Post ablation question for anyone over 60.

[riffjack846]

I've read the post/recovery ablation report from AFA and have been getting anywhere from 1 day to recover to 2 weeks from health care folks. But I've been just wondering about your personal experience how long it took to like go grocery shopping or something after the procedure. Thanks for your time. Mike

[BobD Volunteer]

I compiled the fact sheet after asking for personal experiences here just because of the stupdity of doctors who have never had ablation and tell people they will be fine in a couple of days.

As we say, first week rest lots, second week a little more adventurous. Listen to your body!.

[jeanjeannie50]

It took just over 2 weeks before I felt able to go back to a desk job after my first ablation. I still had AF though

After my second I felt drained for what felt like months and again still had AF. Thinking it was my job and stress causing my AF, and after a hospital admission, I gave up my job and took early retirement.

After my third ablation I felt better immediately, although I did have tachycardia the day after and had to stay in hospital an extra day. About 4 weeks later my heart kicked off again and I had a cardioversion. Since then I've never had a really high heart rate, though I am in constant AF at a low rate between 60 to 90ish. I don't think too much about my AF these days.

If you feel you want to rest, do so and I wouldn't suggest walking after having eaten.

Please let us know how you get on.

Jean

[CDreamer]

Doing normal everyday things around the house - few days, driving 7 days, grocery shopping about 10 days, returned part-time 10 days (worked from home and very sedentary) but had quite a few symptoms such as acid reflux, dry cough, ectopics after slightest exertion, SOB, high heart rate for about 9 months.

Very individual and as others have said - listen to your body, it’s far more intelligent than your brain.

[pottypete1]

in my experience at least 2 weeks of real rest and after that only build as your body tells you.

Pete

[SMRM]

I think this is based a lot on what you're accustomed to. I'm a regular walker ( 2-3 miles/day) and resumed very gently at the end of week one, and gradually increasing during week two and as Pottypete says, follow your body's cues. -- Good luck to you on this path of heart health!

[4chickens]

walking around local area about 1 week, pot gardening but no heavy digging. I was off work for a month but that was due to the nature of the work and my need to be able to assist the rest of the team in a crisis situation. I tried suggesting that ironing was to strenuous for several months 🤣

[wilsond in reply to 4chickens]

😀😀

[Singwell]

My experience (2) similar to Pete's. I'd request 3 weeks off work, preferably 4 if you travel and it's stressful. Do very little physically in week 1. No bending or lifting. I didn't mow the lawn or use the strimmer till the third month. (I'm a small female and our property is difficult to manage.) I did lots of walking though, slowly building it up, and yoga from week 4 avoiding poses such as downward dog or plough.

[Norfolk_spaniel]

I still haven't got my energy or fitness levels back 3 months post ablation. I used to walk 3 to 5 miles a day but now struggling to just walk a mile or to spend a morning cooking. I'm 70.

[Norfolk_spaniel]

I still haven't got my energy or fitness levels back 3 months post ablation. I used to walk 3 to 5 miles a day but now struggling to just walk a mile or to spend a morning cooking. I'm 70.

[dedeottie]

Total house rest for first week second week , went out as passenger in car. Third week short slow walks. By the fourth week I felt I should be trying to do more so resumed dog walking in the park and on flat ground. After that I gradually built up to about 5 miles a day on the flat then introduced some hills. I was being particularly careful because I had lots of ectopics which made me feel breathless. By mid October I was feeling back to normal and then Covid struck…….. 😬 😝

I am 66 and this was my 3 Rd ablation. Before the ablation I was as fit as my AF would allow, still doing 5 mile walks daily.

I hope this is helpful

[Snowgirl65]

I went grocery shopping three days after my ablation of Dec. 5th this year. I honestly had no after-effects whatsoever this time (this was my third ablation). My first two ablations took a little longer.

[Shcldavies]

You keep recovering for months, I believe after 3 years I am still recovering. Others recover within days. EP told me I would by fine after2 weeks but took a lot longer.

[Jumper]

in my case it took around one month for me to walk a mile. I was tachycardic for some 6 days post ablation. I went to work after the month but was told I looked awful by my work colleagues!! stating you have come back too early. Each ablation is unique and so is the person receiving it. I would have one again if necessary as my life is so much better for taking the decision to proceed.

[4Pip]

first ablation I couldn’t do anything for 6 months. Second ablation just unable to walk or do anything third ablation about 5 weeks and slowly back to normal. It was a long haul. I’m 65 fairly fit but I certainly didn’t quickly recover but I did my own thing. Keep learning about your own journey

[Cangelo629]

I had a ablation in September of this year I'm 63 the moment I woke up I felt so much better it was instantaneous and suprising my body had a calming sensation that has stayed with me even now. I took it easy for the first week or so little tired that's about it and I noticed that I slept much better so along with that came more energy during the day I had to hold myself back on purpose. Gradually I went back to my normal routine in a few weeks gym and or outside activity along with being active in my job as a G.C. If I had not know that I had a ablation I would of never quessed it when it came to recovery the wound area gave me no trouble worst part was changing the bandage each night in the shower for first 5 days OUCH. So far so good with occasional short blips here and there but overall for now much better quality of life. It obviously best to take it slow allow your body to recover that's the best way your going to heal.

[riffjack846 in reply to Cangelo629]

Thanks

[DawnTX]

we are all different. My doctor uses a new device to close. Because of that I had no discomfort except for once because I walked too much about a week after the ablation. My first two oblations I will be honest with you even the next day I felt so much better and really had no problems with doing anything. It took me a couple of days to get all of the anesthesia etc. out of my system but other than that just to be able to breathe the next morning was amazing. My third procedure I was already in not so great shape and I never really bounced back since then but that was because of my condition not the procedure. You should have no problem grocery shopping at Cetera just don’t stay on your feet too long because you will fill the pull. If things went well with the ablation the rest of the stuff you had done should be making you feel so much better right now. I remember waking up realizing how easy I could breathe. That being said remember we are all different we all have different results it seems. Depending on what you’re feeling your best bet is to call your doctors office to get answers.

One last thing and it is some thing I learned here. The blanking period. My new doctor is the first one that has mentioned it. Until I was on this site I had never heard of it. Why doctors did not tell you about it and that there are many things that could make you nervous when they are actually normal to feel.