5 Days Post Ablation and getting an ECG

[JoDogBlue]

After three days of being extremely breathless and light headed following a cryo ablation at the JR last Friday I'm now feeling more settled, my pulse still fast and irregular but not as extreme. I had a call from an arrhythmia nurse (at last) at the JR who was very helpful.

The next step is an ECG to see if I'm in AF. If so the plan is to get me back into sinus rhythm as soon as possible. My GP can do an ECG next week but I've booked myself in for one at hospital tomorrow. The nurse did say that they sometimes underestimate the severity of reaction to ablation!

Things I've learnt:

If you need help and advice, speak up and seek it. Don't sit and wait for things to improve if you have concerns. People will get back to you but it might take a while. Everyone is on your side but as we know NHS resources are stretched very thinly. I remain hugely grateful for everything they do and to those of you who've taken the time and trouble to offer the benefit of your experience and reassurance during the tricky first days.

As ever there are some new questions... mention was made of going back on Amiodarone to help get back into normal rhythm. I hated being on it prior to, and after, a cardioversion. It wrecked my sleep for weeks during/ after the loading stage with extreme skin sensitivity to follow. Would I need to go on a loading dose again and how long would I need to stay on it? I was told a cardioversion would be several weeks away. Are there alternatives to amiodarone that are less nasty?

[mjames1]

Are there alternatives to amiodarone that are less nasty?

Amiodarone is the gold standard, but you could ask about flecainide if you qualify. Flecainide has kept many in normal rhythm, including myself.

Moving forward, you also might want to invest on a Kardia 6L or Apple Watch, so you can take an EKG anytime you want that can be shared with your doctor.

Jim

[Cavalierrubie]

Hi, Just reading your post. How stressful for you after going through all that. I’ve not had a Cryo Ablation but just hope you have now been given some help and settled down. You are correct in your advice to seek help a.s.a.p. if you have any concerns, especially after surgery. There is so much lacking in after care these days. Wishing you well.