Question for those of you who experienced worsening of symptoms after first ablation.

[dedeottie]

Ok, I now seem to have a constantly high heart rate (100_120 at rest) and Also A.F. breaking through the flecanide. Flecanide previously kept it at bay. Is this normal or has the first ablation been a complete failure? I think I remember reading that some people on the forum had the same experience. Do any of you know why it is worse? I think I must have imagined that I would at least feel a little bit better.

I'm having a cardio version sometime soon but know that it may not last for long and am beginning to panic. X

[rosyG]

Don't panic- it will be just that the ablation has made your heart irritable and it will settle again after a few months. Have you got another ablation appointment to tidy up

bits that have healed and left gaps?

Although your pulse isn't ideal it's not in the dangerous zone- so sorry you are getting worried.

Keep in touch and let us know how you get on

[meadfoot]

Sorry you are feeling concerned which is understandable. Your heart is probably still stressed from the ablation. It takes a long time for our heart to forgive us for the intrusion but things will settle.

i am sure it has not been a failure just taking its time to settle. Scary and worrying I know but things will improve. Take care and get as much support from your medics and the forum as you need.

Dee

[dedeottie]

Thanks for your support guys. I am sure you are all right. Finding it a bit hard to be positive tonight as I've had a bad day. The flecanide has been doing such a good job for the last few years that I had forgotten how horrid A.F. is! Never mind I know Im in safe hands. We will see what this next week brings. Once again, thank you.x

[bridget54 in reply to dedeottie]

Oh I feel for you. Like you on Flecainide I was well controlled but I didnt want to stay on it as its such a powerful drug so like you I had an ablation in April and now have loads of ectopics ( which Im trying not to stress about ) and a faster heartrate.

I was told at my follow up apointment that there ate somethings at the back of the atrium that effect heart rate and its thought that after ablation these ' things ' maybe affected causing rate to go up as its so common post ablation.

As others have said I hope like you it all settles down soon because like you I feel horrible when it happens. Fingers crossed for you

[Dodie117]

Mine got worse and heart beat high but all settled gradually. Took about 5 months. I had my ablation in November 2013 and feeling great since it settled. So early days, be patient and hopefully yours will settlke down.

Wishing you the best. Marie

[Eliza2 in reply to Dodie117]

So.good to hear these stories.....I, like Dede, fearing the worse after my ablation and it has just been one week. Crazy making in my head!!!!! I'm even afraid to start back to yoga thinking I'll do something that will "fire up" the wrath of the great afibber!!!!!!!

[dedeottie]

Thanks Marie, that is heartening.x

[heather-7]

I'm feeling like you. I had my 1st ablation in early June and experience Afib almost every evening two hrs. after dinner. My rate isn't as high as yours , only up to 110 bpm during episodes but I hate the feelings and don't know if it continues while I sleep.

I'm on tikosyn and see EP in a week.

Heather R

[dedeottie in reply to heather-7]

Don't worry, you are still in the 3 month period for strange things to happen. I had mine in early Feb but didn't come off flecanide for 4 months so I had a false sense of security! It is an anxious time though isn't it? X

[Eliza2 in reply to dedeottie]

Very very!!!!!!!

[Vony]

Hi Dedeottie. I really hope you feel better very soon. Remember your AF family are here and understand what you are going through. I am certain all will settle for you soon and you will start to feel great xx

[dedeottie in reply to Vony]

Thank you so much xx

[debilitated]

I also had my first AF Ablation on July 17th and had about six days of bruising and weakness but no AF symptoms or flutter. After one week I began to have 2/3 second pauses followed by AF that could last for several hours. I was told to take Flecanide as and when I had an episode. It made no difference and 10 days post ablation I was rushed back in to hospital with rapid flutter 135-155 which lasted 48 hours. Just as they were about to carry out a cardioversion my heart paused for 5 seconds then kicked back in at NSR. For the next four days I had a restricted feeling up in the sternum and a tight chest which affected my breathing. This still happens after I have eaten or drank water.

From then until now I have experienced ectopics, followed by AF throughout each night and often following a meal. My resting pulse since the flutter episode has remained between 75 and 95. It was 55 before the ablation. I am constantly tired and feel weak. I am now on regular Flecanide and have a second AF Ablation and/or a Flutter Ablation scheduled for November.

Like others, I find it worrying that my symptoms are worse rather than better than before the ablation and with little explanation as to why I have AF each night and a faster pulse now. I am not due for a follow up appointment until October 3rd but yesterday I rang the hospital to say I am still stuggling to get around due to fatigue and a faster than usual heart rate. They have asked me to go in for an ECG and follow up in the outpatients clinic with the cardiologist surgeon tomorrow. I really hope it is just taking time to settle.

[Hidden in reply to debilitated]

Glad you are getting help sooner rather than later. Take care!

[dedeottie]

I think I was prepared for the possibility of a second ablation but I think I thought that I would feel a bit better not worse! I have 're read some posts from Bob and others that do say just that though so fingers crossed that things will get better for us both after the next ablation. Good luck with your appointment. X

[Eliza2]

Dottie I know that panic feeling.......try to breath and distract yourself. It's so scary especially at night in bed when it's you and your heartbeat. Do you take anything for your anxiety and sleep?

[Eliza2]

I too worry about the break through heart jumps and racing after my recent ablation. I feel same way. It is hard to not think the worst. You certainly are not alone in your fear !!!! Rosy had a great response.....I thank her for that too.