Issues following ablation

[Emileesgramma]

Hi, I am a 65 year old female. I have had two ablations for AFib and Atrial Tachycardia. The latest ablation was January 17. I am having migraines and vertigo since the ablation. Anyone else have these issues?

[Robyncarmen]

Oh no you poor person, my god I hope it stops soon for you it could all be debilitating for you. The Cardialogist has been telling me for the past 2 years that I'm classic for an Ablation but I will not have it as I'm worried about complications. I'm in permanent AF, I'm on a Beta Blocker to keep my pulse at around 80 to 100 beats per minute. Im on a good Blood thinner as well & I'm coping really well. I have lots of energy. I take both of my Tablets before going to bed now so when I get up in the morning I've had them in my system for 8 to 9 hours so I'm not tired when I get up. It works well for me. Mine is Genetic as my Father had Permanent AF & two of my brothers have it.

I hope they get you sorted out & soon Emile. Keep in touch.

Cheers Rob xx

[Cellolady in reply to Robyncarmen]

Hi Rob, I am 62 and developed persistent AFIB in November 2016. Like you, I am stable on a med for rate control and also blood thinner. I seem to be able to do MOST things as well as I could before, and I also have some sort of genetic link since my mother and sister both had AFIB. (Sister still alive with paroxysmal AFIB, but mother is deceased. and did NOT die from AFIB complications.) I keep trying to find out if there are others who have survived long term and had good lives while controlling persistent AFIB. My EP says there is no research on this. Of course, they would like me to get ablations, but they cannot promise a good outcome or a longer or better quality of life....so I am not convinced it is right for me. How are things for your father and brothers with permanent AFIB? How long have they had it and kept it under control without complications? I don't know why there is no research or info on folks who choose to live out their lives using rate control meds and blood thinner for AFIB. Any input is much appreciated!

[Robyncarmen in reply to Cellolady]

Hi Cellolady, thank you for your reply. Hey if this is of some help, my father died of Pneumonia at the good old age of 90 & not from a Heart attack or Afib. If he lived for 30 years after being diagnosed That is comforting for me as an Ablation is to risky & out of the question for me being an ex Nurse knowing what could go wrong, now this is only my opinion so don't take what I say as gospel check it out for your self. Im not trying to influence people in any way ok. All our genetics are different but it's my opinion only.

There should be some research or results in on AF ???

Keep in touch & maybe we need to pose the question on this forum which I'm pleased I'm part of..

Hugs to you Rob xxx

[Cellolady in reply to Robyncarmen]

Wow, that is good to hear! I have been doing lots of research on the ablation procedure ... focusing on results for those with persistent (permanent) AFIB and on females in my age range. The outcomes show it is even less successful for folks like me. My negative feelings toward ablation were reinforced again when I recently learned of someone close who went back into AFIB 5 years after the procedure. It seems that is a fairly common issue. My EP says the procedure was designed for those with paroxysmal AFIB, and they found it MIGHT work on some with persistent AFIB.... with multiple procedures. Like you, I do not feel the risks are worth it for me. I am so glad to hear of your father's longevity with AFIB! I do hope to hear of other such stories! Thanks so much!

Karen

[Robyncarmen in reply to Cellolady]

Hi Karen thank you for your reply it's always pleasing to hear from someone in the same situation. I'm 64 & turning 65 in September, we're both nearly in the same age bracket. I try to get on with my life as I said but it's night time that I find hard as I can feel my heart racing. Around 100 beats per minute. In the day it's fine as I'm busy sleeping is sometimes hard if I'm not very tired.

It's not going to go away so I'm learning to accept it. karen how is your husband coping with you with AF. I still try to do what I did before AF but it's hard as I get very tired exhausted actually. It's not easy.

People don't really understand what it's like to have AF. If it didn't effect them directly they don't really get it.

I'm interested to hear what you have to say Karen.

Cheers. Rob xx👍💕💕

[Model52 in reply to Robyncarmen]

My best friend is a retired cardiologist with AF. He would never consider an ablation. He thinks it is far too invasive and risky with a less than average succes rate. He lives with his AF with rate controlled and anti-coagulation. So will I, should my AF ever become persistant or permanent.

[Model52 in reply to Cellolady]

The short answer to your last question is: because there is no financial profit in that kind of research. Ablations, on the other hand, are very profitable. That says it all.

[Icenae]

The migraine is probably caused by the hole they pierce to get through the chambers. A known phenomenon. I had it after my ablations but it healed in a week or so. There is an established link between naturally occurring holes in the heart and migraines. But you should repirt it probably.

Hope you are better soon.

See also Sanjay Gupta re magnesium supplements. Really helped me.

[Jonathan_C]

I have experienced vertigo or dizziness a few times. But I think that has always coincided with being a bit dehydrated. I hope you come right.

[needlestone]

I had that for about 3 weeks after my ablation. They did have to make a hole in the heart so likely from that although my EP said more likely from the meds given during surgery.

[sooty757]

I had migriine type head aches, but no vertigo ,that went away after 2 month,

they said it was due to the trans septual puncture, the hole they make when moving from one side of the heart,to the other.

it was the same feeling i had during the procedure, which for me was painfull.

the head ache comes back you .from time to time, it,s 3 months since my ablation.

although i am not in sinus rhythm

the head ache feel like eating very cold ice cream,

without the nice tase of course

hope they go away for you

my arrythmia nurse said they usually do

my partner hs terrible vertigo andkeeps fallingl

she can not even sit upright in car at times

i know how debilitating this can be

so i hope all works out

[sooty757]

ps sorry for the grammer mr samsung up to no good.

[Hidden]

I have shortness of breath and the doctor always tells me I'm fine I will be going to a new doctor soon for more test

[smwdorset]

Yes I had migraine too about two days after the procedure - which actually mimicked a TIA so I was taken to A and E where the cardiologist told me it was quite common after ablation. I had one more attack and then no more. Be patient but of course if these things don't resolve talk to your EP and GP.

I am sorry you are suffering - I don't think the cardiologists really appreciate the impact on the body of what they do as it's such a standard procedure for them. You must allow your body time to recover. I felt like I'd been run over by a bus for about two months but now I feel So much better - ten years younger - for not being on medication.

Good luck

[Cellolady]

I truly hope things improve for your soon. How is the AFIB doing? Did things improve for your heart ? I am sure it is heard to deal with the new and unexpected symptoms. Any pain is not good for those of us with AFIB! I definitely believe you should make sure the doctors know about the problems.

Hoping you improve and feel better!

Karen

[Emileesgramma in reply to Cellolady]

So far my heart is better. Thank goodness. I pray for no more ablations.