9 weeks post ablation

[LouBrig]

For the first 6-weeks post cyroblation I can't say I noticed any AF breaking through and I started to feel well as the exhaustion subsided. Over the last couple of weeks I have had AF breaking through. It generally starts with feeling of palpitations and feels irregular but stays around the 65/70bpm. I bought a Kardia device which signifies these are periods of possible AF. They appear to last short periods of time, mainly early evening and I do convert myself to NSR.

I am taking 2.5mg daily of Bisoprolol and Rivaroxiban

I understand there is a 12-week 'blanking period' but was kind of hoping that at 9-weeks the scar tissue would be quite advanced. Should I think this hasn't been a successful outcome?

[bushy2016]

hi Im on my second ablation nearly 12 weeks post and the dreaded af is knocking on the door...the first ablation and it returned within 2 weeks..the second started around 5 weeks after and are getting stronger and longer each day....im near the limit of medication to control the rate....but dont give in yet....AF is very anti-social and may go

best of luck

[LouBrig in reply to bushy2016]

Thank you. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you too x

[LouBrig in reply to LouBrig]

Thank you

[IanB48]

Possibly a bit too soon after your procedure to start worrying yet though I can appreciate your concerns. I had similar experiences when coming off medication post ablation which came as a nasty shock but after three to four months these subsided. I'm not saying everything's going to be ok but have a word with your consultant or GP and give it a bit longer.

[Tony090575]

Hi LouBrig. Hope there just isolated events. I too have the Kardia Mobile. There Very handy Device's. My question is i note your on Bisoprolol. Do you have any side effects with it as im a bit worried as i have read lots on here about how bad they are. I have 1.25mg but was worried as my Heart Rate when not having an episode of AF is Generally 60-65 and did not wanting the Bisoprolol to drop it any further. Also prescribed Apixaban again have concerns about the side effects as they seem grim as they can make u bleed from almost anywhere and Brain Bleeds.

[LouBrig in reply to Tony090575]

I can't say I've had any side effects on Bisoprolo.

Prior to being diagnosed I think my heart rate was about 65/70. The Bisoprolol dropped it to around 54 and post ablation its increased to 65ish.

Hope you're ok.

[Dodie117 in reply to Tony090575]

All anticoagulants increase the bleed risk but it's very low. The risk of stroke is worse so that's the balance. I'm on apixaban and all is fine

[sooty757]

My cryo,last year I felt ill for 10 weeks,the rally good on weeks 11 and 12,the bang out it went 90 days after the ablation ,

Stayed out 6 weeks back in on his own,4 days out and then fine.

I was scheduled a second procidure last week so went ahead.

Hard disision cold extremes and dizzy now.

I don't know with you it seems some times it takes ,longer,to settle,and very often multiple procedures are needed

I just tenner how ill I was before my first cardio version and think it was worth a try.

ill follow you keep us posted

[LouBrig in reply to sooty757]

Hope you're improving.

I really am keeping everything crossed as fear another procedure. I think my trigger was emotional stress mixed in with tiredness and am doing everything to relax.

[Spoiler in reply to sooty757]

How many cardioversions have you had? Did you have persistent afib?

[LouBrig in reply to Spoiler]

I have lone paroxysmal AF and haven't had a cardioversion. I was diagnosed in June but think I've been having episodes for a couple of years but hadn't recognised them as such. I think the emotional stress of my Mum dying surfaced it and I had to be taken in to hospital after waking during the night in a terrible way. Thankfully the EP moved swiftly to perform the ablation.

[jennydog]

I could have written your post. I didn't feel my heart for 6 weeks post-ablation but now get occasional episodes of mild AF. I also take 2.5 bisoprolol and use 100 flecainide as a pip. I have fibrosis of the left atrium due to radiotherapy. It could be that you need a 'touch up.' You may be able to accept the AF if it's mild. But it's early days and things may well settle. I think you need to give it time and avoid possible triggers, especially stress.

Best wishes

[LouBrig in reply to jennydog]

I feel reassured knowing someone else has experienced similiar. I believe stress was my trigger after the sudden death of my Mum, mixed in with demanding stressful job. I'm trying to avoid but AF seems to have made me very anxious. I now fret about everything and am obsessive with checking my BP and heart rate. A gentle walk makes my chest ache and HR quickly elevated to 153bpm. I'm not sure how much exercise to do.

[wilsond in reply to LouBrig]

Lou Brig emotional stress and work related stress did it for me too.The feeling of not being able to solve a problem or upset impacted on me too.It's,easy to easy..reduce stress...but combined with meds,positive attitude and bit of exercise should help you feel better.

[BobD Volunteer]

It is important to remember that AF can only be defined with a proper ECG. Kardia may give an indication but I suspect in view of your rate that what you are feeling are ectopic beats which are very common. 12 weeks is really short in my view and many patients continue to improve up to six months. Far too early to start worrying.

[LouBrig in reply to BobD]

Thanks BobD.

As a fairly newly diagnosed and treated AFibber im not entirely sure I can tell the difference between an Ectopoc and AF. The EP advised I do occasionally produce Ectopics from the lower right chamber. Heart can feel like it 'flips' then palpitations. I'm hoping these short periods are just AF attempting to break through. I won't start worrying just yet then.

[LouBrig in reply to LouBrig]

Forgot to ask ..... have you focused on improving Vagal Nerve condition? Wasn't sure if breathing exercise etc is helpful.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to LouBrig]

Look up slow deep breathing exercise. usually stops ectopics if you do it right. There is a lot on there if you use the search box top right.

[Mike11]

I had lots of etopics and bi-/tri-geminy up to nine months after my ablation. I suspect you may be having some of these so don't worry. I think the real test is do you feel better or worse than before the procedure ?

[LouBrig in reply to Mike11]

Hope so. I do actually feel better than before the procedure but keep having bouts of exhaustion.

[KipperJohn]

I agree that it’s far to early - your heart has been through a lot and we all respond differentlly - the 3 months blanking period is really not much more than a rule of thumb in my view.

I had ablations in 2015 and 2016 and experienced quite regular and unpleasant periods of AF after both. My second proved to be a touch up job but I still had quite a few nasty bouts for up to 48 hours for several months afterwards.

However, as far as I’m aware I have not had an episode for well over a year now. I remain on metoprolol and Apixaban. I’ve had other quite serious health issues unconnected since, so remaining AF free has helped no end.

I know it’s easy to get disheartened but time can prove to be a great healer.

[LouBrig in reply to KipperJohn]

Thank you.

[sue13hils]

Hi they say it takes 3months mine has been I get a few mini af moments but most of the time feel ok hope this helps.