AF after ablation

[Oak321]

My husband had an ablation on Monday despite not having an AF episode for a year it was decided he should go ahead with it as he can’t tolerate the medication. He had been fine up to today except for fatigue but he has been in AF now for 3 hours. I know it’s to be expected for some people I am just concerned with him not having any episodes for the last year. Any advice/reassurance greatly appreciated.

[Hidden]

Even when you know it might happen, it comes asa bit of a shock when it does. All we can say is try and relax, keep hydrated, do nothing other than be a couch potato and take deep breaths. If you haven’t already, read the factsheet by clicking on the link below. Unfortunately, there are no magic wands.

api.heartrhythmalliance.org...

In the unlikely event that the episode continues into tomorrow, ring the hospital as they may suggest doing a cardioversion to get him back on track…..all the best.

[mjames1]

Don't be overly concerned. Normal. Very common. Early in blanking period where healing takes place. Follow your usual afib protocol, if any. Keep him hydrated (I prefer sports drinks with hydrating sugars and electrolytes but water is fine). In any event, inform doctor in morning.

Jim

[Oak321 in reply to mjames1]

Thank you both for your replies, he is still in AF and has been for 7 hours, he has never had an episode for this long. Luckily he is ranging between 57 and 80 so fortunately it’s not too high.

[stoneyrosed]

If he had have stopped all meds I am pretty sure the AF would have returned at some point, so if he was struggling with the meds I think it was the right thing to do to have the ablation. I feel confident in the fact that the AF will settle down soon, he is of course in the blanking period and is quite common to have AF during this period. All the best !

[Oak321 in reply to stoneyrosed]

Thanks he is still on Bisoprosol and apixaban but could not tolerate soterol flexinaide or digoxin

[stoneyrosed]

I too was on those, since my second ablation I only take 1.25 daily bisoprolol. I am sure he will settle soon.

[Oak321 in reply to stoneyrosed]

Thank you I feel more assured now. He is hoping to come off bisoprosol after the 3 months blanking period as he hates taking medication. Hopefully he wakes up in the morning in NSR 🤞

[mary70 in reply to Oak321]

"Bisoprolol is a beta blocker medicine used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure." However some Atrial Fibrillation patients can survive well by not taking bisoprolol (beta blocker) and in some cases, can be allergic to the side-effects of bisopolol.

[Spoiler]

I had a ablation on April 28th this year. I had episodes of afib and atrial tachycardia especially the first 10 days. None lasted 7 hours, but I was super anxious about it and my rates were much higher than his. Around 120’s I finally reduced my flecainide to half, now taking 50 mg twice daily and doing perfect so far! So so happy since I had been in persistent afib since sept 11th last year. Awful, had to take cardizem for rate control and absolutely made me feel horrible. I was so scared When it started afib again, BUT it has settled and been NSR! I am being careful to take it easy and I feel that is the safest for me not to rock the boat. Hoping this will settle for him as well during the healing process.

[nikonBlue]

Hi,

I had my ablation in March and am no longer taking the Flecainide I was on, having been on it for years, and continued for just a few weeks after the procedure. I do have the 'flutters' start but no longer do they go into full blown AF so, fingers crossed I'm hoping it means the ablation has been successful.

I was told it takes a good 3 months for the scar tissue they have 'made' to form proper so I'm about at that 3 month point.

As yet I've not had an appointment for any form of check up.

I now take Bisoprolol and Apixaban daily and I also take Amlodipine. Fingers crossed everything settles down for your hubby too!

stay well all,

Blue x

[Oak321]

Thanks everyone for your replies. He is still in AF the EP has just called and said it’s to be expected in the 1st 3 months and if he feels really I’ll to go to A&E. I will make sure he rests and is hydrated so hopefully he returns to normal soon 🤞

[Hidden in reply to Oak321]

thanks for the update……any change?

[Oak321 in reply to Hidden]

Only change today is no dizziness so far. Still in AF and no energy.

The cardiac nurse called yesterday after the EP and said she wasn’t concerned but to call back later in the week to check in.

[Oak321 in reply to Hidden]

Now back in NSR 😊

[Hidden in reply to Oak321]

excellent news, long may it continue…..

[Truffles2]

I had an ablation last August and kept having AF right up to the 3 month mark. I believe for some people it can go on a bit longer

[estesbubba]

If he’s feeling up to it a casual walk might be good to try and knock into NSR.

[Oak321 in reply to estesbubba]

Tried yesterday I drove to the river but we ended up just sitting and enjoying the view as he didn’t feel up to it. He walked every day prior to this and cycled.