8 months post ablations update - Atrial Fibrillati...

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8 months post ablations update

rof182 profile image
12 Replies

Hi all

ending the year I just wanted to post a brief summary how things have developed since my ablation in April 2021.

I think my recovery has followed a similar pattern as described by many others on this site.

I have phased out meds approx. 6 months after surgery. I did not have any episodes since. The PVC that I had developed post surgery almost have disappeared. They are very low intensity, probably normal, healthy levels, and respond to breathing exercises.

After my ablation PVCs have bothered me the most. They seemed frequent despite meds. Whenever I ate unhealthy or had too much activity or stress they took off. I am happy they are mostly gone, regardless what I eat or drink or do... the past days probably have been the ultimate test (nb 1 month ago I started taking vitamin D in the morning. At the same time I experienced a step changes regarding my PVC. It could be coincidental, or not..)

I have started my running routine approx. 3 months after ablation. I am approx 10% behind my previous fitness level. I am 55yrs old, so I probably have to be patient to see progress with or without ablation...

In a nutshell, I am happy I had my ablation done. The key learning has been, while the surgery is not that much of a deal, it takes a long time for your heart and your body to recover.

My advice in case you are considering an ablation, get it done rather sooner then later, but allow sufficient time for your recovery.

Wishing everyone the very best for 2022

Rob

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rof182
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12 Replies
BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer

This should be compulsory reading for some people. Well done.

lovetogarden profile image
lovetogarden

That’s all wonderful news! So glad things have worked out so well for you!

saulger profile image
saulger

Bravo, Rob. May it well continue !

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer

Great post, well done. Question re VitD - the past days probably have been the ultimate test (nb 1 month ago I started taking vitamin D in the morning. At the same time I experienced a step changes regarding my PVC. It could be coincidental, or not..)

Was the step change for the better?

rof182 profile image
rof182 in reply to CDreamer

Yes my ectopic beats have reduced. Not sure if it was for the Vit d or just healing. However I continued talking it.

I'm glad that this has worked out well for you.

Alldone profile image
Alldone

Hey rof182

It’s great to hear things have gone so well for you.

I contacted you a while ago as we seemed to have a similar profile age and fitness levels. Unlike you though I haven’t been brave enough to start running again. I still walk regularly 3-6 miles and at a good pace and as I live in a hilly area, this is a good test. I also help out at a horse racing stables weekly which is hard work, but for some reason I am worried about restarting running and it staring an attack - it makes no sense at alI. In what seems like my previous life I regularly ran 10k and half marathon races so I really miss it.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

rof182 profile image
rof182 in reply to Alldone

Hi Alldone yes I remember our earlier conversations. Happy to read you are doing well. It is difficult giving advice as every case seems different. I did my last half marathon 5 years ago. I stopped running after my Afib episodes became more and more frequent. During the lock downs I started running again, while being on meds (Diltiazem and Fleccide). Prior to my ablation I usually did 6k flat 3 times a week. After my ablation I started doing 3k slowly increasing by 0.5 every week or so. I’m now at 5k running in a hilly area since I have moved. If you feel worried I would still give it some time. Did you talk to your cardiologist about it?

Foxey2 profile image
Foxey2

This has given me so much hope, I’m 2 months post ablation and used to run and cycle 3/4 times a week and miss it so much. Here’s hoping I get back to it with time and patience.

Alldone profile image
Alldone in reply to Foxey2

I do think that patience seems to be the key word. My expectations were probably a bit too high as I was walking by day 2 as I thought it was the right thing to do. But in fairness I wasn’t told otherwise and as a fit person beforehand I believed that getting straight back to it was the right thing to do.I am now 6 months post ablation and whilst I am not actually running, I am able to walk at my previous pace so can’t complain about that.

I am determined to start running again soon, just have to get the first one in and to take it easy and really listen to my body and not just push through.

Best of of luck to you, I’m sure you will be back to it soon!

Alldone profile image
Alldone

HiI did yes and he said to start again and if I get any problems then stop! Simple as that. I am trying to work out the difference between the psychological versus the actual problem here!

I think just get out but start slowly is the way to go if I am honest, if it starts it starts but I won’t know until I try.

5k seems a good target to aim for but slow build up.

Dr-Gohan profile image
Dr-Gohan

Very good advice from my experience concerning the recovery my body has been going through. I'm 8 months out from cryo in April. Still on medication with slight reduction and BP med switched. At 76 yrs, I don't run anymore. I feel good almost everyday. I have found having a full glass of plain water as soon as I get up out of bed really gives me a good start. Half a cup of coffee and ginger tea the rest of the day works well too. Mostly live on fresh fruit andVeggies. The body is an amazing machine and healing has continued in baby steps since my procedure. Loved your post.

Thanks.

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