Ablation update

[Kennyb1968]

So 8 months on post ablation I am still in permanent AFib but completely symptomless. I am back to sleeping through the night, much reduced anxiety from awaiting the next daily onset of the paroxysmal AFib, I am walking/running 4 miles a day, I have a personal trainer and am in the gym 4 times a week, planning to get back on the bike and generally feeling pretty good about my life. I am starting a new job and can even enjoy the odd beer or three without any ill effects. My average daily HR is 75bpm and my blood pressure and O2 saturation are spot on. I had a consultation with my cardiologist yesterday and the upshot is that my quest for sinus rhythm is over. I still take 5mg of bisoporol and edoxaban daily with no ill effects. So here's to the future you wonderful lot!

[BobD Volunteer]

One of the lucky ones . As we often say, Permanent AF is just an agreement between doctor and patient that chasing NSR is pointless.

[Kennyb1968 in reply to BobD]

It comes down to what you say constantly on here - there is no cure for AFib and in itself it won't kill you. The key is to control the symptoms and mitigate the risks. So I've controlled the symptoms through the ablation and by continuing with the edoxaban I am mitigating the risks (even though CHADs score is 1). Took me a while to get my head around that

[jeanjeannie50]

Good news to hear Kenny. I've had 3 ablations, my last about 5-6 years ago and I'm now in permanent AF but my rate is between 60 -90 and I can lead a fairly normal life.

You sound as though you're doing wonderfully, long may that continue.

Jean

[Ppiman]

Well done - you must feel pleased with things. My elderly friend has been in permanent AF for very many years and takes nothing except warfarin. Like you, he is symptomless and well and has a normal heart rate. He's had two or three fainting attacks perhaps related to it, but that is all.

Steve

[Gumbie_Cat]

Such a positive post. I’ve been told that I’m on rate control only, after a first ablation that gave two days of sinus rhythm. An EP study done at the same time showed too much fibrosis for more procedures. Just 4 to 5 months, but I suppose this means permanent AFib.

Starting to accept it, but not sure that my HR is as under control. It still rises quite high when I’m active, and drops down to a resting rate in the 50s. Not sure of the average though - probably 80-ish.

Not walking quite as far, but that’s more due to my bad back. Don’t get particularly breathless, but have tired legs on hills and stairs. Though I’m on holiday in North Wales this week, and have managed quite a few ‘challenges’. Started up a flight of stairs at Harlech castle, didn’t know where it led. Kept thinking I was nearing the top, so plodded on - turned out that was the top of one of the tall towers. So, I don’t think I can complain too much. Perhaps some 68 year olds don’t just spring upstairs any more.

Also on 5mg Bisoprolol plus apixaban. I think there’s still some fear of doing too much, and some days the my HR seems to go higher on activity, though I don’t really feel it.

Hoping I end up in a similar place, even if I can’t run four miles. Not sure I ever could!

[Kennyb1968 in reply to Gumbie_Cat]

You seem to be doing great, long may it continue. My experience with paroxysmal AFib was much worse than where I am now - sudden onset of pounding in my chest, breathlessness, need to pee constantly, sleep deprivation, anxiety. Now I'm happy and healthy. I do breathe harder earlier in exercise but that's not the same as breathlessness. Hope you continue to stay well and happy

[Gumbie_Cat in reply to Kennyb1968]

You too! It is so good to see posts from those doing well with permanent AFib too. I sometimes think I should avoid the forums when there’s talk of dementia etc. Then whenever I forget things, I start to panic!

[irene75359]

My mother was in constant AF and totally unaware until it was picked up at a check-up. She lived a long happy life and died at 97. Peace of mind comes alongside acceptance of what cannot be changed and your life sounds happy and fulfilling, well done, and best of luck!

[Kennyb1968 in reply to irene75359]

My Dad is 90 and has had it all his life since it was detected at his army medical in 1951!

[Snowgirl65]

Such good news! It's great to enjoy life again.

[LadyLawson]

delighted to hear it.

[Ossie7]

I concur with others on here Kenny , great to hear you are doing so well at a young age in permanent AF . It must be reassuring also to know that your Dad has lived a long life with AF . I’m not there yet , awaiting ablation no 3 for very severe persistent AF , but for now in lovely sinus rhythm on dronedarone and bisoprolol . Feel great , so long may that last .