Second Day Out From Cryoablation with Migraines and Afib Episodes

[willec49]

Had my first cryoablation the day before yesterday and on my second day at home. As others have shared here, I've had migraine with aura every day since the procedure and two today. I hear that these can continue for a couple of weeks or so. Also, a bit discouraging to see my Kardia detect Afib this evening as I hadn't had an afib episode before the ablation since August of last year and some wild fluctuations in blood pressure today. I know these are all usual occurrences post- ablation. I see how a good percentage of this process is psychological and emotional.

[CDreamer]

Hi - yes recovery is often a bit of an emotional roller coaster ride, which is why it helps if you can accept what is for the moment, knowing that this too will pass. Trust your body as right now it needs to heal and healing is a complex process and individually unique.

It has long been accepted that what cures also causes and that’s what’s happening right now. Your heart has been frozen and irritated and is therefore inflamed and your heart is reacting.

Recovery takes rest, care and love for self and a lot of patience. Trust your body to tell you what and what not to do, your mind is too full of “shoulds”.

Best wishes.

[willec49 in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you so much for your response and encouragement. Yes, it's interesting that 20 minutes after the Kardia test showing Afib, another test showed me back in Sinus. I guess it is a process. I will try to "go with the flow."

[Physalis]

I had attacks of migraine every day for eleven days after my ablation. I think it is caused by the catheters they put through from one side of the heart to the other opening up the 'hole in the heart' that some people have. If you don't have this hole then they drill a small hole through which might be smaller but still cause the migraine aura that some people experience.

Gradually, this hole, or flap, closes up again and you stop having the migraine. Bear with it, I did feel wretched but it passed and now I'm fine.

[willec49 in reply to Physalis]

Thanks for your reply, Physalis. Knowing they do stop at some point is comforting and reassuringly

[BobD Volunteer]

As we explain in your fact sheet on recovery, the migraines are caused by the transeptal puncture to get from right to left atria. CD had put it extremely well and all I will add is lock your karia away for a month or two and go with how you feel.

Keep well hydrated and above all REST.

[willec49 in reply to BobD]

Thanks, Bob. Being new to this, I appreciate all of you experienced mentors who so kindly share your knowledge of this process. Yes, it’s hard to resist the impulse to grab that Kardia.

[bassets]

As Bob says, the migraines are usual, if a bit worrying, which I had at first and you need tons of r & r now. Things should settle down when your heart is ready for it. Best of luck

[willec49 in reply to bassets]

Thanks for your reply which is very encouraging. I appreciate it.

[Singwell]

It seems to vary person to person. Definitely don't be despondent about the off AF outbreak especially so soon after. I've just had my 2nd and feel very different than after my 1st - much easier time. But CDreamer is right - patience and being kind to yourself for those 12 weeks and beyond - is what's needed. My 1st wasn't successful as I moved around a lot even when no longer conscious but even them after 6 months I began to feel a lot better for 60% of the time. I went back to fix the work they'd not managed to do and no regrets

[willec49 in reply to Singwell]

Glad to hear your second has been more successful. Continued good health!

[Mouchkin]

I had all those symptoms plus problems with my phrenic nerve. I rested and rested some more. Over time they all got better gradually and now three years down the line my heart is in a brilliant state. Try and take your mind off it and plan to do lovely things while you rest. Hopefully you will say, like I do,it is the best thing I could have done for my health.

[willec49 in reply to Mouchkin]

Thank you for your wise and comforting words. Much appreciated. You are the only one I've seen here to mention the phrenic nerve. My EP told me that, during the procedure, they detected the phrenic nerve being affected and stopped the freezing immediately until its function returned. He said that, by the end of the procedure, its function was fully back. Of course, hearing that, I did some research on that topic and learned quite a bit about how that happens, its ramifications, and the healing process. So happy to hear yours healed back. Continued good health.

[DKBX]

It takes patience. The blanking period’s a b&tch. Best to rest, relax and breathe (lots of yoga). I’ve had 3 ablations, 4 cardioversions and still on rate and rhythm control drugs … so don’t be too discouraged by recovering.

[willec49 in reply to DKBX]

Thans for the encouraging words. I wish you continued good health and happiness.

[Ablation7]

I had severe migraines, which subsided in about a week. Good luck.

[Poochmom]

Interesting that you bring this up. In my research of ablations I came across a study in Europe where they imaged the carotid artery before ablation and then put a Doppler on the brain during the procedure. What they found is that during an ablation, 2,000 to 4,000 micro particles break off and go to the brain. After the ablation there were 100 brain lesions directly following the procedure. It’s not enough to cause a stroke but they believe that is what causes brain fog and the severe headaches following ablation. They say that they disappear 3-6 months later but who knows. Anyway just thought some of you might find it interesting.

[willec49 in reply to Poochmom]

Wow! I'd never heard of this study but it certainly sounds concerning.