How Long do Ablations Last?

[Tyffica]

Hi friends! I had my Ablation in March 2017. I have been AFib free till last week

I am crushed. I swear I maybe got over the PTSD over my years of AFib about a year ago.

Has this happened to anyone else.

[Hidden]

I doubt you will see it this way but being AF free for 5 years after an ablation isn’t a bad result. It’s often said here on forum that an ablation is not a cure for AF but that it can be a successful and effective way of controlling symptoms. That said, I guess you are more interested in knowing what’s the best route forward. First, it’s important to establish what’s going on with your heart because AF is only one, albeit the most common, type of arrhythmia. So it’s a case of getting back to see, if possible, the EP who has looked after you so far. If you have succumbed to any bad lifestyle habits over recent years, I think you will know what you need to do. Try and be positive, many people have more than one ablation and given the success of your first one, be optimistic that successful treatment options remain available to you should it be necessary.......

[Tyffica in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. I guess in my mind I thought it would be a forever fix because it was so successful. I am feeling better about seeing the responses here. Thank you for yours!

[CDreamer]

You need to consider that ablation is often more than one treatment and it’s not unusual to need several. Some have had up to 8. I’ve had 2, the second because the first wasn’t successful and made things worse and the second stopped AF for about 3 years. So for that reason and I believe that you will receive many answers on the theme that ablation is not a forever cure.

Because AF is not considered life threatening, certainly it is life changing, generally it is performed to improve quality of life as so many of us can be so symptomatic with AF - whilst others don’t even know they have AF.

What seems to be interesting is that those who progress to having permanent AF seem to suffer far fewer symptoms.

Anxiety with AF is also very common but something that can be managed with the right advice and practice.

[Tyffica in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you so much for your response. This latest Afib session just knocked the wind out of my sails. I thought since my first and only was so successful that I would never need another. Thank you.

[BobD Volunteer]

To add to what has already been said, ablation is just part of ongoing treatment. I had three between 2005 adn 2008 and no AF since but I did go on to develop other arrhythmias. Since your first ablation was quite successful I suggest that your next may be more so.

[Tyffica in reply to BobD]

Thanks so much Bob. After reading the responses I am more at ease now. I guess I'll be getting another. I have been off all heart meds since 2017. Maybe need to get back on them too :/

Thank you!!

[Jimmy37]

Had an av node ablation just over two weeks ago, still feel a bit unwell. Any suggestions any one.

[CDreamer in reply to Jimmy37]

That is so different to PVI ablation and usually a last resort treatment fir very symptomatic AF.

Maybe as it’s a completely different subject start a new thread? It would be helpful to also say in what way are you unwell.

[Jimmy37 in reply to CDreamer]

Thanks CD,

[Tyffica in reply to Jimmy37]

Jimmy what are you feeling like. It is normal to feel like your heart is bruised (Weird feeling) And it is normal to have episodes of AFib for the first month or so. I had two short episodes after my ablation the second week. Then absolutely no episodes from March 2017 till now.

[CDreamer in reply to Tyffica]

An AV node ablation doesn’t stop AF and is last resort treatment for those in persistent or near persistent, very symptomatic AF. It’s nothing like a normal ablation.

[Jimmy37 in reply to CDreamer]

I was not aware that there were normal and abnormal ablation. Further more the success rate of av node ablation is in excess of 90% . I am not aware how qualified you awe to make such swooping statements, you should be more careful in what you correspond. Do not bother to acknowledge this message.

[Hidden]

Unfortunately, I believe it's common. The bottom line is that you will probably need another ablation.

[Tyffica in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Sam. I think I am from all the responses. Thanks for yours.

[KathFrances]

If you haven't already read it, The AFIB Cure book, written by 2 cardiologists, has a lot of useful information and suggestions about things to do to keep AF at bay, as well as ablation.

[Tyffica in reply to KathFrances]

Thank you. I will look into the book. I have had electrical issues with my heart all my life. I am 61. They last 4 years has been another life for me. I am devastated they are back. Thank you!

[Elli86]

Hi tyficca.

I had my ablation on Monday just gone and I overheard the doc looking after patient in bed next to me say that an ablation is a 2 player game and that your role is just as important as the ablation itself. If you don’t fulfil your role then it can and will not be a “permanent” fix. He went on to say that lifestyle optimisation is absolutely crucial in conjunction with an ablation. These include diet, sleep, stress reduction, weight management, exercise/fitness level etc. Not sure where or how you sit in these factors but something to consider. This is all reiterated in the book “ the afib cure” and they go into quite some detail about it. Excellent book and I suggest you read it if you haven’t already 👍

Edit: I did not see comment above before writing this 🤣 but clearly I totally agree

[Tyffica in reply to Elli86]

Hi Elli. I have been Afib for for 4 1/2 years. I exercise 5-6 times a week. I have lost over 40 pounds. Been feeling great for 61 till they started up again. I had had them all my life. The last 4 1/2 year has been my best years. Thanks for your post.