AFIB, an uninvited guest in my celebratory getaway.

[Clarajoan]

Yup, 9 weeks post- ablation and not a a single bout of AFIB, until I travel 120 Miles from home to a mountainous area with no hospital nearby.

I called my EP and the doctor on call ( of course it’s Sunday and 10:00 at night) told me to wait it out, not to worry that this is normal during the 3 month period. He also instructed me to take 25 mg’s of Metoprolol- a medicine I have not taken since the ablation; in fact I have not taken any anti- arrythemia drugs since the ablation. On a positive note, the AFIB resolved within 2 hours; this is a first for me, since I have required hospitalization in the past in order to return to normal sinus rhythm.

Here are two questions:

Should I be concerned that I had a bout of AFIB after 9 weeks? What are your experiences during the blanking period?

Should I have a pill in the pocket solution going forward? It was sheer coincidence that I decided to toss the Metoprolol in my suitcase at the last minute.

Thanks for listening- again. I was terrified to have my poor husband driving the back roads of this mountain community in search of an area hospital! Ugh, this condition is mind numbing and all consuming.

[Bagrat]

Can't answer your question but kudos to you for taking such a pragmatic approach and recovering so quickly. Sounds as if things are on track in tbe light of your quick return to sinus compared with your previous experiences. Hope this will reassure you and help you to be able to enjoy the rest of your break

[CDreamer]

It’s not unusual to have AF episode within the blanking period of 3-6months. Good news is that you reverted. You need to talk to your EP re PIP and I think that is also a personal decision.

I would also suggest that you use breathing exercises first if you should start to feel as though you may go back into an episode as these can often help or prevent a sustained hiccup. Stress may have also been a factor so allaying you fears, daily meditation practicing and general lifestyle factors will help.

[BobD Volunteer]

It takes three to six months for the heart to heal and the scar tissue to form to stop the AF so no surprises there I'm afraid. It is quite unusual to stop all anti- arrhythmia drugs on ablation as many EPs feel it important to allow the heart to heal in comfort. Took me nine months to come off mine.

[doodle68]

Hi Clara you say...

''Yup, 9 weeks post- ablation and not a a single bout of AFIB, until I travel 120 Miles from home to a mountainous area with no hospital nearby.''

Maybe it was the journey that triggered your AF , any change of circumstances or anything that causes me stress/anxiety can trigger mine .

I prepare myself before hand now if I think a situation may be stressful by doing breathing exercises and telling myself I must be calm.

[Hidden]

Do you have sleep apnoea or have you been tested for it? The vast majority of people who have successful ablations, but have untreated sleep apnoea, revert to AF. I recently moved from the UK to the US where the medics regularly associate the two conditions and treat them as one syndrome. Since I started using a C-PAP machine, I've had no AF. Worth checking out.

[Clarajoan in reply to Hidden]

I was tested- very mild, so insurance will not pay for the machine or treatment.

[Hidden in reply to Clarajoan]

How mild? How many nights were you tested? It's worth googling articles on apnoea and AF.

[Clarajoan in reply to Hidden]

I was I need the high 9’s and insurance needs 10. I will talk to my EP about it next appointment. Thanks!

[Hidden in reply to Clarajoan]

ALl the best. I had awful AF for years--it became nearly persistent and I was worn out. I insisted that I get a C-PAP before my ablation and it has worked. Best wishes.

[rosyG]

think it's normal during the post op period. PIP might be good- need to ask your EP. sounds as if the ablation has gone well if episode so different from before

[Clarajoan]

Fingers crossed!