Recovery from PVI

[Di8504]

Hi everyone

I am 6 days post PVI and SVC ablation for paroxysmal AF and due to return to active work tomorrow. My cardiologist told me prior to the procedure that A few days off would see me back at work so I assumed recovered from it. I now realise that is just the start.

My father had ablation 12 years ago for AF due to scarring from his heart bypass and reported no ill effects. Same with a guy working for my husband who had the Procedure 2 months ago.

So I feel a bit of a dud as I am still tired and getting increased heart rate with any short walk etc. Do you push through this to maintain fitness or can you reduce the efficacy of the procedure?

Also my resting heart rate is still 75 - 80 ie 20 to 25 beats above my previous level despite A low dose of verapamil ( off flecainide since 3 days pre procedure) and so it’s quite disconcerting to feel this when resting. I am supposed to stop this verapamil dose tomorrow. Is my heart rate likely to jump up further still? How long does this HR increase take to return to previous levels?

I have really appreciated reading other readers accounts.

[Dawsonmackay]

Don’t go back to work. If you still are tired and you can take off another week, you should. Your body is asking you to listen to it.

[Di8504 in reply to Dawsonmackay]

Thanks, that’s my preference but it may not be possible. Hopefully I can limit my activities there

[Polski]

Yes - You can reduce the efficacy of the procedure. Look on the AF Association website under Patient resources (factsheets) for 'Recovering from Ablation' and take it seriously!

Reply

[jeanjeannie50]

You should be resting not going back to active work so soon. Recovery time can vary with everyone, some are fine right away and others can take months to feel well again. On no account should you do a job that requires physical effort so soon. You must go by what your body is telling you and yours is saying you're not well enough yet. You will regret it if you go back so soon, so please don't. Ring in and say you've had a bit of a relapse and aren't feeling well.

Jean

[BobD Volunteer]

If you go to AF Association under patient rescources there is a fact sheet on Recovering from Ablation and we say two weeks minimum. There is also a pinned post (see to your right) and you can follow that thread. Don't be an idiot like I was and over do things. Doctors don't understand how long it takes. I wasted my first ablation by doing too much too soon. It can take three to six months for full recovery. Also raised HR post ablation is normal as are visual disturbances such as migraine aura. Go read please.

[Morzine]

Phew it’s early days.....listen to your body it knows best......I have taken ages.....I found when I pushed it I paid for it . At the end if the day it’s been a battering in your heart...it needs time.....bet the cardio hasnthad an ablation or he wouldn’t be saying that.....!

[Di8504]

Many thanks everyone

[JA63]

I agree. Don't return o work just yet. I was determined to be one of the lucky ones & return after one week but returned after 2 weeks. Even then I was completely exhausted & under estimated the time it took to feel well again. Don't risk it, you need to give yourself time to heal, otherwise you could end up having to repeat the procedure.

Hope you feel better soon.

[Bob56]

I echo all the other sentiments which have been expressed. Just to add on medication, we are all very determined to stop taking the tablets asap following an ablation, which is perfectly understandable, as this is one of the aims of having the procedure. However, that doesn't work for everyone, and I eventually settled post ablation on smaller doses of the medication I was on before it ( in agreement with my specialist ). It works for me, so if you do need to keep taking some medication don't regard that as a failure of any sort. It's how you feel that is most important. Good luck with your recovery.

[Di8504 in reply to Bob56]

Many thanks

[adriatico]

Just don't worry too much about your situation. I sense anxiety on your part. I went through similar experience. My recovery lasted exactly two months and two days.

I kept walking every day losing my breath after 10-20 feet with HR immediately 120.

Very experienced nurse encouraged me to keep walking but not to push myself.

And then one day after being depressed and thinking I will never recover I just kept walking and walking. Checked my heart rate - 89! WOW!!!

Happiest day in my life. Now, two years later I almost forgot my worst experience - more psychological than anything.

Just be patient - you will be OK.

P.S. I am just surprised that you are still not on Flecanaide.

I continued Fleca and Metoprolol for 30 days after the procedure. Hope your doctor knows your situation. Good luck.

[Di8504 in reply to adriatico]

Thanks Adriatico

Yes woke up in AF early this morning - at least slept thru first 3 hours of it and reverted after full verapamil dose. I know it is to be expected so not panicking. Good reminder to continue to rest and not push it

[Hidden]

My EP signed me off work for two weeks, the form was ready on my discharge from hospital. He said that if I needed any more time I should contact him through his secretary .

Don't rush back and ruin all the good work.

I'll add that my return to work was phased and i did a week of half day's to ease back in.

It took me three months at least to get back to my pre ablation fitness.