Hi folks
After eight years 2 ablations my cardiologist suggested I have the pace and ablate procedure as I can’t take the drugs to control my AF Had the pacemaker three weeks ago and the ablation on Thursday so I am now totally pacemaker dependent. Abit sore but doing well
Glad to hear that.
Hope it helps for you. I chose same but the Pacemaker on it’s own stopped the AF so I cancelled the AV node ablation. Generally, it seems to be the last resort solution but frankly I wish it had been a 1st choice! The drugs and ablations just made things worse for me over all.
Take care.
That's very interesting and glad it worked out so well for you. Do you know how common that is, ie a Pacemaker on its own stopping afib? If not a rarity, I guess another reason to have the Pacemaker put in prior to the AV node ablation, as often they are done at the same time.
In no way shape or form suggesting anything, but I assume this leaves you with the option in the future of removing the pacemaker if some enticing procedure or therapy for afib came along.
Jim
I couldn’t give you figures - I know of one other on this forum with a similar experience and a quote from my EP who said “About a dozen of my patients had a similar experience and cancelled their AV node ablation after implant”. I have had the very odd episode, always when I was ill ie: COVID with pneumonia, a virus infection, another separate dose of pneumonia but my heart rate stayed relatively (for me) low at 135 ish and the episodes were short lived whereas mine used to go on for days with very high rates. I’ve had 4 episodes since implant in 2018.
Medtronic have an exclusive AF algorithm which they say can reduce or stop AF and they were trialling a new Pacemaker in Europe designed especially for AF. They quote figures of about 40-50% efficacy in stopping AF and not just symptom control.
Hope that helps.
Thank you, very helpful and something to file away.
I have read that various tachycardia's such as atach or aflutter can be the predominant trigger mechanism for afib in some people. I wonder if that could be the case with you and the others where the pacemaker eliminated or significantly decreased the incidence of afib? I imagine being in NSR with a pace maker translates into a better QOL than remaining in afib with a pacemaker. Glad it worked out like that.
Jim
Me too, I’ve had Pace and Ablate and wonder why it took two cardioversions, all possible drugs, three long ablations and seven years before I was offered one. I do understand it’s final and the last option but like you CDreamer wish it wasn’t!
I totally agree. I had the same experience after having 3 ablations that didn’t work and drugs made made sick. Guess they hope each ablation will do the trick but it’s a lot of procedures when it seems like there really is no cure more of a “vacation “ from it and some are lucky enough that vacation lasts a long time.
Wishing you every success on Thursday 👍
Wishing you good health henceforth and complete success. Saul
Wishing you lots of good health now. I'm heading this way but still waiting for that final push to get me there.! I'm reading, reading, reading, trying to get as many facts and figures together to help me to take that final jump!Take good care
Pace and Ablate . I have been 100% paced since the AV node ablation in February and, for the most part, feel much better. The AFib hasn’t gone away, of course, my Atria are still doing their rock n rollin’ thing, but they don’t affect my activity in the way that they used to. I still feel breathless, sometimes, when walking uphill or stairs and often feel frustrated by the lack of consistency in my general condition although I do have much more energy. When things don’t ‘feel’ right I remind myself that I am 78 and almost certainly have mild lung problems. Life for me really is a trade off between Age/Heart/Lungs, but I’m still here and enjoying Life.
Good health going forward
I had my AV Node ablation five weeks ago and although I am still experiencing tiredness and having to have a rest in the afternoons, I am feeling so much better and am really glad I went ahead with the pace and ablate procedure. I had two ablations and was in AF most days. I really feel that I have been given my life back.
I wish you luck and am sure you won't regret the decision.
How long after your pacemaker placement did it take to where you were comfortable and not in pain and able to get around. I had three ablations and tried so many medications which didn't help so I will get the pace and ablate in August. We are having a "surprise" visit from a friend from out of state 3 days after I get my pacemaker. Will I feel up to visiting and driving around with her. The timing isn't great for me but she understands and we will do what we can.
Thank you.
Pace & Ablate 2nd part
