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ABLATION PLUS 12 MONTHS

Shcldavies profile image
12 Replies

Following on from my previous posts, today is my 1 year anniversary of my ablation and still feeling good. Had a type of SVT for 23 years, progressively getting worst, taking increased Meds, then this ablation for Aflutter (this flutter was bad, had the crash team called whilst in hospital and a Cardioversion 2 days later), that turned out to be MAT which could not be fully ablated - though much ablating was done (the flutter was caused by the increase in meds, in particular Flecainide). Its worth noting that without the EP study (you get at the time of the ablation) my condition would still be unknown and probably given all sorts of drugs, many of which would make me feel terrible or worst still have a long term detrimental affect on my heart.

Ablation recovery was slow at start with a few short lived arrhythmia's in the first 2 weeks (and one AF episode which lasted 4 hours - never had AF before this), followed by decreasing ectopics and runs of arrhythmia lasting around 5 seconds. Not always a linear recovery but generally slow and somewhat steady. In fact much as explained by our leaflet (thanks Bob). Now feeling very good, still feel a few ectopics and get the odd run of an arrhythmia for around 5 seconds but only on 1.25 Bisoprolol which the Cardiologist said I should continue to take to keep the MAT at bay. Cardiologist signed me off 6 months after the ablation.

I believe its really important to take it very easy during recovery and for a lot longer than you think. Now I am back to eating what I want, drinking tea having the odd drink (most days do not drink but do at weekends but no more than 3 units a day for now). Tried coffee 6 months ago and whilst it did not bring on an arrhythmia it did make me feel hyper so thought I would stay clear of it at least for a few more months.

My ectopics and short runs of arrhythmia tend to be worst after eating too much sweet things (any sugar and especially artificial sweeteners) and nitrates (processed food bacon, dried fruit etc). Whilst these episodes are very short lived and pretty minor (probably caused by the MAT) I do not want to irritated my heart so generally keep clear of these triggers. Also if you take PPIs try to reduce them or cut them out if you can.

Having a banana a day and at least 1 avocado a week, drinking plenty of water (especially first thing in the morning), taking magnesium supplements and at least 7 hours sleep have all been beneficial to my recovery. Note - don't expect miracles , it takes months for these to be of benefit.

One of the indicators of my recovery is my ability to walk up stairs, following the ablation I found it a struggle to walk upstairs in the house, now I regularly walk up 5 flights of stairs at work and many steep steps getting to work, all without thinking about it.

I cannot over emphasis the improvement between me now and the me before the ablation (and my ablation was not totally successful) but to get there you really do have to look after yourself, in my case for months (not days or weeks)

I will post an update in 6 months. If I can help anyone going through this very disturbing journey I will through giving my personal experience (thats all I can do as I am not a doctor). For all you going through this now, there is a fix or at least a significant recovery out there, finding it may not be straight forward and you may well have to take a more proactive roll in it, this forum will help as there are many with similar experiences that will help you. Remember the Docs know much more than you do but they do not know everything, you have to help them to help you.

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7164 profile image
7164

Shcldavied

Thank you got this great post

I have been Paf for 18 months and getting worse very symptomatic 😧

The meds are not working and I am beginning to think the ablation is the only way forward

People like you help a great deal

Rod

absolutepatsy profile image
absolutepatsy in reply to7164

I would go for the ablation, I had mine in Glasgow and would say it was a success and nothing to be afraid of. I have had 2 almost AF free years but it raised its ugly head this Xmas so I am looking to go down the ablation route again if it gets worse.

7164 profile image
7164 in reply toabsolutepatsy

Thank you for your advice. We’re you symptomatic?

I can’t believe that some people can go about work etc with it?

absolutepatsy profile image
absolutepatsy in reply to7164

For the first day I thought it was a miracle after ablation, I felt fantastic but AF kicked in quickly on day 2 but only lasted a few hours and yes I was symptomatic, unable to move around, I am retired so thankfully don't have to go to work as I wouldn't have been able to cope. After that I did absolutely nothing for 2 weeks, just rested. I then began going out for 10 minute walks, building up to half hourly walks over a couple of weeks. I gradually felt better as time went on building up my walks till I was able to cope with an hour. I felt well after 3 months (almost back to normal) I did feel large beats occasionally (ectopic) but these settled. This is a slow process but worth it to be AF free. Good luck

VioletG profile image
VioletG

Thank you for taking the time to share your progress and and with such detailed information.

It gives the rest of us more knowledge, plus the encouragement to keep moving forward, which is priceless!

Very best of luck to you. I look forward to your post in 6 months!

Shcldavies profile image
Shcldavies

Thank you, I have posted the full details of my ablation and recovery, if you want to know how it all went (warts an all) see my earlier posts.

Padayn01 profile image
Padayn01

Mate i'm so glad that you have got there, really happy for you mate great news, i'm 6 months post ablation and currently in review with my EP on my ectopics so we see where that leads to but you are right in there is a fix for us out there just not straightforward as we like

Shcldavies profile image
Shcldavies

Yes it a hell of a journey hope you get to your fix sooner than I did, don’t think I would have got there without some self help. All the best

LCM79 profile image
LCM79

Hi SchldaviesThanks for your posts, it’s so useful hearing your experience. I was diagnosed with MAT in December after a partially successful ablation. I’m 41 and it’s all very new to me so your insights are invaluable.

My cardiologist said MAT is very rare & it seems there’s not much info about it except it s sometimes caused by underlying health issues or an electrolyte imbalance. Has this been mentioned to you? I’m keen to talk to my cardiologist about it during my follow up next month.

Hope you’re still feeling well.

Shcldavies profile image
Shcldavies in reply toLCM79

Yes MAT can be caused by many things, and many have it without symptoms. I believe getting your electrolytes right is the most likely way to cure/limit MAT. Unfortunately getting your electrolytes right is not as easy as you would think - and it will take time. Believe I am still improving after my ablation nearly 2 years ago (I will be posting my 2 years recovery update in a couple of weeks).

If I were to say the top 7 tips (would take too long to explain why they work) they would be:

Take a good quality mix of Magnesium supplements (not oxide)

Take a Vitamin D3 and K2 supplement

Cut out or reduce PPIs (if you take them)

Cut back on sugar and nitrates

Drink plenty of water

Don't drink alcohol and coffee for 3 months and moderately after that

Sleep for at least 7 hours (more if possible).

There are reasons why these measures can work for many and the Cardiologist may not understand them (some do). If you haven't already look at the Dr Gupta videos on arrhythmia, you will find then donning a youtube search for"yourkcardiology".

Your on a journey that will benefit from self, help please ask any questions and if I can I will answer them based on my journey and what I found to be beneficial. It may not help everyone bit I am sure many will have similar condition to mine.

LCM79 profile image
LCM79 in reply toShcldavies

Thank you. It’s a massive help to be able to chat with you!

How have your ectopics been post ablation? Mine are far more frequent than before the procedure (though not as frequent as the weeks immediately after which is surely a good sign).

I look forward to reading your next update and will probably be in touch again at some point soon. Possibly after my follow up appointment on 18 March.

Shcldavies profile image
Shcldavies in reply toLCM79

Yes my ectopics were similar, you may be interested with my posts on the ablation from Feb 2019 it will give you an appreciation of the erratic recovery. Don't hesitate to ask, I know exactly what your going through right now and very happy to help if I can.

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