Waiting for ablation

[JoDogBlue]

I started in Afib June 2022 after covid, was diagnosed in August and put on Edoxaban and bisoprolol by my GP. In October I was seen by a specialist and put on Amiodarone (I've mentioned the side effects before.. thanks for the responses) and put on the waiting list for a cardioversion. That was done in August and was successful; I was in normal rhythm when seen by a nurse specialist in September and feeling quite a bit better.. I'm now on the list for an ablation and stopped taking the Amiodarone in October, a year after starting it.

As far as I'm aware I'm still in sinus rhythm (based only on feeling my chest and pulse). The nurse said there was a chance I'd stay in it given the long half life of Amiodarone.

My question is how/ why would they do the ablation if I'm not in Afib at the time? I think the nurse covered that when we spoke but I can't recall what she said in amongst all the new information.

Anyone had experience if this?

Thanks!

[BobD Volunteer]

EPs use a special drug infusion that brings on AF so that they know where it is coming from. Alternatively they may just ablate around the four pulmonary veins using a cryo balloon which often covers everything if your viens are nice and regular. No need to be in AF when you go in.

[JoDogBlue in reply to BobD]

Thank you for your reply, that was fast! From other posts it looks like I need to be ready to take it easy after the procedure. Hoping I get a date soon so I can plan!

[BobD Volunteer in reply to JoDogBlue]

I will let you have direct links for the two fact sheets below.(take me a minute or so.)

healthunlocked.com/redirect...

healthunlocked.com/redirect...

[JoDogBlue in reply to BobD]

Thanks so much. Those cover everything I want to know

[Buzby62]

Hi,

Have a look at the resources here, especially the preparing for and recovering from booklets.

heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

Best wishes

[JoDogBlue]

Thank you that's very helpful

[Buffafly]

The why is that apparently you were in AF from June one year until August the next so it’s very likely that you will return to persistent AF once the Amiodarone wears off. It’s better to be in persistent NSR if possible! Best wishes

[JoDogBlue in reply to Buffafly]

I realise after looking at my notes my timings are off. I actually got my cardioversion in April last year so to my knowledge was in AF for 10 months. Thanks for your comments

[Spin-off]

Hello John. You may already have the answers to your questions but …….. As I understand it paroxysmal AF is better treated. I was like you-in and out of AF but the bouts lasted longer and were severe. So I was offered an ablation. Fabulous. I was almost 2 years I think in sinus rhythm. But AF recurred as I’d been told it might and I had 2 more ablations. Each time they worked. The recovery was fine- I just took it a bit easier for a little while (and be aware that it’s not unusual to get a few, short, bursts of AF after the procedure-but it settles). This was all over a period of 10 years. Unfortunately I am now in permanent AF and on Amiodarone and bisoprolol. Obvs nobody would choose Amiodarone but I feel well (and being kept in sinus rhythm), regularly monitored and the drug is doing its job. Good luck with everything. Hope you get your ablation soon.

[Nightmare2]

Hi, i have afib but the intermittent type. my Cardio at hospital has told me that he only does cardio aversion therepasies if persistent AF, and believes in meds alone until this may become necessary. I am of the same opinion as he is, and from what i have read these invasive procedures in some work for a good while, but revert in the end or do not work at all. Please dont take my reply as gospel its just what i have been old by my consultant, and what i ahve read.

They obviously feel your AF is concerning enough for invasive procedures, so i hope all goes well for you and that you benefit from it.

Yes My husband is on Amiodorone for his because he has h.failure too, its a powerful and long lasting drug, they told him sometimes a year before out of his system. I am on Bisoprolol myself, but ony when i need it, i believe in he least one can get by with the better, luckily so does my Cardio Consultant.

[JoDogBlue in reply to Nightmare2]

Thanks for your response. Its my choice to have an ablation as if successful I can come off the meds. I'm told they only suggest it if cardioversion has worked and led to an improvement.

[Nightmare2 in reply to JoDogBlue]

I hope it all works out for you, we all have to try and make an informed and correct decision dont we as AF is not a one size fits all thing, My own husband didnt go down the ablation route or any other invasive things, he is on amiodorone and for him, for the past couple of years it means he is permanently out of AF. but its a drug not taken lightly i am informed by Medics.