Without provocation (no triggers), I startled awake in Afib which turned into tachycardia and has continued for 48 hours now. So after a respite of nine months from my FOURTH ablation [& coming off flecainide (due to left bundle block), but still on metoprolol ER, amlodipine, and Xarelto], I’m beginning to accept the idea of a permanent diagnosis.
We’ll see what the EP at Lovelace Heart here in ABQ has to say. But with HR less than 110 and few symptoms, it seems it’s time to admit more ablations are futile. Perhaps yet another cardioversion … if it holds … will change the perspective? Not holding out much hope for NSR. Acceptance may be the best option.
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DKBX
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I have just agreed to a ‘Convergent Hybrid Ablation’. I have my second consultation with my Thoracic Surgeon on the 12th and then we will schedule the procedure for later in January. I am also on Medicare with a supplemental insurance and it’s all covered (as far as I’m aware). I’ve not been told otherwise. I’m in permanent AFib with a high heart rate controlled by digoxin and I’m taking Amiodarone since my failed third ablation and two recent cardio versions. I do not want to stay on these medications long term so at the very least (if the ablation fails) I will come out with an isolation of the LAA and get off Xarelto. This is my ‘silver lining’ thinking. I could just live with AFib (my sister does) but I don’t want to. It’s uncomfortable and debilitating. Have you considered, or been, offered a procedure of this type? There is s surgeon in Houston who does a ‘mini maze’ procedure and there are now many places around the US and abroad who offer the type of treatment I am doing. It’s worth researching. A full maze is usually done during open heart surgery.
In order to keep my afib away, I have to keep my Potassium and Magnesium on the high side of normal. I have had one ablation which worked great for 6 years. Now have to take Multaq and it mostly keeps me in sinus rhythm. However the potassium and magnesium are also part of the puzzle , and I try to be sure I get the recommended amount of each every day. With potassium that is surprisingly hard to do, so I frequently supplement with about 24 ounces of low sodium V8 per day. Some peoples kidneys can't handle the extra minerals but mine can and it helps immensely. So ablation, Multaq and the minerals, potassium and magnesium, mostly keep me in sinus rhythm . Also no alcohol for me . That is a trigger. I know the frustration of recurrence, but for me , not ready to give up yet.
Already keep K and Mg controlled, do all the right things re diet, no alcohol, etc. Follow the book “The Afib Cure” guidelines, have one of the best EPs. STILL living with the monster. Acceptance and carry on with life seems the soundest advice.
My son's colleague has had, I believe six AF ablations over the years and recently began with flutter. I think he has decided to live with it and he seems fine. My elderly friend is 89 and hasn't had one ablation, living with permanent non-fast AF for many years.
I think knowing that AF, in and of itself, rarely seems to lead to a poor outcome (given that anticoagulation is in place), is what keeps us all going with this thing. It's ectopics and mild racing that worry me as my AF is rare these days. Such is life!
Indeed … when in an episode (mainly flutter for me these days), the imagination runs away and all sorts of gloomy images come up. Yogic breathing and distraction helps … and reminding oneself that it’s all about minimizing stroke risk. As is often said here, it’s mainly a QOL issue rather than life and death. Easy to say, hard to accept.
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AF returns again one year after ablation 2 
Scared everyday in case it returns....
AF returns 3 years after 1st ablation.
