Scaredy cat

[Tarabanara]

Hi This is my first post I've had paroxysmal arrhythmia for about 15 years

and after a gap of 4 years have had 2 this year. Have been offered the possibility of ablation it sounds scary . Would love to hear from someone who's had it

[chilealan]

12 months in from my ablation life is great. The actual procedure was not as bad as you may think. I had no problems that weren't warned about and those were relatively minor.

[BobD Volunteer]

Had three. Piece of cake and most of us think root canal treatment at dentist is much worse.

Yes there are risks but also in doing nothing. AF is usually progressive and the sooner done the better if you have the offer.

My advice would be to go to AF Association main website and read the booklets on ablation and then ask again if you have any remaining worries. You should consider it part of ongoing treatment but it does stand the best chance of stopping your symptoms. Be aware that you may need a second or even a third ablation if your electrical chaos is complicated. I've been AF free for eight years now and would have another in a heart beat if needed and they would do it.

Bob

[Rellim296]

Ablation does sound scary and we are all apprehensive, even second or third time round. Everyone's experience is slightly different but most people find it OK and not an ordeal. I thought the most painful bit was the INR test in the thumb. Some are so scared that they postpone - and then (eventually) say it wasn't half as bad as expected and regret waiting. It's amazing how much can be done with very little apparent disturbance.

[Hidden]

Had two. First one 13 years ago under sedation. I was scared but it was no problem at all. It took away all my AF for about 8-9 years, then I got a little back, as predicted. My EP then booked me in for another ablation to nip it in the bud, but they had to abort for other reasons, so now I'm back on drugs which are working well. The second ablation was under GA and that was a doddle as well. I walked into the procedures room, they checked my name and then I was out for the count, next thing woke up in bed, then after one night went home the following morning.

Yes, my AF has come back, but the reality is I think the ablation from 13 years ago is still working because the severity is tiny compared to how I was back then, so the drugs are able to cope. That's my theory anyhow.

Koll

[Beta44]

There is a very good success rate with ablation for paroxysmal AF and the procedure is easy (for the patient). I had cryoablation more than a year ago and it has been completely successful.

Peter

[Patient007]

I am too scared to have it too. It would take a lot of convincing for me!

[Tarabanara in reply to Patient007]

me too!

[Dodie117]

I had one 3 years ago and vastly improved my life and will not hesitate if I need another. Having said that I was having 6 hr attacks 4 or 5 times a week so AF had a serious effect on my life. If you have had no episodes for 4 years and only two recently you may need to think long and hard. After all the treatments are about control of symptoms and not a cure. The procedure does have some risks so these need to be balanced against the effect AF is having on your life. Talk to your EP and good luck with the decision making - probably the hardest part!

[Tarabanara in reply to Dodie117]

Thank you so much I feel that I'm being pushed in to it I will probably not go ahead with it I do hope you stay well

[dave1950]

Does it really affect you then when you get it? I'm as confused now as when I first joined this site six months ago. I get mine every 10 days or so and it lasts about 16 hours. I just ignore it as I can continue just feeling slightly out of breath or maybe a bit light headed. Why would I want an ablation - not that my specialist in the UK is offering it. He says if you feel fine it won't do you any harm other than the increase in stoke risk which other than anti-coagulants you can't do much about if you already do all the natural things. I feel like I am missing something being so nonchalant!?

I am 66 by the way.