AV Node ablation and pacemaker

[jons45]

I'm facing the decision to a pacemaker installed and than a month later an AV node ablation, I ask this question will I feel better, than I feel now I'm in constant AF have been for past 6 months I've had 2 ablations done and about 16 cardio-versions with out any long term success. All this over the past 5 years. sick of feeling unwell! I would like to hear from anyone who had this procedure done.

[shirlygirly]

Hi, I too dug my heels in but after approx 10 years , the af just got worse and worse. After 3 ablations and heartrate out of control I gave

in, initionally didnt see much difference and felt awful but went on the

List for av node ablation without much hope things would ever improve.

Had the ablation on 4th February and whilst my heart felt great, just

unaware of it, how great was that! unfortunately, any exertion was impossible felt like my energy switch had been turned off. I could walk

but not very far. Ive just been to PM clinic first visit since ablation and

explained how I felt, his reply was my EP would adjust my medication

but when I told him I only take an anticoagulant now he seemed

surprised. After he had finished doing whatever it is they do he said

Ive made an adjustment and I think that will improve things for you.

Well the difference is a-m-a-z-ing, I feel great I can do so much more,

yes Im not entirely back to my old self but I feel on top of the world

just to get to this stage and still cannot feel my heart. The only down side is I feel like a robot thats just been re-programme. At almost 82 years

old after years of feeling ready for the scrap heap Im now booking a

holiday, yipee

[jons45 in reply to shirlygirly]

Thank you so much for that info and the encouragement

It gives me hope bless you

[shirlygirly]

Thanks happyjo, Im just so much better I can hardly believe it.

Its still only 5 weeks so I know Im doing well I guess I was just too impatient.

Thanks.

Did wonder if maybe I should be on some medication to help,

as although much better still a way to go.

[CDreamer in reply to shirlygirly]

Great news - I feel so much better after the PM implant that I am re-thinking the AV node ablation.

[Kingslip in reply to shirlygirly]

Hi. I had a pace and ablate 10 months ago after same problem with 9months doing 148bpm non stop. Drugs just didn’t work any longer. Everyone has to spend time with physiologists until they get the setting right for each person. The last tweak I had was incredible. I climbed 600metres in The Lake District last year. Exhilarating! Takes time to come to terms with being PM dependent but getting your life back helps a lot! Pacemakers are so much more sophisticated now they are even MRI safe.

Glad to hear life has improved and enjoy all your plans.

Keep in touch

Li

[Hidden]

If you put “pace and ablate” through the search function on this forum, you will bring up plenty of threads with many screen names of members who have had this treatment. You can then send them a PM through the Chat function above next to “My hub”.