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
Thanks Pete, I’m not going to take Flecainide daily yet. The EP wanted to leave things as they are but if the the episodes become more frequent, I have to contact him and probably then go on a maintenance dose.....hope you are OK?
I am sorry to hear you need a top up but glad you got a positive result. Often good to speak to the organ grinder not the monkey!! No disresoect intended but experience does tell. I'm sure it helps us all to be as informed as we can be.
Sorry to hear you’ll (maybe) need more intervention, but it’s great the process of discussion and agreement.
I appreciate you updating us on how things are going for you. (You ‘mainstay’ peeps are always responding and supporting us - it’s so good to know how YOU’re doing!)
And I find it really encouraging to hear this kind of stuff - it gives me confidence (and greater boldness!) in how to address my own treatment journey.
I think that you have put that perfectly. We owe it to ourselves to be well informed and be our own advocate. I have been contemplating buying a Kardia for some time but my cardiologist had never heard of it (and he is a Medical Director) and recommended the Apple watch. However all my other gadgetry is Android. I have not seen my EP for some time to ask his opinion.
Very surprised your EP wasn't aware of Kardia. Did he say why he recommended the Apple Watch? My Kardia is attached to my phone which I think is better for me, as there is the possibility one would constantly be checking the watch for results or readings.
I seldom use it now since my ablation over two years ago, but was very reliant on it when I had episodes and sent the rea dings to my cardiologist/EP.
I am always wary of a recommendation about any gadget when the person recommending it is totally unaware of other similar items on the market. Surprised he didn't do his research, how therefore can anyone say it's the best available?
Sorry to hear that Steve, hope you are managing OK. This condition varies so much, I was talking to a man at our support group meeting who was diagnosed with persistent AF and he had no idea that he had a problem whereas others tell a different story......
Sorry to hear its not going as planned, I hope it gets sorted now as it sounds like your on top of it ,it sure pays to be part of the process and being informed, it definitely helps get a good resolution, so unpredictable this damn thing and the more you understand and are able the contribute the better as it shows in your case.
Thanks Ian, obviously disappointing but fortunately, if AF kicks in, so far it’s gone within an hour of taking a PiP. Also, since the ablations, episode have not been as symptomatic as they were before, so still significantly better than I was before......
So sorry to hear you have AFib back again, as you made some very supportive comments when I was in the throes of AFib over two years ago. So far the ablation has worked for me, but as you proved its hard to keep at bay. You were lucky to have some Flecainide at hand to quell it when it occurred.
I am only a couple of years younger than you, and am by no means complacent about being AFib free for the moment. It amazes me that people stop viewing this site once their ablation is a so called success, particularly when no precise cause has been found. I was told recently that I am prediabetic also, and my GP said they tend to go hand in hand. I have lost some weight through diet changes, so just enjoying the reprieve. Hope you have a relatively smooth interim period between now and your next ablation.
Thanks, good to hear you are doing well. I certainly have no regrets and obviously hope that it will be “third time lucky” but with the help of occasional Flecainide, I may not be AF free, but I have been virtually trouble free for almost 4 years......long may your good fortune last too...
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Failed second ablation
3 months post ablation
EP appointment 12 months post-ablation.
8months post first ablation and ? slow AF episode
