18 days post cryo-balloon ablation update

[Madscientist16]

Here is another update on my post ablation journey. I hope it helps anyone who is considering an ablation. I have not had another migraine with aura since day 12. I have had some mild headaches still however. Still suffering from some ectopics daily, but I would not consider them to bothersome. Other than the ectopics, my heart is behaving just fine. I was taken off diltiazem and digoxin right after the procedure. Still taking Eliquis 5mg 2x/day. Blood pressure is running 110/80 with a heart rate of 85. Groin bruising is all gone. I am back to work full time and have started to slowly return to regular exercise. I am feeling pretty good, but oddly enough still don't feel like myself. Does that sound weird? I suppose after everything, I am just a changed person and this is now the "new" me.

[BobD Volunteer]

As we say in our fact sheet on recovery, this can take three to six months and many peoeple are still improving at nine months or a year. Raised heart rate is normal and both yours and your BP are excellent for this time frame.

Don't be worried about how you feel just yet, plenty of time and healing yet to do.

If you haven't already, then read our fact sheet which you can find by following the link in the pinned post.

[CDreamer]

It does take a much longer time than you imagine to recover, especially as we get older as we don’t heal as quickly. Slow and steady is the way forward now and listen to your body - if you feel tired then stop and rest.

[tooh]

Hi. I am 14 days post ablation and cant say this is an enjoyable experience. i have absolutely no energy and cant last more than 30 mins without having to lie down and sleep. On the upside af is good but on the slightest exertion breathless and dizzy. To top it off i am now experiencing heartburn even though i am on ppis. A bit of a crock at the moment and hoping for improveme t soon.

[Madscientist16 in reply to tooh]

I totally understand. Take care of yourself and hang in there!

[bantam12 in reply to tooh]

I'm on the waiting list for ablation but the more I read about the possible after effects I'm thinking I can't do it, I'm a carer for my husband and I just can't be laid up or unable to do things for weeks or months 🙁

[tooh in reply to bantam12]

I'm really sorry that you have the added burden of caring for your husband. I guess you need to think about yourself also as you would be no help to him if your condition deteriorated. Talk to your dr about your concerns and listen to everyone on this forum as everyones recovery is different. For me at this point i am unable to do much . Trying to mash potatoes tonight was a marathon effort. Standing in the shower results in a huge effort to expand lungs to get enough air in. Painful. My bed is my best friend at the moment.

[bantam12 in reply to tooh]

My husband is also waiting to hear if Papworth surgeons can offer him surgery that all others have refused so we are in a right old mess.

I've not really read anything encouraging about post ablation recovery, everyone seems to have problems from migraines to exhaustion and for me to be out of action for months is just not an option, I need to be able to walk the dogs, feed the chickens and drive the car 🤦🏻‍♀️ 😞

I hope you feel better very soon, good luck.

[Gowers in reply to tooh]

Agree with all you have said post ablation but, just reading your experience has reminded me how we are all different - there are times I am so tired yet can't sleep! Yes, I too have had to sit down just to peel a few vedge

[Madscientist16 in reply to bantam12]

Despite the headaches, I was still able to take care for myself and my family. I got the ablation so that I could be healthier for my family . Please consider that as well.

[bantam12 in reply to Madscientist16]

Thanks for your reply and of course my aim is to be better than I am now but I have to be sure the ablation isn't going to make life even more difficult, reading posts on the forum I'm not yet convinced.

[Morzine]

Awe it takes time to feel whatwe all felt as normal pre AF.

You are so early on in the recovery. Even when you do feel better remember the poor ol heart has been battered a bit. From my own experience I’m ten months.....I did find upto six months I had sometimes Had days of no energy.......amd you need to listen to your body.............but onwards and upwards.....your on the right track!

Sue

[Hidden]

Hi, it took me 3 months to start to feel like my old self again and a bit longer to then get my fitness levels back to pre ablation levels.

Take it easy, listen to your body and you will get there

[Gowers]

How long since your ablation? I am on those 2 meds + Digoxin & not feeling great on them. Interesting how different cardiologists prescribe different meds.

[Madscientist16 in reply to Gowers]

I am now at 20 days post ablation. I did okay on the meds, they just did not stop the AF episodes. I had the option to have the ablation and I took it. Despite the side effect of the headaches, I don't regret my decision. I am off the meds, back to work and starting to exercise again.

[Gowers in reply to Madscientist16]

You have made good progress in such a short time