Shortness of Breath after Heart Ablation

[LbFord]

My mom had a pretty extensive heart ablation one week ago. She is having trouble with shortness of breath. Is doesn't seem to be getting any better . Has anyone else experienced this problem? If so how long will this continue? She is pitiful!!

[Hidden]

Hi LbFord, try not to worry as it does take a while for the heart to recover from it's ordeal. If your Mum's condition seems chronic, then it would be better to get professional advice as soon as possible, otherwise, if it does not improve within a week, contact the hospital.....best wishes, John

[Buffafly]

See replies to breathless52 please.

[CDreamer]

I would suggest she see a doctor as soon as possible.

It is probably nothing but there are some unwanted serious side effects from some ablations, mainly cryo, which need to be investigated.

[adriatico]

Don't worry too much. Most of the time it is caused by inflamation (according to my dr). I went through the same ordeal - shortness of breath, sometimes couldn't walk to the kitchen. I was given anti inflammation pills. I was told to exercise regularly (moderately). I tried to walk every day and it was depressing. Sometimes I could make only 50 steps walking small steps A 100 year sick old man would walk faster. All this lasted exactly 2 months. Then one day I could make a distance of almost 500 ft walking slowly and without stopping to catch my breath. What a celebration. The very next day I was almost normal man. My doctor insisted on 2 things. Exercise and lLIGHT meals. Spread your meals and NO coffee, alcohol, chocolate and artificial sweeteners. Tell your mom that it is normal reaction for some. All kind of things happen during the first 3 months.

I am now 5 months after ablation a happy man. Stopped Flecanaide and Metopropolol 1 month after ablation and about to stop Eliquis (anticoagulant) next month. My best wishes to you and your mom.

[PZiglar01]

Not to scare you but have her follow up with the doctor. I did after 2 weeks of not breathing very well. Had to run a couple of tests in hospital but found out that the electrophysiologist had injured my phrenic nerve during my heart ablation which caused my right diaphragm to become paralyzed. I was told it can take 10 months to 2 years to heal. My breathing is getting better but not completely resolved. Has been 10 months since ablation. I hope your Mom is not going through this but please have her follow up.

[yakyakyak in reply to PZiglar01]

My phrenic nerve was paralyzed 10 years ago during a mini maze ablation. I have never been the same.

[PZiglar01 in reply to yakyakyak]

In what way do you mean you are not the same. Are you talking about your breathing or some other problems? I am inquiring as I would like to know if my phrenic nerve really will resolve itself within the next year or should I think about seeing an attorney. Thank you

[MaryIM]

Go to DR I had this after my ablation and it turned out I had pneumonia

[lou1943]

I am 78 year old male had an atrial ablation a month ago, still have shortness of breath and rapid heart and I understand it may last for up to 3 to 6 months before total healing. takes place. I get out of breath going from room to room, its frustrating.