Ablation recovery update

[Ochg]

Good morning kind people,

Just wanted to let you know how things are progressing, and for some advice please. It is now 9 weeks since I had my ablation, and as I have already posted, I have been having problems with my blood pressure dropping very low, and feeling as if I am going to pass out when ever I go out for a walk.

I contacted my GP a few weeks ago -unable to contact my EP due to the fact he was on holiday- had some blood tests, all normal. GP said I was 'over thinking things, need to relax'. I got the impression she though I was having panic attacks, and getting too anxious about the situation.

So with her 'advice' in mind I have continued to try and proceed. Deep breathing, ensuring well hydrated, thinking of other things, walking very slowly etc. etc. All to no avail, symptoms getting worse. Thankfully, after four rather fraut phone calls to the hospital I managed to get a telephone consult with my EP three days ago.

As soon as I explained my symptoms he said I may be having tachy-brady episodes. He said he will arrange for me to have another holter for 24hrs this time not a week as before, and an eco. Once he has the results he wants to see me face to face to discuss the next stage. Good ness only knows how long all this will take, especially now that covid seems to be rearing its ugly head again.

Now after some searching, I understand that tachy-brady is also know as sick sinus syndrome, and the usual course of treatment is a pacemaker!! I'm now scared stiff!!

Has anyone else had this happen to them, or know anything about this condition. The reading I have done seems to imply that it could be as a result of the ablation.

I am trying VERY hard not to stress too much about all this, because I know that will only make me feel worse. Easier said than done at the minute I must admit.

On the positive side of it I suppose, at least my EP has put a possible name to what could be going on.

I really do need some support with all this, and would appreciate any guidance you kind folk could offer me.

Sorry this is such a long post again, thank you for reading this far.

Shirley

[Physalis]

This is interesting. One of my grandsons has something like postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, this has been going on for over four years and he still hasn't got a definite diagnosis. A symptom of PoTS is where you stand up and blood pools in the lower part of your body and your heart rate goes up to try to get the blood up to the brain and you feel faint. Sanjay Gupta has a video on it

youtube.com/watch?v=AU0l7xr...(Not working as expected?)

Luke's father has ectopics like I did. My other two children don't.

Over the past few years I have had something similar, not very often and I wondered if it had anything to do with the AFib. I would get up in the morning, go into the kitchen to make a cup of tea but then I had to go and lie down or I would have fainted. This could last for half an hour or possibly up to two hours, then I would be right as rain again.

It also happened four or five hours after the ablation, I stood up, felt ill and faint, my bp had gone down and it took over an hour and a half to get it up to a level where I could go home.

I wonder if anyone else has had this experience. Is it common?

As for the pacemaker, what are you scared of? I don't think I would be. It sounds as if he thinks that your heart rate dropping too low is the problem and a pacemaker would cure you.

If it's your blood pressure dropping then that would be different.

[Ochg in reply to Physalis]

Thank you Physalis for you advice will have aloo, at the video. My blood pressure dose drop quite low, it was 90/78 this morning after my little walk. It is usually 110/60 - 120/80 , so quite a drop and I have the symptoms of feeling faint.

[Buffafly]

Glad you got through in the end. A pacemaker is not the end of the world, I’d be rather pleased to have one. I had my ablation because I had signs of tachybrady syndrome, as alternative to a pacemaker, now left with slow/fast AF and no effective medication 🙁

[Ochg in reply to Buffafly]

Hello Buffafly,

Thank you for your reply. So sorry to hear you are still having problems, what other treatment options has your EP offered ?

[Buffafly in reply to Ochg]

Just trying to get an appointment of any sort with a cardiologist at the moment 😤, locally they do referrals but - long story, won’t hijack your post.

[Ochg in reply to Buffafly]

See PM

Shirley

[Norwich1996]

The best thing is obviously to get the monitor and see but if it helps ease the stress slightly, after my ablation I felt pretty ropey for months. Lots of strange dizzy moments, headaches etc. It’s now just over a year and the majority of symptoms have gone and I feel better than I have for three years. Hopefully the monitor will come back normal and you can look forward to feeling better.

[Ochg in reply to Norwich1996]

Morning Norwich1996,

Thank you for your reply. I am so pleased to hear you are now well. Take care and keep safe.

Shirley x

[Eastwick]

Please try not to worry too much about having a pacemaker fitted. Was the best thing I ever did in regard to many heart problems. Solved most of them.

[Ochg in reply to Eastwick]

Good morning Eastwick,

Thank you for your kind reply, so glad you are now well, I am trying hard not to stress too much. Not watching the news either as that is very concerning again for us all.

Keep well and safe,

Shirley x

[IanMK]

Firstly, just relax. Your GP was right to tell you to relax. What good will worrying do? It’s not good for your heart.

I didn’t have AF but I did have heart failure caused by a complex arrhythmia. My first cardiac ablation was unsuccessful. My second worked but left me with heart block. I knew this was a significant risk before opting for the second ablation and my pacemaker was fitted during the second procedure. I have no regrets. I am an active 65 year old male and have been enjoying my bike rides this year. I retired early last year and now have time to follow a healthy lifestyle.

Having a pacemaker, I have to remember to take this into account at airport security (no adverse issues when I forgot the first time), buying kitchen equipment (you’re advised to avoid induction hobs) and any significant source of electrical interference (e.g. arc welding). In practice, this hasn’t been a problem. In my case, the most significant issue is that, because I have a lean physique, the outline of my pacemaker is visible and if I lie on my left-hand side it can be a little uncomfortable.

Bottom line: If your EP recommends a pacemaker then go for it. They don’t offer them on a whim.

Take care.

Ian

[Ochg in reply to IanMK]

Hello Ian,

Thank you so much for all your advice and kind support, it has made me feel so much better. As you say my EP will only recommend what is best for me.

Keep well and safe,

Shirley

[Plantwords]

I know this may sound counter to your feelings right now but don't worry, it will pass. By all means check it out with your EP but having a rough go after an ablation is what most, if not, all patients face post-ablation. I had my ablation in August 2016 and for almost 2 months I had all kinds of weird rhythm activity and shortness of breath which I thought was brady but turned out it was because my heart was going from 60bpm to 160bpm in a flash which made me dizzy. I went to ER 3 times in the first 2 months post-ablation, and, finally the weird stuff just stopped and I had normal sinus rhythm. Sure, I get palpitations off an on, sometimes every day, but no AF. I've had times since that I thought the palpitations might trip me into AF but they haven't. Maybe the AF will return and I'll need another ablation, but, I lived with AF for 7 years before the ablation and went through hell before it. The rough stuff you are experiencing now will be worth the better quality of life you get from having had the ablation. Hang in there!

Steven

[Ochg in reply to Plantwords]

Hello Steven,

Thank you so much for your reply and kind support. It has really helped me to get my head sorted a bit.

I am so glad that you are now well, you certainly have been through the mill a bit.

Thank you again for your kindness, take care and keep well,

Shirley

[psfitwalker]

Hello everyone. This is my first post, so if I mess up please forgive me. I had ablation on July 30th and I am having some of the same symptoms. I have persistent AFIB. Since ablation I’ve been feeling short of breath, Faith, etc. My BP is all over the place. I have been blaming it on the recovery process. Thinking I just needed to give my body time to heal, but my EP’s PA said no. So I went to my regular cardiologist. He has ordered tests. I’m just so tired of feeling bad.

[Ochg in reply to psfitwalker]

Hello psfitwalker,

So sorry to hear you are also having horrible post ablation symptoms like myself.

Fingers crossed we can both ‘get sorted’ soon. Please let me know how you get on, you can send me a personal message if you want too.

Take care,

Shirley x

[psfitwalker in reply to Ochg]

Thank you Shirley and you do the same in keeping all of us updated.

[gokf]

I had an ablation and was told by my cardiologist that it takes 3 months for the heart to heal after an ablation. You could also speak to your heart nurse. Good luck and hope you feel better soon.

[Ochg in reply to gokf]

Hello gokf,

Thank you for your reply, glad your are now well.

I have tried to contact the AFib nurse but not much joy, was told she is working from her home as she is not well, so maybe I might get a response soon. Not holding my breath though especially how the COVID situation is going.

Thank you again four your kindness and support, it has made me feel a bit better.

Take care, keep well and safe.

Shirley

[gokf in reply to Ochg]

You are welcome, take care

[Shcldavies]

Your Cardiologist is quite rightly playing safe. There are many factors that effect your recovery, from what the problem was, how much ablating was done and where in your heart, the condition of your heart etc etc. It was 3 months before I started to believe my ablation worked. If you click on my icon you will see my post-ablation posts. Some times its 2 steps forward and 3 back, but your heart is strong, much stronger than you think and it will almost certainly heal in time and most importantly if you look after it in this blanking period.

[Ochg in reply to Shcldavies]

Thank you Shcidavies for your replay and advice. I have now read you post ablation posts, they are very interesting and I have learnt a lot.

Thank you again for your advice and support.

Keep well and safe,

Shirley x

[Coco51]

I felt a surge of recognition when I read your post. I have had two ablations which have helped the AF but exposed the bradycardia I have had all my life. My heartrate always rested around 48 even in my 20s. Of course taking Bisoprolol and Flecainide didn't help.and it went even lower.

This January I had a pacemaker fitted. I was so scared. But honestly it has really helped. It's a back up so I am not dependent on it, but it works most of the time. (In technical terms I have a long QR interval).

It is a real shock to hear you need a PM, I know. Not nice at all. But I am so glad I did. They are quite impressive gadgets which can be adjusted to work in clever ways. They even have sensors which can pick up from your breathing if you need to go faster, and increase your heart rate accordingly. ( I call it an accelerator which the medics seem to think is funny, but that is what it is).

[And another thing...bradycardia can cause arrhythmia according to a doctor over on the Arrhythmia Alliance Forum. There's a fair bit on the connection if you Google it. ]

Kind regards. It will be ok.

[Ochg in reply to Coco51]

Good morning Coco51,

Thank you so much for your kind reply. It has made me feel much less anxious.

I have had a phone call from my hospital this morning, I am to go later to have 24hr Holter and BP monitor fitted. Fingers crossed this will show what’s going on. I will try to evoke some ‘episodes’ so the EP will have a picture. Will let you know how it goes.

Thank you again for your kindness and support.

Take care and keep well and safe,

Shirley

[Coco51]

How did it go? Hope it yields a helpful result!

[Ochg in reply to Coco51]

Hello Coco51,

Well I managed to illicit a few episodes while I had the monitors on! Went for a couple of short brisk walks and then walked up and down my stairs at home quickly a few times, that certainly did the trick ! felt faint every time so should of being captured on the monitors. Now waiting for another eco, and once all that is done should have an appointment sent to me to see the EP.

Glad to say I managed to have a really long walk this morning ( was in the park for over an hour), had a lot of stop starts. Sitting on every available bench in my local park, but no feelings of faint! A little lightheaded ness which made me stop, and raised HR, that settled after few minutes rest-but fingers crossed, things maybe sorting themselves out!!

I cried when I got back home, don’t know why, think it was relief. No one to tell except you - and all the kind folk in this community!!

Thank you so much for your support,

Keep well and safe,

Shirley 🙂xxx

[Coco51]

You did well to capture the episodes. 👏👏👏. It will be a relief to put a name to it. POTs, tachy-brady, low BP. Whatever. At least then there will be a treatment plan. Dizzy feelings can also come when you have pauses, which I used to get when my AF was bad and pauses came 3-4 secs long when the heart was coming out of AF trying reboot itself I always thought. But are you still having AF? Maybe not. I will PM you.