Brief recap- successful ablation June 21 but have replaced with ectopics.
Having stopped alcohol and cigarettes , both were minimal, my EP suggested stopping flecinaide and to have the holter to see what was happening. I did and the result was runs of paroxysmal atrial tachycardia and one 3 1/2 minute a fib. So back to EP and he said he would like to manage it so suggested change of meds (blurry Vision on flec) to propafenone which I am waiting for. In the meantime ran out so no meds for last 4 days and all about the same as when on them to be honest .
My question is that he said I could have another ablation but not keen at this point due to the risks of the procedure and the small amount of events, paroxysmal events. But why want to manage them if they are harmless? I am tempted by ablation route but not sure what is reasonable or not?
My biggest problem throughout this is taking strong meds long term and that’s why I opted for ablation originally.
Thoughts please?
Written by
Alldone
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Not an easy decision or a right answer. With a small amount of events, it might be reasonable initially to go off the medications and just deal with the events as they happen with a pill in pocket approach. You could then revisit another ablation if things get worse. But if you're going to need these drugs, maybe another ablation, since as you said, getting off the drugs was why you had the ablation in the first place.
It’s a tough one for sure. I think at this point try the new meds and see what happens. No rash decisions for sure as much as my procedure went fine, not knowing what was coming was better than knowing what’s in store for sure!
Yes I think the same. Not on anticoagulants though. EP happy without them. CHAD score 1 as female, and had a heart CT scan just for reassurance that plumbing is fine, and that was calcium clear. Happy without if I can be for now.
Maybe the new meds are going to be a temporary solution and when your heart has had more time to settle down your EP will gradually reduce them. Keeping you on them right now might be a way of discouraging the electical pathways that promote the afib from being re-established.
I feel as if I’m on a roundabout not knowing which exit it take. The meds just seem so long term and that bothers me but I am not entirely sure why if they are doing the job. But, there is always a but, when not on them even though disturbances are, shall we say “light” it leads to thoughts of, is this going to get worse in a minute or not, which of course become anxiety lead and so it continues.
I have never been a health worrier as I have lead an active and balanced life overall, so have felt that my body has been quite well prepared to deal with the occasional health issues I have had. But this, there is just no rhyme nor reason behind it, or so it seems.
Hi. I experience short runs of atrial tachycardia 2 or 3 times a day since my ablation for AF. The episodes don't last long (3 - 5 secs) and come at random times. They are very frustrating.
Flecainide almost completely eliminates the ectopic runs, either a low daily dose or 150mg pip. But, like you, I'm trying to live with the episodes without the use of meds. I'm grateful that flecainide works for me but the thought of using it for decades (I'm 43) is a slight worry.
For me, the ablation procedure just swapped one issue for another. I'll only consider a second procedure if my condition worsens.
I posted this a little while ago now so thank you for your reply and at the same time, I will give a quick update.
I took the propafenone for one dose, literally just one- it seemed to make my heart go a bit nuts instantly. I realise you would normally take for a while but it was so instant that one was enough and that was that.
Follow up with my EP and he suggested another halter and heart scan in preparation for another ablation, which he would do on NHS - I see him both privately and on NHS.
After some thought I still was unsure that ablation no 2 was the right way to go at this point. Also, realising a cost of £1000 for the tests, one of which I only had done 6 months previously, again made me consider my next move.
My decision was stop the meds for 3 months and see how I felt but this time, without worrying about whether or not symptoms would get worse sending me into a bit of a panic. Easy to say I know. But it’s been around 3 months now, not even counting the weeks anymore and whilst I still get runs, they are not everyday. When they strike I go with them as much as I can, and if I react badly, I will lie down if I am at home ,and relax as much as I can for a few minutes and if I’m honest, that’s for my mind rather than my heart. I focus on the afib is fixed so that’s not happening and the ectopics won’t kill me.
At the same time I stopped my statin- not a rash decision, I done it based on my heart calcium test which showed calcium levels of “clear ”. I had spoken to EP about this and he says with that score not sure why I needed them. I will get a cholesterol test to check hasn’t gone up soon.
For me, not being tied to taking meds everyday has been very positive, so far. I am going to stick with this for now as it seems sensible at this point.
It feels so rubbish and unfair but at the moment I have a few friends who are dealing with far worse, so I am doing me best to put this into perspective.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Very confused about ablation
Ablation or not. I'm so confused.. 
Pre med for 2nd ablation
Ablation and Anesthetics - confused of Wiltshire 
AF again after ablation
