Post cryoablation done February 4, questions and thoughts

[M987]

I found this site and you fellow afibbers soon after CA and have learned a lot and wanted to share some information. First I am 65 male and first found I had Afib 7 years ago and got flecanide with EC which got me mostly NSR until this past September. Had a problem after colonoscopy in 2020 as mentioned by someone and that should be a concern for all. But what put me in persistent Afib was a 6 day course of prednisone in September. Big warning to you all.

The reason I found this site and the AFA was the information I was given for recovery after CA was limited and only covered 2 weeks. Since I wasn’t getting a followup with my Dr until 4 weeks I had a lot of questions, some of which were helped with the AFA fact sheets and from this forum. So my questions are:

1. Can you suggest any other good post CA information sources and instructions?

2. I feel great and have already walked 2 miles without being winded. Is traveling for 3 weeks in April an option (obviously I will ask my Dr before booking but wanted your thoughts in advance)?

3. I have read that having had persistent Afib makes CA less successful. I couldn’t get scheduled until over 4 months after prednisone. Do you have experience or thoughts with this?

Finally I wanted to refer anyone who wants more information to the Dr. Afib program and book. Really good information on all aspects of Afib and health, diet, yoga, etc. It does cost $85 after the discount but you also get his $10 ebook for free.

Thank you all in advance,

Michael

[BobD Volunteer]

To anwer your questions

1. We wrote the fact sheet on recovery for the very reason that there was nothing truthful available here in UK. What was around was written by docyors who had never experienced it and totally misleading!

2. I can see no reason not to travel so long as you are sensible, take plenty of time to prevent stress,stay well hydrated at all times and above all LISTEN TO YOU BODY.

3 Nothing is 100% and you may need a repeat procedure (propably RF) as cryo is quite limiting in what it can deal with inside the heart. Best to get too ahead of yourself . By the way here in UK a wait of four months is almost instant so don't even think about it. Most waiting lists are six to twelve months or more .

[M987 in reply to BobD]

Thank you so much for your reply. That’s too bad it takes so long to get a procedure. Have the medical authorities or others noticed reduced success due to the waits particularly with persistent Afib?

[BobD Volunteer in reply to M987]

Whilst many EPs do think that early intervention is best, it would seem from most of the posts receieved here that in many cases the delays are a result of reluctance on the part of the patient. Mention ablation and so many seem to run for the hills in horror.

In fairness there is no best treatment as it is all only for quality of life improvement. There is no difference in end result between ablation, rate or rhythm control strategies , only how the patient feels. Ablation may work for some time but the underlying pre-disposition will still remain and it can return.

[M987 in reply to BobD]

Thank you again for your assistance. One last question for you or others: I occasionally am feeling flushed; warm with cheeks red which can occur sitting but more so from bending over. I check with Kardia and in normal rhythm but higher (70s) heart rate which I understand is to be expected. Have you or others had this experience soon after ablation and is it from higher rate?

[Eliktrick]

Read the Afib Cure and Restart your Heart.. both very informative.

[M987 in reply to Eliktrick]

Thank you for your reply and the book referrals. Can you say which book was most effective at controlling Afib and reducing medications? Any particular advice worth jumping on right away?

[Jajarunner]

I've written exhaustively about recovery from all my ablations on the following blog if it helps. Good luck

hhtafibathlete.blogspot.com...

[M987]

Thank you for your reply and the great information on your blog. The NIH study really shows how much better education and information is needed for post ablation recovery.