ablation

[NLGA]

finally looks like the hospital have referred me for the ablation

Any views or experiences good or bad

[BobD Volunteer]

I am agreat fan but do understand it is just part of ongoing treatment and may need repeating. I had three up to 2008 when my AF finally left me. Sadly we people with arrhythmias often find they morph into something different so I had an ablation for atrial tachycardia in 2019 and now have a pacemaker (2022)

[NLGA in reply to BobD]

That’s a little concerning Bob

[BobD Volunteer in reply to NLGA]

My ablation saved my life because without the ablation stopping my AF the surgeon who removed my cancerous prostate and surounding bits and bobs would not have been prepared to operate and their preferred idea of radio therapy would have missed vital areas,

Cure is a difficult word where AF is concerned but stopping symptoms even for a few years really is worth the short (relatively) period of recovery needed following ablation. I firmly believe one deserves the full picture rather than some " sales brochure" idea of things. There are thousands of success stories but one needs to be realistic. Any and all treatment is mainly for quality of life.

[Singwell in reply to BobD]

Wise words! At some point I'll report on where I am 2 years in fro 2nd ablation. Not all the plain sailing I'd hoped for but I agree the respite is really beneficial.

[doodle68]

Hi I had a cryoablation last October and wished I had gone ahead and had one earlier and saved myself years of misery . Part of the delay in having the procedure was due to Covid . My symptomatic P-AF became almost constant and my quality of life poor .

The ablation wasn’t a total success I guess because I was left too long and I now take flecainide to back up the ablation and may need a second one but I can’t express what a relief it is to have a NSR , to feel better and to get my life back .

Wishing you a successful ablation NGLA

[NLGA in reply to doodle68]

Thank you very much

[bassets in reply to doodle68]

I am the same as you, taking flecainide after my ablation but I feel so much better

[Fazerboy]

I had an ablation for svt about 5 years ago. No problem at all. No svt since.

[Fullofheart]

I don't think anyone can tell you whether you should have an ablation or not.It's an individual choice based on your experiences and the advice you are given by EP and cardiologist.

Happy to share my story though.

I've had 3. The first two were not successful, which was not that surprising.

I am now AF free and have been for 9 months . This happened 5 months after the 3rd ablation and when not on any medication.Although it took 3 attempts, I'd been in AF for 19 years and it was a long shot, to say the least.

At the time I was classed as being in heart failure (ejection fraction 43%) and was about to start heart failure meds and exploring pacemaker option. They were reluctant to do that as I'm only 48. All AF medication options had been explored and unsuccessful so I was running out of choices.

Now, 9 months after going in to NSR, my ejection fraction is 64% so I am out of AF (for now) and out of heart failure. I don't take any heart medication now.

For me, even though it took 3 attempts (3 in a year... which was a difficult period in my life) I know I made the right decision.

[NLGA in reply to Fullofheart]

That’s really good that it’s all sorted for you

64 ejection fraction is fantastic I am 55

[MWIC]

Had mine Dec-23, My AFib had become more regular - every 2 days and highly symptomatic - I had this with no rate/rhythm control drugs due to a HA 2 years ago - Had a few weeks of hellishness post procedure which then settled and I’ve been about 9 weeks with no AFib- I understand it may come back at some point but I’d honestly do it again with little thought on the matter should it reappear - Obviously I’d prefer it to be “cured” but if it’s not but is put off for a period or reduces the burden of it to my daily life then it’s worth it for me

[Sixtychick]

I had an ablation on September. I didn’t have many problems afterwards. Mainly just palpitations for a few months, but they’ve stopped now. I had my follow up appointment a couple of weeks ago and the EP said he was pleased with how it went and they ablated for both the SVT I’d had for many years and the AFib and he said he hoped I would not get them again. Before I had the ablation, I was scared, but the people on here were reassuring and it helped a lot and they were very good at the hospital too and they put me at ease. I hope all goes well for you.

[NLGA in reply to Sixtychick]

Thank you

[Singwell]

It's not a permanent cure and I think it's important to remember that. When I was discharged by cardiology last December my Arrhythmia Nurse called me with some special advice. It was along the lines of - you have it, your body is predisposed to it. You may not always get it, but it's still part of you. Think of it like your hair - look after it.

Oddly enough, I found this rather reassuring. Would I have another ablation should the time come? Yes, so long as my EP - whom I trust- felt it was a good option.

[NLGA in reply to Singwell]

Yes that makes perfect sense