SoB 1 month out from EP Ablation

[TxVet33]

I'm 67 years old, with hi-BP and asthma. I've never had heart trouble. My BP was controlled with meds for decades.

I first went into AF in Nov 2020 with cough from the flu. At that episode, it went away by itself after cough was cured. My FamDr sent me to Heart Dr and he did an exploratory look at my heart through my wrist vein. Nothing was wrong with my heart at that time.

I went into AF after becoming sick with food poisoning in Feb 2023. I spent 1 night in ER puking, somewhere in that time I went into AF. I spent the next 4 days in ICU, then next 2 days in a regular room.

Then they sent me to Heart Dr {from 2020} who sent me to a Heart Rhythm Dr who ordered a CardioVersion {CV}. The CV helped for 3 days, but then I went back into AF...

My Heart Dr wanted to do another CV, but talking to my HR Dr we decided to do the EP Ablation. Which was done in April 24, 2023 and this restored my Sinus Rhythm. Now I'm on blood thinner Eliguis...

Now, I've had a ECG which shows excellent heart rhythm, BUT I have SoB. But reading all the accounts of others with this problem, it's still too early in the process. It's May 25th now and I see my Rhythm Dr tomorrow for follow up on EP Ablation.

More to follow.

[mjames1]

Please let us know what your doctor says about your SOB. I had some chest discomfort especially on inhalation after my ablation and was prescribed Colcochine, an anti inflammatory for possible post procedural pericarditis.

This is not uncommon after an ablation and should be brought to your doctor's attention for evaluation and possible treatment.

Jim

[TxVet33 in reply to mjames1]

I saw my 'rhythm cardiologist today.

1st- BP is normal

2nd- EKG is normal sinus rhythm {3rd one since EP Ablation procedure}

3rd- the nurse/doctor both saw my 'SoB'.

4th- Dr was going to continue my meds as usual.

5th- I told Dr I had researched both Diltiazem & Propafenone for side effects, there is a mild interaction.

Diltiazem is just another BP med that aides rhythm 'some'.

Propafenone is a heart electrical regulator med.

IMO, both together ARE causing my SoB, but who am I?

I asked the Dr which med I should stop to help with SoB, he told me to stop both. I asked if I did that was there a chance of slipping back into aFib... Because he's not God, I Am, He never really answered that question. His name is Dr Duddyala and he has a heavy accent, so there is some communication difficulty on my part.

So, I left office with trepidation of aFib returning after a bit with stopping both meds. I went straight to my pharmacists who told me about each drug uses and interactions. He said his father is going through exact symptoms as I am {exact same malady, ablation, fixed rhythm with shortness of breath on same meds}. So what am I supposed to do?

med interaction jpg

[mjames1 in reply to TxVet33]

Stopping meds now or waiting, is anyone's guess. Some remain on these meds for six months, some three months, some one month and with some they are stopped right after the ablation. I'm assuming you never had this med combination before the ablation?

I was told to remain on flecainide and diltiazem for one month and then taper. I will probably continue them a little longer. If you do stop and your SOB continues, schedule a follow up as they might want to do further imaging including an echo. Like I said, I was given colchicine, an anti inflammatory for post procedural pericarditis, but apparently they don't think that is the issue.

They don't tell you how much fun you are going to have after an ablation, do they

Hope you feel better soon and hold that normal rhythm. Hope we both do.

Jim

[TxVet33 in reply to mjames1]

Yes, Dr prescribed Dilt after 1st episode of aFib while in hospital in Feb23, then colchicin a week prior to Ablation and Propafenone & Eliquis at the Ablation. I also have failed back syndrome AND 6 back operations. I'm in constant pain low back/right leg. I take 15 MG of morphine ER. So there is other things going on....

I'm stopping both Dilt & Propafenone as of this missive... More to follow.

No, no one told me the 'fun/excitement' coming post EP Ablation. Getting old is NOT for sissies.....

I just woke up here @7am AND I have no lightheadedness.... ")