One week post ablation

[Uttled00]

Well it’s one week since my cryoablation at the Spire Hospital in Bristol. Felt great for 24 hours post op apart from a bit of soreness but had AF 4 times now in as many days. Never had it as much as this pre op so starting to annoy me a bit. Latest episode started at 09.00 and it’s still going now. EP did advise that I could get some AF for a couple of weeks but it’s still crap when your in the middle of it.

Certainly glad I read the flat sheet on recovering from ablation as it has put my mind at ease when I experienced some of the non AF effects such as visual auras and migraines .

Onwards and upwards, one step back to go 2 steps forward.

[Kellyjelly]

I hope it has finally stopped for you🙏 take good care and wishing you a speedy recovery

[Bob56]

I had an identical experience after my ablation. I think it would actually have been better if my EP had said that I would probably have some AF episodes immediately after the procedure rather than say it was “possible” I would have them. At least that way I wouldn’t have been be so deflated. The first two weeks were bad, but whilst I was off medication I was successfully using a pill in pocket approach to alleviate things. I’m not sure whether you are being allowed similar help.

You may well will think “why have I done this to be worse after the ablation than before”, but I am sure that will soon change and hopefully, you will get the longer term benefits. Nearly 4 years on, I am still a whole lot better for having had the ablation, than I would have been without it.

The other side effects are also a drag but they, too, should ease quite quickly.

Hope you feel better soon.

[kitenski]

I'm coming up to 4 weeks post ablation and getting AF coming and going! The consultant had booked a cardioversion for last week, but we didn't go through with it as I was in sinus rhythm then. He's decided to put me on Flecainide for 6 weeks to try and keep the heart in sinus rhythm.

[Plantwords]

You are not actually moving back one step, it's all forward. It's part of the healing process. After many episodes of AF and strange heart rhythms post-ablation I was convinced it was a failure. I was in ER twice which was mostly about my fear that the ablation made things worse. But, the heart needs to heal from a very serious procedure ("non-invasive" doesn't mean it wasn't a big deal for your heart). After 2.5 months one fine day the AF stopped. Looking back, I wish my EP had told me that I very likely would have episodes of AF as part of the healing. People who opt for an ablation are making the right decision in most cases but it doesn't mean that everyone will have an easy ride on the healing side. In my take, I believe most AFers post ablation will have episodes of AF or other irregular rhythm and this is just the way it is as the heart heals. Know that there is light at the end of this tunnel. Be well.

[Dodie117]

Took me 5 months before I suddenly realised I hadn’t had an episode for a week. That was 2013 and still no AF apart from a few very short spasms. So take heart and good luck🍀