How to know if ablation is successful or not ?

[Annejos]

Just wondering how you know if an ablation is successful or not if you are on flecanide ? I've just had a recent ablation and had a run of flutter afterwards. So I've been switched from PIP to daily dose of 300mg

So my question is how will I ever know if the ablation worked or not ?

Thanks in advance, sorry just feeling a little deflated at the moment.

[Dawsonmackay]

Are you in NSR? If you are, that’s the first measurement that says things are better.

[Annejos in reply to Dawsonmackay]

In and out of NSR, I just thought they would have left me on the pill in pocket to assess.

[Dawsonmackay in reply to Annejos]

What is PIP?

[Annejos in reply to Dawsonmackay]

Sorry PIP is pill in the pocket, flecanide, which you take as needed rather than daily dosage.

[Dawsonmackay in reply to Annejos]

I have no history with that med but if you only need to take it when needed, has you been in NSR more without the need to take the pill?

[Dawsonmackay in reply to Dawsonmackay]

Read the two fact sheets for persons who undergo ablations.

[Annejos in reply to Dawsonmackay]

Thanks Dawson

[CDreamer]

It is normal to have ‘flip-flops’ during the healing process. The daily dose will help prevent going into AF and the longer you are in NSR, the more likely you will see long term improvement so please follow your doctor’s advice and keep taking the daily dose, at least for the 12 weeks following ablation. If you are still having ‘flip-flops’ at your 12 review - then you need to talk to your doctor about the next step.

Best wishes CD

[BobD Volunteer]

It is normal for one to be left on your normal drugs for the period of the healing process, say three to six months. This is to allow the heart to recover in peace. After that period it may be possible to reduce or discontinue any anti arrhythmic drugs, but not anticoagulation for the reasons so frequently stated.

[Jafib]

I had an ablation on December 3rd. I remained on my normal dose of flecainide and metoprolol after the ablation. At my checkup in late January I had an episode of flutter while at the doctor's office. They simply said to keep an eye on it and if it persisted for a couple days to call, otherwise come back again in a couple months. The flutter went away that night. My heart went in and out of different arrhythmias on and off but when I went back for my next checkup at the end of March I was in NSR and he said it was time to drop the flecainide - stopped on March 30th. I keep a log of my heart activity and it took some time to adjust to no flecainide for the first time in 10 years. I had episodes that lasted anywhere from 1 minute to a couple hours on and off for the next couple weeks - and then it all settled down. I sent the doc a note and asked when I could get off the metoprolol and Eliquis and he said I could stop the Metoprolol but not the Eliquis. I stopped the Metoprolol, which I had also been on for 10 years, a little over a week ago on April 24th. I had a few episodes with the last one just this past Tuesday. Nothing since though. I think each time you come off of a med your body has to adapt and it may seem like things are not looking great at first. My approach is to just deal with the episodes and see if things straighten out. So far it has worked as my body/heart seem to adapt after a week or two. I don't think you can know if your ablation was a total success until the doctor takes you off of rhythm and rate meds. Good luck - I hope you are blessed with NSR from here on out!

[007talullah]

I’ve had two ablations in NZ. The protocol I was under here was to be under consultant review until 12 months at which point your recovery is deemed complete. At that point we agreed that I would come off all meds and just use atenolol and flecainide as PIP. However, during the 12 month recovery I was on daily doses to keep me in NSR as that is best for recovery. You are more vulnerable to ‘re-learning’ AF in the recovery phase so best to keep on the meds until your recovery period is ended

[Bob56]

I came off all medication following my ablation, but had two episodes of AF after about 3/4 months. My Specialist put me back on Flecainide, and more than 3 years later, I have had only one further short episode of AF. Before the ablation, my AF episodes were out of control, and even high doses of Flecainide didn't help. The fact that the medication is working again is good enough for me, for now. Of course, I would like to be free of medication, but quality of life is my measure of how successful I think the procedure was rather than whether I still have to take medication. In these situations, I think time alone will tell whether things have worked or not. Good luck!

[Barb1]

Agree with Bob56. After 4 ablations, last one 3 years ago, I am still on all meds but QoL is better.

[Barb1]

Also meant to say and still in SR