So what would you do?

I had a Cryoablation in July 2016 and all was well until last October when I had 2 episodes which was almost certainly brought on by stress. Since then, I have had a further 2 episodes for no apparent reason. All episodes were quickly stopped using flecainide as a Pip. Whilst I knew I was in AF, I could function OK but I cannot deny the great feeling when NSR returned.

My EP now says he wants to do a second RF ablation under a general anaesthetic using the CARTO mapping system. There is a fairly long waiting list, so plenty of time to change minds, but I would value the views of my forum friends..........

[Trilby8]

Flapjack - I'm in exactly same boat as you - had Cryoablation Feb 17 . Thought I was doing quite well until 5 day ECG showed I was in persistent AF - much to my surprise I knew I was getting some Arrythmia but wasn't aware it was persistent AF - I'm now on a 6-8 month waiting list for a ' re do ' ablation under GA. Even since the 5 day tape in November I feel much better with little or no awareness of any arrythmias- have been tempted to ring up and say ' I'll leave it for now thankyou' ! But have decided it would be more sensible to stay on the list as it would be Sod's law if I lost my place. Not relishing the thought of it though how about you ?

Cathy

[Hidden in reply to Trilby8]

Hi Cathy, I think I'm with you on this one.....we must compare notes later, best of luck

[Trilby8 in reply to Hidden]

I've decided to continue on the list but meantime I'm trying to get fitter and lose some more weight so I'll be in better shape generally while I'm waiting- hey ho

Cathy

[Hidden]

good idea Cathy, like most, I need to shed a pound or 7 put on over Christmas....

[Hidden]

I'd go for it if I were in your shoes. Do it now whilst we still have an NHS

[Hidden]

No from me.

Negligible AF burden. Flec doing the job

Ablation- why?

Keep place on list pending developments.

[cjgroe]

I was in sort of the same situation, except I had a cryoablation this past October that lasted only 2 weeks before the AF came back with a vengeance, and now accompanied by flutter as well. My EP scheduled me for a second RF ablation just 4 weeks later in November (which is the earliest he said he could safely go back in). This one was much longer and under general anesthesia and lasted about 7 hours. The fantastic news is both issues have not come back at all after the second procedure, and I am still arrhythmia free as I write this. I am ecstatic with the results so far, and glad I did the second one.

[momist]

Having had one ablation, why would you hesitate to have another? Some people have to have several before the right part of the heart has had the scarring applied.

[Hidden in reply to momist]

I appreciate the point you make momist, but there is always an element of risk and I think it's important to consider risk over benefit when tinkering with the ticker!!!

[Hidden]

I'd be making my mind up when I was at the top of the list, Flapjack, or very close to the top. AF is likely to surprise you along the way and you will have a clearer picture in a while.

[Peddling]

I’m in the wait and see camp, having turned down an ablation at St. George’s last November. EP keeping me on hold until or if I change my mind. It seems to me that many people on this site need more than one procedure to ‘manage’ their af and most if not all remain on meds, ie anti coags plus. I’m no longer psychologically spooked by my condition, live a healthier, active life into which af sometimes pokes it’s nose and then buts out again. I know what is likely to bring it on but how one leads a stress free life is beyond me. So now and then I feel the discomfort. If I had an ablation and then needed another and another I feel I would be weakened and possibly susceptible to other illnesses. I have an underactive thyroid and osteoporosis, which I also manage, the latter without drugs, so whilst I would never dismiss the benefits of ablation, the perceived risks rule it out for now.