Silly question...?

[Perrylees]

Sorry folks I  think I am about to ask a daft question..

I am booked in for my ablation on Tuesday after 18 months of persistent AF.  Feeling apprehensive but hopeful! 

I'm assuming that I will stay  on bisoprolol and apixaban for some considerable time after the procedure but I notice that a lot of you who have had  an ablation  mention episodes of AF /flutter etc. after the procedure.  At the moment although I am in AF 24/7 I don't really notice many symptoms like this  - its there but I'm not overly aware of it .... Controlled by the drugs.  Is this likely to be different after the ablation or is it just that I'm in  persistent AF so don't really have any different heart patterns to notice?  I hope this makes some kind of sense .  I'm just hoping that things aren't actually worse after the ablation!!

Many thanks

Ruth 

[BobD Volunteer]

That is not a silly question but I really am not sure about the answer. You may find that once you have been in NSR for a while you will be  more aware of events if you pop into  flutter or fibrillation which as you know is not uncommon in the first few weeks.

Never having been in that situation I can't say one way or the other . merely make assumptions. You wont be worse but there may be a transitionary period which you will have to go through.

You will I am sure remain on drugs for a few months at least  and as I am sure you will have seen me say many times, in my view anticoagulation should be ongoing.

Good luck on Tuesday and do relax.

[Perrylees in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob.  That certainly makes sense - thanks.  In common with a lot of people on this forum I've thought long and harmed about the ablation and having "plumped" I'm just anxious that I don't make things worse.  I'm sure it's the right thing but not worrying is easier said than done! 

[Hidden]

I had an ablation in 2006 and it worked 100% straight away. I had no AF for 8 years afterwards, hardly any recovery period, and no drugs either except anti-coagulants which I'm on for life. I couldn't even feel my heart for years, which was wonderful. The procedure was done under sedation and it was a breeze, time flew by. I also had 24/7 AF that was being controlled by drugs. My EP told me that because it was constant, they would know straight away if they had got it or not, and he was right. 

So fingers crossed for a good one 🙂 and certainly don't worry about it, or you'll wonder why afterwards.

Koll

PS. In my case, my drug (propafenone) was stopped a few days before the ablation and I stayed off them. 

[Peter1955 in reply to Hidden]

I had persistent AF for about 12 months prior to ablation in late January. I was on anti coagulants only, I had tried beta blockers briefly, but scrapped them as they had left me with zero energy.

The ablation worked, but after about 4 days I had a raised but steady pulse which was diagnosed as atrial flutter. I never notice the pulse, but use a Polar heart rate monitor (a sport/ fitness gadget) which has been very good at monitoring pulse rate. I was concerned, as I had not expected this. I was walking a lot, but had 2-3 days off and it corrected itself. I also had one very dizzy incident. Still on anti-coagulants only, but all going steady. Still walking quite a bit and got on my bike for an easy one last week, all going well.

Can't say how the bisoprolol will affect it, hopefully you will come off it soon. I guess we all experience AF slightly differently, good luck with your recovery.

[Perrylees in reply to Peter1955]

Hi Peter

Thanks - that's quite reassuring.  I can't wait to get of the beta blockers and have some hope of getting off the Anticoagulants too although I know opinions are strong about that particular subject!  As always with AF it seems that everyone is different - I'm just a bit concerned because a lot  of my current issues are with the drugs rather than with the condition  and I'd be pretty upset if I made things worse! 

[Perrylees in reply to Hidden]

Hi Koll. 

That's very reassuring thanks!  I have the feeling that most folk are in paroxysmal AF and that persistent is slightly less common so it's good to hear from someone in the same situation

Ruth 

[Barb1]

My 4th ablation was 13 months ago and except for one blip have stayed in SR. Still on all drugs. Wondering about attempting to halve my Bisoprolol to 2.5.

[Dodie117 in reply to Barb1]

I came off bisoprolol on the day of my ablation so I would speak to EP and ask. One of the main reasons for me opting for ablation was to be able to ditch the drugs - excluding anticoagulation. 

[Perrylees in reply to Dodie117]

Yes - I'll ask !  Thanks 

[Perrylees in reply to Dodie117]

Hi again.  Yes I asked and I'm also off the bisoprolol - hoorah!! 

Thanks 

[Dodie117 in reply to Perrylees]

Actually my suggestion re asking about coming off bisoprolol was in reply to Barb1 as she mentioned that she would like to stop it!!

[Dodie117 in reply to Barb1]

Barb 1.  My reply  was meant for you!

[Barb1 in reply to Dodie117]

I did ask my EP and he said to stay on it for another year when he would review if I was still in SR

[paulh1]

Two months today after my ablation I still get pvcs. However the amount and frequency are less and less. I am on an antiarrhythmic drug(Tikosyn). Hope to be off  all the meds other than anticoags soon.

[angelkisses50 in reply to paulh1]

After my ablation I also had PVC for a couple months, I was beginning to wonder if I had traded AF for PVC's and I wasn't happy about that.  But I am glad to say they went completely away!!  To bad I still go into AF approx every two months. :o(

[Perrylees in reply to angelkisses50]

Sounds like it's a case of being patient and not panicking then ( easier said than done sometimes!)

[Itjob]

Hi,

I had my ablation on 24th March 2016 (4 days ago). I know you will be feeling aprehensive about the procedure as I was. I was not done under general anaesthetic remaining awake as this was recommended by my consultant for my first ablation. I was in the lab for about 3 hrs with a dose of happy juice and it was a fairly comfortable experience. I am now in recovery with some bruising coming out in my groin but feeling remarkably good. Best wishes to you.

[Perrylees]

Hi 

Really glad it went well for you and hope it continues to go the same way!! 

[Minda]

Don't be scared I had an ablation done three years ago and it went well and I only stayed in the hospital overnight it will be OK just try to rest so you'll be better

[Perrylees in reply to Minda]

Thanks Minda

Ablation all done !

I've had a lot over trouble with v low blood pressure and nausea (possibly to do with RH sedative) but I am in Nsr!! 

Feeling very delicate definitely but the actual procedure was not bad at all.. 

Ruth 

[Trevor3839]

I had my first ablation 5 weeks ago today. Have had a variety of AF afterwards lasting from 15 mins to 18 hrs (once ) I was in constant AF prior to ablation. However this is now my 6th straight day with no AF. Few missed beats but nothing much. so please accept that you may have a few things as the heart settles down and don't panic if you do. It's all part of the healing process. My pulse is a bit high but I'm hoping that will come down over time as well. 

Trevor 

[Perrylees]

Thanks Trevor

Glad to hear things are going on the right direction. It's great to hear of the success stories! 

I'm now "done" and pleased to say i seem to be in a lovely NSR which apart from anything else is a novelty!  I'm  definitely going to be taking it very easy under over the next few day - I feel a little more delicate than I anticipated - but we'll see what happens!

Ruth