Date for 2nd ablation already. Only saw EP in June! Worried about procedure and outcome.

[blackcat123]

I had a cryo ablation last October. Sadly it failed and in fact I have had far more episodes of AF since then, although of less duration. I also found it really painful but so far avoided saying this as I didn't want to upset anyone going for their first. I know I'm in a minority as most people don't find the procedure too bad.

I am having radio frequency ablation this time. I'm very anxious about it being painful and concerned that things may be worse again afterwards. I wondered if anyone had found their first ablation made things worse and if the second had been a success?

I never thought I would get a date so quickly! It's on 15th August.

Judie.

[BobD Volunteer]

Hi Judie., yes my first made things much worse but my second was a different animal. All mine were RF and all were under GA so no problems at all. After my second I was clear of AF for about nine months after which it became obvious that I am too good at mending things and some breakthrough events started up. I had a third eight years ago since when I have been AF free. I do still get a few ectopics and occasional runs of tachycardia but take no medication for AF other of course than warfarin which is my best friend.

[Coco51 in reply to BobD]

This is reassuring. I had an ablation last May, having been in persistent AF for over 4 months followed by a cardioversion which kept me out of AF for 3 months till a week before the ablation. After the ablation things seemed to be improving up till Christmas. I was only getting one episode a month of a few hours which stopped without extra medication. But since then I've had a bout lasting 2weeks and am now in the grip of a second similar bout (12 days and still counting...). I will be put on the list for a second ablation but it's an 8 months waiting list. I'm told I can have a second cardioversion in a just over a month's time. I don't know how I'll manage. It seems so far away. Increase the Bisoprolol I suppose. And keep taking the warfarin.

[Rellim296]

Hi Judie. Are you going where you went before? It sounds as if they could do with a bit of feedback if you felt it was painful. You can surely discuss your fears beforehand. A first ablation can be a bit of a stab in the dark as things can get revealed that were not evident to start with. They will have more knowledge than they had first time, so there is probably a much better chance of success. I think it's good not to have to wait too long!

[blackcat123]

Thank you both for your replies. Bob, I come on this site often and have to say I set great store by your replies. Always very good, helpful advice. It is comforting to know that I'm not the only one who found things worse after the first ablation!

Rellim, I am going to the same hospital. Golden Jubilee in Glasgow. I have a different EP doing the procedure this time but he is very experienced and I feel much more confident about his ability and also prefer his manner compared to the one I had last time! I think he will be round to see me before the procedure so will fire off at few questions at him then. I also have a pre-op assessment with the nurse there next week so I will have a chat with her about my worries. I think you are right about not having too much notice. Less time to worry!

Judie.

[Rellim296 in reply to blackcat123]

That sounds good. You never know, their plans may change before then. Last time I got moved forwards a day which was a bit of a dash, but very welcome.

[dmac4646 in reply to blackcat123]

Judie , which EP are you having now ?

[checkmypulse]

Hi Judie, Yes 3 weeks after my first RF procedure AF came back much more aggressively, I'm nearly 3 weeks since my second so it's squeaky bum time , so far all ok. You definitely need to tell them about the pain, they may adjust the sleepy juice.

[blackcat123]

Hi dmac! I am now seeing Dr. Derek Connolly. I met him for the first time in June. He was recommended by my own GP who has known him for years. I think they were at university together! She requested an appointment with him for me.

Hi checkmypulse! I did mention the pain before but maybe not forcefully enough! I asked my previous EP after the procedure if everyone found it so painful or if it was just me and he said "It's just you" Great!!! I will be sure to ask them if they can give me a bit more pain relief than last time.

I hope all continues to go well with your recovery.

Judie.

[pip_pip]

Hi. Yes yes yes. My first ablation made things worse after a few weeks. My second sorted stuff out for a year, and my third did the trick, now two years.

I had other problems with my first but no pain.

Pain where?

Phil

[lyzzie]

Hi blackcat, I had a Cardioversion back in January which failed to keep working, but Ive never heard of an Ablation, please could you tell me what it is as lots of people have mentioned it in associated with AF which I have. Excuse my ignorance wont you!! Lyzzie

[PeterWh in reply to lyzzie]

There's a good booklet on the main AFA website.

[Cclegg]

Hi Judie, I am having a second ablation on the 8th Aug, had 4 years AF free after my first.....hoping this will give me even better results!! Wishing you all the very best

Chris

[blackcat123]

pip_pip, Glad to hear your ablation is holding up. I had pain in my chest but mainly in my throat and radiating up into my jaw. It wasn't very nice at all. Apparently I had a very tough septum and they had a job getting through to the other side of my heart. Also one of the pv's had to be frozen 3 times so maybe that had something to do with it. Who knows?!

lyzzie, as Peter Wh says there is a lot of information on the AFA website. It's the best place to look for information. I learnt nearly all I know about AF from there and the lovely helpful people on here.

Cclegg, thanks for the good wishes. I hope your ablation goes well too.

Judie.