How do I know if I slip back into AF

[cali111]

I have had a AV Node ablation and also a PVI ablation. I think I am doing fine but how would I know if I had slipped into AF again since I am pacemaker dependent. If I ask my GP surgery they look kind of vague and change the subject. I feel my strength returning and I am able to do more but I still get short of breath but I think this is from new tablets of Losarten to get my BP down which is now at a respectable 122/75 but it is only one week in so I could still be suffering side effects. But to go back to my original question of how do I know if I slip into AF again?

[BobD Volunteer]

If you have a pacemaker and a v node ablation you may still have AF but would not be affected by it in terms of fatigue etc . You may be able to feel it but your heart rate would be controlled by your PM . The AV node ablation breaks the connection. Best relax and move on now as all the hard stuff is over. Just take time to proceed slowly with your recovery.

[cali111 in reply to BobD]

Thanks for your reply. I was still in AF after the AV node ablation and my EP carried out a PVI and I was in sinus afterwards and not breathless. I think I am still in sinus but are very tired like today after I spent half hour weeding. But I am now over that my recovery is getting quicker.

[Hidden]

After one of my friends had a pacemaker fitted we checked his pulse with my Kardia. You could almost sense the Kardia scratching its head and saying "what's going on 'ere" and came up with an "unclassified" response. I think I'd go with BobD and just enjoy the improvement.

[rosyG]

you can always take your pulse- but it's going to immaterial as Bob indicated

[cali111 in reply to rosyG]

I agree I am now much improved since my PVI. I think I am slipping in and out as I still get breathless but if I take my 25mg of Flecanaide the breathlessness goes away.

[AvrilB]

Hi, I had a CRT - P pacemaker and AV node ablation on the same day, 16 months ago. I was told by my EP at the time, that I would now be in AF permanently, but I would not be aware of it. So far I have felt no sign of being in AF, at all 😊, and it is great. I am 100% paced....

As regards using an Alive Corr Kardia, they are NOT to be used if person has a pacemaker!

The instruction leaflet says this, and I also had confirmation of it by email direct from Alive Corr.

I did try to use mine once, soon after pm fitted and node ablation, but it queried if it was me!

I have given mine to an arrhythmia nurse at my local hospital, who was very happy to have it.

I wish you well as you continue your AF journey.

Regards, Avril

[cali111 in reply to AvrilB]

Thank you. I was still suffering breathlessness after my AV node ablation after a dual chamber pacemaker insert. My EP was unsure why and I ended up with a PVI ablation which has been better and I was in sinus. I say was because now I am unsure as I still get breathless but I was put on 12.5mg of Losarten to reduce my BP. I think my breathlessness is due to the side effects of this drug.

[Eastwick]

Hi, I too have had the av node ablate and have a pacemaker. I still struggle going upstairs, short of breath and really hard work. The rest of the time I am okay. No problems on the flat! Seems worse in the evening.

[cali111 in reply to Eastwick]

Thank you for your reply. My EP assured me that I would be substantially better after- this has not happened and I do not feel that it is good enough -not without a good explanation. I am nearly improved but I think there is room for more and I will pursue it.

Maybe I am expecting too much - I don`t think so. I want what was promised me.