~AV Node ablation - 3 days post op~

[Megams]

~I would be most grateful to learn if anyone who may have had an av node ablation has found breathing a bit more difficult post op? If so will this just be part and parcel of the AV node ablation?

Whilst I feel I am slowly healing I note that my pacemaker was reprogrammed to DDIR (whatever that means) to 70.

I feel unsteady + dizzy on my feet and still remain rather pale - I am slightly anemic but wonder if enough blood is getting pumped?

My oedema (legs/ankles) more than usual despite my usual meds - I am moving about comfortably despite it all but would like to breathe better

As it is Easter weekend I thought I would seek any feedback before I contact EP.

Most appreciated and thank you in advance~

[CDreamer]

DDIR = atrioventricular sequential dual-chamber inhibited rate-responsive nontracking but atrial sensing mode;

In other words pacemaker is sensing what both your atria and ventricle are doing so that it can be programmed. I imagine (not a doctor so couldn’t say for sure) that this is so they can monitor your Pacemaker so that they can monitor what your heart is doing. Presumably you will have either a bedside monitor or phone app recording and transmitting back to the Pacing Clinic?

I haven’t had AV node ablation, was going to but cancelled it but have had 2 RV ablations which are very similar procedures. I didn’t have any resting breathing issues or fluid retention. If you continue to have these issues and especially if they worsen please to not hesitation to ring 999 for paramedics to be checked out.

Your HR will be limited so if you feel breathless when moving about then that is because your HR is not keeping up with your body’s need for oxygen and that is to ensure you don’t do too much and that can be altered by the pacing clinic but I expect they will not do that until they have some data from the pacemaker.

[Megams in reply to CDreamer]

~Thank you so much CDreamer - that info extremely helpful information.

Pleased you did not require AV node ablation and that the 2 RV ablations were the success you needed.

I have tried phoning the Cardiac Unit but no response - this is a private clinic and being Easter no one around.

I am monitored (bedside monitor) from our local public hospital butMon-Fri only. Will be a waiting game until Tuesday (I guess) re pacemaker data/info.

Took upon myself to include half a Furosemide today which is helping with some of fluid but will be seeking advice tomorrow as I feel the dizziness and instability on my feet not good. My head space does not feel right either.

I am gently massaging lymph areas - anything that will help me meantime.

Sincere appreciation once more~

[Gumbie_Cat]

I got quite a bit of fluid retention for the first few days after my ablation, and it did give me a funny feeling while breathing. I did discover that one US hospital mentioned this on their website. I think I had quite a bit of fluid as irrigation during the ablation.

Always worth checking with your doctor though.

(It wasn’t an AV node ablation though.)

[Megams in reply to Gumbie_Cat]

~Thank you for your feedback Gumbie_Cat - will be checking in at our A&E today ~

[grandadbren1]

I had av node ablation 30 th January 24 and on discharge they stopped my nebivolol and digoxin and changed my water tablet from indapamide to doxasosine as I was on the water tablet for blood pressure for previous 3 months but was going to toilet 4 /5 times a night 10 days later I ended up in a and e with fluid retention. I would advise you to check your weight daily and if you are putting lbs on it could be fluid I put 5lbs on in 4 days . If you have an oxymeter check your sats mine kept going down down to 88/ 92/90 but then would go back up to 96 intermittently. I was short of breath when I went to bed the night of my an and e visit. I rang the ward where I had my ablation and they advised me to go to nearest a and e and they said they could ring the ward and consult with them I was put on intravenous drip with diuretic had xray and bloods done .and was transferred to another hospital for echocardiogram for next day which I did not get until 2 weeks later. If you are have the symptoms I have described I would go to an and e as I needed to be back on indapamide and it seems you need a water tablet in with your care .Hope you get help over Easter.

[Megams in reply to grandadbren1]

~Thank you grandadbren and so sorry you had these issues.

They are sounding familiar to mine (as of yesterday) so today I am planning a trip to our local A&E -

Easter blessings ~

[Slidingdoors99 in reply to Megams]

Please let us know how you get on.

Easter blessings to you too. 🙏

[Megams in reply to Slidingdoors99]

~Thank you Slidingdoors - checked yesterday by PM clinic who felt that heart is coping reasonably well despite going in and out of a/fib. The load increase (last visit) showed 44% since PM implant and 68% as of yesterday. Told I have chronic a/fib.

I had a bcc removed two days prior to AV node ablation leaving a deep wound with 12 stitches.

With this melting pot of challenges I believe I have had a significant flare in my autoimmune conditions- will be seeing my GP tomorrow to until I see the Rheumatologist 2 weeks time~

Patience is the key to my healing ongoing with a continued positive attitude - must say I have been rather tearful but today better

Blessings once more ~

[AVNA]

Hi Megams and congratulations for taken that difficult but positive step, you will be fine. I’m finally well since had my AV node ablation in December 2023. But, please, keep seeing your doctors, GP and EP and the technician who should be chequing the PM regularly to adjust the Pacemaker rates accordingly your symptoms until you are feeling well, we are all different. I have been through some of your symptoms and angina like symptoms until the last PM adjustment. Take some time, but it is very important your symptoms should be known by your doctors. It took me two/three months, since the ablation, to feel well.

Also, if the procedure was done due to AFib, as in my case, mention to your doctors if any medications alterations may be needed. I’m don’t take any for AF anymore, which were killing me.

All the best

[Megams in reply to AVNA]

~Thank you very much AVNA - appreciated reading your story and so pleased that all sounds better than it was.

Come to realize this procedure is not quite a "walk in the park" and will take some time to settle.

I can absolutely relate to the medications and their side effects on you. Precisely my sentiments of them "killing you - I do envy those folk who can take their meds without issues.

I am grateful that I no longer need Betaloc and will check in with my new caring Cardiologist soon as to what meds need to remain which I still take presently.

Without going into details I have felt let down by my EP who does not offer aftercare over long week ends - had same issue/s when EP implanted PM.

Thank you again for the reassurance - sincerely appreciated indeed.

[AVNA in reply to Megams]

👍