3 months, 2 weeks post ablation review with EP. Swap notes ?

[Turquoise19]

Mostly went well, but still more questions in my head. First, he said my left atrium was still firing, when they went in with the catheter. I was in persistent AF, so assumed it would be then..?? Asked him what that meant/did it affect my prognosis n he said, all part of the fun.. Confused me then... Very nice man, and very relaxed. Still I was a bit anxious, all in his hands n he ? Knows so much n all. So didn't know what to say then, so if anyone else gets this, be good to hear you. Also said he would have preferred that I had no episodes of AF in the blanking period, I had 2...

Then unexpectedly for me re my CHAD score of 2, re 1, being female 2, hypertension, now well managed. He said the variable of being female is the weaker one, so implying I could stop the anticoagulants, tho not yet. Has referred me to another cardiologist for advice on whether to fit an occlusion device, (which protects against the blood pooling in the atrium. Appreciate your thoughts n experience ??

[Hidden]

A pure guess on my part, but thinking you are from the States. If so, treatment arrangements may be different to here in the UK. The reason for mentioning that is the Watchman (occlusion) device is rarely used here, generally for non medical reasons. If it is, there has to be significant medical evidence that the patient is unable to take anticoagulants.

Although we are not medically trained, it’s commonly known that persistent AF is difficult to ablate and it sounds as though your EP enjoys a challenge. It is not unusual to need 2 or 3 attempts to get AF under control, particularly if the first is a cryoablation. Most of us who have had an ablation know it’s not unusual to experience AF during the first 3 to 6 months, sometimes longer and I believe this is even more likely for those who were in persistent AF.

Regarding continuing with anticoagulation, anyone scoring 2 or more are encouraged to continue and generally, a good few scoring 1 are reluctant to stop taking them.

From what you are telling us, all sounds par for the course but if you haven’t already, suggest you read the factsheet, link below.....best of luck....

heartrhythmalliance.org/res...

[Turquoise19 in reply to Hidden]

Thx Flapjack, no not from the States, I am under Guys n St Thomas'. I wasn't expecting him to be this reflective on the anti-coagulants either, from what I've read in here. I have got very anaemic with edoxoban as it's made my already heavy menstruation much heavier.

Also referred me to haematology. Said the appointment to consider the occlusion device is advisory at this point, re where my stroke risk may be v the anticoagulants. I am 54, so he also said I have age on my side,... tho for me pros n cons to that too.

So much to consider, all pulled together

Still don't understand the bit about me, still firing as I thought that was par for the course in persistent AF. Lots I don't know, think I felt a bit intimidated too. Like he has all the answers n I'm lost for my next question 😍

[Hidden in reply to Turquoise19]

Apologies for getting your roots wrong....😉.

I agree with you about the firing too, persistent means persistent unless he thought you taking rhythm meds. I’ve got my review at St George’s and I always take my wife. Not only use for carrying my bags, she is another pair of ears which is also useful....😉😂😉

I also make a note of all the things I want to ask because otherwise like most folk, I would forget and I’m happy to get my checklist out during the appointment. Hope everything settles and that you reap the benefits of your ablation.....

[Turquoise19 in reply to Hidden]

Yes thx Flapjack, sure your wife is very handy to have with you. I also had my notebook with me, but felt a bit flumoxed on the firingy bit, cos he was very clear this was quite rare ❣️👀. .... I wasn't taking anti arrythmics.

Apart from my anaemia that's stopped me getting back to full fitness I feel I'm not doing too bad. Also put on a bit of weight, with over-dosing on red meat for the anaemia. So gotta get onto that...

[Kaz747]

I’m 55 and female with a score of 2 as well. I don’t have hypertension now(115/75) but I had preeclampsia with both my pregnancies (and a hypertensive crisis at the delivery of my first child) and then no issues with blood pressure again until I started with arrhythmias a couple of years ago. My EP said “any history of hypertension” gives you a point. Last year they had to abandon an ablation attempt because they found a blood clot in my left atrial appendage. He recommended that I stay on anticoagulants for life and after witnessing my nana have a number of strokes I’m happy to keep taking them.

[Turquoise19 in reply to Kaz747]

Umm that's helpful to know KAZ. Do you still get episodes of AF then ?

[Kaz747 in reply to Turquoise19]

I have had a few short episodes of tachycardia (10-20 minutes) usually if I’m really tired or have a moment of panic (like when I thought I’d made an error entering a name on an international airline booking 😀). I have had a couple of short bursts of what I thought may have been AF but when I sent my Kardia reading through to a cardiologist he said it showed very frequent atrial ectopics. If I was symptomatic I could go and see him but it settled after a half hour or so. As long as I focus on my eating, exercise, breathing, sleep and relaxation, I’m generally keeping well. I have to keep my life “in balance”.

[Turquoise19]

Thx KAZ, yes all about balance I guess, I'm also working on diet and breathing etc. Though put on weight this past few weeks cos of all the red meat I've been eating for my iron anaemia.

Ectopics are another thing. On taking my own pulse I average 2-3 per 100, which on the 48hr ECG, end of blanking period = 1%, which doesn't sound so bad. EP said he sees people at 30%, which for me sounds almost in AF....

Do work my breathing that's supposed to help the ectopics.....

One day at a time, hey ho

Good to hear you

X Wendy

[Turquoise19]

Thx for this Ray, very helpful as I also have a Garmin watch 24hrs, that picked up on my 2 episodes as well.

So reassuring you're thinking on the same lines as me. Would rather be off them, but not wanting to be gung ho n have a stroke .... Will take then a bit longer n see

[20WildRose19 in reply to Turquoise19]

What is the Garmin watch you mentioned. It must be quite comforting to be warned of heart problem occurring. My cardio version was successful regarding atrial flutter however often get palpitations which concern me. Might this watch be useful for me?

[Turquoise19 in reply to 20WildRose19]

Mine is a Garmin vivosport. Doesn't have any extra cardio features, tho has a new thing for unusual rhythum, but haven't managed to get that to work. 24hr tho has spotted when it suddenly whacked up.

How does yours do more cardio ?

[20WildRose19 in reply to Turquoise19]

Thanks for info. I don't have a watch just check heart rate on blood pressure monitor although now atrial flutter has been sorted I can take my pulse.

[Turquoise19 in reply to 20WildRose19]

Yes my pulse is back too, after my AF ablation. Check it now for the ectopics. I'm averaging about 3/4 in 100 beats . Cardiologist said he sees people who get more than 30.

[20WildRose19 in reply to Turquoise19]

That's great news and the ectopics sound manageable too! Keep well.

[Turquoise19 in reply to 20WildRose19]

Thx WR, yes you too,!