3 month post ablation consultation

[Kennyb1968]

Today I had my 3 month post ablation consultation with Dr Wright at Ross Hall. Apart from the first 10 days after the ablation I have been in constant AF. I feel fine apart from feeling a little more breathless than normal when walking briskly uphill. Before my ablation my AFib was progressing rapidly from paroxysmal to permanent with an attack almost daily where my HR would go up to 120-170bpm. I wasn't sleeping and was miserable as during an attack I would feel anxious and breathless and would need to pee all the time. Now I'm sleeping through the night, back exercising (sensibly) and feel normal. Dr Wright still feels I will revert naturally to NSR but as things stand (subject to a 72 hour heart monitor now and in 12 months) is happy to sign me off. He feels there's little point of chasing NSR through a cardoiversion or another ablation and would rather keep that for a time I don't feel so well. I was initially disappointed but after chatting to him I now realise my ablation has been a success and I see a positive future. Happy days so a wee beer for the big man and a night watching football.

[stoneyrosed]

I think somehow your outlook on life will get you through all this Kenny 😁. Oh and a 3-0 win 👌

[mjm1971]

hi Kenny

This is the exact scenario I find myself in .

Had my second ablation in August , perfect for 6 weeks and now PAF with several short episodes per day.

I do feel better than before the ablation and my check up is in 2 weeks time .

I was determined to chase NSR but I’m kind of giving up and was wondering though if you still have to remain on all meds now ?

Did your doc say quality of life is all you can hope for as a good outcome ?

And the save the next ablation for when your worse is an interesting comment can you elaborate more on why he said that

Thanks

Matt

[Kennyb1968 in reply to mjm1971]

No meds apart from edoxaban mate. He still feels I will revert to NSR in time so he's not keen to do anything as yet. As things stand I'm feeling good and my HR is such that the AF does not pose a risk to my heart or my life expectancy. He does not expect my AFib to worsen in terms of HR but if it does then that's when he will seek to do more i.e. cardioversion or ablation. Once I have his final report I will seek a second opinion as I've been burned before by doctors but I genuinely trust him and in myself I do feel good. I'm just back from the Bavarian Alps and did a lot of walking and yes, I was a bit slower but I still managed and still enjoyed it so I do feel better.

[mjm1971 in reply to Kennyb1968]

hi Kenny

Tanks for that

It’s so confusing this condition as everyone is so different . All my little voice tells me is AF begets AF so the only way out is chasing NSR . ( maybe an impossible mission )

I’ve had my second ablation 3 months ago and I’m still on 200mg Flec and 2.5mg of bisoporol per day . Consultation in 3 weeks time but I’m now in and out of AF daily albeit with little side effects .

My resting HR has gone up from circa 55bpm to 90bpm in the last 6weeks

See what my doc says I guess

Glad it’s going well for you though it’s great news that we are both improving even if we aren’t NSR 100%

Thanks

Matt

[Singwell]

This is good news and pragmatic of your EP to hold something in reserve. If your life feels better that's what really matters isn't it? Got my 2nd review in 10 days time. Hoping for equally good report

[bassets]

Good for you Kenny . Keep up the positive

[Nan1]

Hi Kenny. Glad you had a positive consultation. Enjoy your beer!

[Rumblefeet]

I'm in a similar position. Had my second ablation about six weeks ago. NSR for 5 days than back into persistent AF. I feel fine pretty much all the time. I feel a bit better than before the last ablation. I had a 24 hour heart monitor two weeks ago and they're still worried my heart rate is no lower than 90bpm. I feel fine however and realise I may have to stop chasing the dream of NSR and live on meds for ever more.

[Kennyb1968 in reply to Rumblefeet]

Way I see it is I'm 54 and relatively fit. I used to be a lot fitter but I was also younger. I can still cycle and hill walk -, it just takes me a little longer. I sleep well and am not that bad tempered git who was constantly stressed out waiting for the next AFib attack or the panic stricken worrier waiting for the flecanide to herald the return of NSR. I can also enjoy a beer and spicy food without second guessing when AFib was going to kick in. And I know my heart isn't being damaged. So it's all good - NSR may still happen and that would be great but if it doesn't and I remain feeling this well then that will do me.

Take care,

Kenny

[dmack4646]

good to hear you are feeling better ! What’s your heart range now - take it it has come down..

[Kennyb1968 in reply to dmack4646]

At rest 60-80bpm - he's happy as long as it averages less than 110bpm in an average day (higher if exercising)

[dmack4646]

sounds like result ! Long may it continue

[mav7]

He feels there's little point of chasing NSR through a cardoiversion or another ablation and would rather keep that for a time I don't feel so well.

Wise advice from your doctor, Kenny ! Something for us all to consider.

Best to you !

[dmac4646]

Kenny you mention Ross Hall - was that a private or NHS procedure ?

[Kennyb1968 in reply to dmac4646]

It was on the NHS but I see my consultant as a private patient

[dmac4646]

Understood

[MummyLuv]

sounds a positive discussion, here’s to a natural conversion as your scars become permanent.

[Kennyb1968 in reply to MummyLuv]

Cheers

[Kennyb1968 in reply to MummyLuv]

It's early days - he said conversion can happen up to 6 months after an ablation