After 2 radiofrequency cardiac ablations, still have atrial fibrillation Afib

[MC1cm]

Hi all, it would be great and grateful if u could share your experience to me.

This is my case. I'm a 47 yrs old guy with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (irregular and fast heat beat), which is found in early 2018. It is caused by my thyroid problem and it's cured already. But Afib is not leaving. After one cardioversion without improvement, I got my 1st radiofrequency cardiac ablation in late 2018. But the problem not solved. After a year with medication, I took 2nd radiofrequency cardiac ablation (mainly for SVC vein this time) in March 2020. Now it's after 8 months since my second ablation, the Afib problem still happens day by day with medication (i.e. tambocor). Have some free A-fib days but problems surely not completely cured.

I do know my cardiologist is a good one with much experience and from his experience 90% of patient will be cured after 2 ablations. Yet I may be the 10% left. Feel depressed as I may need the 3rd ablation. After two, I am not very nervous about the operation. Yet it is not cheap even with some insurance coverage. And I also thought that if I can really kill the disease. Any experience and insight for me?

Also, I wonder and worry if something make me can't be cured though my doctor has not stopped me. During these years after I get Afib, I still have regular sexual activities, like 2 - 3 time a week. I try to reduce but it's quite difficult for me as a regular guy. I don't know if this is the reason for not being cured. Do u all hv any advice from your doctor and personal experience?

Heartfelt thanks! Stay healthy (^_^)

[jeanjeannie50]

I know just how you're feeling, having been in the same situation myself after 2 radio frequency ablations.

I had a third ablation and it did help, but it didn't completely cure my arrhythmias. My EP said some people aren't helped by ablations and unfortunately I was one of them.

I'm now in constant AF and find that a lot easier to cope with and can lead a fairly normal life. I'm back walking around the hilly coastline where I live and sometimes just have to take it a little slower going uphill.

So don't despair and try that third ablation. I'm aged 69 by the way.

As for sex, I believe the only time it would be advisable to abstain is for a few weeks after the ablation. Think of it this way, if you had burns on your knee would you keep bending and straining the knee. No you'd wait for it to heal. So try not to strain your heart by making it pump too hard right after an ablation and let it heal first.

Jean

[MC1cm in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thank you for ur sharing! I'll keep fingers crossed if i do need another ablation. As for sex part, I did restart again after 2 months or something after the each operation. I hope it's long enough for healing.

[CDreamer]

Good advice from Jean. Any treatment for AF is considered to improved quality of life, not a cure. My AF disappeared for a while after my second ablation but returned 3 years later.

It is debatable if it is a disease or a symptom of an underlying condition and although you say your thyroid problem is well managed, it would still be considered an underlying condition.

I noted someone recently commentated that seeking a cure for AF was like seeking the holy grail and once they gave that up and focussed on living their best life with the condition, they managed much better.

For me, pacemaker was the answer but it isn’t a recognised treatment for AF - I was very symptomatic with daily symptoms and another disabling condition so I went for Pace and Ablate, a last resort treatment to control very symptomatic AF - only the pacemaker worked so well and stopped the AF that I cancelled the AV node ablation. BUT - be advised that Pace and Ablate does not stop the AF - only relieves the symptoms by keeping the pulse regulated.

I wouldn’t worry about the sex - enjoy it whilst you can.

Hope that helps.

[MC1cm in reply to CDreamer]

Many thanks for reply! I think pacemaker may not be my choice as my doctor never mention this solution before. Every case will be different. Sorry to hear that your AF comes back after 2nd ablation. I hear from this forum that people may experience many ablations. That's why I feel depressed. Maybe I need to consider not to focus on curing AF as u said. Do you still have AF after all these procedures?