I had Covid in Oct 2022. I was 57 at the time and in really great shape. I exercise everyday, average about 15,000 steps a day and fast 2 to 3 days a week. As my Covid was winding down and I was feeling better I started having Afib Episodes for the first time in my life. They started off kinda minor and at first I was having afib about once a month. Fast forward about 5 months and my afib episodes were happening about twice a month. I had my first consult with a cardiologist and he recommended an Ablation. I put it off for a few months although now I was having afib episodes about 3 times a month. I had the ablation procedure 25 days ago and since the surgery my afib has actually gotten much worse. Before the ablation my longest afib episode was 26 hours. Although over the last 3 weeks the afib episodes are happening about every other day. One afib episode lasted 5 days. For that episode, I ended checking myself in the ER as I was worried about it lasting so long. Also my heart just felt really sore and tired. I am still hopeful that everything self corrects, although honestly I feel held hostage by the numerous afib episodes I've been having. I have a very active job as a video producers so I am running around my county filming, carrying video/audio gear many days a week. During these episodes I feel dizzy and my heart hurts. Driving feels unsafe. I have waves of anxiety that feel debilitating at times. I'm falling behind at work and am worried that I may lose my job if these episodes don't stop. I've been trying to hide this from my job although tomorrow I'm going to come clean and let my director know about the issues I've been having post ablation. I feel super grateful on the days I'm afib free and I keeping hoping that they don't return... only to have one emerge when I least expect it.
Afib worse since Ablation: I had Covid... - Atrial Fibrillati...
Afib worse since Ablation
Hi, unfortunately Covid is a know cause of afib. There are multiple anti arrhythmia drugs that could reduce or stop your symptoms. Even if the ablation works, and from reading this forum it seems multiple ablations are sometimes necessary, your need for anticoagulants would be not affected, as according to studies, youstill have a 4x greater risk of a stroke assuming you have another risk factor which would necessitate the AC in the first place.
As far as relatively safe anti arrythmics go, Tikosyn has worked for me for 5 years. There are no long term thyroid, liver or pulmonary problems. You have to be monitored in the hospital when this drug is started because of initial potential
for arrythmias.
Hope the ablation works.discuss all this with your Electrophysiologist.
Best etheral
So where did you hear that F was knowingly caused by Covid. I have studied it in deptch and never heard this. I have AF myself
There are many more cases of AFib and different heart conditions since covid and the vaccines
You stated that Covid is a KNOWN caise of AFib, you should not just be stating things that have never been proven, too many people have blamed Covid or the jabs for just about everything, maybe there have been cases of heart issues, but as yet no proof ever has been made that this is the case. there are thousands of heart attacks all the time, my own Mum died at 42, no history, no pain nothing just in her sleep as did her own Father about the same age too. Many years before Covid, and they were just a couple of them, heart issues have been here since time immimorial, i would never stake my life on the claim of Covid causing AF, until its proven, thats all.
I stated that there have been MORE cases. Which I was told by a Doctor, who would know statistically. Of course it’s not going to be proven, they want people to be vaccinated as I’m sure the benefits in most cases outweigh the risks
Yes sorry, it was etheral who stated PROVEN. and when i read these statments it really gets me, as many are blaming Covid or the vaccs for things that have little to do with them and people are believing it. Best keep an open mind on this issue, and yes vaccs help prevent deaths. the benefits far outweigh the risks.
I'm so sorry to hear this. Have you contacted your EP to keep him/her informed? If so have they suggested anything to help? Foe example are you on any medication apart from anti coagulant?
Managing workloads demands is hard with Afib. I remember struggling with it. N
I hope your workplace understand and can offer some adjustments. I don't know how heavy the visual/audio equipment is but I'm wondering if lifting/carrying that isn't helping....
Thanks for the response. I am on blood thinner and Atenolol. I take 25mg in the morning and 25mg at night. I take more when I'm in an episode and monitor my blood pressure. I did take 10 days off work (and rested) after the ablation. Honestly after 10 days, I was feeling pretty normal physically, all the bruising faded and I felt no internal pain. My cardiologist said I could lift up to 30 lbs (after 10 days) although if I felt any discomfort to slow down. All of my video gear weighs under 30 lbs,. I started having glass of wine 2 nights a week and going back to my normal routine with exercise, although took it easy on lifting. As the afib starting getting worse and worse, I cut out all caffeine, alchohol and artificial sweetner. 2 Days ago my cardiologist ordered a heart monitor which I am now wearing for 7 days. I honestly think stress is my trigger and I'm doing my best to lower my stress with deep breathing and meditation. My doctor told me to wait and see what happens for the next 3 months and if they continue then we will look into a second ablation. I've been reading through these posts and I do take comfort in knowing that all may still work itself out as my heart continues to heal over the next few months.
Awww poor you. I'm so glad you are getting good advice. You are right stress is a big factor but not always easy to avoid....lol. The modern world is a stressful place!It's not uncommon for Afib to return but it IS so disappointing. Your EP will be able to assess & advise if a follow up one is needed. So do take heart. The heart tracker for 7 days will really help with this.
10 days off afterwards isn't very long though. The heart has a lot of healing to do. Something most of us find hard to comprehend as you can't see it.
I found the trouble with workplaces is that really as soon as you are back it's all go no matter what they promise.
Rest up as much as you can....
I agree with waveylines, 10 days is really not long enough to rest after an ablation. The healing process for me required a lot of rest periods and plenty of sleep the first month.
Can you arrange for more time off?
Stress is my trigger. You really should try and slow down a bit. Having said that I am like a scud missile, hyperactive most of the time, hence I think my afib episodes go on for too long (36 hours). I too must slow down and try harder. I avoid coffee, alcohol and chocolate (if I can resist). I am waiting for an ablation but scared 😳
Yeah, I think stress is my main trigger. I had an afib episode about an hour after eating movie popcorn which comes with waaay too much sodium, So I also have been reducing my salt intake., just to be safe. I really liked my surgeon and felt like I was in good hands. The only time I really got nervous was about 10 minutes before the procedure. I’m glad I did it. I just hope one time in is all I need-
Did you have the ablation under sedation or full anaesthetic?
I think it’s a great idea to talk to your boss. It’s still early days and you’re in the ‘blanking period’. Your heart takes a while to recover from an ablation, so it would really be wise to cut back on the lifting etc. during the three month blanking period.
I know there are guidelines like ‘back to work in a week’ - but it depends on the kind of work! Good luck with the A Fib - it sounds like you’re still reverting to sinus rhythm so that’s a good sign.
My paroxysmal AFib became persistent following a Covid infection. The planned ablation didn’t work out for me, but it helps the majority of people. Recovery does take a few months though. There are good information leaflets on the AF association website.
heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...
Thanks for the response. If I have another episode this week I will have a discussion with my boss.
The 3 month or so period after an ablation is often difficult to come to terms with because most of us expect and hope for instant remedy and unfortunately, it isn’t like that. An ablation is a procedure, so unlike an operation, it doesn’t immediately repair the damage which enables the rogue impulses to fire off and cause the AF. The ablation either freezes or burns the tissue within the heart which needs to be treated and it only when the scars heal that the barriers form which reduces, then hopefully stops AF. This is explained in the following fact sheet together with other information regarding recovery from an ablation.
api.heartrhythmalliance.org...
So try and be a patient patient because there is time for your current situation to improve. Covid will not have helped, but still away to go before you are likely to reap the full benefits from your ablation…..good luck.
Thanks for that FJ, I was just about to point at your pinned post on the right of this forum. Really helpful for all us scheduled for an ablation soon, tomorrow for me. I think the back to work in a week advice is not meant for people with physical jobs and adjustments required for a few months to give the process a chance.
Link to the pinned post:-
healthunlocked.com/afassoci...
Good luck Buzby, when you feel up to it, please let us know how you get on 👍🤞👍
Thanks. The fact sheet is helpful. I am doing my best to be a patient patient :). I've been wracking my brain trying to figure out what may be the trigger. Over the last week I have given up caffeine, alchohol and artificial sweeteners. I think that has helped as the episodes are starting to slow down in frequency.... I hope. It's been 3 days since my last episode and about the longest I've gone since my ablation, 26 days ago. Fingers crossed. I never cared about sinus rhythm until a few months ago and now being in Sinus rhythm feels so peaceful., Every morning without afib I spend the first 10 minutes feeling gratitude.
Did you rest for a few weeks after having your ablation? The areas that were treated need time to heal and form scar tissue. Think of it this way if you had burns on your knee would you keep bending it? By exerting yourself carrying heavy equipment, putting any strain on it etc. and making your heart pump harder it may not have had the opportunity to heal. It does take time and consultants tell us very little about what we should or shouldn't do.
Then there is the other fact that one ablation may not work. I've had three but still have AF though at a much lower rate than before my third ablation.
Several people on this forum have spoken highly of the mini maze, a different type of ablation that's performed via the side of the chest. The experts on this are Dr Randall Wolf in Houston, Texas and another man Dr Ohtsuka who trained with Dr Wolf but lives in Japan.
Jean
I took 10 days off after the ablation and rested. Honestly, physically my bruising was all gone and I felt pretty good going back to work on the 11th day. I've been doing my best to remove the triggers that may spark the afib. I'm learning. I will look into the mini Maze, thank you!
Please read the ablation and recovering from ablation pamphlet on the AFA website. I think someone has given you the link in the comments here. I don't think what you are experiencing is all that uncommon as you are well within the usual 3 month blanking period and sometimes this period can be longer for some people as we are all different. Take things easy and don't over do anything - Although Covid seems to have been the cause of your AF you should still avoid things that could be triggers such as alcohol, spicy food and large meals and overdoing any exercise and try and avoid stress. - I know much easier than it seems.
Keep your EP informed of all your symptoms and how you are getting on, as there may be somethings that can be done or prescribed to help you.
All the best.
Thanks. I am working on removing or reducing all of the known triggers for afib. Stress is the hardest to remove although I am working on it!
Sorry about what's going on. Many of us are put on daily anti-arrhythmic medications such as Flecainide or Amiodarone for 1-6 months post ablation to help hold the fort during the blanking and healing period. Something to discuss with your ep. Also, I'm assuming your rate is being controlled at home during these episodes? If not, again ask your ep about that. Hopefully, these blanking episodes will not effect your longer term outcome.
Jim
Yes, taking a blood thinner and atenolol in 25 mg doses morning and night. I monitor my blood pressure. The atenolol was doing it's beta blocking job although as it would wear off, my heart would spike up again into the 130 range or higher so I would take another atenolol as soon as my blood pressure was in the safe range. This cat and mouse game went on for 5+ days. I'm learning how to stay productive and not worry too much. It's been 3 days since my last episode... the longest I have gone since the ablation, so I am feeling some peace and gratitude right now
I am so sorry to hear about your AFib experiences.My AFib was also very much increased by contracting Covid - to every other day, now - so you are not alone in Covid having dealt you a blow like this. I recognise the feeling of weariness in the heart that you describe. Many of us AF sufferers probably do.
Give yourself more time to heal from your ablation. It is, after all, intentional damage to the heart that needs to heal properly. Stress and exertion aren't what your heart needs at the moment.
You are doing the right thing by talking to your boss. Better to take some time off now to let your heart rest and heal than ruin the chances of your ablation being successful in the long run.
Wishing you luck and a good outcome.
My AF worsened after ablation too, was told to wait till after the blanking period. I was very anxious was so worried I would have to go through the ablation again. But almost to the day 3 months post ablation I had one last episode of AF and have now been AF free for over a year apart from after my CABG and a short episode once when they stopped my beta blocker. So hang in there and give it time
What works for one might not for another that’s the nature of AF and I’m not saying this is a solution but get your blood levels done for VitD3, magnesium and CoQ10. I was low on all 3 and have been supplementing since December, have had one episode since of AF end of September which was resolved with cardioversion. Even after 10 months of supps my CoQ10 is just at lower end of normal range. As we age production lessens of this essential nutrient and antioxidant which occurs naturally in our bodies it protects us from cell damage. In our body the largest amount is found in the heart. I take magnesium taurate and Glycinate which has certainly relaxed me. I take a small dose of beta blocker Metopropol which my cardiologist suggests dampens the adrenaline spikes that can kick off AF.
I walk briskly 4-5km most days and ride an indoor bike about 10-15km twice a week. Don’t go too hard with exercise… I keep my max heart rate to 85% of max for my age at 65 is around 130-135
I also used to just take Atenolol to control afib but still used to get monthly episodes. After years of that and after a 2 week afib episode that landed me in hospital, I finally got prescribed Flecainide. It was life changing for me because it actually can stop afib episodes that are in progress, or prevent them from even starting. I'm currently on 75mg daily (25mg in the morning and 50mg in the evening) and i'm not getting afib episodes anymore. I'm waiting for my ablation in May next year. Hopefully your afib will settle down when your heart heals from the ablation but maybe medication like flec could help in the meantime, depending what your dr says of course.
Thanks for the info. My doctor asked me to continue to take the atenolol 25mg in the morning and 25 at night. Then after 3 months wean myself off and see what happens. If they continue after 3 months, I will probably schedule another ablation and also look into other drugs. If they continue in any severity (lasting more than a day) will mention Flecainide to my Dr. and see if that is an option.
Hi there-if your daily Fleccanide is working will you still go for the ablation?
Before I started Flec, i was desperate to get an ablation to stop my afib. I had a consultation with an EP about the procedure but didn't have heart inclusions on my private health cover and didn't want to fork out ~$30k or go on the public wait list. I added heart inclusions to my health insurance but am still in a 1 year waiting period for that to kick in.
It was at that time I was prescribed Flec for the first time. I didn't think it would be as effective as it has been, given i'd had afib for about 5 years and thought I would have been prescribed it earlier if it was a good option. I definately wish I knew about it earlier as it effectively controls my afib. Now I'm nowhere near as desperate to get my ablation because my afib is under control, but I do have another consulation with my EP in December to discuss the procedure which is currently booked for May.
I think there are many of us who have a difficult time after an ablation. My heart went bonkers and I had a couple of other issues too. I was put on a heavy- duty drug for 10 weeks as a last resort which worked. Long story short I have been Afib and drug free for about a year now. You are still in the blanking period which I think is longer than 3 months for many of us! But it does sound as if you might be overdoing it which I know it is hard to avoid owing to your job . Are you still fasting 3 days a week? One more thing have you checked your thyroid?
Hang in there and be a patient patient 🙂
Yes, still fasting although down to 2 days a week. I did have my thyroid checked and it's normal.
Hi Filmguy,
Sorry to hear what's happened. My simple advice...is slow down a little. It's important to take a bit of responsibility for our own health. I thought I could cope well with the pressures of work and even thrived under pressure, but I now know it can encourage the demon of af back into my life . Enjoy what you have achieved in life, pat yourself on the back and maybe slow your life down to 75 or 80 % of what you are used to. I hope this resonates with you.
Also slow deep breathing through the nose ,best wishes 🙂
Trying to relax. I'm the breadwinner and have two kids nearing the end of HS and will have some big college bills coming up. I figure I have another 6 to 7 years of full time work before I can relax. My job is performance based and every year my job is something my company looks at cutting although my quality of work keeps me in place. There are alot of younger video producers that would love to have my job at my pay rate... So it is a dance to keep my stress level in check.
You need a conversation with your manager. A slow, steady and confident conversation about how you’re going to be fine but right now you will have to slow up while you see the EP and get the meds sorted. Breathe, and take charge - it’s your health, your heart. How about suggesting you manage one of those young hopefuls to bring them up to your standard? Then they can do the heavy work!
Great advice. I will definitely have a confident converstation with my director about slowing down a bit over the next 3 months. I essentially started the video department almost 10 years ago. At one time there were 3 of us, although budget cuts have dwindled my department down to just me. I pretty much have to stress and fight and show the benefits of video production to my company every year. I may look at bringing on an intern although my company won't pay for an intern so, my candidates tend to be really rough around the edges and 2 out of 3 times it's alot of effort to train for the short time they are with me. I have looked at similar jobs in my field as I really miss having co-workers. The headache is... I am in the top 1% for pay for the state I live in. I would essentially have to take a 40% cut to do the same job at a nearby production studio. If I can make this work for 7 more years, I will have successfully (financially) helped my kids with college and have a comfortable retirement.
I emphasise with you. If necessary adjustments are not made for your health ,retirement might look significantly different and I doubt you are employed for your physical attributes more likely your expertise and experience, which makes you stand out from the younger ones 😁 best wishes
Hang in there mate. Try to see cardiologist or EP.? There’s a few meds available to hopefully settle things down. I was placed on propafonone for a few months while I was waiting for another ablation and it did settle things down and make life and working more bearable.👍
I’m sure you’ll eventually get there but it’s not easy sometimes unfortunately. All my best wishes mate.
Ron👍
You must share this with your manager but also your cardiologist! I would have thought the AF episodes would cease! I am sure your Manager will understand and your anxiety reduces.
Sorry to hear you are having a rotten time. I reckon you were overdoing it somewhat, with 15,0000 steps, plus a busy, active stress job and why would you fast 2 to 3 days a week?
Tough time you're going through! I agree 10 days not enough rest post ablation. I've had 2, and did pretty much nothing for 3 weeks afterwards i.e. no work (we run our own small business). With my first I got long runs of AF post ablation- far worse than I'd had before - but after a few weeks it settled down. And for the first time I'd self convert. I did need a 2nd go because they already knew the first hadn't been a success. I was sedated only and apparently moved around even when unconscious. It does sound like stress and fear of losing your job are contributing too. Talk to your boss - it's OK to be under par! Although if you're a contract worker I know the fear of- where's the next job coming from - is real. But your health comes first.
My 2nd ablation was - so far - a success. I've been in NSR since May 2022 with only a few blimps of tachycardia when I'm stressed.
Hope these responses are helping you to plan your next move.
I appreciate you story, thanks! Great to hear things are working out for you.
Hello, so pleased to hear of your success. Are you still taking any form of medication?
Thank you. That said, I had 2 bouts of tachycardia due to a high stress situation out of my control yesterday! So this appears to be the new normal for me. Its easier to address though than AF - between 5 and 10 minutes of slow breathing usually sees it off. So I'll take that. Re meds - I'm on Apaxiban only for stroke protection. I have a guided strategy for PiP if needed should AF visit.
Thank you for replying so quickly. My journey began three years ago. I was 70, going to the gym, walking, etc. PAF diagnosed after extreme palpitations which I suspect was attributed to alcohol, skimped meals and dehydration when I was working around the clock on a project. Until then, I experienced very short episodes perhaps once every couple of years, which were diagnosed as ectopic beats. A cardiologist put me on Sotalol and Xarelto, and suggested I drop a a couple of kilos, to reach an ideal BMI, plant-based diet, alcohol free, mindfulness relaxing. This worked fine and I was allowed to drop both meds. However, I had another episode. So, back on the meds. Same pattern. Drop the meds. Then the discussion changed: commence a daily small dose of a different beta-blocker, Atenolol. This went for almost year and we decided that it became necessary to stay on the anti-coagulant, for obvious reasons. The discussion moved on to a possible ablation. Several months later I went ahead, reassured that I would be in the care of a leading EP professor. All good for 5 months. Then the AF came back. I was prescribed Flecainide, to no avail. This drug led to Atrial Flutter. Take 2: a second ablation - RF procedure, whereas the first time it was Cryoablation. The professor said he touched up a few areas. But I was a tad dismayed when he said it would have been good If I'd had the first ablation earlier - before the AF became persistent. Higher success rate. In hindsight, I wish my referring cardiologist and I had pursued the discussion earlier. Anyway, I enjoyed a year of freedom from AF, until a few short events in the last 2 months. I'm hoping that a PIP approach will bring me relief when I need it. The planned treatment now is Flecainide and Bisoprolol when required. Does that equate with your program? May I ask if you're a vocalist, given your identity? I'm a musician and have recently drafted a memoir/biography which I am calling, Never Miss A Beat!
Hi. Yes I'm a musician. Working with other singing teachers now and have also authored a number of books on voice and singing.Re my PiP strategy. In my case I can take Flecainide on its own if AF visits. Up to 300mg in 24 hours as you probably know. Although with my weight of 52 kilos I cannot tolerate more thN 200 in 24 hours and have never needed more than 150 to see of an episode. TBH I don't especially like the effect of taking that much as I'm prone to reversion/conversion pauses- not pleasant! Should AF start to visit regularly them I'll be back on a low maintenance dose plus regular Diltiazem to counteract any danger of developing flutter.
For anxiety I would recommend getting a diffuser and some essential oils, my wife did so for me and they worked wonders. But this has to be dovetailed with meaningful rest. If I need an alarm clock to wake me, then I shouldn’t be waking up, regardless of work. Work has to understand this will benifit them in the long term. Natural remedies are best for anxiety…..
The prob with work is most folk don’t appreciate an AF ablation is minor heart surgery, like you’ve had your tonsils out. And when they hear your’re now in sinus rhythm, they think your gonna be ok forever, with no recovery complications let alone AF returning. So somehow you have to gently educate them. This may be difficult with the boss, so educate those around him…..
Hi filmguy5
Sorry to hear your plight (and fully understand that joyous feeling of NSR !)
I' was a pretty fit ex-mil guy when AF hit me a few years back. Within 6 months it was 24/7.
I waited a couple of years for an ablation which lasted in NSR....for a week. It took them a cardioversion (didn't work) and 3 months for them to decide it wasn't AF anymore but flutter (which had been 'hidden' by the AF)
4 months after the ablation that had got rid of the AF (but not the flutter) I had a flutter ablation. That was January 2021. NSR since, except when I got covid in Sept 2022. Then I had 3 days of intermittent AF (a few minutes each day) All good since.
They had no idea why I got AF in the first place, they called it 'Lone AF' (ie no idea why!)
But one EP did say to me 'You are ex-military so you probably had a past of too much exercise, caffeine and alcohol' !
I keep fit these days with walking. I've ditched caffeine but luckily a couple of glasses once a week or so seem to be fine !
Good luck with your progress,
and here's to a long and happy NSR !
If atrial fibrillation returns after an ablation it’s very often related to tissue inflammation which will eventually subside- hence the three month period is referred to as the blanking period. In other words it’s definitely too soon to say that the ablation will not result in the AF being corrected. See: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...
I was also told it is common to have afib episodes up to 3 months after an ablation. I just listened to a podcast (2023) by a US Ivy League graduate EP and he said it actually takes a year to know if your ablation worked.
I’ve read a recent study which showed that a month was a good cut of point for a doctor to determine the success or otherwise of an ablation. But that didn’t mean the month proved the procedure was a failure, just an average. The heart seems to take many weeks to heal fully from an ablation and some are more inflamed than others for various reasons and are affected by the procedure much worse.
With regards to covid, your cardiologist really ought to have had some interest and idea of whether this was behind the AF - or, indeed, what likely was. Covid is known to cause generalised inflammation in some sufferers on top of its usual upper respiratory effects but heart problems are still not exactly a commonplace.
I suspect your doctor would ask you to give things a few more weeks to see if your AF heart doesn’t settle down and, from all I’ve read, the chances are that it will even if you are not fully free of AF in the future.
As to your employer, well, it would be a shock to learn if your employment were in any way compromised because of any illness. You should perhaps have been more open and I suspect if you now are that sympathy will come your way. That’s been the case in other people I’ve read in similar situations.
You must feel awful though. Bad luck. Life throws us all kinds of wobblies and we’ve had more than our share but in the longer run, things usually work out okay. I hope they do for you, too.
Steve
Hi, You sound as if you have a pretty hectic lifestyle and don't want to let AF stop that. I'd always exercised, got my AF in the gym. I thought, as we are often told exercise is good for the heart. Sadly it may not be, my docs said strenous exercise will not stop AF and was bad if you have AF as it can trigger or make it worse. So it may be moderation in all things at least for a while to see if it makes any difference. Good luck.
Good afternoon, You might need two ablations, as I did. If you are on warfarin, or other anticoags, pay attention to severe headaches in case you have subjural haematomas, as I did. I am unaware of the effects of the chinese (small 'c') pestilence on AF. Keep nagging your electrophysiologist!
Best wishes, Maxim
Good comments here..and I'll add my sympathies. My symptoms and active lifestyle sound similar to yours. I was around 50 when first diagnosed, though possibly had episodes rarely before that. They had slowly gotten more prevalent, culminating in steady afib after my second covid vaccine. Off to ER for cardioversion. Fast forward a few years, I've had two ablations, the second one at the end of Aug this year..so I'm still in my blanking period. Second attempt at shucking the pills in December! I remain hopeful, but I certainly understand the anxiousness even despair when in Afib and its constant threat. I will say my second ablation was WAY easier on me than the first. I was dismayed to need a second ablation but it is very common. And a silver lining is that the chance of ablation success actually increases with each procedure..at least we have that. Mostly.. just sympathy that you've had to join the afib conveyor belt with us...stick with it.
Doing all that physical activity 10 days after your ablation was probably not the best idea. The heart takes a while to get over the bashing it's had. I had 4 weeks off work and although my job is a little physical, it's nowhere near as physical as yours. My AF kicked off again and didnt stop so I do wish I'd had another couple of weeks off and eased myself in more gently.
I have no way of knowing if that would have made a difference but I wish I'd tried.
I would be honest with your employer as I would have thought they'd be more annoyed at your keeping this to yourself, especially if there were an issue.
Hope that things settle down for you but I think you'd be best slowing down for a while.
Hi, filmguy (I was a film/radio/tv grad at uni yrs back :-)) -- I second those who are saying "stress is the trigger". I have not had an ablation. But when I have an AF episode, I take 150 mg of flecainide. THEN--if I keep racing around, jump in the car, go to work, on the phone, go, go, go--it will not convert for ages & I might have to take more flec. On the other hand--if I sit down quietly & read, or close my eyes--it converts within 30 to 120 minutes. This shows me graphically how my heart prefers peace and quiet. Could you take even a 2-week break to help your heart to heal further? When they freeze or burn the heart, you can imagine how super-sensitive it becomes, and stress is a terrible trigger. Hoping you'll be able to get a schedule that permits more resting time each day (as hard as I know that is when you're a hard worker). We all wish you a calm heart and complete healing! Diane S.
Hi, I dont know what they do as a procedure in the USA, but for myself I have AF, and my cadio has told me, that unless it becomes that i am having episodes much more often than the one or two i get in 3 months, then he said they do not do invasive procedures. the next step would be if this happened for me, to have a pace maker fitted, in order that i can be given beta blockers, but at the moment my natural heart rate is around 50, so these take it too low, I have the PIP method, if attack take 2.5 mg of bisoprolol and it clears in around 3 hours.
His attitude is the least invasive procedures to do with our hearts the better. unless life threatening, which i believe AF in itself is Not.
My Cardio does not believe in any invasive procedures to do with heart as regards AF unless it is at the stage where continuous. I have to agree with him, I will do as he says and manage mine with Meds which are working fine, at now 76 and just diagnosed, think i will try and get by until the wooden overcoat, i have been healthy all my life, dont drink smoke, walk daily with dog etc. when your times up its up, and i think i have a bit of time left with ablations etc to my poor old heart.
sorry to hear your story - Afib attacks many of us that were trying to live fairly healthy lifestyles in the first place! Have you talked to the doc about maybe trying different medication? As many said, the first 3 Months can be bumpy, you’re probably relying more on medication early on as the heart tissue heals and scars. Flecainide did the trick as I waited for first ablation 4 years ago, now on Solatol as Afib returned and I’m signed up for nbr 2 here next Month. A few years free of afib in the middle has been worth it. Hope you get there too. If this one doesn’t help resolve, find the best EP dept you can in your area and see if they can improve your results.
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