Second ablation or not ?

[Chesterghost]

I had my first ablation in September last year . All seemed well and symptoms stopped ( afib and flutter ) plan was to come off bisiprolol 3 months post ablation . Just prior to that plan I had some short 5 min runs . I still came off and the runs continued ( I should say the symptoms returned prior to coming off the 5mg bisip so I don’t associate it with that ) still had a 5 min run say weekly for a few weeks . The specialist reccomended a ‘ tidy up’ and I’m booked in 1st April . I am back on the bisip 5 mg BUT the last 6 weeks nothing not one slight symptom , it feels different like my heart has completely settled down . The prof reckons still have the second ablation but I’m thinking that all operations have risk , it may have worked now and just taken me longer to settle down . My current thinking is to delay it and see if my recovery continues ? Any advice appreciated . Many thanks . I’m now 6-7 months post first ablation carried out by professor Gupta in Liverpool with the latest pulse radio frequency technology.

[jeanjeannie50]

Ablations are not to be taken lightly. As you've suggested, I'd say wait and see if you stay AF free now, after all you could always have one later.

I've had 3 ablations, last one about 6 years ago and am now in constant AF, but my rate is between 60-90 and I can live a fairly normal life with that rate.

Jean

[BobD Volunteer]

I am a great fan of ablation BUT I genuinely feel that at least a year needs to be left between repeats as it can oftnen take this long for things to fully settle down.

[Gumbie_Cat in reply to BobD]

I would be interested to know if that would only be when things are more or less settled? I have my three month post ablation appointment this week, but I’ve been in A Fib constantly since less than 2 days after the procedure.

Of course, I don’t know what the next thing will be - though according to my GP I’m listed for a cardioversion. I suppose a lot depends on how that goes - but I wondered if a year between them is still advised even when things haven’t worked out?

[Bell50 in reply to Gumbie_Cat]

hi I hope your appointment goes ok, I am like you I had my ablation last November and went back into Afib straight after having mine done and have now been in and out like a yo-yo I am seeing my EP this morning and I don’t think he will suggest a cardio version as I am just in and out all the time not looking forward to a second ablation though but I do want my life back.

[Gumbie_Cat in reply to Bell50]

It’s so frustratiting. I didn’t find the actual ablation too bad, but since I’m not feeling any better, I’m worried about how to proceed. A Fib became persistent for me a few weeks before the ablation, that lasted less than two days and it’s persistent again.

Getting some energy back would be wonderful!

[mjames1]

Sounds like you're in good hands and probably no right answer here. But personally, one of the reasons I want an ablation is to come off the drugs. So unless, you don't mind taking daily bisoprolol at all, then I'd come off of it, and wait and see how it goes for a few months. Then you can make the ablation choice in a few months depending on how things go. Maybe that five minute run every week will turn into a five minute run every few months. According to my ep, a successful ablation does not necessarily mean 100% afib free, but a 90-95% reduction in afib burden. A little more time will tell if you achieve that.

Jim