debating whether to have one as I am in permanent AF now and after several in patient trips this year to try and stabilise me with medication, I am no better. My other problem is I have 7 fractured vertebrae due to osteoporosis, healed but still so painful resulting in kyphosis and loss of 5" in height and I cannot lay on my back for any length of time. It was bad enough having a pacemaker fitted and that was only under an hour! So any information would be gratefully received to help me make up my mind about having this procedure? Many thanks.

Di

[MammaCass]

I had sedation so was aware of what was going on, would an anasetic be better for you?