ive had an ablation 8 year's.ago. been fine . No meds since.
very fit.run alot, cycle a bit. Menopausal however.
twice in last 2 months I've had a couple of hours of af and had to take flecainide to settle it.
Both times were a few days after a long run. Half marathon (
not sure if it's exercise or menopause or just that it's been 8years since the ablation.
Crystal ball springs mind howesgilly but it sounds as though you are doing very well. I notice from your profile that you experienced some blips about 4 years ago which I assume settled down. I know you won’t want to hear this but I think the clue is in your post. Maybe now is the time to rethink your exercise regime. I’m not medically trained and I’m certainly no expert on the menopause but from what little I think I know, it’s likely that your body is under more pressure than normal and running half marathons may be the straw that breaks the camels back. It might be a good idea to see your EP to get a professional opinion but excessive exercise is unlikely to help…….
Thank you. I don't have an EP. Discharged from all services. I don't plan any more half marathons for a while so will see.
I’ll feel lucky if it lasts 8 years.
You might want to read the "haywire heart" by Dr. John Mandrola. He is an ep and also has afib. He didn't run marathons but he did similar cycling. His book talks about endurance training and racing and how it can be counterproductive in terms of a fib.
Jim
My AF was brought on by cross country skiing, sprinting, cycling up hills.....so no more half marathons!!
My ablation lasted three & a half years.
I’m convinced my AF started with the menopause, I kept batting on at my EP, Dr and anyone who would listen but nobody took me seriously, eventually after trying herbal treatment for my menopause symptoms I decided to try hrt, low and behold I felt different within about 2 weeks. I had no AF for the 14 months I took it for. I stopped the hrt just after my 60th birthday following medical advice, within 4 weeks I had Af requiring cardioverting and have had 2 more episodes since. Slowly I think the link might be made as my EP had written on my notes that interestingly I had recently stopped hrt just before the onset of AF. I’m now in af awaiting a convergent hybrid mini maze procedure. Can’t comment on the excessive sport element as don’t even run for the bus.
I had 2 ablations and was fine for nearly 8 yrs. Then had another one - laseted about 2 yrs, then another which lasted one 18 months. Last one operation was 7 hrs and found 5 areas to treat. Think it 'depends' on you, age, etc.
I have had 2 ablations. The first completely failed, the second lasted a day, waiting to hear if they'll try a third...so I'm not in a comparable position. But I think 8 years is very good going, especially if you've been able to be fit and well enough to train for half marathons during that time. Well done you. I could only dream of that, not because I'm unfit but because my heart would not play ball!As others have said you do need to be careful though.
I've had af for 18 years and it's only the last 2 years that have been particularly troublesome. One theory (favoured by cardiologist) is that this was exacerbated by covid. I don't disagree with this but I also think menopause has played its part too. I've been on HRT for last couple of months and feel a lot better as a result. Hasn't cured the AF obviously but the fatigue is improved. Food for thought!
I have recently had my first episode of AF in seven years following cryoablation. That was in March so I consider myself still pretty much AF free although I am only too aware that AF begets AF. Nevertheless it has been a wonderful seven years without AF so the ablation was more than worthwhile. If AF becomes troublesome in future I will certainly have another if appropriate
Peter
I am almost 9 years in. I get odd short slow episode of af but that’s it. I’m 73 and keeping fingers and everything crossed that it stays as it is.
I was an “elite endurance athlete” I am now a masters level athlete. As far as I can tell my afib is as a result of long distance training. Read Haywire Heart it has much to say about this as a risk factor
When I went in for my ablation I was shocked at how many of the others I was talking to in the ward came in for cardioversion.
Competitive rowers, club cyclist, runner. They all said they were really pushing themselves in training when their hearts suddenly went out of rhythm
Menopause can really throw us women's bodies out of whack. Because the hormones are out of whack. So that can cause us problems. But I don't think many Drs take that into consideration....
I totally agree with you
How Long do Ablations Last?
how many of you refuse an ablation 
Successful Ablation anniversary ❣️
How long for ablation follow up NHS?
Was ablation successful?
