recently a family member had a catheter ablation done. They fixed 4 areas and a flutter.
back story: has had afib for 2 years and is 63. Had cardioversion done the beginning of this year and it worked for 5 days then back in afib. Had ablation done 2 weeks and 5 days ago. He just went back into afib again. Has sleep apnea but wears the mask every night.
Takes HBP meds (not sure which one) and blood thinner (eliquis)
All was well for 2 weeks and then after lunch, he walked outside and it hit him right when he was walking to his car. He immediately knew that he was in afib and has had HIGH HR since. The HR has been around 147-150 for a few days. Doc said no exercise and he has appt this week.
Tonight he went into ER for HR of 157 and lots of sweating.
has anyone experienced this? I’m trying to give him some positive outcomes in such a frustrating situation. He was feeling so good during the two weeks.
Any advice?
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JSPL0430
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Patience. Still early days and many people have episodes of AF in what is called the blanking period which is about 12-25 weeks.
I bet it was getting up straight after lunch and walking that did it! Advice would be to take very small meals and stay resting and digesting afterwards. Ensure good hydration and electrolytes maintained with good diet. Walk/exercise on an empty stomach!
Two weeks in it’s really common to experience this type of episode. Download the advice leaflet from the AFA which tells you all sorts of things which the doctors and medics never do! Written by patients for patients.
Thank you for this. He is very down about it. Was feeling so good. Hoping to go home in 2 days- he is in hospital now because of the higher HR. They gave him meds to bring the HR down and said if it doesn’t, they will do cardioversion on Monday
I appreciate the response and tips. I am currently printing them !
I'm afraid another case of raised expectations, sometimes because of medics who have never had the procedure and promise much.
Also know that ablation is not a one time cure for many. Many of us have had to have 2,3 or more ablations so it is worth considering a course of treatments rather than a cure. If AF doesn't return within 5years after one ablation - then you can consider it a 'cure'.
After multiple AF episodes I underwent a cry ablation. My specialist advised a 73% success rate and that statistically if AF did not return within a year it was highly likely to indicate a cure.
Do you mean a cryo ablation? Whether you destroy through Ice or Fire really makes little difference is my understanding, in both cases you destroy the cells causing the adherent pathways. Cryo Balloon will just cover a large area quickly - but there are also downsides.
Everyone’s experience is different, my AF did return after 3 blissful AF free years but I was not a candidate for a cryo balloon procedure, as are many people. It
Whatever any EP quotes - it is a statistic - real world is a lived experience.
The definition of a ‘cure’ is debatable but my understanding is you could only use the term once you are free of the condition for more than 5 years.
I wish you luck with yours and hope it is a success for you.
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