Using own heart monitor for the three months immediately after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation

[Suzanne-Cheshire]

Having had my third Ablation for fibrillation yesterday which I have to be optimistic will have stopped my AF for good. I am now in a dilemma as to whether to continue to use my trusted Kardia Alivecor heart monitor: once a day or so; occasionally; or put it aside for 3 months because I know this is the healing period? Can anyone advise what they have done or would do?

[perkman]

It really doesn't matter. I checked mine during the blanking period. I had more episodes post ablation up until the 2 month period. You will see more ectopics during the healing period. Totally normal.

I have been afib free for 10 months.

Best Wishes

[Suzanne-Cheshire in reply to perkman]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I'm very happy for you that you have been AF free for 10 months now, despite some post ablation episodes early on. All the best

[BobD Volunteer]

Lock it in a drawer. Rest a lot for the next two weeks., Take life easy and stay well hydrated and above all don't think about AF. What you think is what you are so focussing on your heart is likely to make it miss behave in my view.

Read our fact sheet on recovery if you haven't already but most importantly don't worry.

[Suzanne-Cheshire in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob, yes I have read the very helpful and informative fact sheet - and I have read it out to my husband too so he can better empathise! I will try to focus, as you say, on things other than AF for now.

[James_43 in reply to BobD]

Dear Bob,

Firstly, thank you so much for all of your posts. They really help!!

Apologies to trouble you, but I'd love your seasoned opinion on the first two weeks post ablation. I read your comments on "do nothing the first week and very little the second". Would you encourage complete sofa rest or a little gentle walking of short distances at slow pace? Literally 50 meters outside the front door!

Your opinion would be gratefully received!

With thanks and all best wishes to you,

Yours,

James

[BobD Volunteer in reply to James_43]

In our fact sheet we recommend plenty of sofa rest with the occasional short walks within the house or very close by for the first week and no more than one flight of stairs . Then gently build on that the second week onwards.

[James_43 in reply to BobD]

Thank you Bob! That's really great to know. In my enthusiasm for reading about all the side effects that might come up, I missed that valuable bit. Thank you!

Thank you also for all of your other posts here. They have really helped over the last months in the run-up to the ablation, both in terms of what to expect, as well as the big question of whether to have it done or not. Reading your posts was always very reassuring. Heartfelt thanks. (Forgive the pun...!)

Very best to you

James

[lms0006]

Have had 3 myself did not hold in constant afib for life.

[Aprilbday in reply to lms0006]

Hi Ims006,

I am sorry about the 3 ablations not being effective. How are you doing? There are some people not eligible for surgical procedures who are in the same situation almost. How are you managing it? I hope you don’t mind me asking. I just want to send you Hearts and Hugs.

[lms0006 in reply to Aprilbday]

Take coumadin and Metoprolol I still work occasionally am a nurse exercise watch what I eat rest alot. My EP told me she has a 90 yr old in constant afib for years. So I just keep going. I refused amiroderone did not like the side effects. Have tried many others did not work. Stay positive!