3rd ablation yes or no ??

[mjm1971]

so I’ve had 2 ablations in last 2 years

The last one was in Augustv2022

I remained in full AF for the next 6 months

Since the last ablation I lost 2 stone

March this year the AF went into part time AF

since March I’ve had 2 or 3 episodes lasting 6 hours max .

I currently take Rivaoxiban and 2.5mg of bisop per day

I’ve now been offered 3rd ablation

should I take it or leave it in the bank for if I get worse again in future ?

I would love to be off all meds but would this procedure do that or are 6 hour episodes every couple of months a good result and not worth trying to improve ?

Apple Watch AF report always states 2% per week but I’m not sure it’s even possible to get 0% off the report is it ?

Thanks in advance

matt

[BobD Volunteer]

Now that you heart has settled down from your last ablation I would say go for a third and hope to be AF free as I have been . Caveat- You now know how long it takes to fully recover.

[mjm1971 in reply to BobD]

Hi Bob

I’m actually surprised by your response as I thought you would say that only having 2 or 3 episodes in last 6 months of no more than 6 hours would be a good result and I should settle for that .

Can I ask why you would do the third and not wait ?

[jeanjeannie50]

It was my 3rd ablation that really helped me. Was mostly AF free for a short while after but needed a few cardioversions, then was told I wouldn't be offered anymore and I'm now in constant AF but at a good range 60-90bpm. I can now live a fairly normal life.

[Hidden]

Hello Matt, well done for losing the weight, that can only help moving forward. I looked through some of your earlier posts and saw that there were a few about the various types of Mini-maze procedures and also possibly travelling to Japan so I’m not sure what sort of procedure you have been offered.

I’m not medically trained but from what you have said, your AF burden currently is relatively low so personally, I would think very carefully before considering any of the procedures which carry a higher risk and tend to be more beneficial for those in persistent AF. If you have been offered a catheter ablation on the NHS, it is more likely that your EP believes you will benefit because these offers are not made lightly.

In my case, I was in a similar situation and was put on the list for a third procedure but probably due to thyroid treatment, my situation improved and it was agreed that the procedure was put on hold. I’m fortunate in that I am still under the care of my EP so at the moment, a third ablation is still available should it be deemed necessary.

Personally, if you are referring to more “conventional” ablation on the NHS, I would go on the list as you are likely to have a longish wait and the ability to change your mind if appropriate…….

[Karendeena in reply to Hidden]

I have been waiting 10 months on the NHS so far! How long did you have to wait in the UK and which hospital?

[Hidden in reply to Karendeena]

My last one was in 2018 at St George’s in south London and I think I waited around 8 months.

[Karendeena in reply to Hidden]

Think the waiting lists are even longer now since the pandemic

[Threecats]

Hi mjm

Congratulations on the weight loss, two stone is a great achievement! If I were in your position, I would second Flapjack and get yourself on the list for another ablation. As he rightly says, waiting lists at the moment are lengthy and so should give you plenty of time to assess the effect the weight loss has had on your AF burden. It sounds like things are improving for you in which case, I too would want to wait and see what happens. There are plenty of others waiting for ablations, so there would be no problem in filling your slot if you did decide to cancel, I’m sure.

All the best for your continued improvement, TC

[Qwilk]

Go for it. My third did the trick and have, touch wood, no issues for 5 years

[Achant1 in reply to Qwilk]

That’s superb, I’m hoping threes the charm for me too.

[Qwilk in reply to Achant1]

Good luck …

[Lenlec]

I’d wait a little while and see if your episodes become more frequent. But stay in the system wiht your ep. Ask him to put you on the list for a 3rd maybe in 12 months ? Do you get over the ablations fairly easily ?

[kkatz]

Hi Matt,I am 6 months in NSR since first ablation and just starting to feel the benefits.Has your consultant said a 3rd ablation is likely to succeed? How do you feel between episodes? Do you episodes have avoidabIe triggers. I always said I would be happy to settle for paroxysmal but I don't know.But if an NHS procedure then find out how long a wait .It is possible it may be quite a long time.If so get on the list.

Your decision.

[Jajarunner]

I'm resisting a fourth having had three in 20 months between May 2020 and Jan 2022. They worked 9 months, 5 months and three months respectively. I'd have a fourth if it didn't always take me six months to feel 90 percent normal again. I have an active job and an active private business both of which will be put on hold for ,4-6 months. In fact my job will be altered to a desk based one or dismissal if I have anymore big chunks of time off.

Sorry, turned into a whingefest rather an answer to your question - I'm stressed cos I'm talking to EP Friday and know that he will pressurise me to come off amiodarone and face up to the fourth,I was hoping to put it off a few more years 🙄

[Cookie24 in reply to Jajarunner]

I am looking at ablation #4 EP wants to try Tikosyn but I declined. The plan is to get Watchman and ablation at the same time.

[Jajarunner in reply to Cookie24]

Great idea. I'd like that as blood thinners make my bad nosebleeds really bad. Good luck 🤞

[healingharpist in reply to Cookie24]

Cookie, You might want to check out Dr. John Mandrola's (a cardiologist who is very knowledgeable about the latest research studies) review of the studies on Watchman... I happened to see something recently. Just search on his name & his website should come up.

[M987 in reply to Cookie24]

I talked to my EP about getting Watchman and ablation at the same time as long as they are working on the heart and he said they don’t do them together. I think many of us would be interested in how that goes.

[secondtry]

As you are asking the question makes me think you would rather postpone.

[Ormegirl]

Hello Matt, you sound like my Sons age. Too young for all this. I'm waiting for my 3rd Ablation. 1st one was amazing and lasted 3yrs,second lasted 12days. Think we have to live in hope and I know sometimes it works well. Given the opportunity, I will go for it. Best of luck. Debs

[4Pip]

Hi there. My first ablation put me into permanent AF my second one was still permanent but far more stable and the third one last November has given me new life. So glad I went for it. Good luck with your decision

[Fblue]

I would try to find a practitioner whose record is excellent for not needing to do multiple ablations. And go to that person. All the best.

I’m collecting names for a possible 1st one.

[Achant1]

I’m probably going to be having a third ablation for pvcs and I think a touch up for Af (as I’m having atrial ectopics again) early next year. I’d go for it if I were you, three seems to be the magic no for some people, it’s better to sh#t yourself than die of constipation 🤣 good luck with whatever you decide.