Etopics after Ablation

[Foxey2]

Good morning, I had my Ablation just over 2 weeks ago. I’ve been getting what I presume are etopics which is normal from the fact sheet but it was just the frequency I was concerned about. It seems to be happening continuously through the day and night from the beginning, I presumed it would just be every now and then and not as frequently as it is, also occasionally accompanied with an aching sensation in my chest. Has anyone else experienced this, just concerned as due to go back to work tomorrow to a fairly stressful job. Thanks

[pottypete1]

I had increasing ectopics after my last ablation 4 years ago.

However as time has gone by I have had less and less episodes of rhythm problems and Ectopics.

You do have to give it time.

In the meantime try to not get stressed and remember just because you have no outward signs of the ablation your heart will have had a real shock. Just imagine if the radio frequency burns were visible on your body.

You still need to take it easy.

Pete

[Foxey2 in reply to pottypete1]

Hopefully they will reduce in time, they are just annoying as I feel them as a hard thud in my chest

[Ppiman in reply to Foxey2]

This is exactly how I feel them, now over two years after my ablation for atrial flutter. I've had them much of my life, in fact, but they are more noticeable and frequent nowadays and I don't think for one minute the reason is only awareness. When frequent, they are difficult to ignore. I've been told they are "benign" so not to worry. I was also told that they can occur as "PACs" in the same place as AF and might well be a trigger for it. When I get AF, which is only occasionally, I have to say, there's not much difference between the two in how I feel.

Steve

[Foxey2 in reply to Ppiman]

Yes the etopics I am getting are really strong and I definitely wouldn’t be able to ignore them. The consultant is calling next week so I will bring it up with him. I was hoping they would go completely, here’s hoping

[Ppiman in reply to Foxey2]

There’s no doubt in my mind that anxiety plays a big role in how I feel but the ectopics are undoubtedly stronger these days. Best of luck when you see your doctor - s/he’ll sort you out!

Steve

[CDreamer]

Try some of the breathing techniques which really help lessen the intensity and frequency.

[Foxey2 in reply to CDreamer]

I will try this, thank you

[jeff1257]

I had ablation about 9 weeks ago. Still have more ectopics than before ablation; or at least I’m more aware of them.

[splashrollandplod]

In the first few weeks after ablation for PAF I had quite a lot of ectopics, especially after walking or climbing the stairs. Then it reduced. I do a Kardia ecg most days and I’d say I had 1-12 ectopics/minute in first 7 weeks and have only had 1 or 2 days with any ectopics in the 6 weeks since then and then only 1 or 2 ectopics. I should get Cardiologist follow up this month (Nov) and I’ll do a graphical analysis for that and post it on here. (Although everyone is different obviously).

[listerines]

Hello Foxey2- certainly if you are dealing with hours and hours of ectopics then this can certainly feel alot like afib and frankly perhaps just as challenging if the ectopics are severe. Though as others have mentioned, ectopics (pacs and pvcs) , are generally thought of as being benign by medical professionals. However, this is not necessarily the case if the ectopics are continuously severe and in the 10000s a day for weeks/ months on end. Probably best to discuss further with your medical team if ectopics are severe and continuous post ablation.

Some people have good success with reducing ectopics with mild to moderate exercise, breathing exercises, magnesium and potassium supplements, acupuncture and stretching/ yoga. If severe health professionals can prescribe betablockers and antiarrhythmics and possibly even ablation in very challenging cases.

I have had periods of them nearly every day for 18 months now even though my afib has been quite well behaved over that time period (2 ablations in this time period). Sometimes i will have 10s to 100s a day which is mildly disconcerting but liveable - at their peak was over 10000 a day and that was far more challenging as this felt worse than an afib episode.

For the most part though ectopics can wax and wane on their own. And are certainly not always a precursor to afib. Keep safe and definitely get some peace of mind from your health team.