I’ve just had my review, 14 months after my second ablation. The first 7 months had gone well, but last April, I started to get lots of short, fast but regular runs which seemed to continue for ages, although much less frequent now. Unfortunately, during the last 7 months I have had around 6 AF episodes all of which were stopped within the hour using Flecainide as a PiP. Fortunately, I was able to capture much of this activity on my Kardia.
Although the EP was around, I was a bit disappointed to be called in by his registrar but he was great and seemed to be pleased to have all the “evidence” I was able to provide, particularly as the 24 hour Holter was perfect. He suggested trying a daily maintenance dose of Flecainide for 6 months, which was something I had done successfully before my first ablation in 2016. I said that I would be happy to try that, but from what little I know about AF, it was likely to progress and if, at 73, I was likely to need another ablation, I’d rather it was sooner than later. He decided to confer with my EP, and I was delighted when they both returned a short while later. He too, had now seen the evidence and agreed that ablation number 3 was the best route forward. We both agreed that the waiting time of 6/9 months would allow me the time to reassess the situation before the ablation.
I think this helps to demonstrate that medics often respond positively to patients who have an understanding of the condition and can provide evidence of changes as they occur. I hope you find this helpful but please be mindful that we are all different and that has to be reflected in our treatment
Failed second ablation
3 months post ablation
EP appointment 12 months post-ablation.
8months post first ablation and ? slow AF episode
