Still feeling rough over 2 months since ablation

[Norfolk_spaniel]

I had an ablation on 5th October and I'm disappointed and worried that I don't feel better, feel tired most of the time and have very little energy. I'm 70. I've just emptied and loaded the dishwasher then I took some washing upstairs and put it away. I've now collapsed in a chair to get my energy back. I'm in sinus rhythm although I do get a lot of ectopicectopics. I was hoping that the ablation would give me my life back but I think I probably feel worse than I did in the summer when I had persistent AF. Is this normal and will things improve?

[BobD Volunteer]

I've attached a link to our fact sheet on recovery. Yes it can take quite a while to fully recover. Many people find the supposed three month period far too short and some are still improving at nine months or a year. Take it easy and be patient. We are all different!

[dedeottie]

it took me quite a while to feel well again after my last ablation. I was in NSR but with lots of ectopics. The ectopics were actually more draining than the constant HR of 140 which I had bizarrely got used to! I was actually quite depressed about it even though I knew it was common and benign. THEN I got covid and at the same time broke a rib. Covid cough plus broken rib equals AGONY. After a couple of weeks I realised that I had completely forgotten about my heart / ectopics etc as I had too much else to worry about. I don’t know whether I now have less ectopics or if I am just not noticing them but the upshot is that even though I am still in pain from ribs , 4 months after my ablation, my energy has returned. Just be patient but if you are really worried try contacting your arrhythmia nurse.

All the best

Jane x

[Foxglo]

It took me a lot longer than you are so far to feel better, I had a few returns to A and E too it was over a year before I really knew ther was an improvement. After 18months I really felt better. In hind site I wish I had taken thing a lot easier especially at the beginning.

[fairyfeathers]

I had Ablation at end of Sept 2022 and still feel exhausted most days. I am also suffering with a cotton wool brain and my decision making feels a challenge. I’m waiting for results of a Holter and have telephone follow up appt with my EP in January 2023. I think I’m suffering with lots of etopics but am hopeful my Flutter has gone. As for my tiredness I think i am expecting too much with my recovery timescale. At the moment I just want to hibernate.

I do hope you see an improvement in your current symptoms very soon.

[bassets]

It took me almost 6 months to feel almost normal, and a year to feel like me again. Please rest whenever you need to and hang the chores

[Ppiman]

Depending what the AF / tachycardia had done to your heart output ("ejection fraction), I gather it can take a good amount of time to recover to normal. Mine did, and I don't think it ever has got back to its previous levels.

Steve

[Jajarunner]

Took me four months to get back to walking a brisk four miles. For first three months I couldn't do much. That was as a very fit 56 yo xx

[ETHEL103]

Morning are you still on any previous heart meds like Bisoprolol etc.Mine were stopped immediately after ablation.

[Norfolk_spaniel]

Thanks for the reply. I am only on Edoxaban. The reason that I had the ablation was that I could nnot tolerate any of the usual AF medicationmedications.

[mav7]

. I'm in sinus rhythm

That is the key, my friend. So many would like to be in same.

Feel blessed and keep spirits high, things will improve. 😊

[IncrediblyBlessed]

I had an SVT ablation June 1, 2022, so it has been just over six months. I am 34 and like you, fatigued incredibly easily for months after the ablation. The ablation was highly effective and eliminated my SVT, but until just a few weeks ago I got frequent ectopics and PVCs which seemed to coincide with the fatigue. For the first six months I had a hard time making it through a full day of work and would take lots of naps. I had several occasions where after a busy couple of days I would spend an entire day in bed. I am doing much better now and am mostly back to normal activities, but I do not think I am to my full energy level yet. It was helpful for me to select some books I wanted to read so I didn't just feel like I was sitting around doing nothing all the time. Be patient, it takes time to heal.