It is now three weeks after the first ablation. I still have light bruising on the two main chest incisions and from the cannula on my right wrist. There is the odd bit of discomfort, but I think this is muscular bruising rather than related to the heart itself. I am very pleased with my progress.
After the procedure on 7th April, I was in and out of AF for a week, but have been consistently in NSR since 18th April. My resting heart rate has changed significantly; before AF it was 57, beta blockers reduced it to 47, but post-op it has risen to 66. I now feel much better than I have for over a year; the brain fog/depression appears to have gone, as does the constant urination/thirst and the breathlessness. It may not be wholly due to the ablation, I am now taking my Bisoprolol in the evening rather than the morning and I think this is working better.
I was told to exercise within reasonable limits; to raise HR slightly but not continue until exhaustion. I walked every day for ten days then tried a little light cycling, although my definition of light may not match that of others. I have managed a couple of ten mile rides along canal paths and have deliberately held back rather than push myself, keeping to a max HR of 120; my pre AF max is 184, perhaps the breathlessness would return if I pushed it a little more.
I remember how awful I felt on the second night after the ablation (which now feels like it was months ago) and I cannot believe how much of an improvement I am experiencing. I am now so pleased I opted for the procedure.
ECG below.
Breathless three weeks after ablation
ABLATION IN THREE WEEKS
Hybrid Ablation
