life after av node ablation

[donnajak]

I have had afib for 4 years before it  became obvious that drugs were not my solution.  I had the catheter ablation first, and although it improved my ability to walk and breathe at the same time, it was not a total solution. because I also have distolic disfuntion, my cadio doc and ep both recommended an av node ablation and replacing my 2 wire pacemaker with a 3 wire. that meant I was totally dependant on the pacemaker for initializing each heart beat.  It has only been 4 weeks since the procedure but I already am feeling 75% (at least) better.  the pacemaker technician says it will get even better as my heart heals from the procedure and gets used to being told what to do by the pacemaker.  

Again, it has only been 4 weeks, but I am not sorry that I took this drastic step.  I am 76 and have always led an active life.  I am ready to do it again.

[Mickey16]

donnajak -  I am really glad to hear you are feeling so much better.  I have had a similar experience and have had an ablation and now a pacemaker a month ago. I have just had my third wire "triggered" last week as I was not feeling that good and am hoping things improve.

It is really good to hear you are feeling so much better.

Best wishes.

Mickey16

[donnajak in reply to Mickey16]

I feel well enough that I went fishing yesterday. First time in 2 years.

[seasider18]

By three wire pacemaker do you mean a Dual Chamber one? My EP who wants to do an AV Node ablation is happy with my single chamber one he fitted last year. 

[donnajak in reply to seasider18]

I don't know if dual chamber. It is a st Jude quatro Allegra. I understand the additional wire provides the stimulation to the ventricle so the heart beats. Probably doesn't answer your question. I did have a pacemaker before this one. 

[seasider18]

Quatro Allegra sounds like a car! I think that yours is an ICD

[donnajak in reply to seasider18]

Don't know what an icd is. Guess it doesn't matter what mine is or isn't as long as it keeps my heart beating.

[seasider18]

An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or automated implantable cardioverter defibrillator (AICD) is a device implantable inside the body, able to perform cardioversion, defibrillation and pacing of the heart. The device is therefore capable of correcting most life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.

[donnajak in reply to seasider18]

Not a defib or cardio version device. A pacemaker that provides the signal to beat a set number of BPM after av node ablation.

[seasider18]

Quatro Allegra does not come up on a search on the St Jude web site.

The nearest was sjm.com/sitecore/content/pr...

[zetagirl]

Hi Donnajak, very happy to hear that you were feeling so much better when you posted above. I know it's been a year but wanted to know how you are going. I'm researching for my Mum. Mum had the ablation, then the PM Implant, then the AV Node Ablation all within 7 days. She suffers High Blood Pressure. But now it's all over the place. From the day of the implant she has been totally breathless. 3 mths now and not much changed. Were you ever breathless and did this / has this subsided? Any issue / or changes in your meds? She's 77 and she wants her life back (and I want my Mum back) Thanks Sharyne