Ectopics after Ablation

[Dogluvr95]

Hi everyone. About 6 days after my ablation for SVT I had severe ectopics (at least that’s what I think it was?) I had NEVER experienced them prior to my procedure so I was extremely scared and anxious because of them. I started on beta blockers to help with them and 2 months later they have helped. But tonight I started having them again and my god, they are terrifying. They make me so dizzy and tired and EXTREMELY anxious. I’m just wondering why, over 2 months after my procedure and also being on beta blockers, I am still having this problem occur? I thought that they had went away. I was finally starting to feel normal again. I feel so incredibly defeated. Please send advice.

[Dogluvr95]

How long will I have to deal with these? Am I always going to have to deal with these? I wasn’t made aware by all of the things that would happen after my ablation by my EP and I’m starting to get really upset by that because I would’ve considered it so much more had I just been told. This is not to deter anyone. Just do your research.

[CDreamer]

Sorry that you are so distressed about them but unfortunately that distress will make the sensations a lot worse. From reading this forum, it seems to be quite common to experience Ectopics after ablation and I agree, most unpleasant sensations. I had them always after exercise within the the first year of ablation, I did too much, too soon. As soon as the ectopics started I would rest, do my 7:11 breathing exercises and a meditation for 30 mins and they always went away. But I’m a slow learner so they would come back the next time I did too much - for me!

They did go away, eventually and they are considered benign so unless you are getting multiple ectopics - coming in twos and threes for more or less every heartbeat, they are not treated.

If you put ectopics in the search box you will see the very varied approaches that people have taken and quite a few have been successful - eventually. Some people say that magnesium supplementation helps.

[Dogluvr95 in reply to CDreamer]

Did you take anything/do anything besides the breathing exercises to subside them? I guess I just worry because although people on here say that they’re typically normal, my EP never mentioned anything about them. He honestly made it seem like this was going to be a total walk in the park and I’d be totally cured which is why all of this has become really depressing for me. I just wish I had done more research. You said yours eventually went away though, that’s great! I’m trying to remain hopeful. Thanks for your reply!

[CDreamer in reply to Dogluvr95]

my EP never mentioned anything about them. He honestly made it seem like this was going to be a total walk in the park and I’d be totally cured which is why all of this has become really depressing for me.

And therein lies the problem-wonder if he has ever had an Ablation?

If you download the AFA handout - written by patients- it would have given you a much more realistic expectation.

[jerseygirl49 in reply to CDreamer]

Hi CDreamer - I find it incredible that these so called experts tell their patients they are cured after an ablation. The nurses have said that to my husband after each of his two and when he related this to me I told him he shouldnt take any notice and then of course I'm being negative and my glass is half empty. I do think it gives people unrealistic expectations - I know from this forum that ablations are about improving QOL. My husband seems to be slowly slipping back into constant AF only two months after his 2nd ablation. I am so worried about him.

[RajaRua in reply to CDreamer]

Hi CD, What is 7:11 breathing?

[CDreamer in reply to RajaRua]

Breath in for count of 7: pause: breath out for count of 11: pause: repeat. You need to breath into your belly, then sides & then upper chest & through your nose

[RajaRua in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you CD.

[Cocotex]

Hang in there Dogluvr! I know it can be so disheartening and cause anxiety. My ectopics did not start until about two months after my second ablation. They always were worse at night when I was trying to go to sleep. I made a conscious effort to not take my pulse. That helped my anxiety about them. My heart finally quieted about a year after my ablation. Just remember it is a process and it may feel like two steps forward one step back. I take Bystolic - a beta blocker - for blood pressure and it is also supposed to help with ectopics. It has been good for me as it has also taken away my anxiety, kept my blood pressure in check and my heart quiet. It will get better.

[Padayn01 in reply to Cocotex]

I second what Cocotex has said they will get better, mine started to play up bad 11 months post ablation, i think you just got to work on them find out what triggers them, for me i started to drink coconut water everyday and have some watermelon helps with electrolytes, i use to take Magnesium but stopped after they weren't making no difference to my ectopics

[saneer_gera in reply to Padayn01]

Did your go away .I am soo scared I am 3 months post ablation they are irritating .I had ablation for wpw syndrome .That. particular syndrome was not as disturbing as these beats .My heart feels irritated sometime it feels its going to stop .Dr says its benign and ignore it but I cant .Is there any hope at the end

[Padayn01 in reply to saneer_gera]

They haven’t stopped but got better I cut out gluten also which I think made them better, yes the are unpleasant but I’m sure you been told before they are harmless

[Dodie117]

It took 5 months for all my bumps and arrhythmias to subside after AF ablation. That was 2013 and still AF free. So stay hopeful as they might go away 🍀

[Morzine]

Hey don’t get worried it’s very early days. I got them in and off for ages. It worried me,I told the cardio and he shrugged and say they are normal. I think they can be quite strong and we are also so much more aware of our hearts once we’ve had a fib. Mine tend to happen in the evening so I go to bed and sleep it off. I haven’t had any for ages now but the first year they came on and off.

I think we all think the ablation is the cure....it certainly has made a difference in my life as I don’t think about a fib at all now, and if I get ectopics I think oh they will pass. Don’t panic think of them as annoying things that will pass.

Give yourself six months to a year and don’t judge these little hiccups as failure and disappointment, see them as the journey thru this.

Try and take heart you aren’t alone and we all feel what you’re feeling, it’s scary but chin up, it will get better.

Best wishes

Sue

[Dogluvr95]

Thank you all so much for your kind and encouraging replies. I’m trying to stay positive and I will remain hopeful. I just need to conquer my fear of them I guess. Again, thank you all so much.

[saneer_gera in reply to Dogluvr95]

I am in same boat as you had ablatin for wpw in July and these beats started coming .I hope they do way with time

[Hidden]

If you have not experienced recurrence of the SVT that is a good sign and after only 2 months you can reasonably have the expectation that the ectopics will eventually settle down. That said, if you are experiencing dizziness you should report this promptly to the EP. I find that when I experience ectopics they are often associated with eating a lot of sugary foods or large meals. These may not be triggers for you but you could try to avoid these things. Longish walks and avoidance of stress also seem to be good for ectopics.

[Dogluvr95 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply! I called my EP the day after they happened and he didn’t seem to worry about the dizziness. I am trying to remain hopeful.