different ablation experience.

[cali111]

After 5 yrs a Pace and ablate also a PVI I have ended up at square one with another clot in my heart. This was stunning as I have taken Apixiban for the last 3 years. My EP has changed my anticoagulant to Dabigatron and plans a repeat TOE on 2 months time. One of the options that he has mentioned that I have is an Epicardial Ablation. Is there anyone who has had one done and if so what the experience and possible success is.

[jeanjeannie50]

Cali I'm so sorry to hear this, what a let down for you after expecting an ablation, but good that they found the clot. Interesting that you were on Apixiban and it did not prevent this.

Your EP is not giving up on you though is he!

How are you feeling health wise now? Is daily life difficult for you?

Sorry, I have no experience or knowledge of Epicardial Ablations other than that they are performed on the outer part of the heart. I hope someone who has experienced this type will answer your post.

Jean

[cali111 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Life is very difficult. I was stunned in my wildest imagination I didnot see it coming. I am reconciled to plodding on. My EP is planning another PVI when the clot is gone but he doesn't hold a lot of hope for long term efficacy with ablation. After reading the NICE guidelines for epicardial ablation it can hold hope that some signals can originate from the outside of the heart and so endocardial ablation fails because the wall of the heart is too thick. This is now in the realms of too complex for me. I am unable to walk from one room to another and going ot is impossible. I get educated along the way. At least he tried and called me as soon as they were up and running. He is also considering me for a maze procedure but I think he is dreaming but he has asked for a report from a cardio thoracic surgeon. What a ta do!

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to cali111]

Bless you it certainly is a "Ta do". Are you able to get your grocery shopping, or do you order it online?

[cali111 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

I make myself go out if I can. Hair cut 2morrow. Otherwise Ben fetches the shopping as I can't stand in a queue. When I first enquired for on line a was 546 in the queue and lived out of my freezers for three weeks until I managed an online from iceland. Can't give in! I think Ben cares for me more than I do for him but I still cook from scratch and wash but sometimes we walk about in unironed clothes. But they are clean! I am getting a new bathroom from social services. Can't have everything. It has been tough for all of us on here getting by. No community pulling here, but I am not starving.

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to cali111]

I have to say that the community spirit was fantastic here in my little seaside town. Two neighbours also asked me to let them know if I needed any shopping and there were lots of various organisations, some newly started, to help anyone. I'm 69 so didn't need any help at all, in fact I've been getting shopping for two other people who were strictly isolating because of their age or medical condition.

There's very little that I iron these days, if you put clothes on hangers the creases soon drop out - if there are any. Though, oddly, I do iron my bedding. I'm more paranoid about everything being aired properly.

Wishing you well.

[patleit in reply to jeanjeannie50]

agree wholeheartedly about the ironing, no need for alot ofit

[jennydog]

Can I just add 2 remarks about Dabigatran / Pradaxa?

It needs an acid stomach so avoid antacids.

Do not put the capsule on to a damp surface. It will melt and release hundreds of vile tasting white balls.

I have taken Pradaxa for about 3 years with no problems. I did see a link on this site indicating that it should not be taken alongside Simvastatin so my GP altered the statin to a different type.

Very best wishes.

[Barb1]

I was on Dabigatran when I had a clot in the heart. My EP put me back on warfarin until the then 'new' Edoxaban was released. He said that was best for me. Maybe worth a question to your EP?