Cardiac Ablation Looks Successful!

[Row2k]

I was diagnosed with Paroxysmal Afib in April of 2022. During my annual physical my PCP heard what he thought was a murmur, and called in a consult. After testing the afib was confirmed. I never noticed it, but started monitoring with a smartwatch and began to feel the episodes as they progressed. This past June the ElectroPhysiologist recommended ablation. The procedure was performed one week ago, and saw immediate cessation of the afib. He found afib signal sites in all four pulmonary veins as well as between them, and got them all. As a precaution I am still taking 40mg Sotalol and 5mg Eliquis twice a day until my follow-up after two weeks.

The Sotalol had suppressed my heart rate to the point that I could not exercise, so I am looking forward to no longer taking it and resuming my workouts.

[sotolol]

Great news happy for you good to hear it worked. Take it easy though at first.

[Row2k in reply to sotolol]

Thanks. I plan to work with my cardiologist to create a well thought out plan to get back on track.

[sotolol in reply to Row2k]

Hi

Best way so a good outcome working together.

Long may it last and it will all soon be a memory. Just looking back to feel grateful. Keep smiling.

😀

[2learn]

Hi, just personal experience but after I've had cardioversions or ablations (3 of each) I don't need beta blockers as they suppress my heart rate too much. I used to take 5mg of Bisoprolol and that was too much, so 40mg of Sotalol sounds a lot. Ask you doc about reducing or stopping the dose.

[Row2k in reply to 2learn]

Thanks. The Sotalol and eliquis are a precaution for another week. The smallest pill size for Sotalol is 80mg, so I have been cutting them in half per doctor's orders. The plan has been to be completely off blood thinners and beta blockers once we verify the ablation was successful.

[2learn in reply to Row2k]

again personal experience. 3 wks after last ablation I had a stroke, apparently ablation/stroke risks are higher for about a month after ablation. Fortunately I was already on blood thinners because of longstanding AF and my stroke risk. So depending on your stroke risk/age I personally wouldn't come off bloodthinners, they've never been a problem for me. Also wouldn' have thought a rowing machine was a good idea for over a month to give ablation and heart time to settle in.

[Row2k in reply to 2learn]

I imagine the possibility of stroke is the reason they kept me on the meds post-procedure.

[theonethatgotaway1]

Awesome!. Love a good comeback story.

How much did it suppress your heart rate by to the point you couldn't exercise? Just curious as I am on betas as I was previously in afib and have heart failure ef rate of 35% and my heart rate is 60. I do wonder if things would improve if I came off the betas.

[Row2k in reply to theonethatgotaway1]

Thanks. While heart rate wasn't locked, it wouldn't track properly with increased effort. I would run out of breath too quickly on the Rowing Ergometer (Concept II). My goal is to get back on the water in my single scull.

[Princelover]

Hello and me too! I am only on anticoagulants after an ablation 6 weeks ago. I did find myself more tired than expected but that’s lifting now. I also have some digestive side effects but they are improving and are to do with irritation of the vagal nerve. I would ask for an early review of meds in case their side effects are interfering with recovery. Good luck to you; I’m so happy not to be locked in the loo all night with a racing heart 🥳

[Row2k in reply to Princelover]

Thanks . The anesthesia triggered a bladder issue that required a visit to the ER for a Foley catheter. It is being removed today. The plan is to remove the meds at the two week review as long as all is well. One more week! I have been feeling great other than the catheter.

[Princelover in reply to Row2k]

I hope all goes well today and that you are back on the water very shortly 😀

[ddeacon in reply to Row2k]

After healing from a TURP procedure to open up my urethra, I developed large blood clots inside my bladder that locked the urine from draining. I went to the ER in agony until a urologist brought in a catheter with a couday (like a small shark's fin) on the end to wipe the clots from the urine exit when he spun it around. If anyone finds their bladder not draining, do NOT try to force urination by drinking extra water. The couday designed catheter is the key to resuming flow again.

[DawnTX]

I do hope he plans on keeping you on your anticoagulant. My Cardiologist as well is my EP have reminded me more than once it’s for life even with a pacemaker. We have many people on here who sadly had a stroke already. I don’t think there is one of them that would not turn the clock back and take an anticoagulant if given the opportunity. I was lucky my cardiologist put me right on one even before they had the full diagnostic.