Hi i have a pre assessment coming up for catheter ablation what does it involve ? and i am still in 2 minds to go ahead with ablation has my EP said 50% it will work due to my heart disease (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) and ultimately i will be in permanent afib i just feel i go through with ablation and it could be unsuccessful and if it works will only last for a sort time has anyone NOT gone ahead with there ablation ? i am really stressing what to do
ABLATION : Hi i have a pre assessment... - Atrial Fibrillati...
ABLATION
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Pinky100
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Tough one, i can only speak from my experience but since my ablation up to 6 weeks ago i say there was a 60% improvement to my QOL, now not so high as for the last 6 weeks i've been having daily ectopics which are currently being investigated, i don't regret having an ablation as QOL did improve but just trying to overcome these ectopics now
How long was your ablation ? Did you have persistent Afib Good it’s worked for you
ectopic beats are so annoying!
Abalation was just over 3 hrs and totally awake I would not recommend being awake cause it was awful but I have only had AFIB once but after AFIB was having loads of short little runs
Oh 3 hours that’s quiet long Was you in just for the day if I have my ablation it will be local sedation too
3-4 hours is a normal amount of time. I have had 2 ablations under sedation and I would not hesitate to have another one. Just take it easy following your procedure and follow your doctors instructions. It has improved my quality of life 1000%. I still get Afib but it only last for a few minutes and not 36 hours. I hope that helps. Best of luck to you!😀
I can only offer my personal experience.
I spent 20 years with PAF.
I then had 1 ablation for Atrial Flutter followed by 5 ablations for atrial fibrillation. On the fifth occasion I was told I would have a 50% chance of improvement but my EP felt it was worth trying so I agreed. Following the ablation I developed Atrial Tachycardia and was told that now we had moved forward and there was a very good chance of success if I had an ablation for Atrial Tachycardia.
That was 3 years ago in August 2017.
My QOL has improved immensly since then and I now have not had an AF episode since last October. What happened was that after that last ablation the episodes very gradually became less frequent.
I have no regrets, although I know I am rather the exception to the rule having had so many ablations.
For the majority the improvement is significant after the first ablation and a large propotion of those who go on to have a second ablation.
Pete
Glad your still in NSR it’s my heart disease makes it more unsuccessful for me
When given the chance to have an ablation we all dither and wonder whether it's the right thing to do. Yep, we worry right up to the day of it, but usually go ahead anyway in the hope of being cured. So the way you are feeling so unsure right now is totally normal.
How often do you get attacks of AF and are they debilitating?
Jean
Definitely a worry I have been in persistent Afib since 28th feb because of my heart disease EP don’t think the ablation will last or work that’s what puts me off I’m on Amiodarone and it’s done nothing for me I have had 3 cardioversion all different times only lasting few days seems like my heart wants to stay in afib do you suffer with afib
I do find it hard to believe that the docs are telling you that the ablation may not last or may not work it is a very negative approach in my opinion.
What are you need is confidence and I can understand now why you are unsure as to whether to proceed or not.
I do hope that will be able to do something to improve things for you.
Pete
Yes, I've had AF for 15 years. Have now been in it constantly since last November. Had two cardioversions last year and many before that. Now AF nurse says no more and we'll try to help it with medication.
Have had 3 ablations too. The last one was 4 years ago.
I took Amiodarone too and it damaged my thyroid, made it under-active and I'll now have to take medication for life to rectify that .
Jean
Sorry you in constant afib
Oh Amiodarone is Awful I can’t wait to get off it what medication do you take I’m also on Bisoprolol 2.5mg I can’t tolerate any higher it does control my rate which is good i do get short of breath with afib it’s changed my life I’m 48 used to do so much I have to stop and start all day
How long did each of your ablation last ?
Samantha
None of my ablations worked. After my third I did feel better, but still had AF. I take 1 X 100mg Flecainide in the mornings and 50mg at night. Also take 12.5mg Metoprolol in the morning and 25mg at night. Take Warfarin mornings mid breakfast. Hate having to take any tablets. X
I’m the same I hate taking any tablets too they do Make you feel yucky I have a pre assessment on 10th August I think I decide then what do they do on the pre assessment ?
Thanks
Sam x
Hello! Well; it’s been three +years since I e had my procedure done and I haven’t had any more irregular heart beating since. The recovery will take anywhere from 3 weeks to a couple of months. What i mean is that expect to feel for the first 3-4weeks following the procedure as if you have never had the ablation done. Following my procedure I felt weak and short breath for about a month. This is completely normal since after the procedure the heart will need time to heal and the inflammation to come down. After a month to a month and a half I started feeling great and getting stronger.
Hi pinky
What a dilemma for you. I had ablation what will be 3 years ago in October and not had another AF attack at all but ectopics continue!!
Your EP recommended ablation with you in your circumstances it will be 50% successful. My EP Said mine was 85% success for ablation to work. If I remember rightly he said if wasn’t higher than 50% he wouldn’t advise ablation. But when your the one in AF day in day out - me I would take any odds on I remember thinking at the time, 50% plus success is a positive in my mind. But that’s me, as I’m glass half full kind of person. Mine was a complete success yes it was uncomfortable yes my already very low blood pressure went through the floor and I was quite ill with that but was an added complication for me given my already extremely low BP but if offered again I would go straight in for it. You soon forget how it makes you feel, and my QOL is so very much improved. But we are all different our bodies react differently - honestly talk your concerns through with Af nurse or EP you have to make the right decision for you.
I have a friend whose had 4 heart attacks the last one left her with AF she has a third of her heart dead, she is told she no way meets the criteria to have ablation for her almost permanent AF as it just will not make a difference to her at all. (But everyone’s circumstances are different)
Like I said earlier If you have any doubts talk it through with AF nurse/EP. You need to make the right decision for you. You need to know if it is really beneficial for you to go ahead. I would go pre opp and ask your questions write them down before you go so you don’t forget. You have even up until your on the operating table to change your mind!!
Whatever you decide I wish you all the best in getting a better QOL
Thank you for reply that’s great your ablation worked do you know what caused your AF
Ectopic beats are so annoying I used to get them all the time but being in persistent Afib I don’t feel them
AF definitely Interferes with QOL I had terrible SOB with I first went into AF but it’s eased up a bit I have to stop and start all day
I have a pre assessment on 10th August I will decide then also my EP said if it does work only be for medium term not sure how long he means And untimely I will be in permanent afib just seems such a hard decision!
It’s a vast topic and there are endless discussions on this forum about the pros and cons. In the first instance at least, why not speak to one of the advisors at the British Heart Foundation? They are all cardiac nurses and very knowledgeable. They could answer specific questions and send out some literature if necessary. If you decide to do this their number is: 0300 330 3311.
Maybe it would also be useful to ring your EP’s secretary and ask for a more detailed discussion of your particular case. I wasn’t sure on reading your post whether he specifically recommended an ablation.
Pinky100 in reply to
Thanks for the number I will give them a call
My EP said with my heart condition it’s undoubtably favourable the ablation will work that’s what puts me off and if it does work only be for medium term not sure how long that means he also said ultimately I will be in permanent afib
Hi Pinky, it sounds as though you are between the devil and the deep blue sea. However, did You say the drugs didn’t suit you and you have Had 3 unsuccessful cardioversions? So perhaps an ablation is the next step since ablation is all about improving your quality of life. I ended up having 3 ablations and have been symptom free for over 3 years now, so for me it was worth since life was miserable before I had it done.
Having it done under sedation is a way of getting more people through the system and of course lessens the risk of having a general anaesthetic. However, some people, myself included, found it uncomfortable but some people find it is OK. You can ask for more sedation whilst on the table.
Hi
Yes I couldn’t tolerate bisoprolol at first but I needed to keep taking it for my rate it took 14 weeks for me to feel ok on them but my consultant said about changing to verapamil but I’m ok on Bisoprolol at mo and yes I have had 3 cardioversion the next step is ablation but with my heart disease it’s unfavourable it will work and will only be for medium term I also have a large left atrium which makes it harder to get out of afib it’s why I am not sure what to do
For me it's now 6 years since my one and only ablation and, happily, no recurrence? The change in QOL was amazing though, I confess, I rather take it for granted nowadays. Who can tell what the future holds but unless you enjoy having AF why would you not want to give it a go?
After a visit to my cardiologist last night I’ve just decided to go for a 3rd cardioversion with medication change rather than an ablation. I think next time I may take the ablation? I have a lot of faith in my cardiologist & if he thinks it’s worth another try, I’ll go with that. Felt awful on Sotalol & Bisoprolol hasn’t held me out of AF again. Mine is persistent & never to my knowledge reverted back to NSR without a cardioversion. I was contemplating staying in AF and regulating it with Bisoprolol because I can tolerate that well & am pretty much asymptomatic (sounds preferable but the unknown duration of fast AF caused a lot of damage initially but now I know to look out for it). The only obvious symptom I get is with ectopics & that gives me an indigestion like feeling which drives me mad - Sotalol made these much worse for me. I guess we’re all very different & I sincerely wish you the best of luck with whichever path you choose.
Steve
I have had 3 cardioversion only holding for a short space of time how long did yours hold for I’m on Bisoprolol too keeps my rate down
Samanatha
My first one lasted around 11months & my second one around 5months but was intolerant of the meds for that one & couldn’t see my cardiologist to review it because of the COVID measures. Could’ve consulted my GP I guess but wanted to hold off to see my specialist. Hoping to get my third in about 10days time. Hope the next change of meds works but coming around to the idea of an ablation if required.
Steve
It’s a shame cardioversion don’t last longer there a quick fix do you know what caused your AF it seems people have to have a few ablations before they work it puts me off
I wish I knew for sure. With my symptoms being very mild I have no idea when mine started, let alone how. All I know is that I was in AF long enough that my heart was really struggling & it got picked up on by a nurse practitioner after a chest infection. I was very lucky that she spotted it in many ways.
In the couple of years running up to diagnosis I had suffered with stress & anxiety - that would be my best guess? I’m a large built bloke, overweight after some bad sporting injuries over the years but was always fit before that, cyclist in my youth, weights / strength training & rugby since leaving school. These and the social drinking side of rugby could have all had contributing factors? I guess I’ll never know?
The mental health/anxiety side definitely remains my prime suspect though to be perfectly honest - I’ve found nothing more debilitating than that.
Steve
Good morning,
I have had an ablation which 'cured' my permanent AF by returning my normal rhythm. However after a few days my AF came back.
I am waiting for another ablation which will hopefully be successful
The cardiologist told me that some people need maybe 2 to 3 ablations to return the heart to its normal rhythm. You should ask the Cardiologist who you are under
The procedure is normally under a general so you will be unaware of the procedure. Basically a wire is fed into your heart and when it finds the electrical interference it either freezes them or burns them
Really nothing to worry about it is straightforward and in my opinion well worth having it done
I am on Bisoprolol and apixiban which after the body gets use to them are fine
Best of luck no need to stress
Sorry your ablation didn’t last long do you know what caused your AF are you always going in and out of AF
Yes I guess so. November 2020 was walking our new dog onto the beach when some woman could not control hers appeared, my dog went bonkers as this other dog ran rings round us. The long lead got wrapped around my ankle
and when our dog took off, it whipped my legs from under me and I dislocated my hip, a replaced one too.
After a week I was golfing and felt awful, no strength and so tired, went to the Doctors who said as he was taking my blood pressure, you have an irregular heart beat.
so i reckon that was what started my AF
Stress is a big trigger for afib
Good luck with your next ablation
Samnatha
Like you I was nervous about it. However three years on and very good results. In the end everyone needs to make their own decision but it worked for me and I was pleased I went through with it in the end.
Hello Pinky, I have my pre assessment the day after you on 11th August. Mine is going to be a telephone consultation with Barts. I’ve had two ablations before one only lasted a few months and the second lasted two years before a nasty flu put me back into permanent AF. I was given a general anaesthetic and they took five hours and six hours each. This one is not meant to be so long as not so much work needed. For myself after the second I felt so much better I would definitely go through it again as I’m now not so good. I take 10mg Bisoprolol which just about keeps my pulse rate acceptable and can’t wait to stop or lower my dose.
I’ve already started my list of questions for the pre assessment as I know if I don’t I’ll forget. Hope you get the answers that you need to make your decision.
Good morning I’m also under barts is that where you got your last ablations from do you know what caused your AF it’s great one of your ablations lasted 2 years afib always seems to win and come back I’m also on Bisoprolol at first I couldn’t tolerate it I was on 10mg I’m just on 2.5mg now it does keep my rate controlled
I have started my questions ready for the pre assessment I will forget to
Samantha
Hello Pinky, yes both of my ablations were done at Barts under Dr Sporton who I’ve seen for the last five years. I don’t know what started my AF five years ago, I suspect it was lurking for a good few years before. I had an episode in hospital after an op but later the ECG was clear, also happened again in hospital when I was working , collapsed on a tube once and each time it went back to normal and ECG showed nothing wrong. When it started again permanently I had had a corticosteroid injection and my husband had an accident and needed an operation on a bleed on the brain so could have been either of those.
You never know we might be in Barts at the same time if you get the answers you need to the questions you have.
Good luck
Lynne
Ahh yes stress can cause afib mine is due to heart disease so makes it harder to treat I’m also under Dr Sporton he is very understanding does he actually do the ablation
Mr Sporton didn’t do my last two but when I saw him in February he said he wanted to do this one himself but whether or not the COVID situation will affect this I don’t know. I really like Mr Sporton, he’s straightforward and sympathetic.
Please keep in touch will be interesting to hear how your pre assessment went and the date of your ablation.
Hi Pinky - how are you doing? Did you get the ablation in the end? I’m in a similar position - hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and went into afib in sept 2020 waiting for an ablation atm. Be great to hear how you got on.
Hiya
We came to the decision not to go ahead with ablation and to stay in permanent afib has my consultant said because of my left atrium is so enlarged it would prob be unsuccessful and would only last a short time I don’t cope well going in and out of afib so being in permanent afib is better for me if that makes sense
I haven’t got that worry of going into fast afib now!
now my heart rate is settled I feel better but I do get lot more shortness of breath than before I was coping well with HCOM wasn’t even on no meds but since afib I’m on lots of meds
Hope your ablation is a success when are you having it done
Do you have obstructive cardiomyopathy
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