ABLATION OR NOT?

[twhill]

Hello, looking for some feedback. I have had two cardioaversions with no benefit. I am taking metropolol 50 mg 2x day, xeralto 20 mg 1/day, and lisiniprol 20 2xday plus inhalers and just starting a cholestrol drug. I seem to be doing better than last year but still in AF. Dr. Recommended ablation but gives 60 to 70 % success rate. Not sure if worth the risk. Seem to be doing ok with medications.

[CDreamer]

I’m not sure either, I think I would stick in your position. If cardioversion had got you back to NSR, even for a few minutes then I might have a go if you were very symptomatic. If cardioversion failed completely & you’re ok with meds then might be worth a go but they are quite low odds for success and recovery from ablation can be lengthy for some.

Obviously your choice.

[Nanirightnow in reply to CDreamer]

Did you have pharmacological or electric cardio conversion? . Are you sure about your diagnostic ? . I ask that because most of the time doctors , having so short time when meeting patients, don’t go really further through electrophysiology cardio studies and think you have atrial fibrillation when you may have atrial flattering or even a SVT or even a sinus tachycardia, but when they cannot solve the heart rhythm alteration through medicine and pharmacological cardioversion, they go directly to ablation which may save the life of patients but it could no be the right method either if you have a SVT or sinus thachycardia . Try to have a second and even a third medical opinion.

[CDreamer in reply to Nanirightnow]

I don't think you meant to post to me but the original poster.

None of your suggestions, thank you, would be of any relevance to my situation having had 2 ablations and now gone with Pacemaker therapy.

I don't believe an ablation will ever 'save the life' of any patient. See BobD's reply below.

[BobD Volunteer]

If cardioversion has not been able to put you back into NSR then I doubt that an ablation would help that much. Remember that any and all treatment for AF is only for quality of life and that provided rate is well controlled there is no "best" treatment at all.

Much as people here know that I am a fan of ablation I would be reluctant to recommend it in your current situation.

[Yogi59 in reply to BobD]

My husband had few cardioversions and 2 ablations without success. Each one lasted about 7 months. Now EP doctor suggests AV node ablation, any thoughts on that?

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Yogi59]

Last chance saloon obviously but one I would go to if needed.

[Yogi59 in reply to BobD]

Thank you for your input

[Hidden]

I’m generally pro ablation therapy too but I also agree with what’s already been said. The only thing I would add is that improvements to lifestyle are known to considerably reduce AF burden ……

[Sheepbreeder]

In my experience of cardioversions they are not intended to provide a "cure" for Afib. In some people they might provide a long term relief but the underlying reasons for the Afib will still be present and it will almost certainly raise its head again. Were you hoping for a "cure" following your cardioversion Twhill?

Ablation is intended to be a "cure" as it seeks to find and negate the source of the problem, at least until the tissues responsible regrow to the extent that it kicks off again either from the same place or elsewhere (quite often encouraged by lifestyle choices I understand). In my case it was 10 years between the first pair of ablations and the second pair. Yes, I needed two successive ablations 6 months apart to get it right first time and then another two 10 years later. All good for another 10 years now I hope.

I'm unsure of what you mean when you say "not sure if its worth the risk". Risk of what I wonder. Risk that you might die during the procedure or risk that you would go through the procedure and it might not result in an immediate success? I know which way I would go but then I'm an optimist and Afib is just another challenge to be surmounted with all of the excellent professional help on offer and of course a positive attitude.

[kalgs]

I had my ablation last September. It changed my life and I’ve been fine since . I went through the same thoughts . The problem with forums is that most people who are successful don’t post . You seem in the main to get a somewhat unbalanced view . Ablation is successful for lots of people .

[Octaviascout]

My personal experience is that I’d stick with your current position. I also have had 2 cardio versions, 2 1/2 years ago now. Both failed to correct my AF. I’ve been in PAF since then on the usual anticoagulant and calcium channel blockers to control my heart rate .. no rhythm correction drugs. Unless your overall quality of life is greatly impaired I would not go for an ablation. I know there are folk out there that have had success with this procedure but as you’ve pointed out nothing is guaranteed. I guess you have to weigh up the risks Vs benefits relating to your personal circumstances.

[TracyAdmin Partner]

The ablation procedure is a very popular form of treatment offered to alleviate symptoms of AF, it can also be offered as an effective alternative to those who are unable to tolerate appropriate medications. Your doctor will have recommend the best form of treatment to you personally ie an ablation on this occasion. If you would like further information about the procedure, please visit our US webpage: heartrhythmalliance.org/afa/us

[dave152248]

Hi I had an ablation done 3 weeks ago and I feel on top of the world, I feel like a completely different person. I use to feel crap every day with my heart skipping all over the place throughout the day then get hit with AF when I went to bed 5 times a month. I'm even now back in the gym weight training and feel stronger than ever. I really panicked about having the ablation done after reading some of the stories, but I glad I went for it as I now feel like I have my life back at 58. Please god I stay this way as I know with AF it could return at anytime but I'm going to stay positive while I feel this good. My recommendation would be to go for it.

Good luck

[mav7]

Is your heart rate and blood pressure well controlled with medications ? And you tolerate the side effects ?

Seems like your dosage is quite high perhaps because you have other heart/health issues ?

For your info, I am 75, heart rate controlled by .50 metoprolol, anticoagulant Eliquis. Had a CV which lasted for 3 days and have chosen to continue only with medications in lieu of surgical procedures. At such time should my condition worsen, would consider.

Good Luck in your decision !

[jaz03]

Hi. I found Metroprolol a disgusting drug. Tired, heart under stress with ECG, pauses the 24 heart monitor discovered and breathlessness, but I hav rapid persistent AF due to Thyroid Papillary undiagnosed (found on carotd arteries scan!).

Not controlled by all Bisoprolol but a Calcium Channel Blocker a.m 120mg Diltiazen and 2.5mg Bisorolol at night. NO MORE PAUSES.

Statin 10mg.

PRADAXA 110mg x twice. (73 years now) Pradaxa does sap my energy and rash. So under suspicion.

Also Synthyroid 125mg.For thyroidectomy and 12 lymph node ectomies. 2 yrs clear Neck Scan. No radio Active Iodine.

Always have a chance to managemyhealth YOURS.

No energy is no happiness. Getting to the bottom.

Wednesday I had a TVT kit Johnson and Johnson - surgical tape partial removal.

No problems with all those anaesthetists worring that my AF cud be over 100. I said at night at rest my heart beat was 48 on 24 heart monitor x 3 times. My shouldersare always cold at night.

Also thyroxin being 1-2 readings above normal.. I tell Drs and specialists to let me monitor and keep 2.0 - 3.0 TSH. I cant do anything about the level of thyroxn Synthyroid.

Apparently liquice upsets thyroid levels and so did the introduced Calcium Channel Blocker.

Take care .. Ablastion should be recommemded by specialists. Apparently it is a REAL OPPORTUNITY to actuaaly see how your is working.

cheri