Result that's ok but could have been better.

[Fastbeat]

Update now 1year post abandoned ablation.Went to see my EP at Bristol Heart Institute end July, he was pleased that I am able to accept my now persistent AF which was paroxymal before partial ablation ,but my symptoms are not so strong now persistent so I will not be having another ablation at this time, a joint decision as outcome may not give me any better quality of life may even make it worse.My medication is now Rivoroxaban, Bisoprolol 2.5mg Digoxin 125mcg and just changed Lisinopril for Losarten 50mg need to get better control of BP.No rhythm control.Have his phone contacts and access to arythmia nurse if I need any further help or need to consider more intervention if things deteriorate. I shall continue to participate in this forum as I find it helpful and gets things in perspective for me.Best wishes to all you're not rid of me yet!

[Hidden]

Hi there! You do at least know where you are with persistent AF - I am assuming that it is much the same all the time and doesn't have wild episodes. If it does not interrupt your enjoyment of life too much then perhaps that's good enough. I think there are a few who potter on in this sort of position and things are neither very bad nor as good as hoped.

You have the advantage of knowing who to contact should things deteriorate.

When did you last have an echocardiogram?

[Fastbeat in reply to Hidden]

Sometime in the last year ,nothing new showed up.Symptoms of AF are variable conscious of it all the time occasionally takes off more strongly, definitely found that I respond to any type of stress.Can cope at present, but will not put up with how I used to feel if it returns that will trigger me to contact EP again

[Hidden in reply to Fastbeat]

It certainly sounds as if you are better than you were and things are ticking over OK. As Flapjack says, it will be interesting to see how things go. Do keep us up to date.

[Fastbeat in reply to Hidden]

Will do

[Hidden]

A great post Fastbeat, we often hear that the transition from paroxysmal to persistent is not as bad as is often expected. The general feeling is that it is easier for the body to adapt to the change and that in time, the symptoms can become less troublesome. It's also great that you have access to a good support network as this makes all the difference knowing that help is available should you need it. As long as your AF is reasonably controlled, there should be little or no long term adverse effect on your heart but it will be interesting to hear what you decide to do for the longer term....best wishes.

[Fastbeat in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Flapjack.Yes coping ok just a slower pace at everything,do whatever I can to avoid a full on attack,leading up to the ablation July2017 I was getting attacks lasting up to 6days continually and very symptomatic just took over my life.That has now stopped it's just there in the background ticking along erratically and I can cope with that a quality of life that is better than before.Thank you

[meadfoot]

Pleased you feel comforted by your visit to your EP and that things are on track for you. All the best. X

[Fastbeat in reply to meadfoot]

👍

[jobristol]

Hi Jane, glad to hear you are doing ok even though you are in persistent AF. Good to also hear you have the support of the BHI, I’ve found the arrhythmia nurses there to be brilliant, any time I’ve emailed they’ve got back to me really quickly, and always put my mind at rest. Hope things continue to be good for you. Jo

[Fastbeat in reply to jobristol]

Thanks im doing ok.How are you? Hope all is still good for you. Jane

[jobristol in reply to Fastbeat]

Yes, all is still good thank you. Am off all meds now which is great, although I know things could change at anytime! Keep well, Jo

[wilsond]

Hello! I find Losartan very good,I'm on 100 mg. Keeps my bp very stable,and also very careful with food.I eat a lot of celery,beetroot and oats.Glad your persistent AF is not too symptomatic. All the best

[Hidden]

I was told that some doctors think it is better to have permanent rather than paroxysmal afib as its the stopping and starting which can be detrimental. How Often did you have paroxysmal before they offered the ablation?

[Fastbeat in reply to Hidden]

Couple of times every week lasting a day or more, then it went to 6days non stop about twice each month,hence unbearable so tried ablation.

[RoyM]

Hi Fastbeat. I have been in Persistent AF sine May 2016, much better quality of life, I cycle, walk, swim, the difference being my heart rate rises significantly on exercise but soon returns to my new "normal" resting HR high 60's to low 70's. My medication consists of Apixiban and 1.25g Bisoporol twice daily. I recently had an Echocardiograph which revealed no dilation of the chambers and Valves ok. I am not intending to try for an Ablation...I accept the condition now and have stopped chasing the holy grail of NSR and just enjoying life. I also have a Dilated Aorta, that isn't connected with the AF but will have to be dealt with sooner of later. I am at present on a "watch and wait" programme to monitor the increase in sizeof the Aorta (if any). At some stage in the future i anticipate I will have to undergo surgery. I will worry about that if and when it happens.

[Fastbeat in reply to RoyM]

Thanks for your reply Roy,nice to hear someone else's view on their persistent AF.