I have been suffering the effects of AF plus the negative side of the meds for many years.
Fortunately, after taking me two years considering the last option I went ahead. And in July 2023 I have a pacemaker insertion then in November had the AV Node ablation. It was needed a few weeks/months to deal with the heart's rate adjustment. And today I am happily feeling better than for long time. While the AF is still active it could not affect my heart function. 🫀
Very grateful for the support I have received for many of you hear, all have been in one way or another very helpful.
Note: over the years I have been treated by three GP and three Cardiologists finally an Electrophysiologist dr. has improved my wellbeing satisfactory for my age: 85. And take an Anticoagulant and not other drugs for AF.
😀
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G'day Globe-J and to AVNA .......... although now residing in Cornwall UK, I regard Sydney as my hometown ........ party town .... way to go. At different times I was in the Epping/ Carlingford area and Berowra too, just before I left for a working holiday in Pommieland.
Great to hear you've kicked this AF mongrel into touch.
Yes, I'm pleased how I go lately and hope it last. And how are you coping with the "mongrel" as you put it? Are meds helping you, if you are travelling I guess you are well.
Yes my meds are a dream, no problems at all, even when I was on Warfarin. I haven't been travelling back to Australia since CoVid .... but ... I have a 30 hour a week part time job driving double decker buses on a College bus service, manage to pass all my medicals ( so far ) and keep on keeping on. My far and away biggest problem these days is pain from a torn left shoulder tendon. Have a bus driving licence renewal so coming up soon and will be up before the medical team with my employer shortly.
In terms of AF I can't really remember my last event, 18 months maybe, more like 4 years ago. Doesn't bother me. Even with the pain of recent months with my shoulder hasn't affected things, other then increasing my BP and HR quite a bit.
That is good to hear, John. There are many people up there with AF that can manage its effects with meds. (including the USA president!) Even the minimum of meds, which didn’t help my constant (24/7) AF made me very sick.
I relate to your left shoulder tendonitis and the right one as well in my case. A few times had to see doctors and sometimes recommended surgical procedure however I persevered with Physiotherapy in all the cases, and all is well now. Of course, every case is different, but I like to mention my positive experiences in case you may intent it. I would like to know how you are keep going with that issue, thanks.
Thanks for your encouraging words. I am at the stage where I have three choices, 1) steroid injection, 2) physiotherapy and 3 ) surgery.
Having had a steroid injection in my osteoarthritic right shoulder ( no other damage to it) with long lasting success that is my preferred option. My Dr won't make the decision however, and so I am waiting for a referral to a specialist Physiotherapy Unit for them to assess and decide. Hmmmmmm ! The wheeels of industry grind away slowly, to the point of stopping altogether !
Steroid injection only worked a couple of days for me. But as we know that each person and each case is unique it’s a positive way to visit a specialist, in your issue. Perhaps some sort of test could determine exactly the cause of your shoulder problem. And couldn’t agree more with you about the way every “business” is going, still must learn patience to be able to muddle through.
It would have been interesting to meet and have a chat, regrettable I left Sydney for Tassie in 2003. I'm happy here but I do miss my 30 years living there. Thanks for the idea but not ready for much socializing just yet. Anyway, keep in touch and would be good to talk about the "mongrel" AF as Ben Hall stated as well as your visit to Aus. Cheers.
So, after the AV node and a pacemaker implanted do you still feel the effects of AF?
I understood that, the AF is not cured but would be no effects. But, do you still suffer AF...are you on any meds for it? I am no, only an anticoagulant.
Excellent, having a pacemaker is indeed a life changer, I had mine fitted in 2015 and due for a battery change in the not too distant future. Good luck with yours x
Interesting to hear...your pacemaker fitted 2015 and still going...I understood that by working 24/7 the battery would last about five years only! So I may not need another procedure since near 86 now plus seven or eight years I would be over 90!!! no way.😀😀😀Best of luck for you and let us know how it is going. Much appreciate your post.
Thank you. I was told 10 years but they are monitoring me now, I did think at 80 that I wouldn't bother but hubby not happy with that lol, we wait and see lol
Thank you for sharing with the Forum, it's wonderful to read a great success story!
Your story will provide inspiration to others who might be facing a similar situation, if you would like to share your story with our Patient Services Team, we are very happy to help you. Please contact info@afa-international.org.
Thanks, I'm so pleased being able to chare my good story with all of you who may have seen my predicaments for a very long time and support me in one way or other. As you stated it does encourage others in similar situations. I much appreciate your post.
What wonderful news. I'm so happy for you. I have had 3rd Ablation, alls ok so far but next step is what you have had done. It gives me hope that there is an end to all the treatment and we can all get on with Life 💖.
I didn't wanted to have those ablations because in most cases don't work for long. Even though mine was a last resort I'm please since I don't take meds that made even sicker. Take care and best. And thanks for your post
Excellent news! It’s a big decision ( as I know personally….. still in decision making zone while current medication is still just about working 😂 ). Thus, it is inspiring to hear your story. X
Fabulous. I have an Aussie friend who I think needs the same procedure. Is it normally pacemaker first then ablation? I wasn't sure when I was chatting to her about this. She's in Brisbane btw so if you know a good EP in Queensland please say.
Hello, I should start with that "everyone" is different with different conditions, as we all know. In my special case worked out as a last resort, I'm 85. I live in Tasmania and the good EP name is Jonathan Lipton. He also goes to Melbourne and travels a lot in and out of Australia. Perhaps your friend can make some inquiries about him? All the best and thanks for your posting.
Sorry I did answer to your question about if Ablation or Pacemaker before. Well it has to be a PM in place before the AV node ablation since the AV node is our Natural pacemaker and once is ablated the PM in is absolutely the "thing" that will keep the Heart pumping. So usually the PM is implanted few weeks before the ablation, as it was in my case. In some cases is done at the same time, it all depends from the EP and patient. Hope my "Spanglish" is clear if not just ask, no problem. I don't have medical backgrounds just talk about my experiences.
Thank you as I hadn't spotted your earlier response- didn't see it on notifications. Your Spanglish is excellent- I'd no idea. My Aussie pal is seeing her cardiologist tomorrow- so this is really great to have as I'd thought it was the other way around.
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