Questions about ablation

[50done]

I am scheduled for TEE and ablation on Thursday, yes on Halloween, lol.

I know many of you have had one. I’m wondering how you felt in the time immediately after and the following few days.

I have in the time I have not posted, been diagnosed with sinus node dysfunction , as well as atrial fibrillation and sinus pauses.

Due to pauses they reduced my propranolol, my beta blocker, so my fibrillation has rapidly increased.

Wishing all of you blessings and improving health.

[CDreamer]

Hi - I am wondering what the suggested treatment plan is for the SSS (sick sinus node syndrome)?

In my husband’s case that was treated with pacemaker before ablation was considered. Sometimes the AF will go away or AF burden reduced once the PM is inserted, certainly in my experience.

I had 2 ablations, first made things a whole lot worse, second helped AF but I developed other conditions which 5 years on I am still dealing with but I am probably the exception. I think recovery is really individual, some people are back to work within a few weeks whilst others find it can take much longer.

Recovery depends on age, how long you have had AF for, other underlying conditions, how fit or not. EG- if you are 30yr old very fit male, probably 10-14 days, if you are 65, none active female with other conditions - a lot longer - you may feel you continue to improve 9-12 months after the ablation which was my experience.

Have you read - Recovering from Ablation leaflet? You may find that useful. Available from Patient Resources Tab on the AFA website.

Best wishes CD

[50done in reply to CDreamer]

Thanks, I’m 69 not in great shape, as I am in Texas and seem to be heat intolerant, seems to trigger a-fin in me.

The hope of my Doctors is that they can take care of a-fin and sick sinus with ablation, but we are all aware that may not happen, A pacemaker and possibly another ablation and or continued meds. I’m trying to stay positive. But don’t want to make commitment to go back to work, but don’t want to be negative.

[CDreamer in reply to 50done]

Treatment plans vary from country to country but if I were you - I would be a little suspicious and asking for a lot, lot more detail of their thinking & rationale of going straight to ablation. Purely opinion from experienced patient who has learned to ask the probing questions, not medically trained.

Pacemaker worked for me after AF broke through after 2 ablations when I was 12 years younger than you are now. Ablation success is higher the younger you are.

Best wishes

[CDreamer in reply to 50done]

PS Ablation recovery is a bit like asking how long is piece of string? For some - days - others months but you may find the AFA patient info Recovering from Ablation helpful.

heartrhythmalliance.org/fil...

[Buffafly in reply to 50done]

I had an ablation because I had signs of SSS on medication - AF and sinus pauses. The ablation was successful for a couple of years - AF has now returned but I can only take a minimal dose of Diltiazem and if I have an extended episode of AF I have to have treatment in hospital under obs. So far so good but my HR is quite unstable and a pacemaker will be the only option if it gets worse.

[jeanjeannie50]

Sending you best wishes for a successful outcome on Thursday. Please let us know how it all goes.👻👽💀

Jean