Ablations

[Quilter43]

How many can one have?

[Jalia]

I would say how ever many your EP decides to do !

I'm about to have my 5th and final in a few days time. This will be slightly different to my 4 previous in that entry points will be made both internally (endocardial) through the groin area and externally (epicardial) through the chest wall.

[jeanjeannie50]

The most I've ever seen anyone have on this forum was 7, but that amount is highly unusual.

I was told that I wouldn't be offered any more after my 3rd ablation.

Jean

[Quilter43 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Why so many? What did.does it accomplish.Seems like lasts for a certain period and goes back to afib again in my case

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Quilter43]

They certainly helped him, not seen him on this forum for a while now. Will try to think of his name so I can point you to his posts. What has made you ask this question?

Can any other members remember who it was?

Jean

[Jalia in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Potty Pete ?

[jeanjeannie50 in reply to Jalia]

That's it, what a good memory you have. I wonder how he is.

[pottypete1 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

I'm fine thank you Jean. Still lurking, luckly no new experiences therefore only replying if I feel I can add something to a set of replies to a post. I find that as I am a bit slower looking at the forum there are normally about 20 replies already saying what I might have said before I can form a sentence. Take care Pete

[Ppiman in reply to Quilter43]

My son's colleague has had, if I recall, six, but can have no more owing to scar tissue. I would be worried to have so many, myself, but it must surely all depend on the symptoms the AF creates. I have my fingers crossed that mine will remain paroxysmal with symptoms that I can cope with by sitting down and waiting for it to end. I wouldn't, myself, rush into ablation number two, for sure, but I can see it on the horizon.

Steve

[bxldr in reply to jeanjeannie50]

I was told this as well, but I am having a fourth soon. Keep looking, if you are a good candidate and can find a DR that will do the hybrid procedure, go for it.

[Quilter43 in reply to bxldr]

Hybrid

[bxldr in reply to Quilter43]

A proceedure where they go into you from the front first and ablate the atrium from outside, then use the catheter thru the groin to go inside the heart and finish there.

[Quilter43 in reply to bxldr]

Wonder if only poeple will symptoms get this or if fib is high

[Fullofheart]

I had 3 in one year, but this is pretty rare, I think. Been AF free for nearly a year now following the last one.

I would have another one if offered when the AF comes back....which my cardiologist and GP keep reminding me will happen. I'm just enjoying not having it for now after 20 years of it!

[Quilter43 in reply to Fullofheart]

Don't think my body could take that..seems to always return..why 3...do u have bad symptoms? I don't but fatigue a lot..do u travel?

[Fullofheart in reply to Quilter43]

It was pretty tough at the time, but we'll worth it now.First two were classed as failed.

Last one was a long shot and I actually went straight back j to persistent AF 2 days after, as I had on the others. But 5 months later I suddenly went into NSR and stayed there! 😊

I had AF for 19 years before these procedures. Lived with it pretty well for most of that but last couple years experienced a decline in heart health. Didn't have much option than to go for it really.

[Quilter43 in reply to Fullofheart]

Thx..mysterious..af..never now what to do...

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

My friend was told 'enough' after 3rd ablation..

cheri Joy. 75. (NZ)

[Quilter43 in reply to JOY2THEWORLD49]

Thx..will c how much a fib..decide.

[pottypete1]

Good morning

jeanjeannie50 & Jalia .

Although I do not post so often I still log in each day hoping to help where I might have relevant experience. I think I still am listed on page 2 of top contributors.

As you say I have had 7 ablations during the years 2007 & 2017 after 25 years of PAF and it certainly is unusual.

I had a total of 4 EPs who all but the first (who retired) after saying he could do no more fond, was “a difficult case” but worth persevering with.

Each time AF returned but after the penultimate ablation I developed Atrial Tachycardia which had to be addressed and you guessed it, another ablation was suggested.

After that ablation my heart gradually got better with the time between each one further apart, and declining ectopics.

I did want to do a post recently to celebrate 2 years free of AF but as I started this journey back in 1990, nearly half a lifetime, I still don’t trust my ‘ticker’ and did not want to tempt fate.!!

All I can say is that I have the most wonderful EP who sees me each year and I am so lucky to have unconsciously moved to within 5 miles of one of the best cardiac hospitals in the UK.

Never give up was my mantra.

Pete

[wilsond in reply to pottypete1]

Hi glad you're doing well!Keep it up

Out of interest Pete do you mind sharing which hospital it is? And the EP?

Take care x

[pottypete1 in reply to wilsond]

Hello

Thanks for the reply. I am under the care of Dr Wasaq Ullah at Southampton General Hospital. Before moving to Southampton Dr Ullah was at Barts. Not only is he a determined and very skilled EP with the best mappinng equipment he also is a great communicator and a very helpful, supportive and friendly man who never forgets my nam from one year to the next.

He wants me to have a pacamaker because of my Bradycardia but I have now resisted this for a number of years due to my excessive adverse reaction to pressure allergies and to anything on my skin. Despite all the components of a Pacemaker having been tested for me I do not want to make this move until it is unavoidable, hopefully I will outlive the need.

Pete

[JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply to pottypete1]

Hi

An acquaintance finally had OK for his ablation. 5 different meds, regular episodes. He had 3 postponed attempts because of COVID.

Auckland Hospital carried out the ablation. They foud 2 places rogue and dehibilitating.

Done, he's never looked back after years and years of intimittent AF.

He's a walking success story.

cheri JOY. 75. (NZ)

I guess the moral of this story is wait for the best EP and get feedback to have the best person carry on. He had the catheter ablation.

[wilsond in reply to pottypete1]

Thank you Pete,and good luck x

[Quilter43 in reply to pottypete1]

Penutimelate? What is that? Feel that way about "trusting it".Do u travel?

[pottypete1 in reply to Quilter43]

🙂 'Penultimate' means the last but one (Number 6 of 7). Sorry wasn't trying to give an English lesson🙂

Pete