My first post here after benefiting from the knowledge and experience on this forum. I'm posting now after having had a cryoablation for AF at Barts on 27th September. All is good so far with a nice steady sinus rhythm, fading bruising in the groin area and no infection of the small incision wound. I'm feeling very fortunate and grateful to have had such wonderful treatment and care from the team at Barts. I've taken it very easy for the last week and will continue to do so before a planned return to part time work in 3 weeks time. I'm currently on Rivaroxaban and Flecainide.
The procedure was under sedation and lasted for approx 1.5 hours. I was concerned about the level of sedation beforehand, however I think it was judged very well as I don't recall any real discomfort and lost track of time whilst being aware of the activity around me. There were some unusual sensations with the most pronounced being the extended hard "hiccuping" caused I think due to stimulation of the phrenic nerve when the freezing/ablating was going on.
My first encounter with AF was in July 2017 when I found I was unusually breathless whilst out on a run. A cardioversion in September 2017 kept me in sinus until late last year when I found I was getting increasingly frequent, short (10-15 second) heart rate peaks on my HR monitor whilst exercising. Despite trying different approaches to reduce the peaks the AF became persistent in March this year. After a private consultation with an EP from Barts I was able to get a referral from my GP for an ablation. I was on the NHS waiting list for 5 months as a category 2 (of 3) priority. I think this is a very good result considering all the difficulties the NHS has encountered during the pandemic. Thank you NHS!
I've been an active runner and cyclist for the past 25 years and my Father has been living with AF for 10+ years. I think that helps to explain why I'm on this journey. I've reached the stage in life where I will be happy to get into the great outdoors whilst taking things more sedately. Definitely not pushing my limits as was sometimes the case, but I have had some great times and experiences doing so!
Onwards, but gently
M
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motog
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Onwards but gently! I think I said much the same after my ablation once things had begun to settle. Had a bit of a dodgy time and in my case need a touch-up. Like you I'm really grateful to have had this treatment especially at this time. You've got a realistic and positive attitude there and I'm sure you'll do well.
Good stuff……but don’t get tempted, we know what you competitive chaps are like 😉🤔👍
Thank you for your note. I'm at day T+1, having received my PVI cryo-ablation yesterday. Trying to mimic your approach....."onwards but gently". Although I wasn't persistent, my AF morphed in the last 6 months or so into exactly what you describe. I'd head out on the bike, as slow as a bike will go and remain upright.....But I live in a hilly area, and as soon as the bike pitches up the HR would shoot up. I'd pull to the side of the road and take a quick ECG, seeing AF indicated. By the time I gently rolled back home or sat for 2-3 minutes I'd be back in Sinus. Catch another hill and the same thing happened. In fact, one time I simply dismounted and walked the bike up the last small gradient, only for it to happen yet again. It was time to do something, and not only because this was bad, but precisely because it was not yet THAT bad....I was still readily jumping back into NSR. Anyway, I'm right there with you now. Keep us updated on your progress. Good Luck!
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