2nd Ablation

[francesturpin]

I had a catheter ablation for atrial flutter which was successful unfortunately I also have A-Fib. My doctor does not think a 2nd ablation would help and believes my A-Fib can be treated with Flecainide which so far has controlled my A-Fib. Just looking for thoughts from anyone who may be in the same position. I have been on Flec for a month with no episodes of A-Fib.

[BobD Volunteer]

Has he explained why he thinks that? Seems an odd comment. Why not see another EP for a second opinion?

[rosyG]

Was it the same doctor who did your ablation or just your GP?

[francesturpin in reply to rosyG]

My cardiologist made the comment.I have not seen my cardiologist/electrologist yet he performed my ablation.

[wilsond]

I control my AFib well on Flecanide if that helps. X

[francesturpin in reply to wilsond]

How long have you been taking flecainide?

[francesturpin in reply to francesturpin]

two months

[francesturpin in reply to wilsond]

How long have you been taking Flecainde??

[wilsond in reply to francesturpin]

About 4 years xx

[Maggimunro]

Hi thereI agree with Bob. Did he give you reasons why he thought a second ablation wouldn’t help your Afib.

I was in exactly the same position as you but opted for two further ablations for the Afib they found whilst doing my first procedure for SVT. I I decided that I would prefer the ops rather than take Flecainide for the rest of my life. I’ve not had a single blip in the 4 years .since my procedures.

[Elephantlydia]

It is good that your Afib appears to be controlled by Flecainide.However,who put you on Flecainide ? was it your Cardiologist or your EP/ Cardiologist ? How long ago did you have your first ablation ? and I would consider if your EP/Cardiologist recommends a second ablation ?The most important thing is that you appear to be controlled hopefully with an anticoagulant.The thought which appears to me is how do we know that the Afib has not gone with the first ablation now ? I personally would go with the EP/ Cardiologist opinion.It is difficult to offer advice without the full facts and I am not medically qualified.

[francesturpin in reply to Elephantlydia]

My cardiologist/EP put me on Flecainide? I had my ablation for Atrial Flutter about 6 weeks ago. They will review my case again in August.My Cardiologist feels a 2nd ablation are not always successful.

I will likely have an appointment with my EP/Cardiologist in August as well and will see what he says. In the meantime I am trying to shed a few pounds which they say will decrease symtoms of A-Fib.

[KMRobbo in reply to francesturpin]

Glad you eliminated the a flutter which is good. Which atria was the flutter ablation done on, right or left? I ask as my flutter ablation was right atria, and my afib ablation was left atria., so in effect 2 first ablations. ( In my case I had the afib ablation first)

Not medically trained but my understanding was that left atria flutter was rare. However if it was left atria that MAY explain the second ablation comment in part anyway..

A question you can ask for your greater understanding.

[Alphakiwi in reply to KMRobbo]

I have severely enlarged left atria so normal ablation is out . Meds dont agree with me so its pace and ablate coming up.

[Singwell]

I'd definitely be getting advice for your EP or cardiologist. GPs are generalists - they do great work but they don't know much about electrical problems with the heart.

[willec49]

An ablation to correct flutter is not the same as an ablation for Afib. It only enters and ablates the one atrium whereas in an ablation for Afib they have to go through the septum to ablate the other side. So yes, doing a flutter ablation to eliminate tachycardia and then prescribe Flecainide for the Afib is a standard intervention choice which, in fact, my cardiologist is offering me as I’ve come to the end of my 2.5 year use of Flecainide which controlled my Afib rather well but was widening my QRS interval too much. Now I’m on Sotolol until I get either of those ablation. But, yes, that combination he is offering you is standard.

[Slidingdoors99 in reply to willec49]

What very wise words Willec.

[francesturpin in reply to willec49]

What is QRS?

[MS444]

I had a second ablation and flutter and afib were ablated in the same procedure. They just did the flutter after the afib touch up was performed.

[Redmakesmehappy]

I have been on Flecainide for couple years, has controlled my AFib but I am losing weight. Started at 106 now down to 93. Did the same thing when I was given Digoxin, went from 114 down to 93. Was on it 3 years before I begged cardiologist to let me stop. My weight then went up to 106 before AFib started. And EP put me on Flecainide. Has Flecainide cause any of you to lose weight? Think it kills my appetite. Want to go off before I just disappear. My EP said he never heard it cause weight loss. Any thoughts on this?

[Jajarunner]

You can ask to see a different specialist on the NHS. Most doctors like you to do so actually. Or you could pay for a private EP appointment just for another opinion. It costs around £250, but in my case was by far the best money I've ever spent as u got my first ablation (back on NHS) as urgent during Covid as a result rather than waiting months. Morally it felt wrong but health is everything..Good luck xx