Second ablation

[N400033]

I am also struggling with having a second ablation. While propafenone is stopping the AFIB, it is causing causing fatigue and weakness which is affecting my qol. I can not take anticoagulants so I have had Watchman device, pacemaker, and a first ablation. It was very successful for several years. I am considering a "touch up" ablation as I would like to get rid of the propafenone, but I havent made that decision. Any comments to help me make that decision?

Jodie

[BobD Volunteer]

What is stopping you? I had three until 2008 when my AF was finally kicked into touch.

[CDreamer]

Bob asks a good question- what is causing you to hesitate?

I don’t take any meds for my heart now & generally other than anticoagulants which I’m happy with and feel SO much better as the meds had horrible affects for me.

[Buffafly]

Propafenone is horrible stuff! I’d rather have AF as long as it wasn’t too frequent. What would happen if you stopped taking it anyway? I can’t take the usual anti arrhythmic meds, just put up with the occasional episode of AF.

[N400033]

Thank you guys for the responses. I am supposed to be taking 3 tablets a day. I have reduced to 2 tablets a day. I think I will try to go with 1 per day and see if that helps with the side effects but keeps the AFIB episodes at a minimum.

[ETFCfan]

Hi Jodie,According to lots of research and anecdotal evidence here a second ablation is often needed and more successful than the first. My second ablation was very successful and I had a good long spell in sinus rhythm before a nasty viral illness but me back in AF. (Pre Covid).

The second one was shorter than the first as they are in effect tidying up and in my opinion way better than the strong drugs that you are taking.

Wishing you good luck and good health for the New Year.

Lynne

[N400033 in reply to ETFCfan]

Thank you Lynne.

[Jetcat]

Hi Jodie, don’t struggle with it. You’ve done it once so I’d give it another go.It took 3 ablations to get me sorted and then I didn’t need the propafonone👍 I did have a fourth touch up procedure planned but was well delayed then cancelled because the start of covid situation 2 years ago. But thankfully Iv been great without the touch up.

Best wishes. Ron

[Mamamarilyn]

Hi Jodie, Sorry to hear you're having trouble with Propafenone. I haven't had any ablations but have taken Prop. for five years. I take one three times a day and it seems to work very well for me BUT every couple of weeks I will have a day when I'm so absolutely exhausted that I do nothing all day. It doesn't last for longer than a day though.I wish you well and hope you can find a solution which helps.

[ETHEL103]

I'm on a list for an ablation ,goodness knows how long the wait will be .