Night time palpations-are not "pals" post ablation

[Clarajoan]

I am 3 weeks post ablation. I had terrible palpitations last night lasting on and off for about an hour. I am wondering if they are the normal course of events following the ablation or due to any or all of the following behaviors I participated in yesterday: coming back from vacation and unpacking for a lengthy time; 2 glasses of wine at dinner; depression and anxiety about the future; lastly a few bites of chocolate cake.

I am trying to sort all of this out. I would appreciate the sage advice from those of you who have experienced an ablation, and who have had palpitations because of any or all of the behaviors listed above. Sometimes I feel like I am totally alone in this; I have no friends or family who have dealt with AFIB; thus the discussions I want to have about it with any of them seem like whining. Many people look up "AFIB"on google and come away thinking-" lots of people have it and they're doing just fine. Why can't she ( meaning me) just get in with life. Think positively!"

It is a very lonely condition fraught with a minefield of choices (medicines and ablation) , possible side effects of both, and many times cardiologists and GP's who lack understanding and compassion to guide their patients.

Any advice, admonishment, or encouragement would be greatly appreciated!!!

[Clarajoan]

Thank you. In fact I am looking for some spiritual guidance!!!! I think that's what is missing in the equation... Buddhism seems a choice!

[CDreamer in reply to Clarajoan]

Try Mindfulness - with or without the Buddhist element,

[CDreamer]

Hi Clarajoan - it is quite usual to have some unusual rhythm activity post ablation for the first few months, sometimes ectopics, sometimes short episodes of AF or AFl or PSV's. It is usually nothing to worry about.

Overdoing things, drinking alcohol, eating large meals could (not always will) may trigger these events or they may just happen anyway - very individual and case by case.

To promote healing my suggestions would be - be very careful with your diet, get plenty of rest and also adequate exercise but don't push yourself - stop before you get tired. Pacing is important. Also dehydration will be one of the most common triggers, especially when and after flying, in hot weather etc.

Your heart will take anything from 12 weeks to 6-9 months to settle down so just go carefully and pace yourself so you don't undo all the good work of the ablation.

Best wishes CD

[Clareowenpearcy]

I'm now 7 weeks out after my 3rd Ablation! The first few weeks I had quite a few episodes of Afib especially during the night. Only lasted a short time and always went back into NSR on my own. They are less frequent now and improving daily. Hang in there and hopefully you will see everything calm down in a few weeks. Cheers

[DOCJH]

Find a doc certified by IFM.org. A doc who understands heart physiology. Many promising therapies after workup

[jeanjeannie50]

We're here to support you Clara, so never feel you are on your own. This forum is for all people with AF to support and advise each other on the experiences we have had. We know exactly how horrible AF is, so feel free to ask all you need to know. We'll always do our best to answer, but be aware we are not medically trained.

It's still early days since your ablation so the episodes you are getting now are quite usual and will hopefully soon stop.

Wine, cake and stress! Are all triggers which cause upset to my heart rhythm. You know what to do now, don't you - avoid them, it's sad/hard but necessary!

Jean

[Clarajoan]

Thanks Jean!! I do appreciate all of the help given on this forum.... no wine last night- no palpitations!!!!!! It is always an experiment.

[Alphakiwi]

Agree with you about no one wants to know or discuss. I think most people who are healthy get queezy anyway when you mention anything related to the workings of our interior parts just like so many cant stand needles or the sight of blood.One bit of admonishing . Stop drinking wine. Your health is not worth compromising. It is actually poison. Rotten grape juice . The only good wine is fresh grape juice.

About palpitations. I am post pacemaker implant prior to av node ablation. I am having a terrible time with palps more than before the pm implant. I think maybe if you avoid any known triggers and start some easy daily walking ,plenty of rest you are then giving your body the best chance