The AF journey continues...now ablation

[Stu13]

Well it’s nine years since my first brush with Paroxysmal AF (over indulgence on my 50th birthday!). Over the years, like many of you on this forum, I’ve read just about every article online as well as contributing to occasionally to this forum. I’ve had a range of drugs prescribed and changed over the years, from Carvedilol to Bisoprorol to Fleccainide, to now Sotalol. Also been on Warfarin, now on Apixaban. I’ve had about six DC cardioversions (my god they are the best thing when you wake up).

So why am I sharing this with you? Well I’m now at that next stage of this journey, which I remember reading about when originally diagnosed nine years ago. Had my first ablation (cryo) yesterday. I say first, as I know many of you have had more than one, so I know there could be more for me on the journey. I am just hoping that it helps ease the symptoms, as my last two AF episodes were awful. I know that some people cope well with PAF, unfortunately it always knocks me for six: I really can’t function. It could be because of my size; I am well over six foot, so I suppose if my heart isn’t working 100% then there is a lot of body to keep going on reduced power! Anyway, the encouraging thing from my EP is that he called me a “prime candidate for an ablation” so here’s hoping things improve after this one. At the moment I feel fine, a bit achy and tired, and have a massive bruise on my groin due to the cardio nurses having to massage the wound area as they suspected an early growing hematoma. All healing nicely now

I just want to say that this forum certainly prepared me for what took place, so I want to thank all of you out there as sometimes you are the only ones who really understand what I am talking about, and likewise I know exactly what some of you have been through and how you all feel. This AF club is one that none of us want to be members of, but we appreciate all the members that have been forced to join and welcome their support. So thanks folks!

[jerseygirl49]

Wishing you the best of the best for a good recovery. Keep resting, keep reading the recovering from ablation leaflet from this site and take time to return to anything normal. Good luck

[BobD Volunteer]

All the best for a good recovery. hearthrhythmalliance.org/re... for some useful reading during you recovery if you haven't seen it already.

[jeanjeannie50]

Wishing you a speedy recovery and please let us know how you progress.

Jean

[pottypete1]

You have adopted a really positive attitude and this is the best way to respond to this pesky ailment.

Make sure you take it easy for a few weeks now and I am sure everything will settle down well.

Glad it all went well.

Pete

[jobristol]

Best wishes for a quick recovery. Rest and rest some more for a good couple of weeks to help aid that recovery!

[Sfhmgusa]

As a recent member of the ablation club I can only echo the take it easy advice and l will keep my fingers crossed that july is a great month for successful ablations😀

[Morzine]

you will have read this umpteen times.....but rest rest rest!

[Jajarunner]

Happy recovery.

And don't blame yourself for your Afib (unless you were mainlining bleach or something - sorry, that'd be Prez Trump...). Nobody really knows what causes it and why some people get it, there are at least five possible causes for mine!!!!

[irene75359]

Thank you for posting this and giving encouragement to others; now rest!

[Stu13]

Thanks everyone for your kind and encouraging words. This is exactly what I meant about how this forum supports every one in the AF club.

Don't worry I intend to rest

[wilsond]

Best wishes for good results and recovery xxx

[Sueleen13]

Thank you for sharing your story and I really hope that your cryoblation is the only one that you will need. I had a cryoblation a few years ago and so far so good. No meds so far. Wishing you well x

[Stu13 in reply to Sueleen13]

Thanks for your kind words

[Beta44]

Did you know that tall people are especially vulnerable to AF. Like you Iam well over 6 feet, but have been free of AF for 5years now following a successful cryoablation. I won’t repeat all the “take it easy” stuff but will say adopt a healthy lifestyle going forward. I hope you have many years AF free.

Peter

[Stu13 in reply to Beta44]

Thanks for the encouragement Peter. Healthy lifestyle already in place. I think I know just about every alcohol free beer on the market!

[Beta44]

I allow myself a glass of wine every evening and an occasional extra glass which I seem to have got away with over the years.