1 in 10000

[Laurie1946]

This is my first post, and this is my story which I will try to keep short.

I am a 70 year old man who retired at 64 and after a cycle race up hill against my young son I experienced my first bout of AF . I was discharged from hospital on 5mg of Bisoprolo. My AF was severe and each episode I was hospitalised ,this carried on for 2 years,then by chance while having a bout of pneumonia and being admitted to hospital for treatment I went into AF and came under the guidance of a cardiologist.

Hearing my AF history he arranged an ablation for me. And now the fun begins and I quote. Mr Arnold with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was admitted today for an AF ablation under local anaesthesia and sedation.

Four veins were identified with pulmonary veins potentials and in fact the patient went into AF during the procedure. We were able to isolate the left outside veins but during the procedure the patient became uncomfortable and needed a substantial amount of sedation and there was also a shifter in geometry because he was moving. The left sided veins were clearly isolated as were the right upper pulmonary vein,I was about to recreate the right lower geometry when the patient became hypotensive a Transthoracic echo confirmed a significant pericardial effusion with some RV collapse.

A pigtail drain was inserted and over 400 ml of bloodstained fluid was auto -transfused. Unfortunatley before any further ablation could be done in this area he suffered his complication and therefor the procedure was a abandoned. He experienced a Pericardial effusion and Tamponade, Thankfully Mr arnold has made a good recovery. I must conclude as i'am sure I'am beginning to bore you all , the day I walked out of that hospital some 2 years ago I have not had one episode of AF and if I ever needed a second ablation I would not hesitate to have one but perhaps next time under a general anaesthetic.

[BobD Volunteer]

As you say a rare incident but good result in the end Lawrence. Glad you are now fine. I'm 8.5 years post my third ablation and still AF free. Slightly older than you but started my journey eleven years ago,

[souljacs4]

Can I ask if you feel as well now as you did before the AF.

[Laurie1946 in reply to souljacs4]

Before the ablation my life centred around my AF since the ablation with all the complications my life is back to normal. I must confess I do on occasions feel a little anxious that one day it might return but yes I have never felt better.

[souljacs4 in reply to Laurie1946]

Good to know that.

[CDreamer]

Good result from complications - I also had a few complications but am still very glad I had my ablations.

[souljacs4 in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you gives us all hope.

[rothwell]

I absolutely loved reading that.. Thanks so much ....the 'medispeak' was hilarious! Particularly liked the 'pigtail drain' expression.... Give us more of these to cheer us up...yes the medical world certainly have their own language. Not sure whether or not you posted this to illustrate the point and do apologise if you didn't but since you mention the word 'fun' I assume you are allowing us to see the funny side

[Goldfish_]

What a dramatic story and a wonderful outcome.

It could easily have been very different!