POST ABLATION UPDATE

[Shcldavies]

I have been providing posts on my recovery following an EP study and ablation for Aflutter last February, I have just had my 7 month meeting with my cardiologist and thought an update would be useful. The main purpose of these posts to advise those going for or considering having an ablation, they are available on this site by clicking on my icon.

The meeting clarified what happened during the EP study and ablation which basically showed no Aflutter, confirming that it was the medication (particularly the Flecainide) that caused the bad Aflutter. The higher the dose of bisoprolol the more likely any atrial tachycardia would morph into Aflutter (but nowhere near as bad as the Flecainide Aflutter). I also have MAT which the Doc said over 80% of the population has and this may or may not become symptomatic (he thought diet could be the key to control this). He confirmed the significant areas of the MAT source was ablated and this could prevent recurrence of any symptoms. He recommended that I stay on my low dose of 1.25 Bisoprolol as a safety net to keep any MAT controlled and finally advised that I no longer needed to see him as I may not suffer any significant symptoms again. Should any symptoms become problematic I should see my GP who can adjust my medication or make a referral to him as necessary.

All in all pretty good, not a 100% cure but so much better than it could have been. Continue to feel really good, much better than I have done for 20 years, still get the odd mild ectopic or fast run for around 5 seconds every few days but these may well be that I am still recovering as I believe that an ablation does take time, much more time than the Doc say (just like those in the know on this site have repeatedly told me - thank you all it really is impossible to say how much your posts helped during my recovery).

My biggest issue now is confidence, I continue to have the dread that my condition could deteriorate/return but as each day passes without major issue the feeling of dread is slowing subsiding. That said I am so grateful for the recovery I have had and to get my life back again, that overshadows the relatively minor issue of dread for any potential relapse. Will post next update in February on my 1 year post ablation anniversary.

[Padayn01]

Wow that great news, and though you still recovering after 7 months and when I had my abalation 7 weeks ago according to the doctors I should be doing the 3rd act from signing in the rain, thanks for posting on your progress fantastic news

[Shcldavies in reply to Padayn01]

Thank you, yes recovery takes a while longer than expected, hope your seeing a steady recovery but don't be too pessimistic if you get a few set backs.

[BobD Volunteer]

Controlling that dread is the trick. Since there is really no 100% guarantee of a cure for arrhythmias I think we all have it lurking . Staying busy and outward looking is the secret from my experience.

[Shcldavies in reply to BobD]

Yes I agree, I hold onto the fact that feeling this dread is infinitely better than feel an arrhythmia. Thanks again for all your support during my recovery.

[Hidden]

Great update!

Like you I fear the return of this mongrel condition, even 2.5 years after my ablation. I'm still in NSR but have palpitations and short runs of tachycardia which I always expect to convert to AF. I hope that this feeling goes, but I'm not sure it will

[Shcldavies]

I think the feeling of dread will always be in the background but I hold onto the fact that feeling this dread is infinitely better than feeling an arrhythmia.

[Ianp66]

Good news, I'm 5 months in after ablation and totally understand the fear of short runs, flutters converting to afib which it doesn't seem to now. Think we all carry that fear, but as Bob says I try to be positive, head down and on with life and work and forget about it looking on the bright side of life.

[c2low in reply to Ianp66]

After a couple of short episodes just one month prior to one year post ablation, I now took bioprolol when I detect my heart beat starts to go faster. This has so far helps to calm down and beats normally.

[Shcldavies]

Yes we have just got to get on with it, comforting to know that we are still recovering after all this time so with a little luck (and the EPs skill) we are all getting a little better day by day

[Aus19]

Thank you for this informative update. As someone who takes flecainide, this was very useful info. Good luck with your continued recovery.

[Shcldavies]

Thank you, I know it can be worrying taking medication as they all have side effects and the Docs do not always know how they will effect your condition until you try it. Flecainide for example is a wonder drug for many, but not all, its really important to let you Doc know if you start developing any side effects from any drug, only they will know how to deal with it. In my case I felt Flecainide was a wonder drug for 3 months, until I had Atrial tachycardia which then morphed into a bad Aflutter, the good news was that the Dec felt sorry for me and put me to the top of the ablation waiting list.