Paroxysmal AF

[kjjan]

I am new to this site. I have had PAF for 13 years but two years ago it got worse and medication did not control it well. After several visits to A and E had a cryoablation which seemed to work for several months then had an attack that went back to normal with PIP. after another 6 months had another attack controlled by PIP but since have had two more attacks close together and starting by feeling dizzy/faint then pain in chest and pulse around 140 PIP did bring it back but now concerned I am going down the slippery path again! The cryoablation did not go well as they punctured the main vein and I ended up at St Thomas's hospital with a pseudo aneurysm, so very scared about going through this again. Help!!!!!

[rosyG]

sorry to hear this. Complication rates are low now so you were unlucky- you may need a small touch up which shouldn't be such a long procedure- let us know how you get on

[kjjan in reply to rosyG]

Thanks rosyG I am waiting to hear back from my cardiologist who seems to take ages to give me an appointment, I had an echocardiogram and heart monitor about 3 months ago and results were sent to him but no appointment yet!!!

[Hidden]

Hello, and welcome! There are plenty of us here who are, like you, not new to PAF and none too sure about where AF is taking us next.

We have lots of options. Move from PIP to daily medication? Further intervention? You are not alone in having things not go too well previously. Lifestyle changes? Or sit on the fence and hope things will remain fairly stable! Of those, what do you feel you're most likely to be considering?

[kjjan in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for replying I would like to stay with PIP if possible while it still works but occurrences seem to be more frequent.

[Hidden in reply to kjjan]

That's something that quite a few of us notice.

[jeanjeannie50]

Welcome to the forum kjjan.

When I started using Flecainide as a PIP it worked wonderfully at first, but then my attacks became closer and closer and I ended up on the Flec all the time. This pill does seem to help at the moment and I haven't had any nasty attacks for a long time.

We can all identify with your symptoms, except I've never had chest pain with an AF attack though I know some do. I guess you know that chest pain always needs a visit to A&E?

I think you may feel more confident under another EP. I've had 3 ablations and have never had any problems. In fact we rarely hear on this forum of people having any.

Jean

[eleanor--1941]

Hello Kjjan,

I am the same with PAF now in my 20th year with it.

I am fortunate that Flecainade as PIP 300mg works for me when an episode comes on.So far have not had one since 2016.I know it can return anytime,but it is lovely to have a break.

The other thing is I deliberately lost 4 stone in weight,due to an under active Thyroid Gland in 2015-2916,which I think contributed to this,improvement.

Keep as well as you can Kjjan,keep in touch.

Best Wishes,

Eleanor.X

[kjjan in reply to eleanor--1941]

Thanks Eleanor I don't want another ablation so hope PIP continues to work just worried about increased frequency of attacks