Ablation for quality of life or other reasons

[Euve]

I am scheduled to have my ablation next week I met with my EP today he basically told me that I'm going for the ablation for quality of life and also that afib progresses. if I don't go for the ablation I would just take a chance of it getting worse and and can have the possibility of having other problems He also told me that I would have to remain on blood thinners regardless of the ablation because of my history of high blood pressure I I would like to know for the people on this site who had ablations their reason to do it

[absolutepatsy]

I chose to have an ablation to improve my quality of life, I was very symptomatic during Afib episodes, hardly able to take a few steps, feeling really exhausted, gaining weight, extreme fatigue, this list goes on. Now, 1 year after my ablation, I feel great, I have changed my lifestyle and continue to live as healthily as possible. I wouldn't hesitate to have another ablation should I need it in the future. Good luck.

[Buffafly]

I had PAF for 15 years, on regular medication for 7. The medication messed up my digestive system and made me feel like a zombie when an extra one was added. Then I started having pauses in HB which caused dizziness and faintness. My cardiologist said I had to have a pacemaker or ablation so I had the ablation. The PAF came back after a couple of years but not bad enough to need another ablation and I take a tiny dose of medication and an anticoagulant.

[BobD Volunteer]

Any and all treatment for AF is ONLY EVER for quality of life.

In itself AF is not life threatening provided that it is controlled. Anticoagulation post ablation is sensible since ablation itself changes the internal structure of the heart and may increase the possibility of clots forming due to eddies. If you have co morbidities such as high blood pressure (even if controlled) then it is vital.

A few years ago people talked of cure but now I think we are all more realistic about expectations.

[Hidden]

For quality of life, I felt dreadful in AF, and could not really tolerate all the drugs thet kept me in rhythm (well, tried to, they didn't really work) or keep my HR below 100bpm.

Also the knowledge that AF only gets worse, so best to try and nip it in the bud.

Two and a half years (and counting) of NSR and I know I made the right decision

[Jay10]

I had my cryoablation back in 2008 because my episodes of PAF were getting very problematic, at least one a week and stopped me going on holiday etc. I still get a couple of short runs each yearly AF, perhaps from doing too much gardening, decorating etc, but using Flecainide as a PIP they are soon sorted. It is a lovely feeling to be free to do anything I want and just enjoy life.

Good luck with your ablation.

Jackie

[Rubymurray25]

After my third cardioversion and my flecainide PIP not always working ( i was then on sotalol 80mg x2 ) the registrar cardio consultant said at the time he would recommend I had an ablation to control my PAF and Flutter and avoid further cardioversion, so whilst still drowsy from the drugs agreed and apparently was keen to have it done. I had my doubts but once meeting the cardio consultant I felt his confidence flowing and was really pleased I followed it through, early days and still on 100mg x flecainide twice a day, but do think I was right to listen to the experts and even if I have to have another one I now have my confidence back. I'm on rivaroxiban and have been for 3 years and know I will always have to take it, but for all the right reasons.

Good luck.

[jedimasterlincoln]

1st Ablation July 2014 - reason? Severe symptoms and quality of life adversely affected when unstable. Only medications controlling episodes were Dronedrone & bisoprolol - neither were deemed suitable long term solutions for a 31 yr old

2nd Ablation December 2014 - ablation failed after 6 weeks - symptoms just as bad.

3rd Ablation Sept 2017 - Developed atrial flutter possibly due to the previous ablations - urgent slot to investigate/isolate due to symptoms and Quality of life.

4th Ablation Dec 2017 - A planned, longer slot in the lab to better investigate/repair right side as unable to do all the work on the urgent slot. Only carried out because symptoms were still present and still debilitating.

5th Ablation - January 2019 - Recurrence of problems over summer 2018, quality of life severely affected and symptoms as bad as ever. Cardioversion only fixing me into NSR for a matter of weeks before another episode. Unable to string together any length of time at work without problems. Massive electrical study and 5.5 hours in the lab. Work on left and right side.

Touch wood - best I've felt in 5 years.