Atrial fibrillation

[shellbyshoo43]

Good morning, has anyone had an ablation ?

If so did it work for u ?

Thank u Michelle

[Hidden]

Good morning, and welcome to the forum, yes -2 and yes………

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I posted this about a year ago, you may find it helpful…..

healthunlocked.com/afassoci...

[BobD Volunteer]

Yes, no AF since 2008 but took three ablations.

[shellbyshoo43 in reply to BobD]

Thanks so much 😊

[Dangerousdriver]

I’ve had one ablation and no real AF since 2018 but awaiting a second. Definitely worth having even as Bob will attest it’s not always successful on the first go!

[CoachSteve]

I had one done back in 2017 while i was awake, it was amazing to see them go in a look at my heart and very strange as they turned my heart beat up remotely. But then when they did the soldiering bit, that hurt, alot. It kind of worked, instead of 40min episodes they were now 10 sec to 10 min episodes. I had a loop recorder fitted (2years now been fitted) then they court a big episode and had another ablation, this time under general anaesthetic and 5hours long, not 3 hrs like they told me, lol.

All has been good apart from having an ectopic heart beats, very annoying and uncomfortable. But i have found running has fixed this, i didnt want to take the betablockers they gave me.

Hope this helps. Fingers crossed for it all to work.

[CDreamer]

Yes - 2nd one did - for while. Unfortunately it isn’t always a one time fix all. The younger and fitter you are, the earlier in the process of AF developing and expertise of the EP all contributing factors.

[pottypete1]

I have had 7 ablations.

I am now very stable and have not had AF since last October and that episode was the first I had had for nearly a year. My first ablations as in 2011 and my last in 2017.

I now only seem to get the odd ectopics but otherwise it was all worth it believe it or not.

Pete

[shellbyshoo43 in reply to pottypete1]

Woohoo, there is hope 😊

[Tickers]

I am listed for one on 13/7 and don’t know what to do. Losing weight seems to have reduced the number of episodes of AF I get. I am 61 and relatively fit although still have more weight to lose. I only get AF once a week as far as I am aware but my loop monitor may tell a different story. Hoping to speak to the cardiologist. Good to hear of the successes but how often were you getting them?

[shellbyshoo43 in reply to Tickers]

Hello , all the time . Feeling tired and breathless couldn’t walk very far . I collapsed at work . Now I’m waiting for an ablation

I’m on medication, but the side effects are brutal .

Hopefully ablation will help me .

Thanks for the reply

[Buffafly in reply to shellbyshoo43]

When you say ‘all the time’ do you mean very frequent episodes or permanent AF? Because if permanent an ablation has much less chance of working first time, if at all. I assume it’s frequent so sounds like you don’t have much choice and I wish you a successful outcome. I was told I might need a ‘touch up’ but it was two years before AF came back and as it doesn’t affect my QOL too much and I take minimal meds I’ve never had the second ablation.

[Maisiemay13]

Had mine in March this year so far so good 🤞

[KMRobbo]

Yes Jan 29th 2018. No afib since

[Physalis]

I had mine a year ago, no AFib since.

[Frances123]

Welcome to the forum. Sorry you have been diagnosed with this condition but you are in the right place.I have had 2 ablations but sadly they haven’t worked. I was late to the party and didn’t have my first one until I had had Afib for 14+ years which may have some bearing on it. I have learnt though the earlier you can have one on this journey the better. Not sure what is next for me but I do believe in ablations and they have helped many many people to have a better quality of life (QOL).

Hope all goes well for you. X

[Rubymurray25]

I have had two and have no regrets at all, still on medication but you can't have it all I guess once you cross in my case the 65 year old bridge, and of course we are all so different. I have confidence in my cardiologist and that truly helps mentally. Good luck.

[Mouchkin]

I had mine in Jan 2019. I felt really ill before it was done, breathless ,weary and worried about the symptoms. I had the ablation under sedation.Honestly it changed my life! It took time to feel fit again (about three months) but the heart was quiet and calm after a couple of weeks and has stayed that way ever since. I get the odd skipped beat but so does everyone …the main thing is…I feel really well.

[CliveP]

I had one in 2016. No AF since 👍

[Griffin9]

I had one a month ago. No problems with the procedure under GA and I was back at work after one week. So far so good as I'm still in the recovery phase and have only experienced ectopic beats since. I'm hoping I can ditch the tablets once I'm back to normal.

[listerines]

First ablation not fully successful, but have seen reductions in episode frequency since going back on flecainide post 3 month blanking period so that has been positive. EP scheduling me for 2nd ablation in coming weeks/months. Have been advised that greater likelihood of longer heart stability with 2nd ablation.Hope you procedure comes up soon. Keep safe

[JefferyW]

Had an ablation 10 days ago. Recovered well from 4 hour procedure under GA. and feel really quite bright - just still bruised on my thigh and arm from cannulas. Now in what is known as the three month blanking period. Had a few ectopic beats and Arrythmia on odd days but it feels different to before and this is to be expected along with a few other post op recovery symptoms.

The thought of the procedure was daunting but the reality was not too bad even though I ended up in Coronary Care overnight while my BP and O2 levels stabilised. One thing they never mentioned was the urinary catheter - the removal of which will be something that stays in my memory for a long long time.

I weighed up whether to go for ablation for almost a year and if it meant I can stay like I am now I would have it again if I need to. My QoL due to side effects of all the drugs was poor and prospects were much worse.

We are all different and have different experiences so it’s a judgement call. My advice is to speak to others - professionals and other patients - like me and make an informed decision but don’t let the thought of the procedure turn you off for a second - it’s not too bad at all and you are made to feel safe and well cared for.

[rufusmatilda]

I had an ablation in February 2017 it worked well but it did take me a long time to get back to "normal"but that might have been because of my age (80). I genuinely feel better than I have felt for a long time now. Hope this helps.

[TracyAdmin Partner]

Hello - welcome to the Forum ! If you need any advice, support or help, please contact the A F Association - we are happy to help heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

[stephenwilde]

Had a ablation four years ago at wesley hospital in brisbane australia best thing i ever did,The whole procedure was painless and if i ever revert back to AF i wouldnt hesitate to have another one.

[Adalaide2020]

Hi yes I have had three but they have not worked but I personally know two people who had one and it did work. Horses for courses. I am working on my lifestyle now, trying to reduce my symptoms . If you have an ablation, make sure you are well informed. I'm reading Cure your Afib by Dr John Day and he gives good advice on ablations and lifestyle before and after ablation. I am following his advice and do feel better, but its early days. I wish you well. You look very young and you may be an excellent candidate for an ablation. Learn all you can first. 🌻

[shellbyshoo43 in reply to Adalaide2020]

Thanks so much 😊

[shellbyshoo43 in reply to Adalaide2020]

I’ve just bought the book thank u 😊

[Cat04]

I had an ablation Oct 2018 , all good so far🤞

[Tux18]

You will learn a lot from this forum and receive support from members. - it has been such a source of help to me. Welcome!Yes, had an ablation, however it did not solve my afib problem and will need to get another ablation before long.

[shellbyshoo43 in reply to Tux18]

Thanks for the advice 😊

[Madscientist16]

Had a cryo-balloon ablation in November, 2019 and no AF since. I am also not on any of those medications that made me tired all the time anymore either.

[shellbyshoo43 in reply to Madscientist16]

Thank u so so much 😊

[Jomama]

Yes in 2017. Worked perfectly and have not had afib once since. Also doctor took me off of blood thinners. Saw my doc for a checkup last week and he said that once you make it this far without incident most likely won’t ever return but if it does he said he’s give me a touch up. So happy I did it and recovery was easier than I expected.

[shellbyshoo43 in reply to Jomama]

Just amazing,thank u so much 😊

[Louloumay9]

Hi, I’ve had 2 ablations. Neither was successful. The 2nd was in early April however, and my EP has booked me in for a cardioversion at the end of July to hopefully get me into normal sinus rhythm (building on the work of the 2 ablations, if that makes sense). He’s also put me on Flecainide which I’m taking for the first time as he thinks that should help. I’m crossing my fingers and everything else! All the best with your ablation - many people on this forum have had successful ablations, which gives me hope and I hope it does for you too.

[shellbyshoo43 in reply to Louloumay9]

Thank u very much for your help , much appreciated 😊

[Tantaanna]

Yes I have ablations and yes I needed more than one. Yes sometimes the healing period after the ablation can be stormy. I tried meds before the ablation and would recommend this before meds . I did travel to Texas (I live in the US) for my last ablations wish I would have went to this Dr for my first one. All my best to you- it is a journey! I am 74 yes young and teach exercise classes and am very active!

[shellbyshoo43 in reply to Tantaanna]

Wow , thanks for your reply 😊. Good luck to u 😊

[Jamflake]

I had one in April 2020 but it was unsuccessful. I had waited a year and am now on the list again. With the current pressure on the NHS I imagine it'll be an even longer wait this time. Increased flecainide hasn't seemed to help although currently it's 14 days since my last episode (instead of 7) so maybe it's taking while to change things.

[shellbyshoo43 in reply to Jamflake]

Oh wow . Really? I’m in hospital at the min and feel like I’m in a nite mare . I’m going to Hammersmith hospital tomorrow for ablation pacemaker and flutter . I’m scared, but I think this is normal. What hospital u under ?

Regards 🤒

[Jamflake]

Hi, I'm under Mr Lovell at Exeter (RD&E) Just had an echocardiagram today so they can check the heart again as I'm back on the waiting list for another ablation. It's certainly normal to be scared but my ablation was absolutely fine (it just didn't do the trick for me!)

[shellbyshoo43 in reply to Jamflake]

I’m at Hammersmith London They did say it may not work 1st time

I’ve also got a flutter

Seems a bit more tricky

I’ve been in hospital over a week , so drugged up .

Did u experience that ?

I’m being put out

Did u ?

Thanks for the info

Shelbyshoo 43

[Jamflake]

Hi, no I just went in and out same day. I was just given a sedative which worked really well. It just felt like a weird dream.