ABLATION PLUS 4 WEEKS

[Shcldavies]

This is my last weekly post, I will provide monthly posts until the end of my blanking period or if any significant changes appear.

Improvement continues but much slower than I thought, doing a little more, over 4000 steps a day and 20 floors. Pulse rate has continued to increase now at 71BPM but it does appear to be levelling out, hopefully it will not go higher than 74. BP now a reasonable 127/75 at rest. There are long periods throughout the day when I forget I have a problem (long may it continue). Symptoms now are having the odd mild ectopic 4 or 5 times a day and pulse rate can increase to 85 when just sitting and up to 115 when just going up stairs, then other times BP will remain constant at rest and just go to 80 when going up stairs, I put this down to heart still recovering. I have 4 weeks before I see the Cardiologist and will be pushing myself to get back to "normal activity" during this time and that will give him some information to base his assessment on. Still drug free except for rivaroxiban.

Being very sedate since Cardioversion in December, then ablation in February, I have been doing some thinking (not wise I know but just cannot help it). When my symptoms started 23 years ago it was after a period when I drank 3 bottles of wine a week and had been relying on strong coffee during the day. They started some 3 hours after a few cups of very strong coffee. I have been on Omeprizole 20mg and Bisoprolol increasing from 2.5, 5 to 7.5. In January 2017 (after a bad bout), cut down wine and coffee by half, then in January 2018 (after another bad bout) cut out all together and started Mg occasionally at first then regularly from January 2019. I have also cut the omeprizole down to 10mg every 3rd day. The question I am asking myself and anyone than has an opinion is could the initial problem have been electrolyte imbalance, then when the Mg improved my electrolyte balance, the medication made my symptoms worst. The reason I jumped to this question is that after being drug free for 3 weeks I feel good with potentially only the normal ablation recovery symptoms. Unfortunately I am brought down the earth when I remember what my EP said, he had done some ablation (at least 3 places that I was aware of), told me I no longer had AFlutter but I was left with MAT (I know electrolyte imbalance can be the cause of MAT) which he could not fully ablate and would have to be treated with drugs. Has anyone had a similar experience?

[Kellyjelly]

Good to read this weeks update 😊 I’m glad that you are continuing to improve even if you feel it’s a little slow. I understand that you feel the next 4 weeks you want to push yourself a bit more to get back to normal but please be careful to not overdo it, it’s still early days.

I’m afraid I have no idea if an electrolyte imbalance could have created the perfect storm for your arrhythmia or if the medication intensified your symptoms . Its natural to try and figure out a reason for the things that happen to us so that we can try and get control back and fix ourselves. It’s so much easier to accept something if you understand why it happens but I find that just when I think I’ve identified and eliminated a cause another one comes right along to replace it. Arrhythmias are shape shifters and I think that while you can sometimes identify very definite triggers even those can change.

It must be worrying to feel like the drugs might have made you feel worse and you might need them for the MAT and I suppose you will only really know if you try them again if and when you need them.

I’m sorry I’m not much help with this but I just wanted to say again that I’ve found your updates very helpful and I wish you continued great recovery and good health. I’m really keeping everything crossed that you’d heart rate stays nice and stable and you can stay off the meds. 😊

[Shcldavies in reply to Kellyjelly]

Thank you for your comments and considerations, I agree no one knows the cause, even the experts don't know, trying to give some logic to this condition is difficult at best. Anyway for now I still have a glimmer of hope that the EP did more good than he thought. By my next post you would have had your ablation and feeling relief that it is all over, you will be cured or at least better than before and know with some confidence the best way ahead. Please keep us informed of you experiance and don't worry about any funny feelings in your heart for days/weeks later.

[Kellyjelly in reply to Shcldavies]

I’m trying so hard to stay positive and keep my expectations of the ablation and recovery very low so that I won’t be too scared or disappointed if I don’t feel too good. I’m focusing more on the EP study and how valuable the mapping is going to be for the doctor and myself going forward. I’m trying to see it as a brilliant opportunity to get to really know my condition. If the ablation happens and he is able to treat me there and then what a bonus 🤞

I hope so much that you are right and your ablation has been a real long lasting success. You seem to be doing really well at the moment and I won’t forget what you say about not panicking if my heart is all over the place as I recover. 😊

[Shcldavies in reply to Kellyjelly]

That's the perfect attitude and remember your concerns and worry now are what we all have been through, there is nothing anyone can say to to make it better but we all know deep down that it is the best way forward. Your pragmatic outlook will make it easier and remember nearly everyone has a significant improvement after.

[Aus19]

I'm considering my first ablation soon, so a big thank you from Australia for such a comprehensive statement of your recovery and post-procedure symptoms.

[Shcldavies in reply to Aus19]

Thank you, your welcome, if you have any questions I have not covered please just ask. As I have said in an earlier post this is the worst time for you, when the ablation is over you will feel very different, not least so pleased it's over and the Doc has much more information on your condition.

[Aus19 in reply to Shcldavies]

Thanks Shcldavies, good karma for you.

[avma]

Hope you will still going to get better every week, even with the MAT problem.

Can they ablate again if your MAT is giving you problems or is that not an option?

[Shcldavies]

Yes still getting better, ectopics now only occasionally. MAT can be ablated but they need more modern machines, I believe they do have some in the US but not sure about the UK, they did not have them in Edinburgh. Right now I am not on any Meds and have not had tachycardia for the 5 weeks since the ablation, BP and pulse rate all good so still hoping the EP did more good that he thought.