New here. My Story and Why I Stopped Worrying Quite So Much. Also, One Question.

[lars369]

Hello. I'm new. I hope you don't find this writing too long. I just wanted to share my experience and ask a question at the end.

I went to emergency in January 2017, feeling so weak I could barely move from one chair to the next. I was admitted immediately and, after many tests, diagnosed with Afib and pneumonia. It took four days to stabilize me on meds and send me home.

The meds (5 mg bilopolol 2x a day and ? Mg flecanide) made me sick, dizzy, weak, etc., even after reducing bisoprolol amount and stopping flecinide, so an ablation was prescribed. I had a TEE and cardiac ablation on April 20, 2017.

I believed the ablation was a piece of cake and, with the doctor's blessing, visited a friend out of town two weeks after procedure. I now think I took that trip too soon because while I was there I didn't feel well and since coming home I have felt very badly.

A couple days after trip I developed chest flutters. A splitting headache, a 103 fever, such weakness, aches, shortness of breath. I had an ablation follow up appointment another couple days later. By then no fever, no chills, no aches (except head) but everything else remained and I was frightened.

Dr. admitted me to hospital, ran tests and informed me that the ablation worked; I'm just dropping heartbeats. "Not dangerous!" They had no answers as to the fever or any of the other problems. Was it the flu? I myself do not think so, but there are no other answers.

So, I've come home and simply taken it easy. I tire so easily! I do a chore, then rest. Do another chore, rest. Take a walk, then rest. Still on bisoprolol 2.5x2 a day, but not Flecinide. Pradaxa 2x a day. Lipitor too. I actually feel a lot better and I think the worst is behind me. However...

Question: It's been weeks since the TEE. My esophagus still hurts when I eat or drink. I feel full after eating small amounts but I'm not losing weight. In fact, I feel a bit bloated. Anyone else have that?

[BobD Volunteer]

Not sure where everybody is tonight (here in UK) but I have been out hence the delay in reply.,

Firstly the oesophagus problem is probably a residue from the ablation. Sometimes when they burn a bit too close it upsets the tube and many people find that they need digestive control for a while afterwards. You may need a ppi type drug to reduce acid production. such as lansoprazole.

Regarding your fever this may well have been a virus or could just as easily have been inflammation in the heart but if they did not find anything then best move on. You must be aware I am sure that it takes at least three months and sometimes longer for the heart to heal and settle down after ablation so it is still very early days yet. Listen to your body and do only what feels comfortable. We are all different and OK you might find a few people telling you how they went back to work a couple of days afterwards but most here would agree with me that you need time and patience. I don;t think you should have cancelled your trip at all but maybe you were overcome by the joys of NSR and went a tiny bit OTT?

Eat well. small and often. reduce meat and high fat intake,no alcohol and loads of water to stay well hydrated and hang in there lars.

[lars369 in reply to BobD]

Fabulous reply! Thanks so much. I'm glad I wrote.

[RaquelP]

Hi lars369,

I'm fairly new to this forum. I was diagnosed with AF in November. I'm from Texas in the United States. I just wanted to let you know that this forum has been very helpful. The people here are very friendly and very supportive. Although I don't post a lot, I do however read a lot of people's post and replies. Bob is one of the volunteers and i love all of his responses. Don't be afraid to ask questions because you'll be amazed how your not the only one feeling some of the symptoms. This forum has giving me a lot of information and resources to get educated on my condition that I'd probably wouldn't of know to ask my EP about. It's giving me hope. So welcome to this forum 😊

[lars369]

Thank you RaquelP. I'm in the USA as well. I spend 1/2 of the year in California and the other 1/2 across the country in Maine. I was very nervous about my trip to Maine because of my weakened state after ablation and all my doctors are in California. Also I travel alone with two little dogs. However, because of this forum, I am not as concerned. I've deduced that I'm overly sensitive to slight changes I can feel in my body and until I've gone through the blanking period I shall ignore most blips I feel. I'll continue light exercise to get stronger, but know I should not be in a rush to heal up. Once I get to Maine in June I'll continue to take it easy. Thank you for the kind welcome.