Optimistic after 2nd ablation.

[Rocky-athlete]

1st ablation 18/1/18–pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) partially successful.

2nd ablation 27/12/18–discovered that right PVI from 1st ablation was successful, but the left PV has reconnected. The connection was too close to the left inferior pulmonary vein, which had mild narrowing from the 1st ablation, so surgeon did not want to ablate that (risking further stenosis). He did a box procedure (posterior wall isolation), which seemed to stop all fibrillations and flutters, so he stopped there!

He said he was “thrilled” with how it went. The Duke (North Carolina) team was awesome (technically and interpersonally) and I’m so grateful to live in an age with this technology. So far, I have no complications, not even groin bruises.

I am excited to be off Flecainide (implicated in the left bundle branch block I developed this year), and the Metoprolol ( implicated in exercise intolerance, excess fatigue, and cold hands and feet).

I know it’s a roller coaster, but I’m excited at the moment. I appreciate being part of this community. If anyone ever wants to chat about ablation, I’ve become a bit of a geek about it. (I have engineering and biology-related degrees and actually enjoy reading peer-reviewed cardiology literature). I would enjoy connecting.

[BobD Volunteer]

Good to hear things are looking good. Please read our Recovering from Ablation fact sheet (AF Association) as there are lots of things there nobody ever tells you at a hospital.

[Rocky-athlete in reply to BobD]

Thanks, Bob. That is a great document. Thanks to those who worked on it.

[wilsond]

Thanks for this! Glad to hear you are getting there!

I am in the NHS waiting list and it's unsettling...I have a good week and think..hell no!I m not doing it...I'll just keep taking the meds....then get AF every day for a time and wish my turn would come!

best wishes to you x