Ablation

[stoneyrosed]

Well it’s been over 5 months since my ablation. I have not had a follow up call or appointment from my cardio, I am still taking 2.5 bisoprolol and 100 mg flecanaide a day. Not had any AF I know of since a couple of weeks after ablation. Bit worried that no one has been in touch regarding meds and a chat about my recovery progress. Is this normal?

[Jalia]

W ere you given an indication of a follow up time ? I've been told to expect one in 3 months but I seem to recall others have mentioned 6 months. If you're feeling well I wouldn't worry unduly. However it wouldn't hurt to give your EPs secretary a call to ascertain the position.

[BobD Volunteer]

In todays world very likely. Why not call your EP's secretary and ask when you may have your follow up? In 2005 I was told six weeks that was actually 7 months! My August appointment for 16th was cancelled on 12th due to unforseen circumstances and is now April 2022. Since all seems very well for you I wouldn't worry too much. Plenty worse!

[Hidden]

In the current climate it’s almost impossible to quantify what’s normal. Pre Covid it was usual to have a review after 3 months although latterly, it was often extended to 6 months. The medication you are taking will certainly help to support the effectiveness of your ablation and it’s not unusual (happened to me) to remain on Flecainide for six months after an ablation. However, if I were you I would follow BobD’s advice and contact the hospital to prompt a review, perhaps saying that you are concerned about taking Flecainide for any longer than is necessary…….

[stoneyrosed]

Thanks for your replies everyone, yes I think it is time to contact my cardio nurse regarding the situation. As usual thanks so much for your help & advice.

[Physalis in reply to stoneyrosed]

It's now nearly fourteen months since my ablation. There's been no follow up. I stopped taking the bisoprolol after a fortnight. If you have no afib, why take the meds?

[stoneyrosed in reply to Physalis]

Hi, I was told to continue the meds until a follow up consultation hence my my slight predicament. I have emailed the cardio nurse and am waiting for reply. Thanks

[Physalis in reply to stoneyrosed]

I was told to take the bisoprolol before and after the ablation. Mind you I was only on 1.25mg. However, they may be other people like me who've had no check ups and are still taking allsorts.

I suppose the thinking with my cardiologists is that if I have problems I will go to my GP and she will send me back to them.

[Maisiemay13]

Hi I got a three month follow up by a nurse and have a six month beginning of September,I would call the EP secretary as I was taken off my meds at three months. Hope you get somewhere

[stoneyrosed in reply to Maisiemay13]

Thanks maisiemay emailed cardiologist nurse. 👍

[Ducky2003]

I had my ablation in April and was told I'd have a follow up in 3 to 6 months and then got an appt letter for Feb next year.

[stoneyrosed in reply to Ducky2003]

Thanks Ducky, I am worried also that when I do eventually come off the meds that the AF could kick off again, and in a way taking the meds are a bit of a comfort blanket. Thing is i am constantly tired on the beta blockers and could really use a break from them, hopefully permanently . Thanks for reply 😊

[Ducky2003 in reply to stoneyrosed]

I'm in a bit of a different place as I've actually ended up on more meds due to AF appearing again so I've been put on Diltiazem and Furosemide (see my latest update post from a couple of days ago), in addition to Amiodarone and Apixaban. I have a cardioversion booked for Friday and am hoping that will get me on track again. I couldn't tolerate Bisoprolol. They put me on it 5 years ago when first diagnosed and after 3 months of feeling exhausted and breathless, I begged to come off it. Although it's supposed to be cardiac specific, my pharmacist told me it can attach to receptors in the lungs as well, hence the breathing issues and tiredness. Fingers crossed you get to come off the meds.😊.

[stoneyrosed in reply to Ducky2003]

Oh I do hope you get sorted Ducky, seems to be trial & error with you doesn’t it. Think we all need a group hug sometimes don’t we 🤣. Keep your lovely sense of humour and your halfway there 👍

[Ducky2003 in reply to stoneyrosed]

Thanks but no hugs under current circumstances. I even insist that my husband still stays 2m away from me 🤣.

[stoneyrosed in reply to Ducky2003]

It will always have to be a virtual hug in our new normal 😢

[Nick1957]

I had my ablation on Friday 13th August 2021 this month and will be given a follow up call with my consultant on 30th November.2021 That would be app 16 weeks after my ablation. Think you should call arrythmia nurse or consultant ASAP.

[stoneyrosed]

Thanks Nick, I emailed the cardio nurse yesterday. Cannot contact my GP surgery as I fear all the doctors are laid up on a beach somewhere faraway. Cheers !

[Lucymoo]

I had my ablation in may. Stopped the flecanide after one month but still on beta blocker with frequent ectopics and occasional AF events that I’m aware of. Due to be reviewed by cardiology sometime in September / October. Recently changed cardiologist and having a holter test for 5 days before my review in early September

[stoneyrosed in reply to Lucymoo]

Thanks Lucy, strange how we as patients are told differently. I was told to stay on flec and beta blockers until told not to. Perhaps they have just forgot about me 😊. Hopefully they will be in touch soon. Thank you for reply.

[Lucymoo in reply to stoneyrosed]

Yes they do I tv differently and communicate differently too. Hence my change of cardiologist. Good luck

[stoneyrosed in reply to Lucymoo]

Thank you much appreciated 👍

[splashrollandplod]

I’ll get a follow up after 3 months. Had cryo-ablation 3 weeks ago. I’ve spoken to Cardio nurse 3 times having had some minor side effects (constipation then big PVC palpitations). Impressed by Aberdeen cardiology.

[stoneyrosed in reply to splashrollandplod]

Yeah I’m sure mine was supposed to be 3 mths. Good luck and thanks.

[spinningjenny]

I had an ablation in January and after asking have got a telephone follow up in October. It will be interesting to see what happens as when I had the ablation I was told I would need a 24 hr monitor and an echocardiogram before my follow up. So far there has been no indication either of these will happen.

Fortunately I have been extremely well since the procedure. I would have phoned sooner if this had not been the case.

This is not the first time the hospital seems to have forgotten about me. I am beginning to lose faith in them.

[stoneyrosed in reply to spinningjenny]

Yeah I am beginning to think that’s what has happened to me, luckily apart from a few ectopic I don’t think I have had any AF events. Hope your contacted soon 👍

[I-a-n-]

I'd strongly advise speaking to your GP after every visit to hospital/cardiologist. Letters do go from hospital to GP but GP doesn't necessarily follow them up. Unfortunately the onus really is down to US to push. I'm speaking to my GP now after each hospital visit to report back if you like and check in with him / catch up, and ask what the next stage is and how long before that will happen etc. Keep a diary of everything. Best wishes.

[stoneyrosed]

Thanks Ian 👍

[Jacnc]

I've sure realized through all of this you have to be your own advocate' ! Call them!!!