Question for those with multiple AF ablation experience

[Jafib]

I had my ablation on December 3rd, ten years to the day of first being diagnosed with afib and tach. I had stopped taking my flecainide 3 days before the procedure and was in full blown afib when they put me under. They had me back on the flec before I left the hospital. I had been on flec for over 9 years and was well controlled up until about 6 months before the ablation - I would get more and more episodes of quiet afib and my exercise tolerance took a nosedive. For about a week or two after the ablation I experienced some rapid beats and palpitations on and off. A couple months after the ablation I went in for a checkup and to see if we could start taking me off the meds. Unfortunately I was so worked up about the appointment that my stress drove me into aflutter for the EKG. Back in a couple months he said. A couple months later (2 weeks ago) my heart was definitely calmer and my EKG looked good so they said to stop the flec, which I did. Heart seems mostly good but sudden onset exercise/exertion or sudden onset stress will make my heart flip out a little. It usually lasts only 10-20 minutes and then converts on its own but I have had a couple episodes that have lasted 4-6 hours. Usually my heart is quiet and ok though. I do take metoprolol, which I hope is the next thing to get removed as I believe it has basically put me in a coma for 10 years and is in large part responsible for my uncontrolled weight gain of 80+ pounds. Tonight I realized I had forgotten to take my morning dose of metoprolol when my evening dose was due. I took the evening dose and proceeded to climb a few flights of stairs - at the top my heart was freaking out and I was out of breath (normally would not be). It converted back on its own within 10 to 20 minutes. So, since I still have instances of fast heart beat and my heart flipping out (not sure exactly what it is - afib, aflutter, PVCs, ?) does it sound to you like I am headed for a second ablation or is there actually hope this will resolve on its own. I really did not have a great first ablation experience so would like to avoid a second if possible but will indeed do whatever necessary to stop this horrifying tailspin of weight gain and lost health. By the way, I pick up my CPAP tomorrow. Thanks in advance for your input.

Jon

[CDreamer]

Hi Jon

You do sound very anxious and I suspect that this is going to have to be your No1 priority as stress, more than any other factor, will escalate weight gain, prevent sleep and put undue pressure on your heart.

If you have SA and can adjust to the CPAP, this should improve your sleep, which may also lessen symptoms of anxiety which may help you to lose weight - reversing the tailspin. One step at a time.

The question you ask is unanswerable as how long is the string? I’ve had 2 ablations & pacemaker implant and still get tachycardia quite frequently, especially climbing stairs and inclines but I don’t take any rate control, but neither do I worry about it. Ablation is an invasive procedure so my view is that it is only something to undertake when all lifestyle adjustments don’t have an affect and symptoms become overwhelming and disturb your day to day routines.

Best wishes CD

[Jafib in reply to CDreamer]

Thanks for the feedback. I do not believe, however, that stress is my number 1 factor for weight gain. Rather I believe it is the meds that have me up over 80 pounds. The doctors (2) have said the same. I am especially impacted by the negative side effects of my meds. Super slow heart beat at rest and like I said...feels like a coma much of the time. Normally I am not stressed about much at all. An extra helping of white coat syndrome will crank me up in a hurry though. BbIf a doctor knows me very well they always wait to take my blood pressure when I am about to leave rather than when I come in. I appreciate that!

[Barb1 in reply to Jafib]

Yes, I think that it was the Bisoprolol that caused me to put on 84 llbs over 5 years. I am hopeful that Nebivolol will give me my energy back, so that I can lose some of the weight.

[Jafib in reply to Barb1]

Thanks for the response Barb. Is Bisoprolol also a beta blocker? Has it been shown to have reduced side effects? If so, I would love to switch from metoprolol now!

[Barb1 in reply to Jafib]

Yes and yes....but everyone reacts differently to medication. I did a lot of research and took lower doses of Bisoprolol with no change. So eventually, as my EP says that I know my own body, he agreed to switch me. My heart rate went zooming up to begin with but its calming now. I am looking at 2 -3 months before I expect to see change in my breathing - I hope!

[buddje]

I would love to finish with flecainide but what price sanity?

I have put weight on...eadily tired but fit paperwork in before I get out of bed......have a good few hrs to work in the afternoon......then tire easily......looking forward to the sunshine.........arthiritis feels less painful.....keep smiling...life is worth it.👱‍♀️

[Jafib in reply to buddje]

Are you saying flecainide keeps you sane? Are you on a rate control medicine as well?

[buddje in reply to Jafib]

No not on rate medication.

...bisoprolol made me catatonic.........just flecainide...........and apixoban.........meditation