10 weeks after ablation … seeking reassurance

[Leggylady]

Firstly, wishing you all a happy and healthy 2023.

I am aged 66 and was diagnosed with paroxysmal AF May 2021. Taking Bisoprolol 1.25mg. daily, Edoxaban 60mg, , candesartan 16mg., and since ablation Flecainide 25mg. each evening.

Had cryo-ablation on November7th. Recovery went well and over a few weeks I gradually reintroduced my morning dog walks, resting more when I felt I’d over done it.

Since Christmas I have been walking more, mixed terrain, mostly flat. The last couple of weeks I’ve probably stayed out for about an hour and a half - not marching along, lots of stopping and starting with my dog and chatting. I’ve also included some shorter afternoon dog walks as my husband has pulled a muscle and can’t do them.

I guess I’ve done too much - assuming I was back to normal ish. I’m absolutely wiped out and on occasion have a little discomfort. Apart from a few ectopics heart has been behaving. The dog walker has taken the dog this morning and I’m just resting.

I would really appreciate some feedback - I am reading this right? Is it normal? Was I expecting too much of myself?

Many thanks in advance for your comments.

Lyn x

[Ppiman]

I have often wondered whether the drugs don't sometimes reduce the heart rate too far or make the heart not able enough to respond fully to exercise needs, leaving it not pumping sufficient oxygenated blood to the muscles? When I took bisoprolol regularly, I've often felt that might be the cause of feeling uncomfortable during a longer walk, even with chest discomfort. I was given an MRI to check all was well, which it was, and I was told to just press on. That is easier said than done, of course.

Steve

[Leggylady in reply to Ppiman]

Thank you Steve. You may very well be right - I’ve certainly had less energy since being on Bisoprolol. I’m not sure that it applies in this case though, as the tiredness continues after the walk and my heart rate is generally in the 70s at present - about 15 above pre ablation. I understand that this is normal and will drop after time. Your comment about chest discomfort is reassuring though. I seem to be responding to rest, so I guess I need to pace myself better than I was doing. 🙄

Stay well.

Lyn

[Ppiman in reply to Leggylady]

I would mention it to your GP or cardiologist if you get the chance. It was when I said I got the discomfort after exercise that he ordered the MRI, but, as I say, it showed nothing wrong.

It seems to me that the "blanking period" as it is called is likely the cause as the heart readjusts itself to have had a bad case of internal sunburn! But each person's heart can be different so advice from a doctor is always best. That said, I am never too sure that the doctors know quite what is causing what. I can only hope that they do know when things really matter!

Steve

[Leggylady in reply to Ppiman]

I’ve had MRI etc etc and been told my heart is in a good condition, but I might ring the AF nurses just to check. Thanks Steve.

[Snowgirl65]

After reading yours and others' comments on Bisoprolol, and looking back at my energy level when I took it in my 50s and 60s, I realize my energy is better now that I'm in my 70s (and on a different drug) than it was when I was on Bisoprolol. Drugs can certainly zap your vitality, and I guess it's a matter of picking and choosing the right ones.

[Leggylady in reply to Snowgirl65]

Thank you Snowygirl. I’ve been on Bisoprolol since June 2021, but my consultant said that all being well, I could come off it when I’ve had my check. Fingers crossed! But I’m not sure that the Bisoprolol is to blame at present, as it hasn’t been an issue since my ablation. Stay well!

[Dr-Gohan]

Hi Leggylady, I have found these small electronic devices such as O2 monitors, which you place on your finger tip, give relief from worry. It tells your heart rate and oxygen levels and some have a wave picture, which show rhythm of the heart beats as well. Of course, you have a BP cuff at home and you may want to purchase the fitness watch and wear it for your walking. All these are not out of reach for even small budgets and give tons of relief from worry. After 22 months post cryoablation I am still using all three of these devices. Good Luck to you, and it all sounds as if you are doing well, IMHO.

[Leggylady]

thank you