Ablation Failed

[Gambia100]

Hi, I had my first ablation on 23rd October 2023. I've had a few episodes of AF in the 3 month blanking period which I was told to expect. After no AF for several weeks I've just flipped back into AF . Given that it's now outside that 3 month blanking period should I presume the ablation has been unsuccessful? Really disappointed as I write this.

[mjames1]

Often a reduction in afib burden is the best we can expect, so by that definition, probably too early to tell one way or the other. And in the end, only you can decide whether or not the ablation was successful or not.

Jim

[Gambia100 in reply to mjames1]

Thanks for your thoughts, really appreciated. The optimistic side of me is inclined to hope as its only a couple of weeks outside of the 3 month period there's still a chance of success.

[mav7 in reply to Gambia100]

Do some "googling" on the subject.

I just read an article in a medical publication last week about the length of the blanking period. There were opinions (right/wrong) it may be longer in some cases.

And inform your doctor.

[CDreamer]

I wouldn’t lose all hope yet. I’ve seen a few posts here where it has taken longer than the 12 week timeframe.

See how this episode goes, hopefully it will be short and you will self convert. If not then sometimes an early intervention such as a cardioversion can halt the progression.

Are you taking any drugs?

[BobD Volunteer]

Many people are still improving at nine months or even a year so don't be too down hearted. The threee months should be considered a minimum period not a maximum.

[ochinee in reply to BobD]

This! I was just old today that I should not consider not having the results I hoped for at 3 months as a failure. The cardiologist told me that they have seen improvements months after the 3 month period.

[doodle68]

Hi Gambia I also had a first ablation in October and a normal rhythm that lasted 4 days. After 3 weeks of feeling ill with the usual AF symptoms I got in touch with the hospital who carried out the procedure, they arranged a cardio version with a local hospital but it didn’t work . In December I was prescribed flecanide 50 mg twice daily a medication which I tried before the ablation and it didn’t work then but it is supporting the ablation and keeping me in normal sinus rhythm now.

I have discovered it is best to be proactive and to seek help rather than to just accept what happens .

Wishing you well .

[Singwell]

Not necessarily! People have reported have a random episode 12 months after and then none for years. The 3 months is just an average and none of us is an average. Stay calm. And if (like my first) it hasn't worked well enough, it's likely you'll need a top up in due course. This apparently is quite common.

[KipperJohn]

it took 6 months after my second ablation for things to settle down and I was fairly despondent. I then went nearly 4 years AF free before it broke through again. Given there’s no actual’’cure’ I shall always be grateful for that.

[wilsond]

Not unusual to have some activity even up to 9 months or so. Hopefully will settle down again for you x

[Gambia100]

Thanks so much for all responses. Really helpful and were what I was hoping to hear. I converted back into a regular rhythm during the night with pip flecanide. Fingers crossed there remains scope for this is to improve. Thanks again

[KipperJohn in reply to Gambia100]

I think you’re fortunate to be able to take something like flecanide to help convert back to NSR . Many of us can’t for various reasons. I used to have to wait, sometimes for days to get back to NSR naturally. Now that I have permanent AF plus H F I barely notice the AF side of things - it’s the breathlessness of HF which is worse. Hopefully a planned pacemaker will help in that regard.

Best wishes.

[TracyAdmin Partner]

Thank you for sharing your post, it may not determine that the ablation was a failure, I would suggest contacting your doctor for advice at your earliest convenience.

If you would like a chat, please contact our Patient Services Team: heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

Kind regards

TracyAdmin

[plopper]

I had episodes of afib for 4 months after abation, then no afib for two years. Unfortunately it's back.

[Jetcat]

it’s not necessary a fail.?? I say this because Iv had 3 ablations and yes I still get an episode of AFIB now and again but it’s all about quality of life. My quality of life is alot better than it was before my ablations.👍

[guy6543]

Ablation have taken two or more times. Go to a heart center

[bassets]

Hi, mine failed too but it reduced the symptom enough for me to manage on a lower dose of meds now. Try not to worry as it will make things worse. It could still clear up, so best of luck x