Ablation offered...

[Heartrick]

CryoAblation.... morning everyone I have had a few episodes of AF then finally last December 2017 it was finally caught in action. I was NOT given any medication I had a couple of trips to A&E and every time I was told they would give me a spray for under my tongue also some medication, only to be told “we won’t be giveing you any medication this time” Does anyone know why this would be?

I have had two scans of my heart since the CT Scan with dye and another scan (like they use on pregnant women) to see the valves in operation. They both come back ok 👍🏻 I was then given a 24 hour holt monitor, this went back and I then visited the cardiologist who said he would put me on the waiting list for an cryo ablation! I’m just a bit baffled as why I’ve not been given any medication to control whatever is going on? Could there be something else they aren’t telling me? I have had a phone call Wednesday 5th December to let me know that they have an appointment for my ablation on Wednesday 12th December next week. 😬 I’m just wondering why..... suppose I’m just starting to worry. Sorry about all the questions but any help and advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys have a good day x

[Alfieros]

Sounds like they aren’t giving you enough information that you’re entitled to know. Sometimes, i write down my questions so I can remember exactly what I want to ask. And then I write down their answers too so I’ll remember exactly what they said.

Only thing I’m thinking is that maybe they feel that your a fib is not serious enough to warrant medication? I have no way of knowing that and of course it would be best that you consult with your doctor.

Please keep us posted I am interested to know how it turns out. All the best to you.

[Heartrick in reply to Alfieros]

Hi and thanks for your reply.

I’m also thinking it’s maybe not that serious. But then why are they wanting to do an ablation? 🤷🏼‍♂️

[Alfieros in reply to Heartrick]

Did you discuss having an ablation with your doctor? Before I had my ablation on October 24 my EP and I sat down and discussed everything about it to see if that would be the route I would want to take. He did tell me that I was a good candidate for it My situation is different from yours but I do have a-fib. I don’t think mine was that bad either but I was on medication It was starting not to work correctly or as good as it did before as I was getting some atrial fibrillation more often.

[Hidden]

Are you uncertain about going ahead, or just quite naturally anxious about the procedure? Remember that the figures show that most people have no significant problems with ablation and that most have a positive outcome.

[Heartrick in reply to Hidden]

I’m uncertain of going ahead unless it’s a must.!

[Hidden in reply to Heartrick]

Simply based on what you have said, ablation does not sound like a "must" for you" A heavy AF burden (hours per month) and severity of symptoms, and failed conservative management are important factors in deciding to have an ablation.

NICE guidelines on AF management may help you

That said, only your EP knows what is right for you.

[Hidden]

If your heart rate is generally slow then they may not prescribe arrhythmia medication as it would reduce it even further. Similarly, if your blood pressure is normal. Have you checked your CHADS score to see if you should be taking an anticoagulant? These days, medics rarely withhold important information but sometimes they might forget to tell you things they should so if you have doubts you should try and get them clarified. If the procedure is being carried out on the NHS, it is unlikely they would proceed unless they felt you would benefit. I’m not sure this would apply if it’s being done privately.

[Heartrick in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply. Yes it’s being done on the nhs.

[Hidden]

You might find these fact sheets helpful.

heartrhythmalliance.org/res...

heartrhythmalliance.org/res...

[Heartrick in reply to Hidden]

Thank you 😊

[SRMGrandma Volunteer]

The latest research shows that ablation sooner than later is the best way to have successful treatment of AFib. Managing with meds can be a long trial and error and the more time your heart spends in aFib, the more potential for problems. Great that they are just going to fix it from the get go. The best thing you can do is live your healthiest life and plan a gentle recovery post ablation.

[Heartrick]

Thank you.

How long is recovery? I’m self employed heating engineer 😬

[Hidden in reply to Heartrick]

Think months rather than weeks.