Back from Oz experience and date for 2nd ablation fixed.

[KipperJohn]

Despite the obvious misgivings about going such a long way, had a wonderful few weeks with family in Melbourne, returning last Monday. Had two bouts of AF whilst there -12 hours and 4 hours - but otherwise ok. No triggers as usual, just out of the blue. The second one caused the most consternation as it was less than 24 hours before we were due to fly home - the relief when I woke up in sinus rhythm was pretty enormous but I was still a bit anxious, probably needlessly, flying home.

Anyway, I saw the EP on Friday and my 2nd ablation is now 9 May. He's charming, relaxed and confident and took me though the procedure and answered all my questions, including my concerns about my left bundle  branch block. This time I'll be having a general instead of sedation and instead of ''block freezing' he'll be looking for any stray gaps which he can seal off - well that's my ham fisted description!

Of course, if he doesn't find any that's an entirely different problem because it means the AF is coming from somewhere else, but he thought it unlikely.

Just a bit more information to add to the site's database - best wishes to everyone as ever.

[Jacky52]

Well done for travelling, AF can make moving out of your comfort zone difficult.  Good luck with second ablation.

[KipperJohn in reply to Jacky52]

Thank you. Please see my reply to Rellim296 below. I'm very lucky to only have PAF and prolonging AF free periods for as long as possible is the aim. I have no idea how people manage with permanent or persistent AF and take my hat off to them. 

[Rellim296]

All the best for May 9th.  Not long to wait!

It's so encouraging to hear from someone who grasps the nettle, gives AF the elbow and travels to other side of the world and back.

[KipperJohn in reply to Rellim296]

Thank you. To be frank I am as anxious about my AF and other issues as any one else and will probably be all over the place come the day of the procedure. We primarily went to stay with our youngest and his family which made life easier. One just has to weigh up the risks and what you think your body and mind can tolerate. AF is always lurking in the mind somewhere. We had some great days and evenings out but I always felt a sense of relief on getting 'home' without incident. Bus as someone said you can't hug a Skype - which was a great driving force. We are planning the same for next Easter - a case of do it whilst we still can! 

Best wishes. 

[Rellim296 in reply to KipperJohn]

Well, hopefully the ablation will sort your AF and next year you'll be able to feel a bit more relaxed.

[OzLynda]

So glad you had such a good trip and have a nice EP to manage your ablation. I'm going the opposite way, leaving Oz in a month to spend 7 weeks touring the UK - alone.  I'm planning to enjoy my first ever visit to the home of various ancestors and have my fingers crossed that any AF events are brief and manageable.

Best wishes for your ablation. Lynda

[KipperJohn in reply to OzLynda]

Thank you. Hope all goes well and have a great time! 

[Wightbaby]

Hello KJ

Glad you had a great time!

Please could you PM me with the name of your EP.....and is he at QAH. Also your age if you don't mind.......I think maybe because of my age (only 62!!)...i have been relegated to the scrap heap!! Also is Connaughton your Con on the IOW?

Regards

Lin (Wightbaby)

[KipperJohn in reply to Wightbaby]

Hi Lin

Thanks. Just to confirm I have sent you a PM.