Hi guys
Just wanted to message as I’ve seen my EP today and now on a waiting list for an ablation, could be within the next 6 months.... I know we all exspierience different things with AF ... can anyone please let me know what to exspect as in recovery time .... I thought I was ok about my decision now sitting here quietly I just want to cry I’ve never been this worried before and I’m only 51 , I’m just wondering what other people have exspieienced
Try not to be too bothered about this as you can back out if you wish at any time. It's a bold step to take and the prospect can be very daunting. But try to stick with it if you can as mostly the anticipation is the worst bit.
It's hard to say about recovery. Some of us feel fine afterwards and have to remember to take it easy. Others find it takes a while to gather energy. Generally the rule is to do very little for the first week and little more for the second.
I hope this is helpful.
Taken on board your advice many thanks
Hi there.... If your symptoms are affecting your quality of life then medication or ablation is the choice you have. I'm 53 and been on meds for 5 years after a successful cardio version in 2013. This year my AF has been more active and started to affect my work and family life so I'm going to see my EP and ask to have an ablation.
I know it feels scary, it does for me too but the risks of ablation are incredibly low and the potential gains are incredibly good. Try not to get worked up and see this as the potential cure and not a threat.. I wish you the best of luck whatever your decision.... Dave.
Thankyou for your reply it’s good to talk about AF and I’m feeling better now I’m looking forward to a better quality of life . I’m usually strong but at the end of the day it’s about the heart ....
Hello Alison...i had my first ablation ( very reluctantly) in 2009 then another in 2011 and a third in 2013 . I'm on the waiting list for no. 4. I can't really say that recovery was a big issue for me. I just made sure that heavier household chores were up to date and didn't drive for first week. I had a gardener to mow lawns in 2009 and he made such a good job of it he's still at it ! ( husband doesn't do gardens but he will when he eventually retires...if ever ??)
Take the first week back very carefully and spoil yourself ....really do nothing if you can get away with it. After that you will probably feel more confident but don't overdo things.
I was 64 with first ablation and am now 73. I really can't say that I felt incapacitated after any of my ablations and hope that you will be able to feel the same.
Regards
Sandra
Many thanks for your welcomed reply.... feeling much better about it now
My hubby never really had any issues after Ablation, just take it easy for about a week. Hubby felt better immediately but be aware you still need to take your blood thinner for stroke prevention. Long term studies are in and it’s necessary. If you can’t tolerate the blood thinners long term and just know there are other options
Hey you, Alisonsmith! Being just 51...you’re just a young one, and you will be just fine! Keep reading and you will see lots of people who are not only living through this (and some much-much more), but living life well!! (Or not-and guess what—it’s often your choice on how well you move on with it.) Read Eckhart Tolle’s book, “The Power of Now”. Don’t you dare let this worry steal your joy. Whether it’s ablation or medication only, whatever.... “Be afraid-but do it anyway.”
Bless you I’ve got the book you suggested I will read it again , I’m feeling better about the operation now just overwhelmed earlier as I’ve been lucky enough to have been in good health most of my life .... we only have now nothing is promised ....thankyou
I was in great health too before my first ablation then had two more after that. It’s a daunting choice but heart meds are rough too if no ablation. The procedure itself is pretty painless. It’s all the worry and anxiety about having it that’s so hard.
Hello Alison 
you have made the decision to have an ablation so try not to worry about it now and concentrate on being strong and fit for the procedure.
You are only young and I would think a good candidate for Ablation.
One thing that does surprise me is the way some people come on here and expect to be ok within days of the procedure.
If a person breaks a leg or does something to hurt part of their body it is logical to give it time to heal, why should the heart one of the most vulnerable parts of our body be any different.
I would say be kind and gentle to your heart and let it heal slowly at its own pace without trying to rush it , no one with sense would run on a broken leg would they .
There is a factsheet here which may be of help to you...
Follow the link and scroll down the page till you reach
''Recovering from Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation.
Click on ''Read more''
heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...
Alison there is another fact sheet "Preparing for ablation" which you should of course read first. There are many booklets /fact sheets on AF Association website which explain a lot of the intricacies of the procedure which I commend to your reading.
Don't be put off by any negative stories you may come across on this forum as you MUST remember that the vast majority of successful ablatees never come back here as they don't need us any longer.
I am a devout coward and I had three so it isn't all bad! (No AF since May 2008 by the way.)
Thankyou so much Bob I’m going to do my reading and research ..... fantastic about your outcome always wanting to stay positive... 👍 kept well
I agree with everything your saying I will take things easy when I have the procedure... and I much appreciate you sending the link .... many many thanks
Alison I had my first ablation about 6 weeks ago. I have found this site very helpful. So far it seems to have been successful. The main thing is to listen to your body. Some recover quickly and some like myself not so. If I continue in SR that will be marvellous as continuous AF was really affecting my life.
Thanks for letting me know how things went for you .... I wish you well as you progress ... it’s a very debilitating condition as you well know .... let’s hope you only ever need one 👍
I was worried about having an ablation but for me everything went well.
They put me to sleep ,had the procedure,about three hours ,woke up the same
day with no pain and went home the next day. I had a bruise in my groin
and it was a bit tender for a few days and that was it. Wouldn't hesitate
to have another one if i had to.
I understand your fears,am awaiting first ablation too,keeps whirling round in my head,should I go for it/ or not! I'm 58 and was diagnosed in 2013.
Lots of great advice on here and in the excellent booklets. You would be unusual if you did not feel daunted by the idea of some one fiddling about in your heart! I'm not too symptomatic at the moment,but know that's because I'm on 100 mg of flecanaide,5 mg bisoprolol etc,which would be the case forever.At least ablation offers the chance to get off these.
great post on today from Richard Pooley about his ablation.
i sound 100% convinced,but still wibble wobble at times...must be driving my poor patient husband mad!
all the best! Xx
Hi it’s Alison
I’m on exactly the same dose of medication as you and it’s been a god send being able to get back to some normality although I do feel out of breath and wheezy most of the time . So fingers crossed when I get the procedure done quality of life will be better... I’m very optimistic... it’s good to here other people’s stories ..... I wish you all the best and maybe chat again in the future...
Hi Alison
Yes,please chat away! Its been a godsend this forum,so much support and advice,sometimes our friends and family dont quite 'Get us' although well meaning!
Keep in touch,best wishesnxx
Hi Alison
Welcome to the crazy heart club. You have just won an opportunity to have a good look at your lifestyle Some questions to ask yourself.
Am I overweight?
Do I smoke?
Do I drink?
Do I take regular gentle exercise?
Have I had recent blood pressure /cholesterol/ diabetes checks?
Do I eat a healthy diet?
So go and stand in front of a mirror and ask yourself the questions. They are all things only you can change. Take care.
Ianc2
I had my one and only ablation in 2013 and no AF since then. Recovery was not difficult, just needed to slow down and relax during the first 3 months.
Good luck 🍀
Thankyou
Good luck you have lots of support on here which is comforting. Just see an end goal in sight and look forward to that. Just remember if the benefits outway the risks then do it! Being locked in a rubbish cycle with your heart can be draining and depressing so look at it as a fresh start for you. Paul x
Thankyou for your reply much appreciated 👍
Alison
I had two ablations in a month earlier this year January to February, one for AF and one for flutter that developed 9 days after the AF ablation but in the opposite (right) atria. (Possibly promoted by the flecainide i was taking- i am not a doctor but have read about this) .
Neither ablation was a problem , was conscious,lightly sedated for both. Found it quite interesting watching the screen as it was being done. Being in flutter for 3 weeks between ablations was a big issue - that tired me out. Plus I already had problems with the medication. The great news is a I have had no problems at all since the 26th February when the ablation instantly stopped the flutter, and have been off all meds since May 15 and that makes me feel so good. Surprisingly it took several weeks to lose the side effects from my drugs (tiredness and brain fog), but they are now gone. The difference in my sharpness is amazing.
I would another ablation this afternoon if I needed to in order to keep away from the drugs!
I was 57 and a half when I had mine so at 51 you are a youngster!
Best wishes.
Thanks for your positive message much appreciated.. I wish you well xx
I had an ablation about a month ago. I felt pretty groggy the next day from the anaesthetic and a bit weak for a week, but pretty much recovered thereafter although had to be a bit careful e.g. no heavy lifting for a bit. A bit of a bruise at first but just about gone now. No pain at any point, worse part was very noisy patient at night, a bit like Brian Blessed with Tourette's. Just as I was discharged they moved him to a side room!
Hi Alison, IHad 3 cardioversions. 2 lasted just over a year,had an Ablation done Almost 2 years ago.
I was asleep when I had mine and can honestly say that apart from the recovery from anaesthetic ,which didn't last long, I felt ok .just felt a small dull ache in my chest,nothing more,my back was more sore must have been laying funny during op !! Just did nothing much for a week till driving again, then for awhile carefully picking heavy stuff up. No guarantees but hope I get years in SR. I was68 when had mine now 70 , think you will be fine ,but yes is scarry when it's heart ,good luck with it as said before sure youll be fine .
Thankyou for your reply much appreciated I wish you well
Hi Alison. I had my ablation two year ago tomorrow and it's the best thing I ever went through. I was really suffering with my af so much I was in hospital for 3 weeks before the ablation as I was literally crawling on my hands and knees unable to function. I had my ablation and felt fine for two weeks then the af came back with a vengeance and was hospitalised again. I was then put on dronedarone for to help with the episodes and only took it for 4 month then as had no further episodes came off it. Since then have only had a couple of episodes in over a year and despite having other heart problems being af free has been great and if ever I need another ablation will jump at chance. Good luck and big hugs in whatever happens x
Thanks for your message I do wish you well x
I'm in U.S. so Had ablation a few weeks after EP reviewed results from 30 days on ten lead monitor. Generally requires an overnight in hospital but had procedure at 5:30 a.m. so went home with my son at 4 p.m.. I was awake but sedated. Slept a lot afterward. You will be fine. Don't forget to breathe.
Think the AF wants to come out and play again! 
How do I stop Afib just after OHS
Failed Ablation but it’s ok ? Just wondering what they do next 
Previous AF episode over two years ago.
Just got referred for Ablation consult
