Going for Ablation

[Vicmeister]

In my last post a few weeks ago I was concerned about a "conversion pause" of 5.8 seconds and my cardiologist had referred me to see an EP to discuss pacemaker vs ablation. Well, I saw the EP yesterday and after a lengthy conversation he highly recommended the ablation. He says the conversion pauses will go away if the AF is stopped. He is very confident that the ablation will be successful because apparently my heart is strong and healthy. EF of 53 and very mild leaky mitral valve. He will be doing a radio frequency and explained how he will need to pierce the wall between the heart, etc. Because of this method the esophagus needs to be carefully monitored with temperature probes to be sure it doesn't get too hot. That kind of freaked me out but EP assured me he is very aware and will watch carefully.

After being on this forum for years and reading with diligence each and every person's experience, I think this is the best way forward. I am tired of this damn AF going off every 12 to 18 days and quite regularly. And wouldn't you know when I was getting ready for my appt with the EP yesterday, guess what raises its ugly head? You got it. I'm sure it was partly my stress but damn it, couldn't it just not be there for the appt. But in hindsight, I think it was good for the EP to see how my heart was responding during the AF episode.🤔

Anyway, now I wait for the ablation date. He said it could be 9 to 12 months. I feel somewhat relieved that I finally made the decision. Just hope I haven't opened up a "can of worms" and I get other issues. But can't think of that. Need to be positive.

Have a very merry Christmas everyone. We are having a "very" green and warm Christmas this year in Ontario, Canada. Christmas Day will be 8 degrees C. Good for people driving but still miss the snow.

On a good note, the days will slowly start to get longer. Last night was the longest night. I always tell everyone this fact and makes me happy that summer is approaching....☀️😎

[Rainfern]

Great news Vicmeister! You won’t regret it. Hope the Ontario snow comes soon and have a lovely Christmas 🎄

[Vicmeister in reply to Rainfern]

Thank you Rainfern. Merry Christmas to you.

[BobD Volunteer]

All three of my AF ablations have been RF with zero problems so try not to worry. .

[Vicmeister in reply to BobD]

Thanks Bob. That is reassuring.

[wilsond]

Now you have a treatment plan going forward! Great news. Hope it all goes well for you. I haven't had RF but Cryo ablation. It struck me in the theatre how routine it all appeared to be to the surgeon and other medics,just a day in the office!Chatting away cheerily to each other and myself( I was fully conscious)

Whereas I was a rabbit in the headlights .

We are very wet and windy,I live next to a large wood,and we heard 2 big trees come down on Wednesday. Lot of damage.

Roll on Spring... yes its all upwards no as you say xx

[Vicmeister in reply to wilsond]

I will be put out like a light…lol Merry Christmas wilsond and watch out for those trees.

[wilsond in reply to Vicmeister]

Thank you best regards x

[Buffafly]

I had an ablation for the same reason. Although the AF came back after two years the pauses didn’t. Best wishes ❤️‍🩹

[Vicmeister in reply to Buffafly]

thank you. Buffafly.

[sillguy]

Just had an ablation a month ago with that esophagus-cooling technique utilized, because of where the doctor needed to get to back in there (it was her fourth time "inside" my heart, and she had that area well in mind). All went well. Good luck for yours when they do it! Happy New Year from "sunny" California.

[Vicmeister in reply to sillguy]

Thank you sillguy. I need all the positivity I can get. My EP seemed pretty confident that he will be looking out for the esophagus. I laughed and said I will be wearing a sign stating such. Believe me I am petrified but glad that I won't know or remember a thing. I am looking forward to "hopefully" be rid of these nasty AF attacks. Just hope I'm making the right decision. I was matter of factly told that even though my QOL is pretty good that the AF will become worse and my heart chambers will get larger. Merry Christmas and hope 2024 and forever keeps you in beautiful NSR.

[MikeThePike]

Atrio-esophageal fistula following RF ablation is supposedly an extremely rare but possible complication. It is potentially fatal. I understand that Pulsed Field Ablation may significantly reduce the risk of this or even eliminate it. You may want to look into this further. Best wishes.

[Vicmeister in reply to MikeThePike]

Unfortunately this particular hospital only offers RF ablation. I hear you about the possible complication. I am trusting my EP that he will look after me and really watch the heat around the esophagus as he said he would. I can only hope that all goes well and be positive. Thank you and have a great Christmas.