1 year post ablation

[Dougsey]

Saw my EP today for the 1 year follow up post-ablation. I've had no episodes and flutters and ectopic beats have improved in the last few months.

He's told me to stop taking my anticoagulant (Apixiban) and the beta blocker (Bisoprolol), which I am delighted about (whilst also being nervous of any change given I haven't had any episodes). My risk of stroke is low (hypertension the main issue) and he thinks the low dose of 1.25mg of bisoprolol is too low to really be doing anything but to keep it to hand and use if needed.

I am particularly looking forward to seeing if coming off the bisoprolol helps with the occasional breathlessness and lethargy.

Anyway, I just wanted to share to give people hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

[BobD Volunteer]

Good for you.

[Hidden]

Great news Dougsey.....DON’T keep tacking the tablets!! Although I might be tempted to stick with the anticoagulant for a while. 😉

[Lien-Ju]

Good new!!

[Dawsonmackay]

Can you give us updates, in a month and in three months?

[Dougsey in reply to Dawsonmackay]

Certainly!

[jeanjeannie50]

Good to hear you're doing well and as Dawson has asked please keep us updated on your progress.

Jean

[Jjda]

Good News! Congratulations and keep in touch

[Perplexed6]

I hope you don't have any more episodes, but keep your blood thinner and bisoprolol handy just in case. You should come off the bisoprolol very gradually, reducing the dosage over 2 to 3 weeks. Don't come off it suddenly. My husband came off it too quickly and went back into afib.

[Dougsey in reply to Perplexed6]

EP said I didn't need to taper as I am on the lowest dose anyway. I hear you though, it is a bit of a concern!

[Fazerboy in reply to Dougsey]

I came off 1.25 mg in one go and didn’t have any issues.

[Dougsey in reply to Fazerboy]

That's helpful to know, thanks!

[Ppiman]

Thanks for telling your good news. I’ll be a year post ablation come June and, so far, all is well. My experience of bisoprolol is that even 1.25mg is still a very “active” dose in terms of keeping the heart rate and blood pressure lower so you might well find that you feel better without it.

Steve

[Hidden in reply to Ppiman]

I agree, even on 0.625 mg a day I still felt it.

[Tryfan]

Great News. Are you doing anything else. I'm interested to collect health, lifestyle, drug regimes. Anything you think was useful and you felt helped you.

[Dougsey in reply to Tryfan]

Main thing is to take it very easy. Virtually all my episodes appeared to have been triggered by sudden exercise (sprint for the train, typically) so I have been very slow to get back into a decent exercise regime and even then I control my exertion levels where possible. Diet has largely remained the same.....mostly ok with the odd lapse for a treat every now and then, and have tried to reduce alcohol consumption too. (sometimes unsuccessfully!).

[Tryfan]

Thanks for replying. You match my strategy. I'm at pains to stress to people who seem to want to carry out high intensity workout without warming up. My episodes like you have occured under stress especially physical and mental combined. The lesson I have learned reading peoples messages is that more than anything give your heart and body time to ready itself for work. Even getting out of bed for the nocturnal trip to the loo, dont jump out, but slow it down. Sit on the edge of the bed breath slowly and deeply. I do Tai Chi breathing then move. Similarly before exercise take time to adjust. As I get older I take more time.

Best wishes

David

[Rocket123]

Hi ,

I am waiting for a ablation in September.

Any pre advice welcome

[Ianc2]

Good of you to come back with a positive report. Thank you