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.
12 days after ablation
4 months post Ablation
EP appointment 12 months post-ablation.
Six Months Post Ablation
12 weeks post ablation update
