Problem with sitting & lying down

[Green_pink]

Hello, I had an ablation 3 weeks ago. All seems to be going ok-ish (fingers crossed) the only major thing that is happening is when I sit down or lie down I get big heart beats (not sure what they are called or of they have a name!). I’m still in sinus rhythm and I’m about 70-80bmp which seems to be my normal since the ablation, but my heart is really thumping. I spoke to cardiologist today (have appointment with EP but not until end of January) and he is arranging for an echocardiogram and a holter monitor but thinks it is probably just my heart settling after the ablation. I wondered if anyone else has experienced something similar? Or know what it might be? Thanks

[BobD Volunteer]

Relax and read this it is far too early to worry about ANYTHING. Your heart has been assaulted and WILL take time to settle down.

healthunlocked.com/redirect...

[Green_pink in reply to BobD]

Thank you x

[CDreamer]

It is quite usual to experience palpitations after ablation, even though you will be in NSR. Sometimes they are just ‘heavy’ beats and I believe that is because your heart will be still inflamed from the ablation and like any inflammation, the muscle will be sensitive and you will be more aware. When you sit or lie prone you will be much more aware and avoid bending over, that was always a trigger for me.

It’s good to have a checkup but if it comes back clear and it probably will, do be reassured that it is quite usual and it will settle down. Many also people experience skipped beat called ectopic, these too are considered benign and will eventually lessen and disappear but be warned that they can also last for weeks or months.

Best wishes for speedy recovery and long lasting NSR.

[Green_pink in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you x

[Ppiman]

Ectopic beats can be caused by the stomach and intestines pushing the diaphragm against the heart (and these can sometimes set off AF, I gather). These feel like "big heart beats", i.e. palpitations. From reading around, I gather 4-5 weeks is the blanking time many specialists go by as a measure of the likely success of an ablation, but that a few months are needed for full healing. I would say this is all that is happening in your case and that all will settle soon.

Steve

[Green_pink in reply to Ppiman]

Thank you x

[Carolx]

Good morning,

I had a catheter ablation just over 2 weeks ago.

I know EXACTLY what you are experiencing. I have had the same. Very strong, erratic, odd beats. Some of my episodes have lasted 6 hours. It has been exhausting. Mine too are when sitting, but mostly when I’m in bed. They were waking me up in the night.

I say ‘were’ because mine have settled down considerably. I’m still getting the random odd ectopics and the big thuds like you. I thought this can’t be right. I feel worse

I posted on here several times and was given some amazing and reassuring advice. Please have a read of my recent posts and the replies.

I emailed my cardiologist and he emailed me back reassuring me this was all normal. My EP who performed my procedure actually called me yesterday early evening to see how I am doing. He too was very reassuring and explained the heart has been through quite a bit of trauma and takes time to settle. It now has to find another route as the old one has been disrupted. I think of it like a road map. That old road is now closed and it has to divert and find another route.

He assures me my ablation went well, although a tricky one. In more ways than one.

I have a loop recorder fitted and I had a call from the reveal clinic on Wednesday. The lady said to me she can see I’ve submitted lots of symptoms and she has had a look. The palpitations I was getting before the ablation seem to have disappeared, the ones I have been getting post ablation are isolated palpitations. Very different. She also reassured me it was nothing to worry about, although whilst having them I can tell you it was very worrying, as you probably know.

I’m not used to these kind of palpitations lasting 6 hours! I was left with a banging headache. But as I said earlier mine have settled down considerably.

I must also tell you I have cut out sweeteners in my tea and now use a small amount of sugar. Coincidence maybe but it may have helped.

I do hope yours settle very soon too. I was told it can take up to 3 months or more. Very depressing I know. I was starting to feel very deflated as I was getting them every day, several times a day. I have had two very calm days, but I don’t want to tempt fate, as I know they can start up again any second.

Please feel free to ask any questions. I’ll help if I can.

Take care

Carol

[Green_pink in reply to Carolx]

Thank you this is reassuring to hear. I have very little sugar and no sweeteners. Yes these feel very different from the palpitations that I had before the ablation. This is more like my heart is beating so hard it makes my body vibrate and I feel it in my head too! Very weird! How are you doing now? X

[Carolx in reply to Green_pink]

Hello

I am feeling much better thank you. The erratic palpitations have settled quite a lot. They are still happening but not as much.

It’s very random. I had a terrible night Monday. They went on for hours. I had two hours sleep. Tuesday and last night were good nights. Not one palpitation or ectopic beat. I slept really well.

The calmer nights are more frequent now than the disturbed nights.

So it looks like mine are settling down.

I know what you mean about the thud. I get random ones that feel like they travel right through my body down into my womb….if that makes sense 😂

Very bizarre I know.

I’m going back to work Tuesday. It’s been 3 weeks and I need to get back.

How are you feeling? Are you still getting yours as frequent? x

[Snowgirl65]

I had the same thing for a few weeks after my ablation(s), and what helped me is after I laid down in bed, I would take slow breaths from my stomach. Pull lots of air into your stomach so it raises with each breath, then slowly let it out. The thumping quickly ablated -- hope so for you too.

[Green_pink in reply to Snowgirl65]

Thank you I will try this. Sometimes when I take deep breaths it actually makes my heart beats worse! Not sure why!