6 years since ablation number 1 (of 5)

[jedimasterlincoln]

Hope this post finds everyone well.

Noticed today it's 6 years since my first ablation and nearly 7 years since my AF journey started.

Ablations 2014 x2, a few years later for flutter then 2019 for both flutter and fast AF. Numerous DC cardioversions (20+) and several attempts at chemical cardioversions. Multiple combinations of meds. Dwindling support at work at various times. More low points than I'd care to remember.

And yet, lately I've been feeling more free on my journey than ever before. I've not had an AF "flutter" since March I think it was (I'm usually a good historian but with AF being rare these days I have forgotten) and no regular medications since early 2019 when there had been a couple of short lived AF episodes with reduced symptoms.

Been able to work during the Covid-19 times. Been able to look after the family. Despite several plates spinning at home with family problems (not us - the other lot) and a lot of stress from the situations that present themselves I feel fitter than ever.

I've lost a bit of weight (though it doesn't feel like it) and aside from Covid-19 in April and a stomach bug in June I've also stayed at work regularly even with the situation changing all the time.

Just wanted to check in really, wonder partly if anyone else remembers milestones and dates and it spawn a moment of reflection?

It's also a reminder of how bad I was, how much I've come through and how light can be at the end of a tunnel!

[Polski]

Great to hear from you! I'm approaching my first ablation! Every good wish for ongoing health and happiness.

[jerseygirl49]

I am so happy for you Jedimaster of Lincoln. Without looking back I seem to remember that you are still young with small children and your post was heart warming. Long may you continue to feel as you do now and I wish you the best of the best always.

[Barb1]

This is good to hear, especially as I am on a downward spiral at the moment.

[jedimasterlincoln in reply to Barb1]

They don't last forever hang in there

[Hidden in reply to jedimasterlincoln]

The force is very clearly with you! D

[Dodie117]

Great to hear you are so much better. Good luck 🍀

[Kaz747]

Good to hear things are good with you Jedi. Yes I remember all the key dates.

My first ablation was on Trump’s Inauguration Day. My second ablation was on a good friend’s birthday. My dog died on 1 April 2018 and a week later I was in hospital with Atrial Flutter. I had an ambulance ride to hospital on 18th June (my late dad’s birthday and the birthday of one of the paramedics that took me). 3 August 2018 was my almost ablation (when they found the blood clot). 14 September 2018 ablation number 3. Hooked up to a heart monitor in hospital on Saturday 29 September 2018 when my team won the Australian Football League Grand Final. 29 Match 2019 - ablation number 4 and hopefully my final one.🤞🏻

There were plenty of other hospital stays and dramas in between of course.... oh, for the simple life 😃

I see my EP for a check up next Tuesday. I had been feeling great but now have an inflamed and swollen ankle (not sure why) and this afternoon my BP was up, probably because of the pain, and then my heart started feeling a bit jittery. Anytime I’m not 100% I get tachycardia. Hopefully it doesn’t turn into anything else.

[irene75359 in reply to Kaz747]

Kaz, you have had such a bumpy ride too, hope your ankle is nothing more than a bite - I react very badly to even the most minor of insects. Wishing you well.

[Kaz747 in reply to irene75359]

Thanks Irene. I saw my physio yesterday and he thinks it’s may be something systemic. It’s painful, red and swollen but I haven’t done anything to injure it. If it doesn’t settle I’ll have to see the doctor. I said to my husband yesterday, “I feel like every time I’m feeling good my body says ‘no, I’m slowing you down’. I had surgery on my other ankle and foot 4 years ago and it’s been one thing after the other since then. Still, they don’t call me Pollyanna for nothing 😃. I will carry on and conquer this too!

[irene75359]

Delighted to hear that you are feeling so positive in spite of all you have been through; long may it continue.