When is it time to go for ablation?

[Tilly1957]

How do they determine whether you need an ablation or not? Thank you

[CDreamer]

As soon as AF stops normal, for you, everyday activities would be my criteria.

[Tilly1957 in reply to CDreamer]

I am starting to believe it’s Bisoprolol that’s having the detrimental effect on my quality of life! 😂

[CDreamer in reply to Tilly1957]

That was my experience.

[Hidden]

Hi Tilly, this is such a difficult question to answer because it is dependent on so many issues which are unique to the individual. Whilst an ablation can be very effective in helping to control symptoms, it is not a cure for AF and of course, like any procedure, it does have risks. Generally, patients need to consider the impact their AF is having on their quality of life. As CD says, if it is preventing you from doing the things you want to do then that is a key factor. The other is age. AF tends to be a progressive condition therefore the chances are you will need to be on fairly potent medication for the rest of your life and there is a likelihood that over time, doses will need to be increased. The side effects associated with AF medication vary enormously and very often people with persistent/permanent AF manage to lead fairly normal lives and are pleased not to have not undergone any form of medical intervention.

One other key issue relates to lifestyle changes if they are appropriate. Do not underestimate the importance of maintaining a good diet, minimal alcohol and regular but not excessive exercise.

Personally, I would suggest that you consider all these issue plus any more that others may raise then consult an Electrophysiologist who can make an assessment based on your personal circumstances. Under the current climate that might not be easy so if it’s possible, think about investing around £200/300 to see someone of your choice privately.

Again personally, I am pro ablation having had 2 and would have another if it was necessary. I have added a link to an old post of mine which you might find helpful but it will be interesting to hear what others say. Good luck in your deliberations....

healthunlocked.com/afassoci...

[Physalis in reply to Hidden]

Again you say ablation is not a cure for AF. That may be true for many people but for lots of us it seems very much like a cure. After ten months of no AFib I feel I have been cured. Maybe other rogue electrical signals may find their way round in the future but for now I'm very happy I had it done.

It depends on how bad your AF is, how frequently it happens, whether your doctor or cardiologist thinks it would help. Then there is the waiting list.

I'm assuming that anyone who is relatively asymptomatic or if their ablation has worked will not come looking for this forum.

I have just started redecorating my kitchen, painting walls and tiles. The trouble with kitchens and bathrooms is that it is difficult to get it right first time. I'm pretty sure I can do it but for the last two times I've got a decorator in. I was thinking this morning that in the past I didn't feel I could do it. Was I just being lazy or am I feeling better because I don't have AFib for half of every week?

Or is it the 3000 iu of Vitamin D I'm taking every day!?

[Buffafly in reply to Physalis]

I think technically ‘cure’ means for life so as ablation is a relatively new procedure maybe it hasn’t happened yet 😀 I think it’s fair to warn people that they shouldn’t expect a 100% result. My ablation lasted nearly two years. The EPs must have the stats on ablation success rates so if they don’t tout ablation as a ‘cure’ I would believe them.

Long may your ablation be effective!

[Physalis in reply to Buffafly]

Yes, I know that it isn't one hundred percent guaranteed. However, when you go from being in Afib for 72 hours a week with average heart rates of 130-140 to absolutely nothing, it feels very much like a cure.

If we told people that having an ablation might not cure their AFib then that would be fair enough. However, a flat 'it isn't a cure' seems too harsh to me.

[mrgwair567 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Flapjack , So nice to see you back on the forum! You were missed!

Regards Lynne

[Tilly1957 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. I like to think I have a good diet, very little alcohol (it has a tendency to set me off into AF) I am limited with exercise as my knees are very painful - I am back to the consultant for one of them mid June. I guess I get 3 or 4 episodes of AF a month, completely knocks me for six, last between 8-12 hours. It’s the build up and the after effects as well, it exhausts me. Yes, I may consider private to see what is going on, 🥰

[jeanjeannie50]

I would guess that it's when you're still having disturbing symptoms, despite having tried lots of different medications.

Be aware though that changing your diet to a more plant based, artificial additive free one, cutting back on sugar, caffeine, alcohol and losing weight (if needed) has performed miracle like cures, or decreased attacks in some AF sufferers. I discovered that artificial sweeteners were a sure trigger for mine.

Ablations are sometimes not the instant miracle cures we all hope for. Worth trying though if you have tried the diet option and your symptoms are debilitating.

Jean

[Tilly1957 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

I am pretty good with my diet, occasional lapses - often resulting in AF, so not lapsing so often now! Thank you for your advice x

[BobD Volunteer]

"They" don't . You do.

When your Quality of Life (QOL) is bad then you will know. I declined my first offer but within six months my symptoms had become so bad I was pleading with them to have it.

[Tilly1957 in reply to BobD]

And I guess what is regarded as ‘bad’ will depend on the individuals perception! X

[CliveP]

Despite being largely asymptomatic, I disliked the idea of my heart being in persistent AF for an extended period of time.I chose to have an ablation as soon as possible.

I’ve been back to a normal life for most of 5 years so far so I’m very glad I did.

[Tilly1957]

Makes sense, thank you x

[Shcldavies]

The Dr/EP who know about your condition and the available procedures/drug and make a risk assessment, if they say you should consider an ablation you should have one. Now the Dr/EP is not always right but there is no one else that hold the knowledge to have another opinion. You can of course get a second opinion with another Dr/EP to confirm.