6 days post ablation

[Dawfor]

Good morning all.

Had my PAF/Aflutter RFA on Monday and feeling quite wobbly still. Have had a couple of episodes (both in the morning) when just walking down the stairs I felt as if I might pass out, became breathless and had to lie down for 10 minutes to recover. My Kardia just said tachycardia of about 100 and my B/P is okay in between episodes. I’m assuming it’s my heart adjusting to its new state as my resting HR has gone from 50 bpm to 80 post-ablation. I know from this wonderful forum that fatigue and shortness of breath are very common after the procedure but was wondering what symptoms are considered significant enough to warrant asking for medical advice. I know if I felt that bad constantly I would have spoken to someone by now but as they are intermittent I am uncertain if I should just consider them par for the course and know they will ease. Would be very grateful for any similar experiences/advice.

[Zeinmassri]

Hello I was in a very similar situation. I am speaking strictly based on my circumstance because I have HOCM and I suffer from atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. I did two different ablation for atrial flutter only and both time when I came out I experienced the same symptoms as you. It was like my heart started to behave differently and with in 2 weeks post ablation my heart became in a state of persistent flutter so it proved that my ablation both times were proven not successful. Honestly I have read a lot about post ablation and if it’s normal to have episode like that but I have received different answers from different electrophysiologist some same it’s perfectly normal to still experience the arrhythmias for up to 3 weeks but I also have had electro physiologist tell me that it should take effect immediately and you should not experience anymore arrhythmia. So not sure who to believe but my advice to you would be continue to monitor and if past the 3 weeks mark still experiencing the episodes contact your EP and request a holter monitor so you can prove to them that The arrhythmia is still there. Also are you taking any medication post ablation you should be taking beta blockers and also anti arrhythmia medication as well I found it’s been helping me a lot.I hope my reply is some what helpful for you and I pray that for you it’s just minor hick ups and you on the road to a full recovery

[Dawfor in reply to Zeinmassri]

Many thanks for this. It is very helpful. I have carried on taking my meds. I don’t think I’m having an Arrythmia as I never used to feel like this before when I was in AF and my Kardia agrees. Hopefully it is just settling down so I will just,as you suggest monitor it for now. Many thanks again.

[jeanjeannie50]

Do you know what your BP is? Sometimes, if low, this can cause the feeling faint that you had. Drinking more water could help. Certainly having periods of feeling unwell and totally exhausted for several weeks after the ablation is normal. I would say if you have heart pain, nausea and feel hot and sweaty that would be the time to get urgent medical advice. Don't forget that there is the 111 NHS no to call for advice if you need it. Tomorrow you could ring your AF nurse and have a chat with her/him about how you are feeling.

It can be a worrying time after an ablation, mostly because we think we're going to be instantly better afterwards. I think I felt ok each time I left hospital after ablations, but then it would all go downhill with extreme tiredness etc.

Jean

[Dawfor in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Hi Jean. Many thanks for responding. I haven’t been able to do my blood pressure when I am feeling really grotty as I just need to lie down. It is normal the rest of the time and I have been trying hard to drink lots of water. I think you’re absolutely right about the downward trajectory as I was almost buzzing the day after the procedure and thinking the recovery won’t be too bad after all! I think 111 would probably err on the side of caution and say go to A&E which I really don’t want to do unless I feel absolutely dreadful. I think I’ll see if the same thing happens over the next two days and if it happens again will,as you suggest contact the team on Monday.Many thanks again.

[jeanjeannie50]

That doesn't sound right if you're feeling too bad to take your BP. Do you have someone with you? You know, quite often the 111 no. will send paramedics to check you over and they will decide if you need to go to hospital or not.

Jean

[Dawfor]

Hi Jean. I wasn’t aware that 111 could send someone out. Knowing that I may very well ring if it happens again as I really do feel too awful to do anything other than lie down. Fingers crossed I won’t need to but I really appreciate your advice. I am finding it hard to know what to do for the best at the moment and don’t want to make a fuss.

[bassets]

I had a few instances after my ablation where I felt as though someone had turned a tap on and my energy simply drained away. But after a rest I was well enough to get up again. If this keeps on I should follow Jeannie's advice and ring for help. Mq=ake that fuss!Best wishes.

[Dawfor in reply to bassets]

Many thanks bassets.

[jeanjeannie50]

How are you today?

[Dawfor in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Hi Jean. Thanks for checking in. The same thing happened twice this morning. Managed to do my B/P at the time and it was a little low but normal for me. I am feeling more tired generally today so have been taking it really easy. It just seems strange that it only happens first thing in the morning but I will definitely contact the Arrythmia nurses tomorrow as I’m wondering whether my meds are contributing to it. Hopefully just a blip but I think I’ll shelf my plan to maybe go back to work this week!

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Dawfor]

It doesn't happen when you get out of bed, does it?

[Dawfor in reply to jeanjeannie50]

It isn’t straightaway. Was wondering if it’s postural hypotension but the feeling comes on when I have been moving around for a short while so I don’t think it’s that.

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Dawfor]

That's what I was wondering. It's harder work for the heart to pump blood around when we stand up. Yes, ring nurse tomorrow.

[Dawfor in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Hi Jean. Just thought I’d update you. Was feeling awful this morning and no response from Arrythmia Nurse so went to my local A&E. Chaotically busy but had various tests done. Chest x-ray normal and bloods okay apart from elevated troponin which is to be expected apparently. Cardiology Reg did bedside ECHO and said it was normal. Then came back and said it might not be normal! Got sent to have a proper ECHO and then got told I have a 1.2 cm pericardial effusion. Sonographer said wasn’t significant but Dr Google advises it is a moderate effusion. Doc thought it wasn’t responsible for my symptoms but couldn’t explain what might be causing them and discharged me. Wasn’t very reassuring. Feeling better now as I usually do in the evening. Have left a message with my team but often it takes days for them to respond. Just have to get on with it I guess. Hope you’ve had a good day.

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Dawfor]

Bless you, what a worry it all is. It sometimes appears that we have procedures done and then are totally abandoned to -just get on with it! Hopefully your arrhythmia nurse will be more interested. I'm afraid I don't know what 1.2 cm pericardial effusion is, but will go and have a look. I trained at the school of Dr Google too.

Hope you soon feel better and that your nurse contacts you.

Jean

[Dawfor in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks Jean.

[seasicksurf]

I had the same procedure you did and felt poorly for a few weeks (variable heart rate and strange beats). I felt very poorly and anxious. However, it all improved gradually as my heart healed and circuitry remodeled. It took a full 8 weeks to get my confidence back and now (6 months) I’m feeling very good, exercising daily and going about my business without even a thought of the old me. Healing is slow and your heart remodeling is a process, different for everyone. Give yourself some healing, restful time and these anxious moments will ultimately fade as you get better. All the best to you.

[Dawfor in reply to seasicksurf]

Good to hear that all is well now after feeling so unwell at the beginning. As you say, it’s probably just about giving it time to heal. Thanks for your encouragement.