AV Node Ablation- anyone’s experiences please

[shwills]

I have had AF for quite a number of years now. It is now persistent AF and I have moderate heart failure now. I also have 2 leaky valves the AF has caused this according to my Heart consultant. I had. Pacemaker fitted earlier this year- a three lead one which has stopped the sinus pauses I was having long pauses and bradycardia.

My consultant has been talking to me for years about having an AV node ablation but I am really scared of this knowing my heart beats on a pacemaker only. I also understand that the AF will probably continue but you don’t always feel it,

Does the AF continue to cause problems ? Would my heart failure get worse?

And the really terrifying thing is about the pacemaker if it fails

Please anyone who has had AV node ablation can I hear your experience

Thank you

[BobD Volunteer]

All can tell you is that if the PM packed up you would not die. Yes your heart would continue to beat albeit rather slowlysince all cardiac tissue has the ability to beat. This is why we get arrhythmias when things get a bit unruly in there and not everything is controlled!

Sorry put I have not had this procedure but know people who have and yes the atrium may continue to play its merry game but your ventricular rate (what you feel at your pulse) will be controlled by your PM.

[shwills in reply to BobD]

Thank you for your reply I guess I am just looking at the negative side your insight has certainly helped

[baba]

I have not had AV node ablation.

Here is some information:

heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

[Bettiehough]

I had an AV node ablation and pacemaker last year. I also have ME. After my procedures I stopped ending up in hospital for a electrical cardioversion every 2 weeks. I was bed bound before

I have not seen the inside of an hospital since my procedures. I go out and am relaxed and the healthiest I have been in years even with my ME. The AV node ablation procedure was a walk in the park. Go for it !

[shwills in reply to Bettiehough]

That’s good to hear that it was a success and it has kept you out of hospital

I am having a lot of tests at present for my other heart problems so will see what my consultants say, I have 2 and hope they agree on. Plan

[EricW]

Had my pacemaker for nearly 10 years. Best procedure I have had. It entirely controls my heartbeat. Still doing all the things I like and just enjoyed my 85th birthday.

[shwills in reply to EricW]

Thank you and so good to hear that as is well with you

[nettecologne in reply to EricW]

Why do you need amiodarone still?

[shwills in reply to nettecologne]

Sorry I am not with you ?