It has now been seven months since I had my AV node ablation following having a pacemaker fitted in March and I thought I would just let you know how things are now. Hopefully this will also help those of you who may have to have the Pace and Ablate procedure next year.
Whilst it has taken all of this seven months to fully recover, I can now absolutely say that I have been given my life back. I no longer have to have a sleep in the afternoons and have even started a part time job two days a week. I still have to take it easy when walking up hills or even long distance but hey that may have something to do with my age too - 71!
It was definitely very scary when I was told that this procedure, for me, was the best option. But I couldn't be happier as it has worked so well.
So the first time in several years I can actually look forward to a healthy New Year with my AF totally under control.
I do hope this post is helpful to some of you.
Take good care of yourselves over Christmas and I wish you a very healthy New Year.
Gloria
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Ashburton51
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Thank you Jean. It has been quite a journey but I seem to have got there in the end! I do hope that you are now also feeling much better than you were.
what a fabulous post to read - thank you. Pace and Ablate may well be on the cards for me and it had all sounded so incredibly scary. I’m so pleased everything has worked so well for you. Merry Christmas
it’s so good to read positive posts like this! While still crossing fingers, I do wonder if it is something that might be offered to me at some point. I’ve seen a few people mentioning improved sleep, and wondered how that works. A definite bonus!
I think because AF is now under control it means that I am not having sleepless nights because of the AF. Therefore I am able to have a full nights sleep and I am sure it has aided my recovery. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
Good morning, my history is very similar to yours, that is pace and ablate of the AV node. Since having it done 2021, after a couple of rough years, I feel now so much better and back to 'normal' activities. Do take apixaban, I am now 77.
I am assuming you live in Ashburton which is a very lovely town with beautiful countryside close.
thank you for your positive post it was a joy to read .I too had pace and Ablate the AV node in May of this year. I am feeling a lot better one or two fast regular heart beat episodes stress and digestive related not lasting very long . As I am 84 I think my self very lucky. Do yo take any medication?
A Very Happy and Healthy Christmas and New Year to you all.
Thank you Gloria. That is wonderful to read. I've just had ablation number 3...2 days ago. And I'm already back in AF (and likely to stay, for a number of reasons). Surgeon thinks pacemaker is the next step but at 47 they feel I'm too young. (It will be rate control drugs for now) But pace and ablation is where I'm headed so I'm really pleased to hear how that's gone for you.Wishing you all the best going forward 🌸
I’m so sorry that your third ablation isn’t looking hopeful. Especially as you’re so young.
I had my first ablation just over a week ago, and returned to AF on second day following the procedure. I’m trying to keep cheery, and think it might need time. Dronedarone is keeping down the rate, but didn’t keep me in rhythm.
So, I’m also interested in the pacemaker posts - though if suggested it could be an easier choice at 68. For now, I need to ignore the thing for a while and get on with life. Sometimes a possible solution further down the line let’s me do that.
Yes dronedarone does the same for me, with a little help from digoxin. Rate, not rhythm. I think they'll move properly to rate control now in 3 months and see how that goes. Then review pace and ablation at a later stage.For you, it's early days...hang on in there. You might find you can go back into NSR now in the blanking period but a second ablation is often a way forward.
I'd been in AF for 18 years before ablation so it was always a long shot, but for most people a second go can be the answer.
I agree that having possible future solutions allows one to be comfortable in the uncertainty of the present. I actually feel quite well considering so I'm focusing on that.
interesting I am similar with Dronedarone I am in AF 1 day out of 3 but when in AF it’s more tolerable as rate normally no higher than 120 .. it’s not perfect but better than it was .
As there is a three month 'blanking period' after an ablation so it is quite normal to have some episodes of AF. I was unlucky and had two ablations which didn't work and was very nervous about having the pacemaker and AV node ablation. However my consultant who is one of the best said that there was a 95% chance of the pace and ablate procedure being successful. I am not a gambling person but thought those odds were pretty good and am so pleased I went with it. Having AF for up to sixteen hours every day made life impossible for me so I went with the procedure and have my life back. But each of us has to do what we feel is right for us. I wish you a good recovery and a healthy 2023.
Thanks for responding. I'm in persistent AF. Have been for a decade so the blanking period isn't really the same. The surgeon was pretty sure it would return and that if it did it would not revert back. I've been back in AF since morning of 24th.But had to give it a shot!
Appreciate you taking the time to provide an update on your P and A procedure. Possibly in the cards for myself in the future. Very good to hear that now things are going well for you and sounds like your quality of life has returned. Very happy for you. Keep well and happy holidays.
That's great to hear. It's made me feel a lot happier as I may need to follow that path one day. And I find the prospect daunting. Your post is helpful. For now my PM is only backup and symptoms under control. But with AF who knows? Best wishes to you.
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