Ablation. Does it stop AF straight way?

[kkatz]

I know about the blanking period & periodic episodes but should you be in NSR after the procedure.

[BobD Volunteer]

Regardless of what ocurs during the procedure, the EP will normally cardiovert you before ending so you should come out of the lab in NSR.

Because the scar tissue which blocks the rogue signals takes some time to form you may have AF events during the so called blocking period as we explain in our fact sheet on recovery. This can continue for some time and as I have said many times , after my third successful ablation it was probably nine months before my heart settled down.

[kkatz in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob.Still dare not but my exact date on as worried it won't happen but on count down this week .Still thinking it won't happen even when on the table and that it won't be successful.Negative I know but Just my way of dealing with it.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to kkatz]

You are what you think so PLEASE try and be positive.

[LPE44 in reply to kkatz]

Hi,

I just had my second ablation last week. and while my recovery was rough the first few days and definitely in and out of afib, today (day 7), it seems to be settling down with no afib.

I know it is really difficult not to worry - (my 1st ablation was a train wreck but likely saved my life since I had afib and sick sinus syndrome). However, worry only causes me to feel worse. When I get into that bad headspace, I have to actively focus on all the positives I have currently plus what the procedure will give me to look forward to! I mentally list them but writing them down and reading them out loud sometimes helps even better - tape them up somewhere you see them often.

I think everyone here can say this, "We know you are going to be FINE!" (see also Louise Penny's poet character's book of poems for a laugh).

[wilsond]

Well,all I can say is for me yes,apart from an incident caused by GP advice. 8 months on nsr. Xx

[kkatz in reply to wilsond]

Brilliant and long may it continue.

[wilsond in reply to kkatz]

Fingers crossed for you too

[jeanjeannie50]

You may have a few runs of AF or tachycardia in the days weeks/months after your ablation, but should awake from your ablation with a normal heart rate.

BobD has answered your post perfectly, so I endorse everything that he has said.

We all get nervous as an ablation looms up ahead and wonder if we should have it or not. Even though I was tormented by should I or shouldn't I. I personally would still go ahead with the procedure as it's a chance to lead a normal life again.

Jean

[kkatz in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks it has been a long time coming and have always had wonderful support from you all.I will post on the experience for others.I am not too worried and have gone from wish I was having GA to thinking might be interesting to be able to know what was happening.Know doubt I will be like a jelly on the day.

[Gumbie_Cat in reply to kkatz]

It really isn’t too scary at all - I was surprised at how I coped with it under sedation. I didn’t last long in NSR - less than 48 hours - though I’m still in the blanking period. I guess I have just been one of the less lucky ones. My AFib had rapidly become more persistent while I was waiting, even with quite a short time on the waiting list.

Having said that, if a second ablation is offered, then I am going for it. I guess that could mean general anaesthetic, but I would also go for sedation again if they suggest that. I really was out for the count for most of the procedure.

[kkatz in reply to Gumbie_Cat]

Sorry yours was not the outcome you wished for and really expect mine will be the same .I have waited 11 months since failed Cv & AF definitely got worse.I been advised only 50% chance of working but a second one probably would .At least I am giving it a try & look forward to maybe having different hurdles to overcome.

[Gumbie_Cat in reply to kkatz]

Onwards and upwards! I’m sure they don’t recommend unless they think it will help. I have heard lots of cases of second ablations working.

[Bucerias in reply to kkatz]

unfortunately I have had 3 and none have worked! The more you have the more scar tissue.

[Bell50 in reply to Gumbie_Cat]

when did you have your done ? Like you I have been in and out since I had mine done in November my best month was January but since the end of January I have now only had 5 good days, I am meeting with my EP next week so will find out what he has to say about it as I don’t think mine has worked and am now thinking that I need to have another ablation.

[Gumbie_Cat in reply to Bell50]

Mine was in the middle of December. It does feel like being in limbo with the blanking period. Good luck with your appointment. I have heard that I’m listed for a cardioversion- but don’t know the waiting time, or whether they will put me on different medications.

[Singwell in reply to Gumbie_Cat]

It's much better under GA in my experience- had both. My first they said 40%success due to my moving around whilst sedated. I was out but wiggling apparently. Even though it didn't work that well my life improved. After my 2nd I've been in NSR now for 9 months.

[Gumbie_Cat in reply to Singwell]

That’s good to know. I do remember groaning at some pains and saying that it hurt my teeth, but didn’t feel the shocks they gave me at all.

Always good to hear about second ablations working, because I do get a bit despondent and start reckoning that nothing will work for me.

[Singwell in reply to Gumbie_Cat]

Don't think that. Although I went through that phase too. But I noticed small improvements even after the 40% and it gave me confidence. BTW I did feel things for the first 40 minutes...luckily after that I zoned out

[Kevinder23]

Godwilling for you xx

[carrs]

I feel very lucky I've been OK from the get go. It was a bit strange at first but better than afib. Don't worry it will be fine. Good Luck

[Geoffa1]

I can only comment on my personal experience.No AF since RF PVI two years ago!

I know because the telemetry in my pacemaker constantly monitors.

I must add I have reduced alcohol intake from probably 25 standard drinks a week down to about 7!!

[Scotheart in reply to Geoffa1]

Is that 7 pints or 7 units (i.e. 3.5 pints)?

[riffjack846]

I was in NSR for a couple days after, then went into a pretty long AF episode of around 24 hrs then converted back to NSR on my own and been in NSR ever since. My ablation was in Dec. 2022. Patience is key.

[Lilypocket]

I think it's great you are going for it. You won't know unless you try and might otherwise be left with " What if.....". Of course there is no guarantee but you will be so relieved after that you tried whatever the outcome . Techniques are improving all the time too. I dithered for a while then went for it. It was very bumpy post ablation and I was told it had failed. But hey ho I have been off all meds since October ( my ablation was July 2022) with no blips yet 🤞and I would do it again if and when needed. Take care x

[Singwell]

Had my 2nd last March. In NSR since May 2022. Think positively- your life will improve as a result of this procedure. It may not go away completely first time around. Mine didn't but no regrets. I'd do it again if I needed to and my EP recommended it.

[Quilter43]

If successful.first was.didnt last second maybe.didnt last.some people lucky.not me.

[Brizzy50000]

I had a one hour run of AF two days after my op, that was nearly 5 years ago now and I've been in NSR ever since, so good luck and try not to worry

[Bluetonic]

For me, yes I was in nsr when I woke up from the general anesthesia.It took 9 months for my heart to get back to normal though, it did keep going tachy for a while.

Other than bigeminy now and then when I am fighting off a virus I've been nsr for 6 years now

Hope you are as successful as me.

All the best

[1Golf]

sorry but it helps but doesn’t stop it.

[Jimmy37]

Do you have a pace maker?

[kkatz in reply to Jimmy37]

No my Paroxysmal AF turned Persistent Feb 21.Took a year to get a Cardioversion which lasted 9 days.And has took another year to get to ablation.