Another afib episode 3 weeks post ablation

[Irev83]

Hey guys I’m super freaked out and anxious.

My boyfriend had his ablation 3 weeks ago and had two afib episodes last night and tonight

I’m so worried that the ablation didn’t work out. I could cry

[BobD Volunteer]

This is not uncommon as it will take a few months for the heart to heal and does not mean it has failed. Please read our fact sheet on recovery heartrhythmalliance.org/res... and try not to worry. It is far too early to think of success or failure. Sadly few doctors ever tell you how long recovery will take but this fact sheet was written by we patients based on our experiences. Make sure he is relaxed, rested and stays well hydrated.

[Irev83 in reply to BobD]

Thanks! I’m trying not too worry too much but it’s hard. Also I just read this study: Yun Gi Kim et al.: Early Recurrence Is Reliable Predictor of Late Recurrence After Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation. JACC: Cinical Electrophysiology 2021.

Saying that an early recurrence goes with a higher chance of late recurrence

I should stop googling

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Irev83]

google can damage your health.

[Ducky2003 in reply to Irev83]

Dr Google is not licenced to practice. Still extremely early days for your fella.

[honey1958]

Hello Irev83 the ablation may still have worked. I'm due one on Wednesday and been told it can take 3 months for the heart to heal. In the meantime fast and irregular heart beats can continue or even be a bit worse.Sure someone else with more knowledge will be along soon x

[Dodie117 in reply to honey1958]

Beware - can take more than 3 months - see my posting below.

[Snowgirl65]

This is absolutely normal. I had my ablation in April and after 2 weeks of no a-fib, I began having occasional episodes. Your boyfriend's still in the "blanking period," i.e. the 3 months after ablation where a-fib episodes are common as the heart heals. Not to worry!

[Dodie117]

I had my ablation in 2013. It took 5 months for AF and various arrhythmias to stop completely. Almost a year for resting heart rate to go back to pre ablation rate. I have been free if af for almost 8 years.

So tell him to take it easy, lots of rest and no strenuous exercise. Gentle walks.

Good luck ☘️

[momist in reply to Dodie117]

Dodie117 I'm sure that I have read this from you in the past, but having had my ablation only two weeks ago, I'm very happy to read it again today. Your experience may not be typical (as we are all different), but it is so reassuring to everyone in a similar position. Thank you again for your support on the forum!

[JefferyW]

Since I had my ablation on 21st of June I continued to have short spells of arrhythmia and still do although increasingly less frequently and milder. I am still taking a mild dose of anti arrythmia medication and come off it in just over a weeks time. And as others have said a follow up appointment after the three month “blanking period” as that is considered a reasonable time to assess whether the ablation has worked. Try not to worry unduly it’s still very early days. You should have access to specialist Arrythmia nurses who your boyfriend can contact if he has concerns.

Best wishes

Jeff

[Irev83]

Thanks everyone! It helped a lot.My boyfriend said it didn’t feel like afib but I felt his pulse being arrhythmic. Not sure if those were some ectopic beats or a milder afib episode. Well.. still here praying every day it goes away for good.