Hi had anyone had a good success story by having an ablation? I had cardioversion a year ago it was all fine till this week and now I’m back in worse AF. GP said had to have an ablation but doesn’t seem to have a good outcome from what I’ve read.
Is Ablation worth it and does it work? - Atrial Fibrillati...
Is Ablation worth it and does it work?
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Maz38
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A lot of ablations do work but they are a holding operation as hard to completely get rid of AF Whether it is advisable really depends on how badly AF is affecting you. I haven't had an ablation but lots of people;e who have will answer you soon. Take care
Hi Maz, not entirely sure why you would say that. Maybe you need to look at things from a different angle. In the UK alone, around 1.5 million suffer with AF. Not all have bad symptoms but many do. Many take medication which successfully helps to control their symptoms but the general thinking is that AF begets AF and very often doses have to be increased over time to keep symptoms under control. I couldn't even hazard a guess as to how many ablations are performed in the UK in a year but it must be several thousands. Add to that the number that are performed in Europe and the States and we are talking really BIG numbers!!
This forum currently has 19,602 members of which only a relatively small proportion are regularly active. Forums, by the very nature, tend to attract people experiencing problems, we rarely get posts from people saying how wonderful their life is with AF! Also, we rarely hear from people once they have undergone successful treatment because they are busy getting on with the rest of their life and rightly so. As with any treatment, results are not always 100% successful and for many there may be a need for a second, or even a third attempt but consider how many people actually come on the forum and say that they regret the day they had there ablation compared with the number of folk who have had one. Therefore, all the indications are that the vast majority of people are pleased with the outcome of their ablations because in real terms, we rarely hear from people with regrets.
All a bit long winded I know, but the truth is good news seldom sells papers.
This doesn't alter the fact that careful consideration needs to be taken before deciding to have an ablation so it's a discussion you should have with an EP (Electrophysiologist) and hopefully your GP will refer you because luckily, he/she sounds as if they are on your side!!
Maz38• in reply to
Hi thank you for your reply. It’s one of those things you have to give a great deal of thought to as quite a big thing to go through. I thought my cardioversion would be the saviour but after coming off the dreaded amiodorone 8 months ago it has just returned and I’m breathless now and feel debilitated by it now. ECGs show the change in the impulses so GP said that’s next on the list. I also feel really bloated and he said I’m retaining fluid so suggested water tablets and upping my Diltiazem till the date is confirmed so don’t want even more meds but no choice really. I am also eating much better and trying to get fitter and lose weight which I’m sure will help. Just exhausted constantly as out of breath.
Hello maz
What dosage amiodarone were you on? How long were you on it? I had ablation 1 month ago In California and am now on 200mg daily Supposedly for one year. In one month I already Have been diagnosed with Hashimoto and hypothyroid.
I am 75.
Hi again - did you have an ablation ? Or did u start the amiodorone after cardioversion? Also, what did they tell you your next step is. Thank you
• in reply toMaz38
As I understand it, unless someone is young, fit and the AF is recently diagnosed, cardioversions rarely last indefinitely. It tends to be an important part of a treatment plan to see if someone can be returned back to sinus rhythm and whether or not they feel significantly better when in rhythm. Taking drugs needs to be taken into account because very often the side effects can be confused with AF symptoms.
Certainly any improvements to lifestyle will make a big difference but only you can decide about having an ablation. I have had two, and would not hesitate to have a third should it be necessary but that is purely a personal view.......
Good Morning Maz, I have been through everything you have. Sounds to me like your medication isn’t quite right. You say the dreaded amiodarone, well that one was my saviour but had to come off it because of my age which at the time I was 65 I think. I had an ablation in 2013 which was fine, the actual procedure was fine because I was out of it. The aftercare you just have to take care of yourself. I was on air for about 2 years then circumstances started the anxiety and AF raised its ugly head again. They wanted me to have another ablation which I didn’t want but also I didn’t want to keep taking medication. Now I am 70 and three years ago I decided after spending three times in hospital in 2 months (I have had probably 6 cardioversions) I decided to Change my lifestyle I stopped drinking alcohol. I lost 3 stone in weight. I take flecanide twice a day with PIP if I feel I need one. I am on bisoprolol and numerous,other tabs. I think flecanide is the best thing since sliced bread. My specialist saw me in January and she said I was amazing my BP and ECG readings were brilliant. I was so chuffed.
You say you are getting out of breath and feel exhausted. When you start medication with AF the medication slows you down a lot but your used to moving around at a different pace but the whole point of your meds is to slow down. The exhaustion will go away eventually I don’t think any of us AF sufferers move as fast as we used to. I never slept in the daytime but I feel the need for a nap most days.
Are you married? Any way just wondered I am on my own and I do look after myself and I love being alive and being in my garden and just being here in thisweird world we are in at the moment. So there is life with AF you just need to read and learn about it. It’s just AF. And get to know your own body and what makes it tick and what makes it go off course. Lots of Love. Have a good day. Xx
Ps I didn’t have the second ablation by the way.
One thing to add about ablation is that if several areas need ablation in the heart people sometimes get left with very fast heart rates and this might be what you have seen people writing about when they feel they are worse off after ablation. You should discuss with the EP what they think they would have do do in your case- they may not know until the time comes but if they are pretty sure it’s just the pulmonary vein areas it’s less of an issue. Learn a lot so you can make informed decisions
Hi Max
I’m one of the many people to have had a successful ablation, over 3 years ago now. I very rarely check this site any more, as Flapjack has said, because I’m usually busy getting on with my life - not so busy at the moment for obvious reasons.
I had few but very severe episodes of PAF with very high heart rate, and medication, especially beta blockers, didn’t suit me at all. I had a cryo ablation in January 2017 under Professor Gill at St Thomas’s in London and haven’t looked back since. I came off all medication, except for anticoagulants, and got my life back.
My advice is to ask for a referral to a good. EP and discuss with them what is best in your particular case. I’m sure people here will recommend a few, depending where you live.
Was your afib persistent? What drugs were u taking after ablation ? Thanks
Val said she had a ‘few but very severe episodes of PAF’ (=paroxysmal). As she says that she rarely now visits the site, you may not receive a direct reply.
Everyone’s AF and therefor their suggested treatment plan is very different and we all respond very differently. I had 2 ablations - the first made things a lot worse but the second gave me 3 years AF free. Like cardioversions, ablations are not a cure, but may stop AF completely and forever, but may not and AF returns. This doesn’t mean that the ablation failed, just that the AF returned and there may be multiple reasons this happens.
I think when considering any treatment plan you need to talk to your consultant, discuss the risks:benefits and be mutually quite frank and open about what you are hoping for and what can be possible - for you.
Because ablation for one person worked or did not work is no indicator for what your best option would be.
You need expert advice on your situation.
Sadly, for me, no. I think it all depends on the severity of your condition and how desperate you are to try anything to alleviate it. I was told my ablation was a success by the surgeon but after two weeks I started another condition, caused by the ablation and now I wear a pacemaker which has given me a wonderful lease of life. I have had it now 3 years. We all take a gamble in life for some ablation works and for others not, I waited several years before taking the 'plunge' and waiting for it to be tried and tested, I made the wrong decision for me and refused a further ablation. So my friend, do all of your research and then make your own decision and whatever you decide, good luck.
I had an ablation two years ago which obviously wasn't successful because, after the procedure, I discovered that the surgeon had given me a cardioversion at the end of the procedure, so that put my heart back into sinus rhythm - not the ablation. I had had a cardioversion before (about 4 years ago) but they tend not to last for very many years - I view it as a sticking plaster.
So... it goes without saying that after a year my AF was back. I have odd days when it bothers me but most days when I don't even notice it, but of course on meds. Before I had the ablation my life was miserable as the AF was making me feel lousy every day, so it was a no brainer for me at the time. Would I/will I try again... still thinking about it but I do know that some people have to have two or three ablations for it to finally work and there is a percentage where it never does work.
Hi Carol, I hope you don’t mind if I say I don’t think you are right about the cardio version. When the EP thinks he has finished he ‘paces’ the heart and if AF returns he does a cardioversion and repeats the procedure after more work. I had two cardioversions during my ablation (I had a full report) which held for two years and although I now take a low dose of diltiazem my QOL is much better.
Thank you Buffafly.... if I was in as much discomfort as I used to be, then I would definitely think about having another ablation but my surgeon only gave it a 50/50 chance of success, which is why I am still thinking about it.
However good to read so many success stories on here....
It's mostly worked for me so far. It's been 2 years. I had AF for 55 years, and before the ablation I was having an episode every 2 or 3 days. I got a cryoablation, and the AF was much worse for a few weeks after. I also got other complications, namely very severe chest pain (pericarditis) and visual migraine aura. They gave me morphine for the pain, and it went away quickly. The aura came and went for about 3 weeks. The AF frequency gradually diminished, and now I haven't had an episode for 6 months. Hopefully it will continue to diminish or just go away. Even if it comes back, I'll be grateful for the 2 years of almost no AF.
I put off having an ablation for 20 years. I finally got so tired of AF episodes coming out of nowhere that I decided to have the procedure done. It was a cryo ablation in July of 2016. I still take some meds just as a precaution. I have been 99.9% AF free for almost 4 years . I’m glad I had it done, and if it comes back I’ll do it again. I wish you the best.
Hello what meds have you been on since your ablation?
I’m on the same meds I took before the ablation. At night I take one diltiazem 240mg. and one propafenone 150mg. In the morning I take a half of the 150 propafenone.
Hi Maz
Having an ablation is all about improving your quality of life and slowing down / stopping the progress of Afib. And progress it will if left to its own devices.
I have had 3 ablation (the last one 3 years ago) and my life is great now.
The first was for SVT (super fast heat rate), then I developed an irregular irregular heart beat, Afib, which needed 2 further ablations because it is a much more complex problem than a regular super fast heart rate.
It sounds a lot but my life wasn’t worth living before the procedures, since I couldn’t tolerate the many different meds they tried me on.
I can honestly say it took about 9 months after the final op for me to feel on top form, but even during the recovery period I was better than before the ops.
Had an ablation for A fib and flutter 4 years ago at Papworth and It has so far been successful. Suffered symptoms for about 8 months prior to the procedure and treatment with flecainide and bisoprolol did not prevent daily attacks. The condition drastically impacted my quality of life. Ablation gave me my life back again. Now take apixaban and flecainide was continued. I am a female aged 68 years.
Best wishes.
Pam
My wife had PSVT - which came and went at inconvenient times. She had to lie down for it to go away. The acropolis was one site it happened!. She had an ablation for it in 2003 and has no recurrence since - Not strictly Afib but related. She dindn't take any medication for it before or after.
I had an ablation for PAF 20 months ago and have had no detectable AF since. I did not have PVI (pulmonary vein isolation) but ganglionated plexus (GP) ablation.
I think it will be for an EP (electrophysiologist) to decide whether you need an ablation not your gp doctor.
I had my cryoablation in 2008 and apart from odd episodes of PAF for which I have Flecainide as a Pill in the Pocket dose my life has been good. I was getting episodes every week just before the procedure and was afraid to make plans to go out etc as I was quite exhausted during one.
It is your call on whether to go ahead but draw up a list of pros and cons to see if that helps uou make up your mind.
All the best,
Jackie
YES its worth it.
Jan 29th 2018 I had an AFIB PVI cryoablation left Atria. No afib since. Unfortunately after 9 days I developed re-entrant Atrial flutter which my EP believes was promoted by the flecainide I was still taking for the AFIB. (possibly was always going to happento me AFIb ablation of not) . I had a second ablation for the flutter (Right atria) 26th Feb 2018. No flutter since.
I have been off ALL drugs since May 15th 2018.
I do pretty much everything I did before the AFIB.
I do get ectopics. I mostly ignore them. If they go on for days then my brain start to be concerned its AFIB coming back but as I have had them many times and then they go away for weeks I am generally quite unconcerned, and the more I have had them the less concerned I am and the less I notice them . |And they do not stop me doing anything, just an irritation.
This may not last forever but the last 25 months have been a lot better that the previous 25 when I was taking drugs and at risk of going into AFIB randomly.
If AFIB came back tomorrow morning I would happily have another ablation tomorrow afternoon for another 25 months drug free.
Best wishes.
I had an ablation 10 years ago and for me it was the best thing. I had no further AFib until last year. I couldn’t tolerate any of the meds and when they tried to zap me to put it back in rhythm it didn’t go to plan and it had an adverse effect on me.
So my only option was ablation. I was out of hospital the next day and was shovelling snow 8 weeks later.
Not sure where about you are but do a bit of research on surgeons. I had mine at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle U.K. Stephen Murray was the surgeon and was recommended by friends who had either worked with him or had been operated on by him. It’s quite a quick procedure, which I was awake for and it was fascinating to watch on the screen.
I have no regrets about having it done, good luck with whatever you decide.
I was diagnosed with PAF in 2010 - over time episodes became more frequent and longer and my meds increased, plus a few hospitalisations and cardioversions. Eventually after some sustained pressure on my GP I was referred to an excellent EP. Eventually I had two ablations in 2015 and 2016 - it took some time for my heart to settle down but I have been about 99percent AF free for about four years. I know it’s not a cure but it has helped sustain me through my successful prostate cancer treatment after I was diagnosed in 2017. We don’t know what’s round the corner - I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend ablation if the professional advice is that it’s right for you as all our health circumstances are different.
I had an ablation three years ago and haven't looked back. I would not hesitate. Go for it.
I had gradually worsening PAF and Atrial Flutter for some years before my cryo-ablation 4 years ago. My condition stopped me working. I had the ablation, and hey presto, I was right as rain. 4 hour procedure / 72 burns. Everything was great for 4 years until I started getting symptoms again around Sept 2019. I'm now scheduled for another ablation.
I understand the occasional need for repeat attempts. The scarring that prevents rogue electrical signals can heal a bit, allowing irregularity. Repeated treatment becomes necessary. That's perfectly OK with me. Frankly, I can hardly wait. The difference it made to my life is the difference between night and day. It gave me my life back.
If you'll pardon the pun, I'll do it in a heartbeat.
Great positive comments on here so thank you for letting me know your experiences. Not sure who will be doing it I’m under Doctor Foster in Worcester who I really like and he’s been lovely to deal with. I should have had my review this month but cancelled due to COVID and it does mention in the letter that if I am back in AF he was looking at an ablation so have to wait and see when that will be.
I am having my secobd ablation this Thursday at LHCH my last one was 6 months ago went back into fast AF 3months later had to go back on Amiodarone which is not good but the only thing that keeps me in rhythm until the ablation this time i have to have a GA so while not looking forward to it i am desparate to resume some sort normal life, i work fulltime and it has impacted on that just grateful i have been given another chance with this procedure.
Go for it. My first ablation was in 2009, after a bit of a rough ride for the first six months, it settled down, just the odd minor bout now and again but I was so relieved to have my quality of life back and I could cope with the minor 'irregularities' for the next 10 years. Had to have another ablation in 2018, quicker recovery and pretty good so far. So, yes it is very much worth it for me. Good luck.
I was apparently a good candidate for ablation and my quality of life with AF was dire so I went ahead with ablation. This was only partially successful so I had to stay on flecanide and bisoprolol and was recommended for a second. Unfortunately I was one of the apparently few people who experienced a potentially fatal complication so the EP halted procedure before anything useful had been done. He will not attempt another so I remain on medication although that has been altered over the years.
I do not regret having that first ablation because previous to this the medication wasn’t working and it is now so I have had a lot of years relatively AF free.
When the medication stops working which I expect it eventually will, I hope I can have a pace and ablate .
Only you can decide and it all boils down to quality of life and what risks you are prepared to take. Complications are rare but they do happen, as I found out.
Good luck with you decision. X
Flapjack makes a great point about being active on here. However I had a cryoabalation on July 27th 2018. So far I have been great ever sense. I still follow this site everyday looking for ideas. My Ep even thought it was great that I didn’t got back into Af. Life choices have to change. Good luck whatever you choose. For me it was a life changer and an eye opener. Hope this helps a little.
Kahst
I am in the US and next month will be my first anniversary since ablation. I have had no relapse of AF since then. I stopped the tykison soon after ablation and they put me on 2 tabs daily of metropopol. I am good thank God. I had been advised that I could have a repeat ablation if AF came back so am not surprised about your case.
Definitely worth it for me, I have had two ablations The first was a cryo ablation in 2015 which wasn’t a complete success but made the AF less severe. I then had an RF ablation in October 2017 and no AF since. I have my quality of life back and wouldn’t hesitate having another if needed.
I had an ablation nearly 3 years ago after having 11 years of AF mainly during the night. When it really started to affect what I did in the daytime I decided on an ablation. I was very worried about having one but it went very smoothly and I am so pleased I made the decision. I have had no more AF. I do get eptopics and an odd flutter but I feel really well. At 72 I play tennis twice a week and golf the same. I have lots of energy. I do take 50 mg flecainide, twice a day 120 verapamil and Apixipan. I was on 150 twice a day, 240 verapamil before but the AF still got through. It was a good decision for me but not everyone is so lucky.
Good luck
I had a PVI ablation 3 years ago for paroxysmal AF when I got to the point of having 4 episodes a week lasting anywhere from 1 - 8 hours. While not 100% successful, I've had only two short AF episodes in the 3 years since. I'm on no prescription medication other than 12.5 mg Atenolol for slight high blood pressure.
Hi, my ablation lasted two years and though I now have a noticeable episode of AF about once a month I am on a very low dose of meds and I don’t feel bothered enough to have another ablation. You would be very unlucky if it didn’t considerably improve your QOL.
I had two cardioversions, one lasted a few weeks, the other only 10 days. Then my EP did an ablation. That was a year ago. Since then my heart has behaved itself pretty well. EP changed my drugs recently, putting me back on Sotalol. I had knee replacement surgery a month ago, and have stayed in NSR.
Worth it for me. My PAF went from once a year to 3x a week over the course of 2.5 years. Started at age 47, now I’m 50 and 7 months post ablation and all quiet, other than some typical bumps in the first 90 days. I realize I might eventually need another, I’ll gladly sign up again.
I have reservations. My EP Proff Osman at UHCW told me when I asked him,that ablation is not therapeutic or life extending but purely for Quality of Life.
It also does not stop the fibrillation ,he said,but blocks the sensation being recognised by the brain.
So I am not particularly keen to go for it,as I find flecanide and tiny dose of bisoprolol keeps me ticking along nicely most if the time.
Added to the above was the statement he made that it might not be him that dud it on the day but ' one of his team' ..after all my careful research on reputations etc I could end up with someone I have never met or have any knowledge of their skills etc.
Difficult decision. Hope the responses here help you to make your mind up
Best wishes x
1-yes, totally worth it
2-Three years and 2 months in NSR and I believe mine to be a success
I know that I may go in to AF at any point in the future, it might be in 5 minutes, it might be in 10 years but when it comes back I would most definitely seek another ablation
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