Hybrid Ablation...

[Ktomoph_]

Hi I am new here........Has anyone had the first part of the hybrid ablation? I had it in Nov 16 and expected to feel perhaps 50% more able to get on with my life. But this has not happened and my afib continues to cause chronic breathing difficulties - obstructive sleep apnea and during any exertion, including walking - and absolute fatigue. The second op is supposed to be carried out 6 months after the first but the registrar has informed me that it will be delayed as there is a lack of theatre space and bed shortages. (As a nosocomephobe, tomophobe and trypanophobe this caused me to inwardly sigh with relief) but my current standard of life is impossible to continue with and with the knowledge that the Hybrid will probably change this I really dont want delays. The cardioversion I had last April worked for the first couple of hours, giving me an insight as to 'back to normal'. I would like to know other afib sufferers experiences with hybrid ablation, particularly how it affected your life after the first procedure. thanks

[souljacs4]

I don't know anything about the hybrid but I do have the same awful fear of hospitals. is it possible for you to speak to your Gp or your cardiologist and explain that it is taking a toll on your metal health as well as your physical health. I also have sleep apnea it can make a difference when you get the right treatment I have tried a few masks and now I think I may have found one that suits me. a good nights sleep can really help with the fatigue.I hope the second op is not to far away.

[Ktomoph_ in reply to souljacs4]

Thanks for your response. Sadly, my GP does not take me seriously when I say how terrified I am, and seems to find it amusing when I explain that I have been attempting to get some sleep upright on the sofa. I think that atrial fibrillation is not his forte. My previous doctor(where I used to live), who diagnosed me was so brilliant and caring that the difference is very noticeable now. My current doctor responded to my breathing difficulties and my query that it may be sleep apnea, with - 'oh, that would just mean lots more tests' and proceeded to change the subject. So I think I should pursue it with a little more determination, just to get some sleep.

[souljacs4 in reply to Ktomoph_]

I know that feeling people seem to understand the fear of spiders and the like but when you try and explain the fear of hospitals the response is always "well I don't think anyone likes hospitals" it is very hard to explain how real the fear is. as for your GP maybe you could think of changing to one that has some understanding of AF and all that comes with it sleep apnea being one of them. I know how hard it is trying to deal with all of these things when you are exhausted but I have come to the conclusion if I don't fight in my corner nobody else will so choose a good day and go for it

[Ktomoph_ in reply to souljacs4]

You are so right souljacs! I know I need to be more assertive perhaps when it comes to my own health and well being but along with the constant subconscious fear, and 'joining the queue and waiting patiently in line' that thing that the Brits are known for, I seem to be procrastinating. Quality of life is abysmal at present time. I know that it will improve after the second procedure, or at least thats what I am hoping!

[robin5]

I have had a hybrid ablation, i had the first part in October 2015 and the second in December 2015. I felt rough for the first two to three weeks and had more less got back to normal by the time I had the second part. By normal I mean tired and breathless (AFnormal). I think it took about six months until I realised that I was feeling much better than I did prior to the ablation.

Not sure why you have to wait six months for the second part as I had six weeks between my procedures. this seems to be the norm from what I have read. if you are anything like me, you will eventually feel better. hopefully soon.

[Ktomoph_ in reply to robin5]

Yes Robin5, that is what I was initially lead to believe - that the second part would be performed about 6-8 weeks after the first. I know it is a fairly new procedure and appears to work better on those with persistent afib, which is what I have. And that for it to be expected to work it needs to be carried out within 2 years of diagnosis. I have sent an email to my cardiologists secretary this morning to see if I can get an indication as to when next op will be performed. Fingers crossed. Its good to hear that it worked for you and to get some idea how long it took for full recovery. Are you afib free now?

[robin5 in reply to Ktomoph_]

so far so good, 16 months now. When i saw the arrhythmia nurse in July he said that they had no idea how long it would last but the hope was that it would last longer than a normal ablation. I had been diagnosed 5 years previously and had got to the stage that I was out of rhythm more often than I was in it. am seeing my GP tomorrow as I was taken off blood pressure tablets about 6 weeks ago just to see what happens. I hope that it goes well for you

[Polski]

Sleep apnea is recognised as a cause of AF, so dealing with this should help the tiredness and the AF, and will get you in a much better state of health for the next operation. I suggest a change of GP if this one will not take the issue seriously - but perhaps try him again first, or make an appointment with a partner in the practice if there is one. Sometimes we have to ask twice (jump up and down in front of them!) before they realise that we are serious about the issue. It is much cheaper for them to just put us off!

[Ktomoph_ in reply to Polski]

Yes Polski, I am beginning to realise that finances play a huge role in what treatment you get offered! The tiredness and fatigue caused by the heart working overtime, followed by the sleep disturbance and fear caused by the breathing difficulties, clouds the focus of dealing with issues normally. It is a vicious circle. As an active and impulsively energetic person for most of my life, it has come as quite a shock to find myself in this state. I will try my doctor again, perhaps insisting rather than asking! Thanks.

[Lastec1]

Hi, please see my posts re Hybrid Ablation . My had my first part in the November, and I still the all symptoms of AF. It was not until the had second part in the June, I I started to feel better. I was 3 years ago and I have not any signs of AF since. Be patient for part 2 ????

Geoff.

[Ktomoph_ in reply to Lastec1]

Hi Geoff

yes I read your posts from H Ablation up to Cuba stroke with great interest. I think people's personal experiences give far more incite as to what really happens - particularly yours as you have a good way with words! I am also inspired to believe it will work by the fact that your life post hybrid ablation procedure 2 really got back on track.

I am trying to be a patient patient, but it is difficult when the delays are extended rather than mended.

At the start of January I was informed that there were 15 hybrid patients ahead of me. Even at only one op per week that would mean I would hopefully expect to be called in within the next week or so.

But sadly no. Yesterday after xray I met with the cardiology registrar who now appears to be indicating that it will not happen for at the very least another 3 months time. I am not so stupid to not realise that there are emergency cases and the recent period known as black alert, or that staff get sick too......but if only one hybrid op per week would good, imagine what just 2 hybrid ops per week would do to shorten the list! However.......next is beds!!!

So I will be a patient but slightly sad patient.