New

[Marc34685]

I have had three afib ablations. All three helped for 6 - 12 months, then rhythm out again. They are looking to do a fourth. Medications don't work.

Meeting with my electrophysiologist next week. Trying to make the decision between doing another catheter ablation or pace & ablate ?

[BobD Volunteer]

It may not be your decision to make Marc. EPs need to decide if they think that they can improve the situation without undue risk. The more past ablations the more complex and difficult is the work of the EP.

[Marc34685]

Hence.... why I'm concerned having a fourth ablation. It's not a cure, it's a treatment.

My doctor is willing to do the pacemaker.

That is what we will be speaking about at this week's upcoming appointment.

Trying to get as much information as I can to compile a list of questions for my doctor.

So I can make an informed decision.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Marc34685]

Most people I know who have had Pace and Ablate do say their QOL is better but of course they can still feel the AF happening even though their ventricular rate is governed by the PM. Yes a bit last chance saloon but right for some.

[Marc34685 in reply to BobD]

Thank you Bob.

Even going to work right now is an issue...... so I appreciate your response. Right now meds don't even regulate my rhythm. I was in the hospital a week just 10 days ago. They could regulate my rate, but my rhythm not at all.

All response are great as It helps my Q & A list and will help with any decisions.

Thank you

[Hidden in reply to Marc34685]

Hi Marc34685 Here's my experience. Diagnosed with a-fib in 2011; cardioverted and remained a-fib free without meds 3 years. Then it came back. After trying more cardioversions/ meds with side effects etc my EP suggested 2 things. First that an ablation most likely would not return me to normal sinus rhythm except for maybe a short time and he would like for me to accept the idea that living with AF with a stable rate was not a bad thing. I opted for the pace and ablate he suggested; had it almost 3 years ago, take no meds, have few if any symptoms, and consider I have good quality of life and am stable and comfortable. Very happy I did it. With other medical issues to deal with my A-fib stays on the back burner and rarely causes me anxiety or physical problems now. I'm 74. Take care. irina1975😊 PS my diagnosis was tachy/brady syndrome.

[CDreamer]

Just been through similar dilemma - I think it is a very individual choice made on individual circumstances. I decided Pace & Ablate after 2 ablations because of age, some signs of Brady/tachycardia developing which could be as a result of scarring from ablations and other chronic conditions. It’s a big decision to make though & one that took me about 18 months & several appointments & lots of research to make.

Good luck.

[Marc34685 in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you, CDreamer,

I'm 57 and have been dealing with this for about 6 years. Have been on every medication, none of them working.

Scarring from the ablation has been a concern of mine. Gives me another subject to speak with my Dr. about.

Thank you for your reply.

[lilyj54]

I have had a similar profile. Three ablation a year to 18 months apart, brought improvements....but did not last. My consultant did a fourth and I felt really awful afterwards Heart did not settle (5 months) and I really regretted having it done THEN MAGIC...My Heart settled and has been good enough....still anticoagulate...ectopic beat now and then....but all symptoms much much reduced....over 3 years ago.

I was taking small dose of bisoprolol 1.25, til recently. I am experimenting with no drugs except anti coagulation.

Not perfect solution but pretty good. I am 67.

[Marc34685]

Thank you , Lilyj54

Its a lot to treatment to go through.

I'm happy that your heart has improved. I hope your experiment with no medication is successful...... as the side effects of the meds are terrible.

Thank you

[jsanta in reply to Marc34685]

I am in the exact situation! Had Three oblations between six and 12 months. Non worked. Now they want to put me on the trikosyn after 3 days of evaluation. And cardiovert me as I leave hospital. Not happy about possible side effects.So next week I go in the hospital for three days and they monitor the medication. I wanted to go straight to the pacing maker AV node ablation but the doctor said I’m too young. I’m 65X athlete but currently I can’t walk more than 100 yards without being out of breath.

From when I understand that the pacemaker only controls rate not rhythm .

They say there’s a specialist in Austin that all he does is oblations from people that have had three ablations.

Please let me know how you do good luck !