AV Node Ablation update

[Ashburton51]

It has now been just over a week since I had my AV Node Ablation. I had been extremely nervous beforehand especially knowing that I would be reliant on my pacemaker. The pace and ablate procedure doesn't 'cure' AF but it does control it and I can testify that is absolutely the case. My heart has tried to go into AF and the pacemaker, within minutes, regulates the heart into a normal rhythm. It is a strange feeling and I am sure one I will get used to. But I haven't had any AF episodes which is a miracle having suffered so frequently with them over the past eighteen months. I had had two ablations which didn't work and this was my last hope. I am now steadily recovering from the ablation but my goodness I can at last look forward to living a normal life.

So to anyone who is thinking of going down the pace and ablate route, there is nothing to fear.

[BobD Volunteer]

That is so good to read. By the way I know you are pacemaker dependent but be assured that even if it failed completely you would still survive. Your heart has the ablility to continue beating albeit very slowly so you would be pretty well knocked out until help arrived.

[Ashburton51 in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob that is reassuring to know!

[Tototcx]

Oh my. This is soooo good to read. Such a reassuring post! I'll be your AV node ablation buddy soon and I have been dreading it but this gives me hope. I've really got to stop this blooming amiodarone soon. Although it does work tbf. Here's to a long and rhythmic life 😁😁😁🎉xx

[Ashburton51 in reply to Tototcx]

I am so glad you found my post reassuring. I am only on Apixaban as I had side effects from all the medication I tried over the years. You will be absolutely fine, just take time to recover and heal from the ablation. Stay in touch and good luck!!!

[Tototcx in reply to Ashburton51]

Have they said how long recovery is? I have granddaughter childminding dutiesa couple of days a week! 😁 Very pleasurable but she's 1!!

[Ashburton51 in reply to Tototcx]

Well I am less than two weeks since the ablation and I am finding that I am still really tired and having to have a sleep in the afternoon. So I would think it would be at least a month before you felt like running around with a one year old! Having said that we are all different and I am 70!!!!

[jeanjeannie50]

Good news to hear. Report back and let us know how you get on please.

Jean

[Ashburton51 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks Jean. I will indeed report again in about a months time as I should have fully recovered from the ablation by then. I do hope you are keeping well.Gloria

[Golfer60UK]

Hello from a fellow AV node and pacemaker person, just like yourself life has become much improved with even my golf having a benefit. Like you i was quite nervous being dependant on the pacemaker, also I asked the Cardiologist what happens if it breaks down, she said they dont. In my world most things break at some point but Bob puts it into perspective.

Best thin I have done, like you only on blood thinner

If you live in Ashburton its a lovely area

Best wishes

Dave

[Ashburton51 in reply to Golfer60UK]

Thanks Dave. I just have to get through this recovery period but can already see an improvement in how I used to feel. I am now living in Shrewsbury but went back to Plymouth to have the procedures done as the consultant there was so much better than in Birmingham.I hope you continue to enjoy your golf!

Gloria

[Golfer60UK in reply to Ashburton51]

Hi Gloria, I now live about 3 miles north of Weston Super Mare, relocating from West Midlands. The Consultant I was under was a lady in Bristol, Ashley Nesbit, would recommend her to anyone who is an AF sufferer. Hope your improvement continues to flourish

Best Wishes

Dave J

[Ashburton51 in reply to Golfer60UK]

Thank you Dave

[Ppiman]

My neighbour's sister had this at the end of last year and is doing very well. She's not into computers so hers doesn't automatically send back to the hospital all the data from the PM which means that she has to go in for checks now and again.

Steve

[Ashburton51 in reply to Ppiman]

Yes I will have to go back for checks but that is fine. It means I can stay with my sister again!Gloria

[Ppiman in reply to Ashburton51]

Well - that’s exactly what our neighbour’s sister does and they seem to have a lovely time together. I cut the grass for them last time while they had a natter on the patio!!

Steve

[Turquoise19]

Just wanting to chime in with others on hearing all your reassuring news Ashburton 51.

[Ashburton51 in reply to Turquoise19]

Thank you!

[ETFCfan]

Hello Ashburton, I just wanted to add that as a fellow Pace and Ablate person I am so pleased it has worked for you. I am feeling better than I have for Sven or so years since the dreaded AF kicks in. I get so many comments about how well I look now it’s lovely. Don’t rush things it did take me quite a few months before I was completely better not helped by Covid at the end of January one month after the AV node ablation. Things for me couldn’t be better and hope they stay that way with you too.

[Ashburton51 in reply to ETFCfan]

Thank you. Yes I did too much yesterday thinking I was feeling better but then realised it has been less than two weeks since the ablation. So I am back to taking it very easy which sometimes is difficult when you live alone. But thanks to your post I shall ensure I take it easy for the next few weeks. I can't believe the improvement already.

[Islandee]

I'm so glad you shared your experience. I have an appointment with my doctor next week to decide if I am ready to have the AV node ablation with pacemaker. It makes me nervous to be pacemaker dependent but I have read everything I could find on the procedure but hearing from people that have had it done and feel better is the best way to get information. I had already decided to have the procedure but this reinforces my choice for a better quality of life.

[Islandee]

I have another question for you. Did they do both the pacemaker and ablation at the same time?

[Ashburton51 in reply to Islandee]

I had the pacemaker fitted about two and a half months before the ablation. It's to make sure that the leads are embedded in the heart and don't move. The pacemaker made no difference to my AF but the AV node ablation certainly has.I agree it is so encouraging when you hear from people who have actually had the procedure done.

Good luck and do let us know how you get on.

[Keano99]

That’s great news, we’ll done.

[reinaway]

After months of debating about it I am now on the list. I'm terrified by the prospect but so reassured by all your contributers comments and yours. Looking forward to a more comfortable life and wish you all well 💕

[Ashburton51 in reply to reinaway]

Good luck and make sure you take time to recover.

[reinaway in reply to Ashburton51]

Just had the date this morning and he said he wasn't going to give me time to worry about it and he certainly meant it - it's in 3 weeks!! 🤔

[Ashburton51 in reply to reinaway]

Brilliant! You won't have time to worry about it too much. Just have a positive attitude and all will be well x Don't forget to let us know how you get on.

[MummyLuv]

Wonderful this has worked for you.

[Heartbeat2022]

I hope you are still doing well and have been able to get back to your normal activities!

I had a pacemaker inserted 5 days ago and will have an AV Node ablation in 3 1/2 weeks hopefully if I don't reject the pacemaker due to a silicone sensitivity. The permanency of the AV Node ablation has been the reason I have held out going forward in the past. My symptoms have gotten worse and are restricting my activity. Any thoughts on resuming activities after the AV node ablation?

[stargazer52]

thanks so much for your feedback. I’m nowhere near as breathless as I was but still extremely tired. I feel I will be able to build my strength back up over time. I’m not quite a week yet and I have an appointment in two weeks to have my hr tweeked. It’s at 80bpm at mo and sometimes I feel a bit jittery but it’s great to be able to move about and not feel like collapsing.