One month post AV node ablation

[Heartbeat2022]

It is almost a month since my AV node ablation and the swelling and shortness of breath have subsided. My pacemaker is currently set to rate response with a range of 80-130. I recently started riding my bike again taking it slow for now until I build my stamina back up. I am feeling much better and except for tiring easily I feel great!

My appointment with the EP cardiology doctor is in a week and I hope to have the diuretic and beta blocker doses decreased or cancelled. I will need to remain on the blood thinner I am currently taking since the a-fib is still present and the possibility of a stroke remains.

[sassy59]

So pleased to hear you’re doing well and long may that continue. Hope you’re appointment next week goes well.

[Heartbeat2022 in reply to sassy59]

Thank you!

The appointment went well, the EP Cardiologist only lowered the pacemaker rate to 75 - 130 since some of his patients developed symptoms when the rate was lower. I need to have an Echo done in December to see how things are going and what my ejection fraction is currently before any medications are discontinued or dose changes take place.

[sassy59 in reply to Heartbeat2022]

Good news and hoping all goes well with appointment in December.

[Heartbeat2022 in reply to sassy59]

Thank you!

[MummyLuv]

great to hear you are feeling well, enjoy your bike rides

[Heartbeat2022 in reply to MummyLuv]

Thank you!

[CDreamer]

Pleased it’s going so well for you.

[Heartbeat2022 in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you!

[cbsrbpm]

Brilliant, hope all keeps on getting better.

[Heartbeat2022 in reply to cbsrbpm]

Thank you!

[Ashburton51]

So glad it is going well

[Heartbeat2022 in reply to Ashburton51]

Thank you!

I hope you are doing well too.

[MissL]

didn’t you have this procedure to get rid of AF? I was offered one but was told I may have to have up to three as I am in permanent AF, and it’s difficult to get rid of. I decided not to have it done and now I’m in heart failure, something they didn’t mention would happen when I was debating what to do.

[Heartbeat2022 in reply to MissL]

The pacemaker with AV node ablation does not get rid of A-fib, it is different than an A-fib ablation. When the AV node is ablated the heartbeats generated by the atrial fibrillation don't get to the ventricles, the pacemaker controls the heart rate.

Heart failure symptoms can be very draining. I hope you feel better soon!

[JBNZ]

Hi Heartbeat2022,

Good to hear the AV Node Ablation went well for you. How is the cycling going?

I ask as I am due for the same procedure at the beginning of December having had permanent afib for over a year. Afib makes me very tired and I am looking forward to doing some exercise again.

Thanks John

[Heartbeat2022 in reply to JBNZ]

The cycling is going very well, I have been riding a distance of 15-28 miles twice a week and mostly avoiding all except small hills. I do notice I am somewhat tired after riding, I recover to my full energy level in about an hour which may be a stamina issue which hopefully will improve over time.

I hope your procedure gives you good results as well!

[JBNZ in reply to Heartbeat2022]

Thanks for that! It sounds like you are able to do a decent amount of exercise - that's great

I am keeping my fingers crossed for my outcome. And I will definitely let you know!

Thanks

John

[Heartbeat2022 in reply to JBNZ]

🤞