First PAF after cryoablation happening now

[LYJB]

Hi all

I'm so disappointed. I woke 45 minutes ago with AF; the first real recurrence after my cryoblation nine months ago. Last night I took the second dose of Tramadol, newly prescribed for my hip and back pain; I'm guessing that's the reason for the AF breakthrough. I've taken another 2.5mg Bisoprolol to slow it down. HR is about 120bpm.

And I've been doing so well. Has this happened to anyone else in this community? Is it a known trigger?

I'm due to have an x-ray for the pain which is keeping me awake at night. I really wanted to be able to continue with the Tramadol but I can't if it's going to bring back this curse ! I've been so pleased with the ablation result until now, I thought I was cured! (Although I know it can return).

Maybe I should contact the arrhythmia nurse tomorrow (today) and ask for advice, after this?

I would be grateful for advice. Thank you.

Lynda

[Hidden]

Sorry to hear this Lynda. I was taking tramadol for a short period last year and did not find that it triggered AF.

It would be a good idea to phone your arrhythmia nurse for advice

[LYJB in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Yatsura....I still don't know for certain that Tramadol was the culprit, but I did a search and found a post on this forum a year ago from Mazza23, saying that Tramadol has been put on a list of drugs that prolong the QT interval, and also that Tramadol upset his/her heart after only one dose. I did speak to the arrhythmia nurse eventually. Please see my other replies on this page. Best wishes, Lynda

[Hidden]

So sorry to hear this - very disappointing. Are you back in normal rhythm now?

If the Tramadol is a trigger, there's an unwelcome way to find out if this is so if you get no replies here. What does the small print say in the accompanying leaflet about adverse reactions?

Those who have to juggle with medications for more than one condition can find it a difficult path to tread but hopefully someone may be able to compare notes with you.

[LYJB in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Relim2 for your reply. The AF lasted eight hours so I'm back in normal rhythm, feeling much relieved. I've checked the Tramadol small print; palpitations and fast heartbeat are listed in the uncommon side effects but atrial fibrillation is not mentioned. See my replies to Yatsura and Flapjack for more info. Best wishes, Lynda

[Hidden in reply to LYJB]

Glad normal rhythm is back. I've also found a quick word with the arrhythmia nurse to have a beneficial effect!

[Hidden]

Yes Lynda, speak to your Nurse as soon as possible. It’s not unusual for this to happen after a cryoablation because when the balloon is expanded to freeze the tissue around the pulmonary veins, it’s possible that it can miss tissue if the surfaces are not regular or smooth. This is what happened in my case and 5 months ago I had a second RF ablation to touch up the missed bits which caused me to have AF episodes. So far, so good 🤞

[LYJB in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Flapjack, I did manage to speak to the arrhythmia nurse, eventually. She advised me to go to A&E if I felt really ill. She also said she would inform the EP doctor (who performed the cryoablation) of this event. Quite soon after this conversation the AF stopped.

Thank you for the information about the possible effect of irregular tissue surfaces around the pulmonary veins. Fascinating stuff!

So glad you're doing well after your second ablation....this is encouraging for me if I have to have a second. A medic told me recently that a first one can be 70+% successful, and a second is often 95% so. Please see my other replies.

Best wishes, Lynda