A “success story” , finally. - Atrial Fibrillati...

Atrial Fibrillation Support

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A “success story” , finally.

AVNA profile image
AVNA
63 Replies

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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AVNA
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63 Replies
Globe-J profile image
Globe-J

Dear AVNA,

Great to read your good news. Wishing you many happy, comfortable years

👍 J (-:

AVNA profile image
AVNA in reply toGlobe-J

Oh, many thanks, dear Globe. Feeling like🐤LOL!!!

Globe-J profile image
Globe-J in reply toAVNA

Hi again,

Currently, I am having a break near Braidwood, NSW. Otherwise, Sydney is my city.

Should you be near and free to meet, I would be delighted to have a chat

J (-:

BenHall1 profile image
BenHall1 in reply toGlobe-J

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.

John

AVNA profile image
AVNA in reply toBenHall1

Thanks, John

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.

Lovely to read your post

Take care.

elena

BenHall1 profile image
BenHall1 in reply toAVNA

Elena,

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.

John

AVNA profile image
AVNA in reply toBenHall1

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.

Take care.

elena

BenHall1 profile image
BenHall1 in reply toAVNA

Hi Elena,

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 !

John

AVNA profile image
AVNA in reply toBenHall1

Hi John,

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.

elena

AVNA profile image
AVNA in reply toGlobe-J

Hi Globe,

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.

BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer

Good news is always welcome here.

Finvola profile image
Finvola

Great news Avna - best wishes for the future.

AVNA profile image
AVNA in reply toFinvola

Thanks for you best wishes, Finvola, I appreciate it.

Elena

Hylda2 profile image
Hylda2

Enjoy! I’m a mere 80, but have also had a pacemaker and an av node ablation.

AVNA profile image
AVNA in reply toHylda2

Lovely to hear and thanks for your post. How you being told how long the battery may last?

Sure you are please about your decision as I'm. Take care.

Hylda2 profile image
Hylda2 in reply toAVNA

Was told 10 years. Have now gone into permanent AF apparently so they have switched one off. Hopefully that will lengthen the process

AVNA profile image
AVNA in reply toHylda2

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.

Hylda2 profile image
Hylda2 in reply toAVNA

I can’t feel a thing. I take Edoxaban and a couple of diuretics but that’s all.

AVNA profile image
AVNA in reply toHylda2

That’s great then, like me I only take a blood thinner and others for other issues, but other ways all are good. Aren’t we lucky?🤣

Keep well.

opal11uk profile image
opal11uk

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

AVNA profile image
AVNA in reply toopal11uk

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.

opal11uk profile image
opal11uk in reply toAVNA

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

AVNA profile image
AVNA in reply toopal11uk

Well, still think I'll not be here in 10 years time so I would dodge another procedure😆Thanks for posting.

Afibflipper profile image
Afibflipper

Brilliant news, so pleased for you - a new spring in your step never mind 85 I hope you’ll soon feel a spritely 58

AVNA profile image
AVNA in reply toAfibflipper

I like that 58! and I have already started to say 68!!! Thanks for you lovely comment.

Frances123 profile image
Frances123

That is good news and thank you for sharing.

AVNA profile image
AVNA in reply toFrances123

Thanks, I love to share the good news here as I know all of you understand the AF predicaments.

MummyLuv profile image
MummyLuv

very happy for you 😍

AVNA profile image
AVNA in reply toMummyLuv

Happy to read your post

Plastow48 profile image
Plastow48

Great to hear you are feeling so much better. Enjoy your lifeJenny

AVNA profile image
AVNA in reply toPlastow48

Thanks, Jenny

elena

Villador profile image
Villador

well done Avna, after having a pacemaker fitter too, I am feeling so much better. Hoping my success story will be the same as yours.

Have a good Monday everyone!

AVNA profile image
AVNA in reply toVillador

Sure it will be even it took me a few months to deal with PM adjustments all is going well. Best for you and take care

TracyAdmin profile image
TracyAdminPartner

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.

Thank you in advance.

TracyAdmin

AVNA profile image
AVNA in reply toTracyAdmin

Thanks, Tracy.

Yes, I would be pleased to share with your Patient Services Team, I will contact them tomorrow.

Thanks again.

Elena.

Ppiman profile image
Ppiman

All's well that ends well! A lovely story to read. Thank you for posting it.

Steve

AVNA profile image
AVNA in reply toPpiman

Love read your comment. Thanks.

elena

MWIC profile image
MWIC

Great to hear and long may it continue 👍👍👍

AVNA profile image
AVNA in reply toMWIC

Thanks, I appreciate your wishes.

TillyBoss profile image
TillyBoss

Congratulations 🎊

AVNA profile image
AVNA in reply toTillyBoss

Thanks, I appreciate your post.

Nickybhf profile image
Nickybhf

That is brilliant, I’m so happy that you’ve shared a positive experience. Gives others hope. 🙏🏼

AVNA profile image
AVNA in reply toNickybhf

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.

Ormegirl profile image
Ormegirl

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 💖.

AVNA profile image
AVNA in reply toOrmegirl

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

Nannysue1 profile image
Nannysue1

Very glad to hear this. My experience is similar, feel so much better now.

AVNA profile image
AVNA in reply toNannysue1

I'm feeling better and in the process of recognizing myself from many years ago...As I can sleep restful sleep now...all has changed for the better.

Nannysue1 profile image
Nannysue1 in reply toAVNA

It's exactly that. I feel that I have ME back again.

AVNA profile image
AVNA in reply toNannysue1

👍

dedeottie profile image
dedeottie

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

AVNA profile image
AVNA in reply todedeottie

Yes, it was a big decision for my. But if meds are working for you it would be a path of choice.

All the best.

Singwell profile image
Singwell

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.

AVNA profile image
AVNA in reply toSingwell

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.

Singwell profile image
Singwell in reply toAVNA

Thank you. I agree re different conditions. I'll let me pal know.

AVNA profile image
AVNA in reply toSingwell

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.

Singwell profile image
Singwell in reply toAVNA

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.

AVNA profile image
AVNA in reply toSingwell

👍and all the best to your friend

iris1205 profile image
iris1205

Wondeful news, long live you and your EP!

AVNA profile image
AVNA in reply toiris1205

Many thanks and all the best for you as well

Snowgirl65 profile image
Snowgirl65

So nice to hear such a happy ending -- and may it continue on for you.

AVNA profile image
AVNA in reply toSnowgirl65

Many thanks, Snowgirl

DKBX profile image
DKBX

Good job. Gives me hope as I head down that path.

AVNA profile image
AVNA in reply toDKBX

Wishing you all the best. Please, let us know about

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