failed ablation and new flutter

[MKMafib]

hello,

I had an RF ablation for afib Jan 27th at the ripe age of 38 (woohoo). I have absolutely no risk factors and nothing lifestyle wise that can be adjusted. Unfortunately I ended up in flutter at 160bpm last week and needed to be cardioverted in the ER. I was wearing my 3 month follow up holter at the time. I have had multiple panic attacks over the last week since the cardio version (never had anything like this before).

My EP is suggesting another ablation. I am terrified as my first ablation resulted in debilitating migraines and headaches for almost 3 months that had finally resolved. I am quite intolerant of the meds. Currently in only 50mg bid of flecinide and 2.5mg of bisoprolol which seems to keep me in sinus but feeling like garbage. Any support is greatly appreciated.

[mjames1]

Very common that treating afib can uncover an underlying aflutter.

If it's typical flutter (right side) then a typical aflutter ablation is a faster and easier procedure than what you had before. Successful results are in the 90-95 per cent range.

On the other hand, it could be atypical flutter (left side) which is harder to treat.

You want to have conversation with your ep about what he thinks it is, where he is going to look, what is he going to do, etc. In other words, his ablation strategy for you. Good luck and let us know what happens.

Jim

[Elizka]

I'm so sorry to hear about you have to deal with this. I had a ablation for AF on April 20 and proceed to have brutal migraines for 17 days straight. I'm still having some 2-3 times week, but they have slowed down. I had migraines prior and have my whole life, but over the last few years, with the help of Nurtec and AIMVOIG, I would maybe get one migraine a month. I told my husband that I would probably not be able to have another ablation as the migraines were debilitating.

[Elizka in reply to Elizka]

I also was put on Steroids to break the migraine streak. If you do have another ablation I would recommend getting that set up ahead of time and make sure to get a prescription for a CGRP inhibitor for migraines such as Nurtec.

[bassets in reply to Elizka]

I hope you are feeling better now - my post-op migraines went away eventually.

[bassets]

Your worries are understandable - migraine is horrible. I used to have 2 a week for years. But as Eliza suggests, sorting this out early might be the best idea. Good luck and best wishes.

[MaryCa]

Ablation for flutter is different to AFib. The success rate is enormous. Flutter was probably hiding behind the AFib. A short course of cognitive behavioral therapy might help with the anxiety, it definitely helped me. You may be over thinking and assuming that you'll have the same post op effects but unfortunately you definitely won't know that until after the flutter ablation.

[KMRobbo]

I had similar happen 9 dats after my AFib Cryo Ablation I developed typical ( right atria) atriial flutter rate controlled at a constant 140bp. By tbe 200mg diltiazem I was taking for the AFib. Apart from high hr I was asymptotic in afib, but very breathless even walkin lounge to kitchen when in flutter. I had a flutter ablation one month after the afib ablation. It took only a short time an stopped the flutter. 5years 3 month ago. My EP told me 90 to 95% success rate IF the area respobsible can be ablated, and if successful almost never will it return. My flutter was blamed on the flecainide I was still taking for the AFib. It is known to promote ithr arrhythmias. There was no evidence of flutter on any previous ECGs nor during my afib abation. If its typical have it done. 5 years 3 months no flutter no afib!

Not medically trained just my experience!