In my first post to the community, I was wondering if I should get an ablation or not, based on the advice of a somewhat snarky cardiologist. Since then, I have had a second opinion from both a new cardiologist and a new electrophysiologist. BOTH said they saw no reason to rush into this. The cardiologist said he believed my Paroxysmal was so uncommon in frequency that even off the medication it took 17 days and a Cardiac catheterization to send me into afib it didn't seem to be something of urgency to do the ablation. Though the electro said I would be a good candidate for just that reason, again, no rush to do it. Would it be 100%? He said I was in the group with an 80% success rate but there are no guarantees that I wouldn't have to have more than one ablation procedure "there are no guarantees of anything being 100% with this kind of surgery".
I liked his honesty. And after reading how others have responded, those with paroxysmal, who had to get the surgery repeatedly and still take the medication? I'm feeling like God was intervening again and much relieved that I said no to it. This isn't to brag, but to say that because you're all talking honestly and openly, I believe I was able to make a better decision and I thank you all so much!
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Elsie1955
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I have had 3 ablations, but still have AF. The third one really helped, the first two made it worse. Ablations are not always the miracle cure that we hope for. I think you are doing the right thing by refusing one. Look to your diet and avoid any foods containing artificial additives, sweeteners were a sure trigger for my attacks, but it took me ages to discover that.
Good decision I think (no one will ever know whether the alternative would have been better)! Chances are the procedure will improve over time, I was quoted 70% chance success and didn't think that was worth the risk. So opted for pills and expect I will have to have an ablation 10 yrs after that decision when improvements should mean higher success rates??!!
As Bob would say it's all about quality of life my AF ruined my QofL, i was having bouts of AF for days and they would last for hours with only day or two respite in between episodes, so here we are four and a half years later, I've been AF free for all that time so i have been very lucky
I waited and hoped I could control IT but eventually I had very long episodes24/7 for weeks after years of paroxsymal AF and flutter. Ablation has been best thing I did nsr since. Dont rule it out completely x
I'd go for cardioversion, less intrusive and dangerous, and in my case more effective. My cardioversions(3) have each kept me out of AFib for 12-16 mths. Ablations (3) have lasted for 1-9mths.
Yes, the cardiologist mentioned that as well. In the past, when I've had them (not very often) they were able to IV me with cardiazem. It worked. But he mentioned cardioversion.
Good for you and your decision. The only reason I had my two ablations was because I was sick and tired of the frequency of a-fib episodes. My EP said it was entirely my decision, as it depends on how much I was willing to put up with them.
born in 55 myself so cheers, had cardioversion yesterday after suffering from atrial flutter for 2 years, seems to have worked. It really was a non event, no pain, in and out in 5 hours, dont remember the shocking, Best wishes. For me cardioversion was easier than having a filing put in, although meds take awhile to wear off ie maybe 24 hours. Its an individual choice though, I just got fed up had all my covid vacines and boosters and said lets go. HR is down about 15 to 20 bpm still one day later. does anyone know how else to montitor if AF is coming back other than bp and how your feeling without going to the doctor? Best wishes.
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Amiodarone anyone?
Back to square one
Atrial Flutter Ablation 
First visit to the cardiologist
AF and Digoxin
