Good morning on this beautiful day, Friday had my AV node ablated and pacemaker set on 80 to 120 beats. Stopped Bisoprolol (Yipeeee) so should start to feel my energy levels returning.
Had sedation and local and when it was time I had a 'Gin & Tonic' into my canular.
It took about two hours and I really was very comfortable throughout, but I do think setting the mind is important.
To others waiting to go through similar my advice would be to relax and don't worry
Dave
Great post and do keep us informed as how you go. Good luck.
So pleased it all went so well for you. Now down to the business of recovery and living how you want to live!
Thanks Diddyd, will do my best 😃😃
Nice post Dave, Get back to your golf soon and hit that hole in one. After P&A you'll do it !
Paul
Thanks Paul, did manage one once, never saw it go into the hole either 😃😃
Dave
Hi John, are you a longtime sufferer of AF too? I must admit before I was diagnosed with AF I had to walk off the golf course early on in the round. I also passed out one time. Not pleasant at all, so am hoping for more energy. I am 76
Dave
Thank uou - and best wishes.
Dear Golfer60UK. We share the same AFA avatar, and I wanted to wish you a speedy recovery and many years of steady heart and energy.
Good morning, many thanks and of course best wishes to you too. Its been a fairly rocky road the last two/three years so I am pleased to be 'under control' again even if it is a small electronic device
Kind regards
Dave
That's really good to hear Dave. Think that's the way I'll eventually have to go, so it's nice to hear a positive experience . Best wishes going forward. Sue
Many thanks Nannysue1, my best advice is to set your mind to it and relax, can't say enjoy, but after, a huge sense of relief to be back under control, even if it's a small electronic device
Kind regards
Dave
Can I just ask, did you go down the ablation route first? And do you have anything else wrong with your heart other than the AF?.
Hi, yes I had two ablations last year, both worked for a short time (Days) but then developed Atrial Flutter with my heart regularly over 100 per min. My Cardiologist suggested the Pace & Ablate in preference to further ablations. As far as other issues I don't have any apart from those of a 76 year old. High Blood pressure, but only take the min dosage.
Regards
Dave
Thankyou Dave. I also have HOC and chances of 1st ablation being successful is 40-50% with a 2nd 60-70%, so not great odds but they want to give them a go before going down the pace and ablate route. Such a pain this AF!.
I have just woken up and read your really welcome post. I am having a Pacemaker implanted on the 2nd August and the ablation shortly afterwards. I am, understandably, experiencing some trepidation but your account has reassured me re the process and outcome. Two questions, in advance of chatting to my EP; what criteria are used to ‘set’ the Pacemaker and how long is it likely to be before you regain your “Oomph”, or whatever you call it! I do not play golf but do look forward to walking my dog over the hills and not just just along canal towpaths. I also look forward to repeating the IKEA TEST - check out my last post a few days ago!
Good morning RaySyl, my pacemaker has been set at 80 to 120, but will have a review in six weeks time, when I was told it will be adjusted on the immediate past few weeks, but probably down to 60. I know Bisoprolol does it's job as a beta blocker, but it does have an effect on myself of being very weary and knackered. I know its only been a couple of days but being off Bisoprolol I can already feel a difference in energy
Best of luck, its worth it
Dave
Hi Dave, I am also on metoprolol, similar to Bisoprolol, and it leaves me weak and with little energy. I have had a pacemaker implanted after two ablations. The ablations each only held off the A-fib for about four months. Medication like amiodarone and flecainide presented issues so I can't take flecainide anymore. With no anti-arrhythmic drug possible for me, and ablations having failed, we are now looking at AV node ablation. Have I got this correctly, that you can go off the Bisoprolol after the AV node ablation? I take it to keep my heart rate from tachycardia when I'm in A-fib, which is all the time for the last few months. I am confused on this still.
Hello, Yes AV node ablation allows a pacemaker to control the heart electrical system, mine has been set at 80 to 120 beats per min, but after six weeks i will have a review and it may be changed. I am starting to feel my energy levels and weakness are both improving even after a few days off Bisoprolol.
Best of luck
Dave
Hi John, of course you have, we have a 96 year old playing within our group, although he has a buggy he is still very dangerous. Maybe not so long but very straight.
I often wonder if ever we had a golf society, once a year, and called it the 'AF Golf Society', I bet we would have quite a few
I tend to look on the positive side of most things, so 'up and at them' and take no prisoners
I live very close to Weston Super Mare and am a member of an excellent Club
Kind regards
Dave
Hi glad to hear you are feeling better and energy levels returning. I am new to this site and finding my feet as you would say. Have recently been put on Bisoprolol and Apixaban due to an episode of A.F. and the vibe I am getting on this site is that a lot of people are "not a fan" shall I put it of Bisoprolol. Just wondering if there is generally a reason why or what I should be aware of as I now take 5 mg of it each day. Thanks
Hi Hidden , glad you found this site, as there are many wonderful people here, generous with their time, knowledge and experience, it's the best place to ask questions.
The reason many of us are “not a fan” is, many of us feel very knackered and “hard of thinking” on Bisoprolol.
And, although its side effect of slightly lowering blood pressure is very welcome to some, for those of who already have low blood pressure it's really exhausting.
Should I say, “A reason “ rather than “The reason”? Does anyone have any other reasons to add?
For myself and some others, we've felt quite low and depressed until we got used to it.
(Looking back, I suspect that was not due solely to Bisoprolol but also to the after-effects of 1). not getting help early enough for an AF bout and needing many months to get over the physical strain of it, and 2). being given an AF diagnosis but left to deal with it alone with precious little support, info or advice by medics).
Re. 2), I am so glad someone told me about this forum. Without the kind, sensible advice and encouragement from people here, I would never have known how to get the medical support I need.
So, thanks to all reading this, and I’m glad you’re here Falco1.
Hi, Yes Bisoprolol does its job but the side effects may differ between indivuals. Mine was knackered and feeling 'not myself'.
Best of luck
Dave
Cheers Dave. See how goes later
Good to hear, keep us posted please as this is prob my next step. Hope all keeps going in the right direction.
Hi, Will do, so far so good feeling that energy levels are returning.
Best of luck
Dave
I am lying here in the midst of my latest AF episode and reading your post has given me courage to have pace and ablate . I have been offered it by my cardiology department at Oxford but have not made my mind up. Had AF for the past 12 years or so and have just about run out of medication ideasMy QOL is seriously affected now and not sure if my age of 83 is against me taking this road? Love to hear how you get on.
Hi on a beautiful afternoon, too hot but hey ho I like it. I don't think we are ever too old, I am 76 yet think the same as I did when mid twenties, just can't do the same things.
Set your mind to it and don't hesitate, go for it !!!!!
Best wishes
Dave
😍💕
So glad everything went well. Thanks for offering up your post -- it certainly helps others waiting for a procedure who are understandably in a stressful state!
Hello my pleasure, I tend to be more positive than negative and am a great believer in thinking through, make a decision and then set your mind to go
Best wishes
Dave
Thank you for posting - I am sure your post will provide supportive advice to all the members awaiting the same procedure !
Thank you. You’re setting my mind at rest. Had my pacemaker implanted 2 weeks ago and going for av node ablation on August 4. Some of the comments on this forum have scared me a little. Thanks again!
Your are welcome, get your mind into acceptance mode and you will be fine
Dave
Goodmorning Dave. How you going now. I may have to have the node ablation yet. I have the pacer in. What was the reason for you having the procedure. I have real problems with various drugs tried and my ability is impaired.All the best. Colin
Hello Colin, I passed out on the golf course, managed to get home which was very close and went to A&E. Various tests with all showing no reasons. My Cardiologist suggested a Pace & ablate to stop this happening again. I actually passed out again after having the pacemaker set up and working, but again no reason could be identified. Further tests suggested no problems with my pace & ablate as all working as it should. Now have to see a Neurologist as it may be via a trapped nerve.
The first time I passed out it did take a few hours for recovery. The next time was quite different as it was a few seconds and no ill effects.
Best of luck
Dave
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