Hello,
I had my 2nd ablation a week ago and went into Afib last night. The ER was unable to cardiovert me back into rythm and now I've been told to just wait and hope it converts on its own. It feels horrible when I'm in Afib, I'm very symptomatic. The doctor said my heart probably just needso time to heal and adjust. Has anyone else had this problem?
It takes at least three months if not six for the heart to heal and settle down. I guess you are still taking some drugs so continue with them and see what happens. If you could speak to eh arrhythmia nurse where you had the ablation done she may be able to offer advice but worry will do nothing. Try to stay calm, stay well hydrated and breath deeply.
Yes, me. I had my third ablation in July and went back into AF tachycardia the next day before I could even leave the hospital. A high dose of Flecainide brought me back into rhythm for a while then AF returned again a month later. A few weeks later, around the end of August, I was successfully electro cardioverted.
I've been ok since on a small dose of Flec, but on Christmas day went back into AF and have been that way ever since. Like you say it feels horrible, I feel tired, breathless and any movement causes my heart to crash around crazily. I'm sorry your ER couldn't cardiovert your heart I feel for you Zach.
Jean
Very sorry that you are back in AF and hence under the weather. Hope you flip back quickly.
How long have you had afib? How much flecainide do you take?
Have had AF about 11 years. Was taking 2 x 50mg Flec plus 2 x 12.5mg Metoprolol, now taking 2 x 100mg Flec and when heart was at its worst at Christmas 3 x 100mg Flec.
I was started on 2x25 mg of metoprolol and dual pacemaker June of this year after a cardiac arrest from the second dose of tykosyn, then in Oct afib again so they added flec 2x 100mg, when I got home I reduced it to 50mg, it is a very powerful drug and after what happened to me with the cardiac arrest from tykosyn I am terrified of the drugs. He also wanted to double my metoprolol because of slight reaction to flec on ekg. I just reduced the flec and left the other the same. I dont like doubling one med to counteract the other one and being sent home from the hospital without monitoring the effects of the change! When I go into afib it stays unless cardio verted but the second dose of flec converted me to NSR so was excited about that. Do you go in and out of afib or is yours persistent like mine?I was diagnosed 2 1/2 years ago. Was on rhytmol 2x 225 mg for 20 months, no problems, afib free, but then it quit working this year. They are wanting to do ablation but I am not comfortable with doing it. So far in nsr with flec for almost a month now. How long have you taken flec and metoprolol? What other drugs have you taken?
I was diagnosed with coronary artery disease when I threw a clot that completely blocked my coronary artery. Had emergence stents(2) put in right away and then was told I was in afib! Since then I have had one cardioversion which didnt work and one ablasion 2 mths ago. Going into tomorrow for another cardioversion. In afib 96% of the time. Breathing very difficult at times. Now my Dr wants me to go on Tykosyn and be in hospital for three days to be monitored. I have been concerned about doing this and now that I read your coment I am more concerned. Were you in hospital when you received 2nd dose and went into cardiac rest??I know it has worked well for some people. I guess it can kill ya or cure ya. I was told with coronary artery disease I can't take other antirhythm meds. Are you on anything else to control your rhythm at this time. Would appreciate feedback! Thanks for sharing
Yes, I was in the hospital for a 3 day observation and had been on another floor for MRI previous to the “torsades rhythm” that can be a side effect from the drug, although very uncommon. By a miracle of God, I had been placed back on monitering only about ten minutes when it happened. It was completely without any warning, I felt perfectly fine and in NSR, although very slow rate. The CPR and shocking threw my back out, but they quickly saved my life. It was completely unexpected. They are now very very cautious about drugs, most are eliminated, even the flecainide, one EP Dr. did not want me to have it either. I will not take anything else either without consulting my EP, not one single drug.
I noted that they put you on flecinate . My Dr said she wants to avoid flec for me due to other issues it can cause???
Hum, I am out of drugs to take other than flecainide, it has worked for me. At first it was 50 mg twice daily, since ablation I have been on 100 mg twice a day. I am having second ablation Sept 25th, they were unable to finish mine in Jan, I developed complications and in ICU. Their hopes are to be off drugs.... I do not have any other medical conditions other than mild hypertension. It all is such a life changer for me, I have learned, get 2nd opinions at least. Best to you! It is tough choices.
Jean
So sorry to read that you have gone back into AF. As you may have read in my post the other day I went into AF the day before Christmas Eve and spent all Christmas Eve in hospital.
I hope they can sort you out soon.
Best wishes
Pete
Sorry to hear this Jean, how disappointing for you and at Christmas too. I hope they sort you out soon. It was only Amioderone that has given me any respite although I don't want it long term. Chin up you'll get there in the end. 😘
Brenda🐝
Hi Zachb. Yes, I have been in your shoes and I understand how disappointing and frustrating it feels for you right now. I went into AF 48 hours after my ablation, they cardioverted me 24 hours later and I stayed in NSR for 1 hour. They decided to wait till I had some meds on board for a few days and then, 10 days later a second cardioversion did the trick. That was 19 months ago and no AF since and no meds now. Keep the faith for a good result. Give your heart plenty of time to heal. Best wishes for an NSR New Year!
Curious? What meds on board were you on before 2nd cardioversion?Any antiarythmic meds?
Yes, I was on propafenone that was started in the hospital after my ablation and I stayed on it for about 3 months post ablation.
I went back to the ER this afternoon and they were able to shock me back into NSR, for now. Thank you all for your shared knowledge and support!
Thank goodness Zach. For those of us who really suffer when in AF this is a hateful, scary condition isn't it!
I have reverted to AF after ablations but luckily cardioversion has always worked for me.
I can empathise with you regarding the severe symptoms as this is my problem each time I get AF.
I do hope you can get it resolved. It is early days so don't give up hope yet.
I wish you all the best.
Pete
Yes - given time it usually settles
Two weeks after ablation and I'm on the list for a cardioversion
Ablation after 3rd Cardioversion
Just home after 2nd ablation
Cardioversion after ablation.
