Successful ablations?

[Green_pink]

Is there anyone on here who has had a successful ablation and how long did it take you to recover afterwards?

I am due to have an ablation in a couple of weeks. I am 46 and had a few episodes 10 years ago then one big one 6 months ago and several shorter ones in the weeks after that. I have AF and Atrial Flutter. I’m now on verapamil and rivaroxaban and things have totally settled down for the last few months beside ectopic beats every so often. All I see on here is unsuccessful ablations so I am panicking about having something that might actually make me worse! Thank you

[Desanthony]

Have you read the AFA pamphlets on Ablation on the website. Please do it give lots of information. I missed out on ablation because of the pandemic but I'm sure someone else will be along soon who can give you their experiences.

All the best

[CDreamer]

Bear in mind that the people for whom ablation was long lasting - go away and don’t post anymore so that is why the results judged on posts may seem skewed.

Ablation is rarely a one time fix though and often people need more than one. My first ablation seemed fantastic for first few days, then I got a lot worse, second gave me over three years of AF free life but gradually AF returned although never with the extreme symptoms so to me that was still success!

Recovery - very varied. Think at least 2 weeks doing very, very little and gradually returning to normal life thereafter. You will be able to do most light activities within the house after the first few days but don’t be going pushing a heavy hoover around or running up and down stairs - you will regret it - I did!

[BobD Volunteer]

By the very nature of the forum success usually means bye bye so only failures remain unless like me you hang around to try and help other people. No AF since 2008 but I then went on to develop other arrhythmias and now have a pacemaker so the message seems to be that some of us are more prone to electrical problems. The ten years free of arrhythmias was fantastic though.

[Buffafly]

At your age you don’t want to start on a lifetime of meds. Nipping it in the bud seems the way to go.

[pottypete1]

Those who have first time success do not seek forums such as this.

Pete

[Mugsy15]

I was in persistent AF for several months and had a Cardioversion, which returned me to NSR. I elected to have an Ablation a year later, my reasoning being that the chances of a successful outcome were far greater if done at an early stage and when in NSR.

That was two years ago and I haven't knowingly had any AF since. I do still have daily arrythmia but as long as it's not AF I'm not really bothered and only notice if I deliberately listen to my heart. Other than courses of anti-coagulants in preparation for the two procedures, I've never taken any drugs.

Judging by what I read on here, my approach has been proactive to the point of being 'gung-ho'! But my EP was supportive and as things stand I'm happy with the result. For me, ablation was step 1 rather then a reaction to the failure of drugs and if in time AF fights it's way back into my life I'll happily have another as step 2. Drugs will come after that if necessary.

I respect the opinion of those on here who prefer to use drugs to control their AF in preference to Ablation; we're all different. Also respect those who see ACs as non-negotiable must-haves for anyone who has ever had AF, but I personally won't touch them until my ChadVasc score tells me I should.

Good luck with yours!

[Beta44]

8 years free of AF following ablation, now just the occasional blip once a year or so. Best thing I ever did!

Peter