AF episodes post ablation

[Blugene]

Wondered if anyone has had any experience or come across the following:-

Just over six weeks since my (first) Ablation - l started with a AF episode (l had two within the first week) - it’s continued for over three weeks now, initially continuous for four days, then intermittent since , though the AF episodes are usually longer than the NSR periods.

My Flecanide was tripled for two days then doubled - (usually 50mg twice a day) Bisoprolol started 2.5mg once a day - no effect- other than making me feel ill, discontinued

started on Adizem XL 120mg once a day five days ago no effect as yet?

Still in blanking period, so is this to be expected?.

EP has talked about a cardioversion or another ablation.

My ablation took three hrs and l was told it was successful, however, immediately following l experienced a pericardium effusion and was rushed back to theatre for a chest drain and was admitted for five days.

Feeling poorly and dread the thought of another ablation. Any thoughts or advice gratefully received.

[Buzby62]

I don’t have the answers for you so I’ll just share my thoughts, someone with more experience will hopefully reply soon.

You had complications after the procedure so possibly more inflammation means more chance of AF episodes in the blanking period and maybe an extended blanking period. I had an ablation 8 weeks ago without any complications and had an episode at day 6 for 16 hours, nothing since and I feel well. I’ve heard of others having problems like yourself and converting to NSR months afterwards ( I think it was Fullofheart ) so it can be a bumpy road for some and still be successful.

I think when they say it was a success straight after the procedure then that means the procedure was successfully completed, the outcome success cannot really be assessed until at least the blanking period is over and maybe longer for some.

Good luck and hope you get more helpful replies soon.

[Blugene in reply to Buzby62]

Thanks for your reply, very reassuring, lm not the anxious type but was worrying why this episode is taking its time to settle. I must be more patient. Thanks again

[Buzby62 in reply to Blugene]

Keep in touch with your EP/Arrhythmia Nurses, they will advise when to take any action. Mine wanted me to call back before 72 hours if still in AF.

Best Wishes

[Rainfern]

I had a CV 3 weeks after ablation to calm things down (had returned to persistent AF). This seems to have done the trick and I’m in NSR and feeling very well 4 months on.

[Blugene in reply to Rainfern]

Thanks for your reply. Really pleased the CV helped, gives me hope.

May your NSR continues

[mjames1]

Your pericardium effusion could be playing a big role in al of this and hopefully things will settle down as you heal. Electro Cardioversion sounds like an excellent idea, perhaps temporarily supported by a strong anti-arrythmic such as Amiodarone. Sounds much too early to be talking about another ablation and I've heard similar stories with eventual good outcomes. Just some thoughts from afar to discuss with your ep.

Jim

[Blugene in reply to mjames1]

Thanks for your reply. I do think you’re right. Feel more reassured.

[Bell50]

Hi Blugene

I had my first ablation in November 2022 and didn’t have a very good experience coming round after it they thought I had a bleed as it took four hours to get me stable i since found out it was because of the GA and I got a flutter which I didn’t have before so my heart rate was racing they managed to get me back to nsr but the day after I came out of hospital it just got worse so my ablation actually made me worse so I had to have another ablation in June of last year and since then I have been in nsr I have come off of most of my medication and am hoping to come off of the last one in March when I see my ep . Hopefully yours is just a blip .

[Blugene in reply to Bell50]

Thank you for your reply. Glad to hear it all worked out well, bit of a worry at the time l expect. It’s reassuring to hear that what lm going through isn’t unusual. Looking forward to a successful outcome at some point.

[shakenallover]

Sorry to hear the ablation doesn’t seem to have worked, I thought the same after my ablation about 10 years ago. I went into AF a number times well after the procedure. I was told by the hospital that this can be expected. in my case it took roughly 6 months before I felt things had fully settled. Because ,as well as the post op A.F , my pulse rate at rest had increased from 60 to 85….this took 6 months to return to my normal heart rate. Having been clear of AF for 9 years it has returned and I am back on flecinide as pill in the pocket…and now awaiting another ablation procedure. My suggestion is to wait it out for a few months and let your body heal

[Blugene]

thank you for your reply. Having read everyone’s reply l realise l must be more patient.

[AVNA]

Hello, Blugene

I do sympathize with you since I have been suffering from AF since 2011. A couple of GPs and Cardiologists - two cardioversion lasting three months each and the third one only 24 hours...I did refuse to have any ablation as accordingly to researches it will not work for me. Many, many medications in huge doses then low doses they never worked but with lots of unpleasant side effects instead, then developed permanent AF. Changed GP and started to see a Electrophysiologist (EP). He recommended an AV node ablation and pacemaker insertion, but at the time I didn't understand much about and it scared me...So, after a few years more of suffering unable to have a restfully sleep I wonted to die, yes, that was my only way out.

But after discussing it with my good GP we decide to take the last resort and I did. My EP agreed and the only thing to regret is Wy I didn't do it years ago.

However we are all different and each case is unique. So everybody have to resolve according the own situation. As I say above, for me it was the only way out instill of just die.

Best of luck and take care. 😀

elena

[Blugene in reply to AVNA]

Thank you for your reply. Recovery seems to be a very individual thing. I do hope all goes well for you.