I love this forum and it has helped me several times with my AF related issues. I now need a serioustalking to about my upcoming ablation pleeese!
I have had af since 2008, take no medication apart from Apixoban and my episodes are roughly every 8 weeks, sometimes little longer. They are always horribly symptomatic and wipe me out but usually revert to sinus rhythm in anything up to 9 hours. I am 74, not overweight, lead a full life and get on as best as I can with this condition.
My fretting now is the risks of the ablation. I read on here, Bob, Phyllis, Flapjack and others and feel VERY encouraged, and then another time I will read about others who have had a horrible experience and wouldn't dream of having another ablation.
to keep it short I am planning to visit family in Australia mid December. Ive travelled several times before with no problems. My EP told me to go ahead and book the tickets which I have done. by then it will be two months post ablation IF I take it up.
Im concerned now reading others experiences that I may not be fit enough
will I come out with a worse arrthymia, not to mention stroke and perforated oesophagus aargh! Please can someone give me some soothing positive thoughts about this. I go to bed thinking about it and wake up the same!
thank you for any thoughts
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foxglove1
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Natural to think the worst, but thousands of these are carried out every week (probably) with no major complications.
As with anything, there is risk. I've had 5 Ablations and no major complications.
I fainted on the table once, I wouldn't pass out with sedation to be cardioverted once, my wound bled quite a lot on the first one (so needed a fem-stop on for every one after that), I had visual disturbances for a few days after one, I had an ectopic beat for a few weeks after one, I had a corking bruise after one that spread from groin almost to knee.
I don't see any of these as major complications, just side effects of the successful fight against AF reoccurrence.
Naturally at the time I was worried going into the lab and so on, but I didn't want to feel as bad as AF/Flutter was making me feel and how badly it was affecting my quality of life (debilitating episodes of AF, not reverting to NSR without DC cardioversion - I've had 22)
Feel free to look back at some of my posts (there are a lot) about ablation updates. I'd still recommend having one.
This forum has nearly 26,000 members. In the UK alone, around 10,000 ablations are performed every year. By their very nature, forums tend to attract people who either are seeking general information about their condition or more likely, are experiencing problems. Apart from the comments the forum attracts from people within 6 months (blanking period), the adverse comments the forum attracts are few and far between. Whilst this doesn’t mean that the majority of the 10k who have an ablation don’t experience any problems, it does suggest they are not bad enough for them to seek support from a forum which is well publicised and easily available to anyone who needs help.
Of course, everyone should be cautious about what treatment they decide to have and be mindful of any associated risks but in the eyes of the medical profession, an ablation is a relatively low risk procedure…….
• in reply to
Ps, with my EP’s approval, we went on a 3 wk self drive tour in the States 2 months after my ablation and had no problems……
I believe Foxglove is also weighing up the fact that sometimes folks get more episodes AFTER ABLATION. In other words not only the risks during the procedure.
Concern is normal and sadly as I have said many times, it is usually the bad stories which come here as all the good results tend to rush off and enjoy their lives without looking back . Nobody knows what is in the future but two months post procedure you should be just fine. There are far more serious things in the world right now that could scupper any of our plans. Live every day as your last because one day you will be right.
Go book that trip and your ablation and enjoy the rest of your life.
Read the preparing for and recovering from ablation fact sheets we supply and go for it.
thank you thank you Bob, FJ and Jed. I know its makes sense but its on my mind all the time. Im going ahead with it but just got to get my head straight. btw FJ I have MG at st G's, so fingers crossed. thank you again
I had an ablation about 3/4 weeks ago. No issues and I had a GA. Still having episodes but not in Af all the time. I’m in Australia and I have traveled with AF. Just make sure you declare it on your health insurance. Dont stop your life just because of this. Enjoy!
If you thought you could manage the Australian trip as you are you could postpone the ablation? I’d be thrilled if my episodes lasted less than nine hours. It’s no different to getting a tummy bug (probably better) or migraine. You could be the unusual person who has worse symptoms after ablation so to be completely on the safe side postponement seems the best option if you would worry less. Of course your EP could say that it can’t be that bad after all……
I am surprised you take no medication as it seems an ideal situation for a PIP but there must be a good reason why you don’t.
thanks Buffafly. I have thought of doing this, postponing till after I return, but then i question myself for being feeble. Ive had af since 2008 and travelled all over the place including four trips to family in Australia and no problems, and no episodes. EP didnt seen any issue, just to go ahead and buy the tickets.re meds My HR is on the low side and ep did not think me a good candidate for Bisop or the other one and I have never been offered Flecanide. so only Apixoban.
thanks you for your thoughts, it all helps! all the best
The more I read from you I just want to say just go for it you’ll be OK. Are you on a blood thinner? Remember we are all different so there is no one right answer the one that knows you’re the best is your doctor besides yourself. Lol As I tell people, my EP/cardiologist knows me inside and out 😊
I had a cardiac ablation almost two weeks ago and was absolutely terrified beforehand. I rarely had afib but the medical people seemed to believe that it would be better to have the ablation than not. I wavered but went ahead and did it. So far, I am fine! I go for my follow up tomorrow but have pretty much gone about my life as usual. I am 77 and am in what I would call good health for someone my age. I walk for an hour 5 days a week and do gentle yoga 3 x per week. I figured I would listen to the scientists (my docs) and do the ablation. So far, no regrets.
thanks SCCDL. I thought I had replied but it has not appeared so apologies if you hear from me twice. I was pleased to hear that you were also terrified at the thought of an ablation but so pleased to hear you are fine so far! I had the thoughts and advice that despite not having a heavy burden of these episodes, they were increasing and eventually i would have to go down the ablation route and may as well do it now whilst relatively fit and young 74 haha! May i ask did you have a general and if so how long were you under as that is another of my concerns? i have read some people are out for 8 hours plus! Good luck with your follow up and keep arrhythmia free.
I did have general anesthesia , and I agree that I didn't want to be squirming around while the doc was working on my heart. Not sure about length, but I do know I wasn't out for more than 3 hours and probably less than that. I had a CT heart scan a couple of months prior that I suppose helped the cardiologist plan his work on my heart. When I woke up from the ablation, there were two very nice looking male nurses applying pressure to the areas where the wires were inserted. Despite their kindness and good looks, that was the worst part. They had to apply pressure for 15 minutes. After that, things got better,
though I did have to lie still for 2.5 hours. Then I had to sit up in bed for 2.5 additional hours. Then they got me up, let me walk around a bit, put my clothes on, and go home!
What a relief to have that over! I hope I never have to do that again but will not approach the idea with the sheer terror that I felt the first time. Take heart (pun!) in knowing that the procedure has been greatly improved over time and that this procedure is done many many times a day.
I had to stay in for 3nights after 1st ablation as I had to have cardioversion next day as went into af next morning. Only 1 night stay for the next 3 but, never felt well enough to go home same day. Amazing you felt so well
Good morning Everyone has been SO reassuring, thank you, and your responses SCDDL as you went through this “nightmare” very recently. I’m more or less decided (I think!!) to go ahead in mid October.
3 hours or so being under doesn’t sound too bad - I did read of someone on the forum who described seeing the clock in the cath lab at 0830 and not seeing the time again again until 5 something. I think I’ve got that right but know it was a long time to be under.
I am sorry to everyone who goes through much worse AF episodes than I do but it’s in my DNA to worry!
Like you all I just want to get on with life and do as much as poss to get rid/improve this horrible condition.
Hi foxglove1, I’m so happy you asked about ablation I’m on a long list for one here in NZ . You expressed my fears exactly in your question thank you! I’m feeling better after reading all the replies, a big thank you to everyone. Wishing you well and a fabulous trip to Aussie xxx
? Do they do RADIO FREQUENCY ABLASION or Maze or the Hybrid in NZ. We have to go to Auckland Hospital. A chap went down 3 times all prepped before he got his.
Hi foxglove1 I had my RF ablation 4 years ago, just had light sedation, lying on the table for 4 hours was the most uncomfortable part of it, it was quite interesting lying there listening to the EP and his No2 chatting away 'right ventricle 18 then rattling off more numbers and then 3.5amps (i think it was amps) then the machine would start, it felt a little uncomfortable while ablating the heart but at no time was I in any pain
I fell asleep towards the end of the procedure, woke up on the ward.
Stayed overnight as my op was late afternoon back home the next day
A few visual disturbances over the next few days , one AF episode which lasted about an hour, ectopic's which I take magnesium turate for and it works for me.
So here I am 4 years later completely AF free
To anyone I would go for it, it has changed my life no more hospital visits.
Bob once said that you will know when the time is right for ablation and never a truer word was spoken. Speaking only for myself, my quality of life was so poor that , even having had a nasty complication previously, another ablation still seemed a good prospect and when offered one I seized the opportunity. If my quality of life had still been good I think I may have thought twice about it but probably would still have gone ahead.
I think that everyone needs to be aware of the possible consequences and make their own decisions but ultimately I think your body tells you what to do.
I can’t comment on the trip to Australia as not being a great traveller, it would be daunting for me even in tip top condition.
Foxglove go for it. As BobD says live every day as though it is your last. I hummed and haahed about going to Moscow and St Petersburg and now I am not fit enough. I regret not doing it whilst I had the chance.
i have had two ablations. Both in my seventies. it is nothing to worry about as you recover very quickly. i recovered in a week . The first one did not work but the he second one ddid one did. My heart has now been fine for 4 years.
Only your doctor can know your heart well enough to be able to assuage your entirely natural fears. From my reading, the oesophagus isn't often pressing against the left atrium, so he will know if yours is; similarly, any oddities in your pulmonary vein structure will have been accounted for and won't be an issue; finally, the septum does have to be punctured, but that is such a safe procedure now as not to be a concern.
My son's colleague, still a working teacher, is now 76 and he's had, I believe, 5, maybe six, ablations and has never had any problems from the procedure.
So... breathe a little easier but email your doctor with your fears, perhaps?
My first two ablations went great. Going home after my procedure that evening would not of known I had anything done. I honestly felt good especially because my heart was in normal rhythm. My first lasted six months than I needed another one in a different area that lasted 15 months. When we need another ablation it is because there is a new spot it’s not that the first one failed. There’s just no way of knowing. There are so many variables with each one of us and the procedure. This last time around I have had issues but it was a more aggressive procedure on the vein of Marshall As well as other areas in there. I knew it could take up to a year to heal. I am not sorry I had any of them. I have been having issues but It was because I had an inflammation called pericarditis. I am prone to that probably it was not helped by having Covid in March about a month before my procedure. See what I mean about variables. Only you can decide about your quality of life. If I need another ablation I will get it because I have permanent afib and I do not want to continue feeling like I do when it is active. I am laying here tonight and my heart is quiet. My pulse rate is down to 105 from 145 because I am back on my med. They have come along way when it comes to doing procedures now. I did not feel it was a big deal because they took such good care of me. Best of luck with your choice. Weigh it all out. Because of the permanent a fib my heart would’ve worn out quicker and I would be miserable all of the time. Having had the two breaks from the previous ablation I got a sample of her feeling good again could be.
Had similar symptoms and despite medication a heart rate of 160 when in AF and resting 100. Had the ablation in July and I would recommend it to anyone. Instantly better the minute I came round. Resting heart rate 60 to 70 no symptoms at all and been in sinus rhythm since the op. I was in and out the same day.
As Flapjack noted, forums such as these tend to attract people in distress or experiencing angst. A year and a half ago, at age 62, I was in that situation as I had undiagnosed intermittent AFib that had progressed to the point where I was passing out climbing a flight of stairs/a slight rise. After medications didn't manage my condition and I was recorded with a HR of 240 BPM under telemetered and supervised cardiorehab, I was approved for a cardioäblation Aug 2021.
Since then, I've been working as a camp cook in the San Bernardino mountains at 7,000 ft / 2,100 m since April. Even better, a year and a week after my ablation, I summited the highest peak in Southern California, Mt San Gorgonio (11,503 ft / 3,500 m) for the *second* time... once in May when the trails opened after the snows and last week to nearly mark my anniversary (we've been having major storms which kept me off the trails.) The hikes were 22 miles/35 km, 13-14 hrs long.
So, the bottom line is, there are no guarantees, good or ill, but there is the potential for terrific results as well as the disappointing results.
I think an important part is how motivated one is to pay attention to nutrition, sleep, exercise... while I value the benefits of my medications, I don't rely on them to do everything I need. I've lost weight (a lot over a decade in addition to a more modest amount since my ablation), I exercise by waking 5 miles/day, six times a week, and I eat whole-food vegan.
I can't make predictions one way or another, but I can testify that there can be a lot of upside potential. I hope only for good outcomes for you!
You sound just like me! Post ablation I do all of what you’ve mentioned except scaling the mountain!! I walk loads including small hills, I have lost two stones so my BMI is in the normal range and I eat good food. I think all this really helps.
I also had to have crown lengthening (ugh)- it is a periodontal procedure- a couple of months ago and believe me, the ablation was a piece of cake by comparison!
Hi FoxgloveI had an ablation in March. I am much improved and have had very few symptoms since. I’m replying because I was meant to have a GA but the anaesthetist phoned in sick with Covid on the morning of my ablation! I was kindly given the option of cancelling or proceeding with just sedation. I chose to proceed and I’m glad I did.
It was painless but, for the avoidance of doubt, I do remember vaguely thinking ‘this is an odd state of affairs!’ But not in any way unpleasant or painful. Nothing that would ever put me off.
I’m sure you will be well looked after and absolutely fine. Go for it!
I fought with PAF for 5 years, resisting ablation that was recommended by doctors early on. As frequency of incidents increased my life quality decreased. I finally had a RF ablation 15 months ago (PVI with atrial flutter line). The first couple days post op were uncomfortable but overall, no problems, no complications. My functional level recovery (driving, start exercise, do daily tasks, etc) was about 2 weeks. It seems most will have some level of blips, flips, and ectopics for a couple months as I did, but after about 3-4 months I didn’t give AF much thought. The combined mental and physical relief are worth the minor risk. Do it!
I had an excellent outcome with my ablation. I am 69 yrs. old but aside for AFIB in very good health and was not on any meds previous to AFIB. I had a cryo ablation 7 months ago and since then have been AFIB free. No more meds either! So I would say go for it. Yes, some have issues, but keep in mind every procedure has unfortunate outcomes for the unlucky. I am aware my AFIB can come back but so thankful that for now it is gone. I can go back to drinking an occasional glass of wine, which was a trigger for me before so I had to completely abstain for alcohol for almost 2 yrs. I also hesitated about an ablation though my Dr. said I had an 85% chance of it being successful. I finally reached that point when the first blood thinner upset my stomach and the second one gave me a terrible rash on my back. And then even with trying 2 different kinds of anti-arrhythmics my AFIB would still break through. So it took me a while to get up the courage to get the abalation. I also felt fine afterward, just a little tired. It was really an easy procedure for me.
thats vey encouraging NYCgal22, thank you.I am a little older than you but quite fit and not on any AF meds other than apixoban. I can imagine how thankful you say you are that for now "IT" has gone and long may it stay that way. everyone has been so kind taking the time to reply and it has helped me focus on the positive rather than the opposite. When I receive the call (due mid October) I shall report back.Hopefully!! Thanks again x
An ablation is a heart “procedure “ which makes it sound less serious than it actually is.Reading everyone’s posts I think many more people treat it as “no big deal” rather than the down sides of having it.
It is serious because it’s your heart.
Bottom line is you have to decide if your AFIB is effecting your QOL enough to do it. I went ahead and had three because the AFIB was intolerable for me and meds made me ill.
Ablation is not a cure all but can be helpful IF it works.
I'm agreed that I think the medical community softpedals cardioversion and cardioäblation... yes, compared to cracking open the chest with bone saws, these are much less invasive.
That said, they are monkeying around with one of the three most critical organs in the body. When I talk to folks about what I experienced, I call it heart surgery , albeit relatively minor surgery. I will readily acknowledge that it has a high success rate, but I don't for a moment minimize it... there's a reason they're wanting me to sign a medial power of attorney after all
Hi. I'm heading for my 4th ablation and yes, I'm a bit anxious. But I'm going ahead because I see no other way to get a better quality of life. I'm in af every 2 days or so and I'm very symptomatic with episodes lasting between 24 and sometimes 36 hours. I've had af for 25 years ish. I only take apixaban and am a good weight and a very positive person. I also trust my EP and the medical teams because they are very experienced. These ablations do give people quality of life. As with all things like this something may go wrong. It's a very small risk. If you go ahead rest as much as you can before you go on holiday. Read as much as you can before you have your ablation. Look forward to your holiday. Hope whatever you decide to do you do it because it makes sense to you, because you have researched the procedure, because you have listened to the good folk on here. If we believed everything written about side effects on a packet of paracetamol we would never take one. And millions are probably taken every day. I think I have said enough . Take care.
I have just read that all anti-coagulants are not necessary on a daily basis unless you have 'persistent H/B'. A Pill in pocket for others.
I take PRADAXA twice a day and the lowest 110mg.
Ablation what sort?
There are so many now and a lastest is Radio Frequency Ablation.
The good thing is that under they can study your heart. Your heart returns each time. Do you have any triggers?
Make sure you get a well-known surgeon who has only successes.
I'm in NZ can't have an ablation or cardiversion because of an enlarged heart.
I'll stay on meds CCB Diltiazem 120mg am and BB Bisoprolol 2.5 pm. CONTROLS my persistent, rapid H/B day. At night throughout 3 years is 47 H/B avge
Take care.
A friend had bad episodes similar and he had a catheter ablation. They found he had 2 irregular electrical responses going at the same time. He has not had others after 2 months of settling down.
I'd be inclined to wait after the Ablation till free of your episodes.
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No ablation for me! 🥺
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