I had my ablation done privately because I did not want to go into persistent AFib because of waiting another year on the NHS.
Had 3 episodes afterwards and then just a couple of fast heart beats a month later. In the last month none. Two weeks ago had a 72 hour heart monitor fitted. Results were that I had sinus rhythm and range of heart beat from 48 bpm to 102 bpm. I walked everyday for 40 minutes despite having sciatica which is now almost gone. I was told that I must not force the muscles but just let them go and it really worked. Now I can touch my toes after bending forward and hanging forward for a few minutes and then the back muscles just let go.
I now have panic attacks despite knowing that it is logical that the ablation may be successful. This one has just passed. I am breathing more slowly now and the heart rate is now down from 96 bpm to 70 bpm. At resting rate it is 64 bpm during the day.
My consultant referred me to another consultant and told me to stay on the waiting list in case I needed a touch up on my heart. However, the consultant I was referred to was not keen on going along with this plan and has referred me back. He thinks the funding will be reinstated because it was not logical that more patients were referred to him from another area where the service was excellent and there is state of the art equipment and expert ablationists.
If funding is not reinstated I will have to go privately. Fingers crossed this will be a long term success.
I know one should not cross bridges before things that may happen but life has made me this way.
Anyway, the good news is that I appear to be AFib free for the time being and not on any drugs other than 75 mg Aspirin as I am not yet 65 and on CHAD score 1. The 1 score is just for being a female.
Thank you for the support since I came to this forum.
Why are you taking aspirin Heather? Unless you have other reasons for it you are just risking harm (stomach irritation) for little or no benefit. Aspirin is not an anticoagulant so does not prevent stroke although it has many uses after the event or in other areas such as when stents are fitted.
Good news about the successful ablation and please try not to worry about the future. I know we all do it to some extent but if the worst did happen and AF came back then you have done it all once so there is nothing you haven't experienced already. It is only the unknown which is scary.
I am taking aspirin because the referred to Consultant advised me to. He said after an ablation one can take aspirin if one is not 65 and the CHAD score is 1. In my case because of being female. He said 75 mg will not cause stomach upset or bleeding. I did think the same as you. I think my taking aspirin is just a precaution as it does help stop blood clots and therefore better than not taking anything at all.
Like you I have read that aspirin is not recommended. It seems varying consultants have different ideas. When I see my consultant, whenever that may be, I shall ask. For the moment, just hoping for the best.
I am not frightened of the unknown. I am frightened of experiencing AF again. It always came during the night and I could not lie on either side but had to sit propped up on pillows. It was so frequent and lasted 10 to 20 hours sometimes longer. In the end it was nearly everyday. Hence, I was put on Amiodarone when I saw the consultant privately. Unfortunately, 2 GPs got my medication wrong before the ablation and 1 after the ablation when I had the three episodes; so I have lost my trust in GPs. Not only that 2 of them were not empathetic and caused me unnecessary stress. Hence, I felt very unsupported. I hope the new GP I have registered with will be kindly. Actually, I hope I will not have to see a GP for this illness again.
I will try not to have these panic attacks. When I have one I panic again because I think, Oh, if I get stressed I will only cause harm to myself and get AF again and then that adds to further stress and anxiety. Hence, I do deep breathing exercises and put on de-stressing music. Fortunately, my husband does have a calming affect when he is at home. It seems a quiet cry does help release the tension and then I press on again and then back to my normal self again.
I'm glad to hear your ablation seems to have been successful! As there was a discussion recently on the cost of a private ablation I am sure some of us (not me, I was fortunate to have fantastic NHS treatment) will be curious to know what yours cost. 😉
Yes, I am unhappy about you asking. I have already mentioned that the cost depends on the area in which you live. If you are really interested then please ring your nearest private Nuffield Hospital and enquire. It also depends on the doctor on how he will arrange it. I had my ablation done in a NHS hospital. So I have contributed towards the NHS funds. Please don't ask me again. Despite my irritation, I wish you and everyone else all the best.
i am very sorry to have offended you! I know that you had good reasons to want prompt treatment and since you could afford it, whyever not? i expect we might feel a little reticent about enquiring about the cost from a private hospital as it is rather like the sort of dress shop where clothes are not priced on the principle that if you have to ask the price you can't afford it!
I hope your ablation continues to be successful and that you are also able to feel more relaxed. I am sure the whole AF experience can cause PTSD as it is difficult to feel safe even after what seems to be successful treatment.
Hi, I was very touched by your story. Have you thought about taking up (gentle/Hatha) yoga? I am relatively new to it but have found it really does help with the likes of sciatica and has certainly helped me with relaxation. Once you know the principles it is possible to practice important aspects of it anytime and anywhere and no one else will know. It should help with anxiety - it's helped me. Good luck and best wishes. Tricia
Thank you Tricia so much for your empathetic response. My sciatica has almost disappeared after taking advice from a Physiotherapist. It was a Yoga position which caused a muscle in my back to resist and cause trouble. I find standing and bending down until the muscles release and I can touch my toes has helped enormously. Yes, I shall soon get back to Yoga but not force the stretches. I may do mindfulness again as it did help. However, I do walk for 40 minutes everyday. If it rains during the day, I will walk around the village at night.
I came back on the forum to respond to your reply.
I shall leave because I have had too many emails from Healthunlocked.com and this does not give me a rest. It only made or contributed to my feeling more anxious and having panic attacks.
I hope AFib does not come back again and wish this for anyone who has had an ablation. Further, I hope those who do not have an ablation will be able to have some respite using medication.
Thanks for your reply. I'm pleased you also do mindfulness, I was going to suggest it but then thought you might think I was a bit 'weird'! I have found the forum very helpful, but equally I don't think it is good to dwell on things and chances are the posts are from people who have problems whereas you tend to hear less from those with positive outcomes and experiences, so I understand your point of view. Good luck.
Thank you for your understanding. I have just seen that I can limit the amount of emails I get.
With regard to Mindfulness. It is being taught at a Physioclinic in the next city and is becoming general practice to help contribute towards a healthy mind and body. It is just a bit time consuming but I will continue with Yoga and go back to it as you suggest. All the best.
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