Albation.

Can someone tell me Albation is please ? New to AF so don't know any much about anything . I'm feeling very stressed since I was diagnosed . I think its making me worse . Also they think I may have thyroid problems. So pleased I found this sight. Makes me feel better knowing some people are ok after having Af for a long time. I felt like I was dying at times. Sorry to be a moan, just feeling so depressed .

[BobD Volunteer]

ABLATION Noun. (Verb to ablate). To cause not to exist. Used usually to describe pulmonary vein isolation procedure for AF whereby they make scar tissue around the four pulmonary veins in the left atrium to stop the rogue electrical impulses which cause AF..

If you go to AF Association main website there is a downloadable booklet which fully describes all aspects of ablation.

[Hidden in reply to BobD]

I will go to the website . Thanks.

[Finvola]

Jacksnanna - it might not sound like positive news, but if you do have thyroid problems, then treatment of that might resolve your AF as thyroid is one of the known causes of AF.

AFA website is the best resource for information - look under patient resources - heartrhythmalliance.org

[Boombiddy]

Hiya jacksnanna, sorry to hear you're feeling so low.

Thyroid itself can make you feel awful, I know from my sister's experience last year before she got treated.

Even apart from the AF, you may be feeling extra anxious and shaky because that is one of the symptoms of the thyroid problem.

So don't worry if you feel you're 'losing it', it's just the thyroid. You will feel back to normal when the treatment takes effect, much calmer and all-over better.

As Finvola has said, thyroid problems can provoke AF, and once the thyroid is under control, the AF issue may disappear.

It's very important that you don't put up with thyroid symptoms. Ask your doctor what to look out for and when to seek medical help. Don't suffer in silence.

I hope you are seeing a consultant for the thyroid problem? If not, ask to be referred to a specialist.

Hope you begin to feel lots better soon.

You've come to a very good group here, I have found people very kind, very knowledgeable and generous with their time.

Come back and tell us how you get on, won't you?

[Hidden in reply to Boombiddy]

My last thyroid test was normal , but wont can have another for three months.

Thanks for advice. Means such a lot.

[Hidden]

Hi Jacksnanna.....would I be right in assuming you have a tinker of a grandson called Jack??

I recall your earlier post where you had around 20 replies and clearly you frightened and worried and not surprisingly, in a bit of a tizzy and not really sure what to do for the best. Please be assured this is not unusual, we have all been there, but eventually, with a bit of help from our friends, we manage to sort things out in our head and then find a way forward.....but it is not easy!

If you do have a thyroid problem, ironically that can be good news as far as AF is concerned. As others have said, there is a strong link between the thyroid and AF, and a simple blood test should indicate if your thyroid is functioning correctly and a trip to the GP should sort that out. Very often, if the thyroid issue is resolved, the AF problem can be resolved to, now wouldn't that be good news!!

Assuming it is not thyroid related, then you need to find out as much as you can about AF and how to deal with it. One of the problems is, AF seldom effects two people the same way so determining what will be best for you may take time, but you need to start by seeing a specialist, preferably an Electrophysiologist (Cardiologist who specialises in arrythmias) and we talked about that in response to your earlier post. Your GP should refer you but it may not happen very quickly, so during the time you are waiting, you need to glean as much information about AF as you can, and you have been advised how you can do that.

One thing you should explore is to see if there is an AF support group near you. I go to one in Surrey and it's their fault I bang on about dealing with AF!! Again, the AFA webpage can tell you where the groups are, or you could mention roughly where you live and we could help point you in the right direction.

Regarding you question about ablation. Ablation is one of many options which are available to treat AF, but there may be a way to go before it is established that it is the best route for you. In truth, this has to established by seeing a specialist who can, with you, determine the best way forward. Once you have more knowledge and confidence, you will feel happier in influencing the direction of your treatment, but that takes time, as I know from my own experience. I hope you appreciate that I am trying to help you understand there is no quick fix, but the important thing to remember there are over 1 million people diognised with AF in the UK alone, and a lot of them were, like me, scared witless when they found out, but the good news is, AF in itself is unlikely to kill you, but the risk of stroke, as has be said before, has to reduced with an anticoagulant depending on your CHADS2VASC score.

If you are still awake(can't do a smiley face on my laptop!!).....I hope this helps, but please try to take time to find out as much as you can and let us know when your GP has referred you to a specialist

Best of luck, John

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks John. I have had my thyroid tested twice, it came back negative but the doctor wants another test. A few weeks ago I had a monitor fitted because of the palpitations I was having. The results hadn't came back when I was worried about palpitations I had non stop for 24 hrs. I went to the hospital myself and I don't know what type of doctors I seen . They gave me loads of tests said my heart rate was too fast . They gave me medication to get it down and said I had AF. He said because I don't have high blood pressure , pain or other heart related problems he thought I would be ok. I already have RA which is in remission and Coeliac. I live in Cumbria and I hope there is a support group. Its so nice to be able to discuss this with someone who has this. Kate

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I'll do what I can to find out Kate.....if your blood pressure is OK thats great news, as is the other news about your heart. I know a number of people who live relatively normal lives with AF on low doses of beta-blockers or channel blockers and anti-coagulation so if you are asymptomatic you should do quite well, but you do need professional advice.....all the best, John

[Rellim296 in reply to Hidden]

There isn't exactly a support group Hidden but five of us met up in Grange over Sands a few weeks ago. We hope to meet again in the spring.

[Hidden in reply to Rellim296]

Can I come!!!

[Rellim296 in reply to Hidden]

I'm sure we'd be delighted to have you, Flapjack

[Hidden]

Its too far for me to travel . I don't drive. You never know someone may start a one nearer me.

[Rellim296 in reply to Hidden]

A little while ago 398emb was hoping there might be a get-together somewhere like Carlisle. Those of us in South Cumbria can get there very quickly by train. Penrith may also be a possibility.

[Boombiddy]

Just wanted to say, if you haven't been referred to an electropysiologist (that's a cardiologist who is a specialist in heart rhythm disorders), ask to be referred to one. When you see people here talking about being referred to an EP, that's what they mean.

Some helpful person here explained it this way:

They're all cardiologists, but EP's know more about the electrics of the heart, which is what makes it beat in rhythm. So an EP is more of an electrician. A cardiologist deals with the structure of the heart, the valves and suchlike. So, basically he's a plumber. You want an electrician.

[Hidden]

I will find out and ask about this . Thanks

[JohnNova]

Hi Jacksnanna, I wouldn't bother having one after reading the posts in here, some people have had 6 or 7 ablations and still get a.f. The medical profession seem to think they have to do something even if it is useless as long as they can say they tried. I told my cardiologist that I do not want any surgical procedures on my heart. I have since been told that I no longer have AF, but still take the Warfarin @ bisoprolol cos it gives me a heart rate of 50, and that means I will live to at least 200!!!