trying to keep this brief.... I had a failed ablation in April followed by a 2nd ablation in May. I was in NSR( normal sinus rhythm) for only a day after then spent 3 days back in hospital as they couldn't get my HR below 140, despite number of interventions.
Been on additional medication (added in digoxin) since and in persistent AF with HR bouncing around between 90 and 110 consistently.
Had discussions about next steps and was getting my head around possible pacemaker then....suddenly flipped into NSR this week...which so far has stayed.
don't quite know what to make if it.
only significant change last couple weeks is an increase in thyroxine and, as having more energy, been doing bit more exercise. First noticed heart slowing during a lovely tai chi session.
Any thoughts?
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I anticipated you saying that Bob.Not knocking it at all, but after 18 years of persistent AF and multiple failed attempts to restore NSR, I think a bit of curiosity about what may have changed is a reasonable one.
I'd very much like it to continue. I had honestly forgotten what it felt like.
I partially agree Bob... I've never been one to overthink AF but if there was no logic at all to the "cause or cure" then we wouldn't be advised to make positive lifestyle choices and wouldn't put ourselves through invasive treatment options which we (presumably) hope will help us, based on medical science.With the potential of a third ablation or pacemaker heading my way (if this doesn't last) I am interested in whether others have experience of a delayed restoration of NSR following ablation. Or other experiences of spontaneous restoration after so many years. I'm thinking it's quite unusual, but maybe not. I am curious.
Following my first ablation back in 2014 at 3 months I had gone back into AF so put back on large dose of flecanide and scheduled for another ablation at 6 months. Told to come off flecanide for a week before procedure but my heart remained in NSR with no blips. EP decided to do procedure anyway during which I had a complication and nothing was done. The rest is ancient history! My point though is that up to 6 months after the first ablation there was positive progress. Fingers crossed for your continuing NSR. X
That's so interesting. Hope you are doing OK now. My first ablation was classed as a fail. They couldn't isolate fourth vein, which was the driver. The EP got it second time around but we had all written off hope of success as I only managed NSR for one day and been in constant AF since. As you say fingers crossed this continues. Interesting to hear that people do experience these belated positive changes.Really appreciate the response and hearing your experience.
I had mine done in Cardiff!! Many years later and a new EP , still in Cardiff, I have had 2 more ablations in 2 months. One to re isolate pulmonary veins and one to zap some other areas in the atria, that were causing Tachycardia. Now , 17 days after the last, I am still in NSR. So fingers crossed, after all these years I am hopeful for some peace and quiet from the old ticker.
Was it done in Morriston? Am I right in thinking there isn't a private hospital in Swansea itself (other than Sancta Maria) so anyone wanting to have ablation done private would have to go to Cardiff or maybe Carmarthen. Someone on here a while ago mentioned about long NHS wait time. My dad had good care in the cardiac unit in Morriston. I've had 4 ablations (went back into AF morning after 1st one) & it's amazing the difference after the last one 5months ago. Hope you continue to feel well, I'm sure tai chi has helped.
Hi Gowers, yes in morriston. And I also had good care there. Sancta Maria is the only private hospital I know there but I don't know about private cardiac procedures sorry.
I didn't wait too long for the ablation....about 6 months maybe. I expected longer but I've had AF for such a long time and really there was no sense of urgency so didn't really have expectations about it being done quickly.
But I know people waiting 18 months just to see a cardiologist locally now.
4 ablations is quite a lot. Hope you continue to feel well after that last one! 🤞
Yes, quite possibly. Doctors were reluctant to increase as fearful would go hyperthyroid and increase heart rate further but the timing, to me, suggests its had a positive effect. Certainly helped energy levels. 👍🏻
Well, my ablation was at the end of June LAST YEAR. After a couple of weeks of brief AF runs, I had a wonderful clear period for quite a few weeks and was beginning to think it was a 'cure'. Then I had a long series of sessions with bigeminy, trigeminy, tachycardia, all accompanied by periods of AF. Some lasted up to three days at a time. My last occurrence was in the first half of April this year, and I've had zero problems since then.I agree with BobD, there are no reasons or reasoning to AF.
I've lived with AF for nearly 2 decades persistent for probably a decade of that, and I agree it can be pretty random, but there are also patterns.I'm interested in people's experiences post ablation.
Thanks for contributing to the conversation. Great that you've had no probs since April. Long may that last for you.
Im living with something similar after my 3rd or is it 4th ablation in febuary which appeared sucessful only for rapid AF/A flutter to come back in May. I was obviously hammered with extra meds - big increase in bisoprolol and back on a hefty dose of digoxin. Within 2 weeks and 2 short and slow walks I ended up back in NSR dont know why or how as I dont normally revert without ablations.
Im trying to make the most of it but am currently suffering with PVCs that started during the last heatwave and have only reverted for a couple of days since - very odd and very unpleasant as for most or all of some days Im having PVCs between every other heart beat and every 5th beat. Hopefully they will go longterm soon.
Thanks so much for joining in. I'm also experiencing pvcs. Started once or twice a day but more frequent now, maybe 5 or 6 x day, lasting less than a minute usually. So nowhere near as much as you. Must be tiring!For me its unpleasant (and bit unsettling as I keep fearing I've gone back into AF, though getting used to it now) but none of the horrible bits of AF. No dizziness, fatigue or breathlessness. The latter is particularly amazing. I didn't realise how much this had been holding me back and effecting quality of life.Sounds like you've been on a similar journey to me. I really hope we both fare well from this point on. Like you I'm trying to make the most of it but not quite trusting it yet. Its so unexpected!
Would love to know how you get on longer term.
And yes, keeping up the tai chi for sure. I also do somatic movement, movement meditation, pilates, yoga and dance. As well as walking and sea swimming. All good for mind and body. All about rhythm and flow. 👍🏻
It took 4 months for me to get into NSR after my second Ablation. I' d pretty much given up. It happened for me at the EP follow up appointment! I think in my case it took that long to heal. My EP would not do a second ablation in less than a year for that reason. Anyway good luck and long may it continue!
You're welcome!I do still get the occasional bout of AF but so much milder than before and shorter duration. I hardly notice it. But like you I was in persistent AF before treatment.so I am really grateful.
Can't give you the answers you are seeking as, like me, your heart seems to have a mind of its own. Glad though that you are experiencing some NSR - truly hope it lasts for a good long while
Thanks listerines...I'm not so much seeking answers (wouldn't that be nice!!) as being interested in others experiences compared to my own...so this has been very helpful indeed.And yes, I know what you mean. I guess a lot of us experience our hearts being a bit rogue.
Thanks so much for joining in and offering your thoughts and good wishes.
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