I have had 2 abalations. Went through Hurricane Harvey and lost everything and the stress caused a lot of problems. I went in and out of a fib but now it is happening more and more. I have put the past behind me for my own sanity and at 71 years old I’m not sure my electrophysiologist would even consider me again at my age and My a fib is not constant. Do you have to be in constant a fib to see the doctor again or at my age do I just have to live with it.
Thanks
Hi Salty - sorry to hear all the stuff you had to go through.
Firstly I don’t think age per se has all that much to do with whether or not you are eligible for an ablation but other health factors including any other heart or health conditions etc may certainly be a factor as to whether or not there would be a chance of success.
Secondly the chances of a successful ablation if you are in persistent or permanent AF are much lower than if you are newly diagnosed.
Thirdly as any treatment is purely for QOL = quality of life I think it depends upon how symptomatic you are as the risks versus possible benefits. I’ve had 2 ablations and AF came back after 3 years, others have had 4-5 and still AF or other arrythmias return - absolutely no guarantees so you need to sit down and talk to the EP and ask what they believe the possible chances are for you and what other treatments options could be available.
I’ve just had pacemaker inserted and am going for ablation of the AV node - Pace and Ablate. I already feel much better week 3 after PM implanted.
Do your homework - look up the success record of your EP with patients of a similar age and circumstances and ask all the awkward questions and then armed with knowledge - discuss and decide a plan. And it may not be ablation therapy.
Best wishes CD.
CDreamer has said it all. I too have had a pacemaker and AV node ablation, the quality of life is marked. Please do discuss this line of treatment with your EP. I hope you are successful and able to move forward. Kind regards.
Thank you so much...my relatives have long qt and they also have pacemakers. I will discuss this with my doctor. He is a fine doctor but always in a hurry and very blunt.
Dear Salty, I can only try to imagine what it must be like to have lost all your possessions and I am so sorry. It is little wonder that all you have experienced has impacted on your AF and probably considering what you should do about it is now another worry on top of everything else. My own feeling is that you should see your doctor and talk it over with them as their perspective and advice will give you a starting point regarding what are the best options. You got through Hurricane Harvey and you will get through this too. Good luck with everything.
Hi Salty. Please see a doctor if you are having any symptoms making your life harder. You don't need permission to look after yourself and any doctor who thinks this is okay will not be taking care of me.
You have been through a lot. I grew up in South Florida with hurricanes a big part of my life. I'm now in Atlanta with family still in Florida. One reason I don't move back is I don't want to be on the 'Hurricane Merry-go-round' again: The tropical storm warning, getting supplies, boarding up the house just in case, will this storm reach hurricane proportions, will it veer our way.? Very stressful. And I am so sorry you had to endure this. Not easy esp with a-fib added to the mix.
I do want to comment on your age. 71 is not old these days. I'm 74 and you might be surprised at the ages of many posters who have had successful procedures that are helping them live more comfortable lives with a-fib. Whatever care you decide on don't be deterred by your age or whether or not you have the right to receive it.
You do! So go for it. And let us know how you are doing. Take care. irina
PS. Also a member of the Pace and Ablate Club and doing well.
Thank you so much. I needed that encouragement. You are right. 71 isn’t old anymore. It would be great to feel better again. Thank you again!
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