I’m new to AFib and this forum. I had ablation 2 months ago and have experienced several outbreaks of AFib. I’m on xarelto, aminodarone, diltazem. Recently, I’ve experienced dizziness, back aching, leg pain, SOB and feeling ill. I have felt tired since the ablation. Is it normal to have these symptoms this far after surgery? I’m waiting to talk with my EP specialist however, I’m wondering if someone else feels this way. I’m trying to be hopeful and positive but recovery seems long!
Two months post Ablation with Trouble... - Atrial Fibrillati...
Two months post Ablation with Troubles....
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Jewels99
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It's quite common to feel the way you are after an ablation. Recovery can often take up to six months. However, I would want to be checked by someone in the medical profession (just for peace of mind) and would recommend you do that.
Wishing you well.
Jean
Thank you.
Hi Jewels... I had an ablation in September this year and it took about 3 months for things to calm down. Everyone is different though so as Jean mentions just check with your medical team to give you peace of mind, I did that a couple of times and they helped calm me down 😊👍
I appreciate the input. The comments are very comforting in that my symptoms are not isolated to me!
Could your symptoms be related to your medication?
Jewels99 in reply to
I think so... but I don’t like to read symptoms of my meds. I want to be aware of course but not psychosomatic.
in reply to Jewels99
No reason to assume you are imagining symptoms. The side effects of Amiodarone can be very serious. New breathlessness not associated with episodes of AF in someone taking amiodarone needs further investigation.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...
Jewels99 in reply to
Thank you for the insightful article. Although I’ve had cancer and am now on the other side of 5 years, this AFib issue has facets, evolves and is somewhat nebulous for me to understand. The symptoms seem to change daily along with my energy. I’m a concrete thinker where shades of gray make me second guess myself. I also am reluctant to bother MDs with frivolous complaints. Your input helps me a lot! I prefer not to talk of illness constantly and prefer to laugh. This forum gives a confirmation of “yeah” someone else feels this symptom which doesn’t eliminate the problem but gives comfort in a weird way that doesn’t require further explanation. Thanks, Oyster
Sorry to hear this. Does take a while to settle. i had my third ablation 2 years ago and am still in and out of af. But not so uncomfortable. I would definitely contact your heart consultant. You are on very powerful meds. What is your diagnosis and path to the ablation and are you over 65-70.
If you haven’t seen this AF Association factsheet it’s well worth reading.
heartrhythmalliance.org/res...
As others say, it’s still early days and takes a while for the scar tissue to form which prevents the rogue electrical impulses from occurring.....
Hi Jewels
I, too, am about 2 months out and have had several episodes of AFIB and other irregular feelings, i.e. ectopic beats and who knows what else! I have just worn a monitor for a week results pending to determine just what is going on. My EP feels a 3 month blanking period is too long, however, I do seem to feel better each day so not sure what is next. The AFIB episodes are not very long and the intensity seems less as well. Time will tell for all of us but know you are not alone. Some people never feel a thing post ablation, others feel a lot and some are in the middle. The hope is we can all achieve a better quality of life with this issue. The good news is that we will be able to touch up or redo as needed hoping for the best the second time if the first was deemed unsuccessful. Happy New Year!
What’s a blanking period?
Hi!
The blanking period is referred to the 3 months post ablation when the healing process is often still going on, however, my EP feels that the time period is too long and that episodes of AF during that time may mean more than just the healing process. Given I seem to be feeling better each day I am inclined, whether wishful thinking or not, to think I AM still on the mend, however, I do respect and trust her so will await the results from recent monitor to be discussed mid January and move forward from there. Happy New Year! Missy
I had my second ablation in August and am in my seventies also. This one has taken longer to comeback. The tiredness was there for me as well and general unwell feeling, but as jean said I would check with my doctor just to be sure....I did a couple of times and it was very reassuring. I am feeling much better now, except when I drift to one of my triggers (caffeine). My own fault. Wishing you well.
Hello!
I'm sorry you're feeling so bad.
I'm going to comment only on one of your medications. Amiodarone. I was on it for over 2½ years after my cardioversion. It kept me in NSR but I had so many side effects. My thyroid stopped working so I had to take Synthroid. I was achy and winded. I was so exhausted all the time. Most of all I missed being in the sunshine.
I did come off of it back in April. Unfortunately, I'm in A-Fib once again but I'm on Eliquis so for now im covered (from stroke).
I hope you feel better soon.
Hi Jewels.... I hope you have talked to your cardiologist or EP by now about your side effects. If not, I hope you will Monday. I agree with Jeanjeanie and Oyster. Your feeling badly, shortness of breath and muscle/joint aches can truly be due to the combination of amiodarone and diltiazem. They both are metabolized by the same hepatic enzyme and competition can cause one or the other to reach higher blood levels possibly resulting in adverse effects in some folks.
Secondly, I appreciate your desire to not get “psychosomatic” about treatments and medications. However, these are powerful drugs and we’re talking here about your heart. The informed patient is an empowered participant with the physician in safe, effective care and wellbeing. Please consider learning as much as possible about medications and therapies recommended or prescribed by your physicians. Many times the physician or their nurse can provide Patient Information sheets or direct you to valid information sites on line. Prayers for your recovery.
Thank you texigirl for the voice of reason. I’ve only been diagnosed recently ( 6 months ago ) and had 2 trips to ER due to AFib and then an ablation. I saw my EP specialist last week. He said we could give it 3 more months with exercise and see if I need a touch up. It’s been a whirlwind of experiences. I did find an inexpensive Fitbit “typewatch” on Amazon that gives time,steps walked and heart rate. That seems to help me monitor easily. I’m in Houston and this forum helps me be informed of symptoms and triggers in an open and honest way without feeling alone.. Thanks to everyone,
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