AF again 4 months after ablation

[Shazmoz]

Hi, I had my first ablation in April at Papworth. Apart from going into mild AF the following day for six hours, I recovered well and had no other episodes up to my 3 month review with an arrythmic nurse by telephone. She told me to come off flecainide and diltiazem, which I did gradually over a couple of weeks. I am 63 so am staying on rivaroxiban. Now a month later after being very well, I have had 2 AF episodes in 3 days, both during the night so am so exhausted, and my chest aches. Am in normal rythmn at the moment but resting rate fluctuates between 58 and 85 probably because of my anxiety levels. I rang Papworth this morning but no one has rung me back yet. I'm gutted about this but still can't sleep. Any advice please?

[BobD Volunteer]

Sorry to say this but it is still very early days so don't give up just yet. It takes a long time to recover from an ablation and many people are still improving nine months or a year later. If you haven't already, follow the link I gave in my reply to the next post.

[Shazmoz in reply to BobD]

Yes thanks, that's what the nurse said when she rang me. Still gutted though.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Shazmoz]

Try to relax and stay well hydrated.

[JohnEagel]

Hello mate,

can only echo what our BobD known as the wise guy said.

I had my ablation in March 2017 and then lime you some flair ups here and there. After 4 month I thought thats it, out of the woods. After 7 month during a family trip to Japan, one morning, whamm. A full blown Afib event, lasted until after lunch time. I felt gutted like you but continued my recovery and after 12 month it was calm and quiet. I know the feeling and the thoughts that Afib is still lurking in the dark, ready to strike any time. There are days I dont even think about it only when I am reading the forum. Other days my ectopics make sure I wont forget.

Hang in there, make lifestyle changes if needed and learn to put the thoughts aside.

Fingers crossed for you

Cheers

J