Good day all - Have my 2nd ablation coming up next week (1st one was not as successful as hoped back in Oct 2020). I was told by my afib clinic that the success rate for 2nd ablation increases the likelihood of a positive outcome (looking for greater heart stability and coming off heart medications).
Just wondering if people would be willing to share their experiences/ outcomes of 2nd ablation.
Many thanks in advance for sharing
I’ve had 2 ablations, the first was a Cryoablation in September 2016. I was told that I may need a second because the EP had some difficulties isolating one of my pulmonary veins. This is fairly common because the tissue around the veins is not always uniformly shaped so small sections can be missed by the expanding balloon. In the event I did reasonably well but late in 2018 I had a RF (radio frequency) ablation. All was well for 7 months but then I had a series of much milder episodes which were quickly stopped using Flecainide as a PiP. I was put on the list for a third but I also had treatment for an overactive thyroid and the episodes reduced significantly so the 3rd ablation is currently on hold. The episodes were all much milder than before and all reacted much quicker to PiP medication and this is something we often hear from other forum members.
Whilst hearing about others experiences may be helpful, I think it’s fair to say that results vary enormously if for no other reason, AF tends to be different for everyone and everyone is different. Here in the UK, there is a reluctance to offer an ablation on the NHS unless they are reasonably confident that it will improve a patient’s quality of life. I have no idea how the system works in Canada but from what we hear, in the States, ablations tend to be more readily offered which poses some interesting questions. As a general rule, if the first was a Cryoablation then it’s worth having a “touch up” 2nd attempt but if appropriate, lifestyle improvements should be considered first. Good luck with the 2nd, please let us know how you get on and although you have already had one ablation, you may find these factsheets helpful.
heartrhythmalliance.org/res...
heartrhythmalliance.org/res...
Thanks for taking the time to reply FlapJack and for the sage reminder that everyone is so individual in their afib presentations and outcomes post procedures (I for one cannot be cardioverted to SR - well at least not during the two times had done in the past).Have been working on lifestyle modifications to hopefully give me the best chance post ablation (though a sweet still seems to magically appear in my mouth from time to time).
For reference purposes the Canadian system is night and day in comparison to the private options available in the states or even in some regards as to what is offered in the UK. As there are very limited options even for private consultations in Canada (and really no options for private procedures - you would have to head to USA for these) . You are basically at the mercy of the public system which can be a blessing and a curse. Luckily i am in a major city and have finally been connected with an afib clinic/ team (though had to fight to get supported by this clinic by going to emergency rooms more times than i care to Remember over the past 18 months). For the most part ablations seems to be offered quite readily if your quality of life is negatively impacted (though wait times have increased of course due to Covid). Cheers
All sounds very familiar…..all the very best!
Which Afib clinic are you using … I’ve been recently diagnosed and looking for options … my cardiologist said wait times are currently 6 months because of COVID…
I am in Vancouver and am attached to the St Pauls Hospital clinic. Might be a bit of a drive for you though as think you are around the Toronto area😉
Had three. First made things worse, second lasted 9 month third since 2008.
Thanks for the reply BobD - seems that 3 times a charm for you. Keep safe
Had my second 7 weeks ago and so far I would say that it has been unsuccessful. First one was in 2015 and lasted 4 years. I have been told that I need to wait for 3 months before I will get the full benefits of the operation though. They did 2 veins this time but I still have days however I get Afib for no apparent reason and always get it when I do a 30 min walk. I am getting dizzy events most days and waiting for a 5 day monitor to be installed so that they can catch some data to some analysis.
Thanks for the reply. That must be challenging dealing with the episodes so shortly after your second procedure. Like you though I have been told by multiple health professionals and lay persons alike that episodes can happen up to the 3month mark allowing your heart to heal and calm down. My EP advised that he would not judge how well the ablation procedure was working till after 90 days. Hopefully your's stabilizes soon.
I have had two ablations, which failed after a few days. A cardio version which lasted four days. I then had a cryoablation. That worked for eighteen months but now the palpitations are breaking through again. I find the failures very depressing, so don’t expect too much.
Appreciate the reply. That does not sound like the best outcome though I am glad that there was some stability for the last 18 months or so. Can I ask what the next steps might be in your treatment plan? Will they try to stabilize you with meds again and consider another ablation/ cardioversion?
I can empathize though this condition can at times definitely kick you in the arse, mentally and physically. Keep safe
Hi, I have a telephone app on The 12th Oct!!!!! What good is that? I will ask for a face to face as I have everything recorded on my Kardia mobile. Things have calmed down a bit, so manageable. My problem is, in 2015 while having tests, they diagnosed Brugada. I was 69. In case you don’t know, that is a genetic syndrome better known as drop dead syndrome. This is not what I wanted to hear and it has been a Battle mentally not to keep thinking about it. The big problem with that diagnoses is, I cannot take any of the meds that everyone takes. Looks like it’s ablation or nothing. I am pretty special and they really don’t know what to do with me, Having said that, at 75 I am supper fit with no problems except the rhythm problems and occasional AF. I shouldn’t have even got that! My specialist has never known a Brugada patient having AF as well. The good thing, and it saved my sanity, is I am allowed to drive. So that helps me mentally. I suppose the fact I am still here at 75 lowers the odds of me dropping dead! Good luck with your health.
I had my first radio ablation in 2017 and had several breakthroughs about 9 months later, I was given the choice of a second ablation or new meds, took the ablation. I had to wait about 5 months, and didn’t have any more breakthroughs. Second ablation is now two years old. I’ve had three breakthroughs this summer. A dose of flecainide seemed to take care of each one. I think they were all caused by dehydration and a loss of electrolytes. My EP doesn’t do third ablations. He said that’s like finding a needle in a haystack. I’m disappointed by the breakthroughs, but have decided I need to do a better job with diet, exercise and lose some weight. I discovered my AFIB by fainting in the kitchen, so the thought of that happening frightens me greatly. My sister has the same issues, but has not had an ablation.
Thanks for the reply drdubb - Sure the breakthroughs this summer have put you a bit more on edge, but is positive that you have an idea what the triggers might be and that the flecainide remains helpful in supporting NSR. I too continue to work on lifestyle modifications in the hopes that this provides greater heart stability.By no means do I mean any disrespect, but is an EP's job as a specialist not to try and find the needle in the haystack (as this is a bit like saying I only want to work on the straight forward cases?) - having an arbitrary number of ablations she/ he will consider also seems odd. This also does not mesh with the other support group members who have had more than two ablations with some mentioning very positive long term outcomes with more than 2 ablations . All this to say that maybe a second opinion from another EP would not be a bad idea if it gets to that point in the future. Again no disrespect meant here and hope the fall/ winter sees a return to heart stability. Cheers
I’m also Canadian, live in the GTA …🇨🇦
Great! Hope you are well - really appreciate this support site.
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