Had my 1st visit with the EP today to discuss medications

[ShimmeringLillyMae]

Hi everyone! I have been posting alot on here abt my medications and wondering if they are causing the shortness of breath, weakness and massive headaches, my cardiologist would not change them so I went to see an Electrophysiologist today, best thing I've done so far! He feels that the flecainide is what's causing these horrible symptoms but we are changing one thing at a time and I feel it's the diltiazem so we changed the diltiazem in for 50mg of metaprolol, in the mean time he said I need an ablasion, I definitely want the ablation if it means a chance to feel "normal" again.. if you have had an ablasion can you please give me your thoughts and if it helped you?? Thank you!

[Hidden]

That sounds very encouraging!

[jennydog]

If you are offered an ablation, a £15,000+ procedure, then go for it. Don't risk living with regret. They won't offer it unless they have a fighting chance of improving things for you.

[CDreamer]

Definately a step forward! Read all about ablations, AFA site and drjohnm.org/ I find very useful.

I had 2 ablations, 1st made things a lot worse but I probably sabotaged it by doing too much, too soon. 2nd gave me 3 years free of AF but it did return although the symptoms were not nearly as severe.

Best wishes CD

[Dodie117]

I had ablation in November 2013 and I am AF free since then. No meds except apixaban.

[ShimmeringLillyMae in reply to Dodie117]

That is so good to hear!! You must be beyond thankful. I am glad to be getting it done but I'm just wondering do you feel any different afterwards? Like are you sick or hurting or anything?

[Dodie117 in reply to ShimmeringLillyMae]

There is a mountain of info on here about ablation and people have many different reactions. I had a lot of arrhythmias including AF for about 5 months. My groin slightly sore and generally a bit sluggish for a few weeks. I did nothing and spoilt myself for about two weeks, gradually doing some walking but nothing too strenuous. I was still breathless but this gradually went away. My heart beat was higher than or ablation and took almost a year to go back to pre ablation levels.

[ShimmeringLillyMae]

Thank you all for your responses & opinions, I so appreciate it 😊 praying this works and I can get off these awful meds.. I will check back after it's done and let you know how it went

[Flossie72]

I had my first ablation two days ago and so far so good. My consultant said he was very happy and I am in normal rhythm. I can honestly say it was preferable to a trip to the dentist. After the procedure , while I was having to lie still my chest felt a bit tight and heavy, but that disappeared as soon as I could move around. I am still on all my medications but if I stay in rhythm, they will be reduced or removed at my twelve week check up. I hope this is reassuring for you.

Sue

[ShimmeringLillyMae in reply to Flossie72]

Thank you Sue, this is reassuring news, the odd thing is my chest has felt that way ever since I went into afib 2 months ago, it's never stopped 😕 I'm praying after the ablasion and getting off some of the meds that will go away.. thank you 😊 I hope this will be your only ablasion and you continue to feel "normal' for now on

[Bambi65]

Ive been in Afib for 4 years with the frequency increasing as well. Its about 15 out of 30 days. Have talked with my EP and Cardiologist, both agree ablation is the next course since medications was ineffective. Had it scheduled for Aug 20, but since having so much trouble with the office staff returning phone calls, unable to leave a message with his nurse, and a host of other issues with this large Heart Center Unit. So I have opted out of this surgery here. (no plan B yet) Ive had shortness of breath for almost a year. turns out that before I go into afib, my O2 rate drops into the 80's. Now, when I feel like yawning, (the precursor for my Afib) I know to take slow deep breaths and get some air into my blood system, and drink some more water. The only meds Im on besides vitamins is a blood thinner.

[ShimmeringLillyMae]

Hi Bambi65, do you have sleep apnea? My oxygen was going down to 80 at night and I think that's what started the afib. I definitely want the ablasion, I believe I've had this on and off for 4 years or so but didnt know it until my heart rate went up to 150 then to 250 the next day at the hospital, its truly the worse feeling I've ever felt, it's worth the taking the chance with the ablasion I think. I hope you get yours rescheduled soon and thank you for responding to me. 🙂