Morning! I had a PFA 10 days ago. Heart rate settled in the 50’s ( normal for me) Dr said all went well. Healing has been slow but steady - painful bruising but gradually doing a bit more - pottering around house & garden. Last night I went to bed & knew my heart was racing again. Heart rate around 110+. After quite a sleepless night it’s fallen a bit to 90’s but that’s still fast for me. Both Dr & the AF fact sheet have said episodes can occur & it does not mean the ablation has failed but it’s been about 10 hours now. Feel upset but not in any pain. Can anyone reassure me? Should I contact the arrhythmia nurses? Any help would be gratefully received.
Post ablation concerns: Morning! I had... - Atrial Fibrillati...
Post ablation concerns
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It’s quite common, as you already know and that certainly happened to me after both my RF ablations. If you are concerned or if you are symptomatic or your O2 is low or BP very high -then yes ring the Arrythmia nurse who may suggest you take heart rate meds if you were discharged with any? You didn’t mention medications? It’s common to need some meds to keep your heart calm in the first few months.
Keep well hydrated and electrolytes up, some deep breathing exercises and distraction. I had an episode during the night a few nights, got up feeling very rough, liquidised some water melon - my go to for electrolytes nowadays - drank some water and all stopped within a few minutes. Your’s may take a little longer as your heart is inflamed but sometimes we forget to do the basics first.
I had much higher than normal HR for some months following ablation but eventually heart healed and it dropped but never quite to pre-ablation levels.
Thank you. I was only on Amiodorone plus Edoxaban. The Amiodorone kept me in NSR but this was stopped after the ablation. However Dr says this stays in your system for up to 100 days so I thought it might continue to help me stay in NSR initially. I will up my fluids & try to carry on - as you say distracting myself. Thank you for your advice.
Hi CDreamer you mention electrolytes what other sources are there I need to keep some here I think with my post ablation jittery heart I’ve got
Sue
You can buy electrolyte drinks and or sachets to make up, always useful to have around especially in warm weather but I find pure coconut water good a diet rich in green leafy veg is usually enough. My favourite though is liquidised water melon with added coconut water. I awoke with AF the other morning, suspected I was dehydrated and short on electrolytes as I had been sweating a lot during the night, had my watermelon drink and 5 mins later heart was calm and jittering stopped and I was great for the rest of the day.
Other natural sources
Potassium: Bananas, beet greens, salmon, white beans, avocado, potatoes, milk, mushrooms.
Sodium: Dill pickles, salt - I use Himaylian Pink salt, cheese, dry-roasted sunflower seeds.
Magnesium: Spinach, pumpkin seeds, lima beans, tuna, brown rice, almonds.
An EP suggested just have salty snack - salted nuts?
Hi Morzine, fresh coconut water is another natural source of electrolytes, it's a clear sweetish liquid, (not coconut milk). You can get it now in tetra packs from supermarkets, when I lived in India we drank coconut water rather than electrolyte supplements.
I hope things settle down for you very quickly ...
My heart rate is still in the 70s (was around 64 pre ablation), 8 weeks post ablation.
Mine was 90-100 until month 6! Now steady at 65-70. It takes various amounts of time to settle.
It’s still really early days, ten days since you had an ablation and stopped a powerful drug. I would keep contacting the arrhythmia nurses for advice as I did after my ablation. They have all your information and were fantastic with me.
Everything CD says sounds familiar to me especially the distraction and we have to understand some of us take months to settle down.
Best wishes
Thank you. If it doesn’t settle I will ring the nurses tomorrow. It’s so horrible being back in AF as I have stayed in NSR for almost a year. It feels like it does when you are very nervous about something- which I suppose I am! 😂
Ah, right, you know you’re in AF, sorry I thought it was just fast rate. Definitely contact them. I had episodes at day 6 and at 10 weeks, that last episode was 3 months ago now. On the first episode they indicated that they might intervene if it lasted 72 hours to restore NSR. Hope it settles soon for you. I keep an update on my bio.
Best wishes
I’m pretty sure it’s AF because it’s so jittery but no way of confirming that myself. Will keep you posted. X
Always a good idea to let your medical team know what's going on post ablation. If you don't have one already, you might want to invest in a Kardia home ecg device to document these episodes for your ep. A fast heart rate after ablation as you describe doesn't necessarily mean atrial fibrillation, but it could be. The more information your EP has the better they can put together a plan moving forward if needed.
Jim
I would contact your team for advice. It's certainly what I would do and I'm due for 5th ablation next month.
Thank you Jalia - will do. I’ve also just ordered a Kardia as Jim just suggested. Like everyone here I just so desperately wanted this to be sorted & such an early setback (even though I’ve read it can happen) is a bit frightening.
I've found the Kardia device invaluable....had mine for many years. (Actually on my second one now. I wore out the first!🤔😁
Thank you Jim. I will call the team in the morning unless it settles. 🤞
Yes, the fast heart rate could be flutter which is a side effect of ablation. Kardia was my go to always.
I am the same as you. Day five AF started in night. A shock and scary.
It’s bank hols here in France till Tuesday I can’t ring anyone. I tried to go back yo sleep but it’s so hard pulse was up and down from 90 to 120 all over the place jitterbugging out of the body it felt
It stopped after a few hours when daylight came. I then felt worn out. Slept all afternoon and this being it’s jittering on and off .
I know we should understand we get these things but I never had this with my first ablation.
How are you now?
I’m trying to keep calm and drinking lots .
Hope you are ok
Sue
Hi Sue - good to hear your experience. I’m still in AF - been 24 hours now & no idea if this could be normal. I’m going to ring the arrhythmia nurses tomorrow for advice. But praying it stops. Good luck to you. X
Maybe she will say start taking tablets. I’m on my normal pre ablation tablets and will be a long time if last ablation is anything yo go by, but I’m in France maybe it’s done different. However the tablets haven’t stopped this. I had a good sleep no heart stuff but got up and hearts jitterbugging again… think ectopics as it’s not more than 85 . I’m totally on edge all the time with this.
Let me know how u r and what nurse says
Sue
Hi, This wont help you much, but just my own views from another AF sufferer, I personally have read of so many Ablations that do not work and people seem to have to have this again, sometimes even more that a second time.
I had an EKG 2 weeks ago, trusted them, and when they now put the drug through to speed heart rate up to do the scans, this sent me into the worst AF I have ever had, no dramatics here, i dont know how i got myself home on the bus, still days after my heart rate is higher than ever and my BP has dropped and remained too low.
My attitude is now, the less invasive actions our hearts are put through the better, I hope they never suggest ablation to me, becuase it wont happen, at 77 now i will take my chances with AF and the meds i take for that when needed which up to now do the trick.
Sorry but just my views particularly on ablations. and i only go on the many i read about and know who need it done again and again. but hope of course that you get sorted soon, see your cardio for advice on this subject, we only have one heart dont we.
That’s wasn’t helpful seeing as her and I have just had one and are suffering. The list was skiing for help but perhaps u read it wrong
Sue
if in doubt speak to the nurse. The best reassurance is from your team..
It's early days and often people are kept on drugs like amiodarone for some months after.I'd contact your team and see what they say.
Try not to lose hope. Early days!
had my PFA 8 weeks ago, had an episode 2 days ago, but was warned that this could happen, it’s still early days. I’m finding the fatigue dreadful, but I also have heart failure. Keep well and fluids up
I’m day six had a bad afib yesterday. Since thrn im getting little ectopic sessions.
Like you I am hugely fatigued. I get up have a cup of tea, and thrn it’s like brakes are put in and I have to go back to bed. I’ve slept so much. I can’t lie in left side as ectopics start and I’m so fed up with my heart leaping out of my body.
This is my second the first was a doodle compared to this
Sue
though I’ve not had an ablation I’ve had a few cardioversions and the first one my doctor said stop drugs straight away and my HR started to go up after about 4 or 5 days I’d say withdrawals, it eventually leveled off after about 10 days anyway following the last couple of CV’s I’ve weened off gradually and no problem
A week or so after an ablation for atrial flutter in 2019, my heart went into a very fast (and, for me, very disturbing...) AF episode, but it then quickly settled with no more than a single dose of 5mg bisoprolol. I have read that the first 4-6 weeks or so after the ablation are the "blanking period" which determines whether future recurrence is likely. Arrhythmia episodes after that are suggestive of some kind of likely recurrence.
You are well within this period, so I expect this is the natural response of your heart to the healing of the scars around the pulmonary veins leading to a temporary arrhythmia. Let us all know what the clinic or your GP has to say, please - but it is likely to b along the lines of "Don't worry" or "Take a tablet and let us know what happens".
Steve
My heart was all over the place after my ablation. I was eventually put on Amiodarone for six weeks which sorted it. Two years down the line I have only had one short episode of AF. Like you I was taken off all meds ( except anti- coags) immediately after the ablation which I think was a mistake and contributed to the Afib immediately after. The heart takes time to heal and if your Dr thinks re-taking medication will calm it during the blanking period then I would go for it . Take care!
Not unusual, you are not through the blanking period yet. The arrhythmia nurses in my area are brilliant, so it may be a good idea to give them a ring. You cannot say the ablation has failed, its far too early.
To be honest I was a runner, so my pulse was low ( high 40's ) when running. After my Afib, and ablation it went higher, but my ablation did not work eventually; ;and my pulse rate was controlled on medication. I then had a Cardioversion in February and have been back to my old pulse rate and in NSR ever since ( fingers crossed !! ). Afib is managed in two main ways...Rate control ( Ie, if you are in it they monitor your pulse rate, or rhythm control..
They try to get you back into NSR ( Which I presume you are still in ?? )...Far too early so be positive...They will sort you out. All the very best
Hi - I think I’m back in AF but going to hospital this morning for an ECG which they say they will then forward to my consultant. I was so hoping the nurse would say - all normal don’t worry but she didn’t. Can’t deny I’m really concerned now after 36 hours plus of jittery rates. I know worry doesn’t help but how to stop it??
nurse probably just being cautious which is good .. and as others have said try not to worry, try deep breathing, distraction if possible .. we're all thinking of you both ....
I am a constant worrier!!!...I was in Afib 24/7 for almost 3 years, so I know how you feel. Realise that Afib will not kill you...The team will get on top of it. Also try to identify any triggers which can start it or make you feel worse. Mine was alcohol, so I dont drink now. If its really getting to you ask you GP for some anxiety medication. It will probably help you
Hi - totally understand how you feel but try to relax - had mine in December 23. 1st week all great, then 2 1/2 of hellishness - 160 for 4 days, then a second 160+ for 5 days - then all settled down and been AFib free for over 4 months- stay positive it’s early days - if you’re concerned get in touch with arrhythmia nurses - I did and they advised was likely due to inflammation and suspected it would die down and it absolutely did
That’s so reassuring. Can I ask did you work during your dreadful 2-3 weeks? I’m due to go back on Thursday & now not so sure.
Happened over Xmas 23 and I was off anyway, so had an extra week off as not a chance of going back whilst this was happening but once I broke out of it I went back - wasn’t absolutely perfect at first but doable and just settled more and more as the next few weeks passed - I’d say see how you feel and take things easy for a good while yet - you want to give yourself the best chance so don’t be rushing about
This is quite normal personally speaking, it takes about 12 months to really get the benefits from this procedure . Take it easy, you will get stronger and more energised every month. Don't push forward into exercise, but gentle walks are OK. Feel and listen to your body, the healing is amazing. You will be a new person in 12 months! Wishing you well in your recovery programme.
What positive thoughts! Many, many thanks
Yes, stay positive! I’ve been through what you’re going through. 2 ablations, tachycardia, bradycardia, amiodarone, metoprolol, 7 cardioversions, distress, worry, disappointment. After each ablation, my heart was wounded and angry for a bit. (I don’t blame it!) My EP team saw me through and I learned each step of the way new things about how to deal with my problem.
Right now I’m in NSR sitting in my kitchen with a cup of tea on a sunny Spring day. It’s heavenly. I’m filled with gratitude . I can and WILL happen for you. It’s a bumpy road, but you’ll find your way. My way came with a supportive EP team and positive lifestyle changes, especially regarding what I put in my body—which is now veggies, veggies, veggies, fruit, nuts, legumes, whole grains. NO sugar except an occasional teaspoon of Manuka honey. And lots and lots of water.
I agree with the advice to take it easy on exercise post-ablation. No need to breathlessly climb mountains, at least not at my age, 82. 5000-6000 steps a day is good enough for me. I love the watermelon advice. I’d advise not going back to work until you absolutely have to. Ablations are serious business that is too often described as a walk in the park in discharge papers that advise resting for a day or so, maybe a week, then “resume normal activities.” That’s B.S. It takes TIME for a heart to recover from an ablation. Patience, good medical support, self-care, a positive outlook—that’s our tool kit.
Good thoughts going your way!
Thank you so much. I went back to hospital for an ECG this morning & the technician told me someone from the arrhythmia team would call me today but one one did. I’m drinking lots & trying to stay distracted. I agree the hospital seemed very blasé about time off work & it was up to my GP to give me another week off. My job is quite sedentary but still it’s the whole getting up early etc etc which makes things harder. Hoping to hear tomorrow but also hoping this settles. Almost 48 hours now.
I had an ablation in March and have had three 'episodes' very soon afterwards, not for as long as usual but I was very disappointed too so I completely understand how you feel. I hope they do get less for you but if you have any concerns then contact your Arrhythmia nurse then at least someone knows and you can either get the help you need or some reassurance. I was told to continue my meds for 3 months after the op and I'm a bit apprehensive about it, but we'll see. I wish you a very healthy future, take care of yourself xx
Its early days I had full blown af a couple of times in the first weeks post ablation then it settled. If you're worried speak to the team at the hospital. Take it easy and try not to worry.
After I had my ablation my heart rate was in the 90's even at rest, up from my average in the 70's, 60's at rest. This actually went on for several months before it started to settle down to normal.
Were you able to carry on working or even just doing normal tasks like cooking etc during this time? Is it harmful for a heart to be beating so fast for so long?
Well crazy enough my blood pressure too was running very low during this time, I would feel fatigued at times and yes during cooking. But for me putting on compression socks seemed to help a lot. My electrophysiologist did not seem real concerned as well and felt that it was normal for the time being. In all honesty in my opinion, I don't think they the docs really know... But thankfully all did settle down and I feel great now!! I hope for all the best for you!!
how are you doing now?
I saw you asked the above about normal tasks personally I can’t as I feel wiped out if it beats so fast and is erratic as well. I just have to lie down.
I’m now getting these ectopic ones the jittery ones but not fast which is easier to handle today
I hope you are back to normal now.
Sue
Thank you for asking. I had an ECG this morning but they didn’t give me any results & said a nurse would call later today but they didn’t call. I do feel the heart rate is coming down a bit this evening so hoping for a good nights sleep to help. I’ve been really trying to drink more water as everyone says hydration is very important. You take care. Xxx
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