4th ablation or pace and ablate ??

[judybrowneyes]

Diagnosed12 years ago 3 ablations now on 150 flexanide bd prior to this episode was in100ng Bd and 1.25 bisoprolol daily not stopping g break through a bp 122./67 current pulse in Kardia 44bpm unclassified feeling exhausted this was my longest episode past 11 years my episodes were fast 150bpm. Last 6 months changed to longer episodes but under 90 typical 75-85 During episode get breathless in waking and have palpitations under Bart’s. Next steps they suggest either 4 ablation. Or pace and ablate I am 72 years young 😁 any thoughts opinions about choices benefit. Ir disadvantages many thanks Judy

[pottypete1]

I had 7 ablations as I was scared of pace and ablate.

All well and improving.

We are all different discuss with your EP.

Pete

[judybrowneyes in reply to pottypete1]

Thanks Pete totally get it about the pace he inv something controlling my heart. I guess I just want to feel. Well enough ! 7 ablations wow ! Hopefully you are feeling your Af is manageable now … yeah I am lucky my ep IS Great was just interested in other people experience. Thanks again for the reply !

[Ppiman]

I think those are the standard protocol offerings these days, as that is what I have been told. I am on the waiting list for an ablation at Leicester but managing well enough (I suppose) on daily bisoprolol, with the packet of flecainide still sitting in the cupboard!

Steve

[judybrowneyes in reply to Ppiman]

Morning Steve thanks for your reply looking at your journey looks like you are awaiting your second ablation hope it is soon and effective !! I found. On even 1.25. Bisoprolol in one dose sent my pulse rate to early 40 nos split the 1.25 and more in the 44 -48 range until our unwelcome guest decides to visit grr . .. if I thought the pace and ablate would resolve the af I would be more enthusiastic about it … have a lovely. Weekend !

[Ppiman in reply to judybrowneyes]

I was more than a bit shocked to hear the idea mentioned from the consultant I see (and during a phone consultation, too) as an alternative to an ablation or medication, but I suppose it's a daily thing for them to do?

Thankfully, with fingers crossed, I am coping well enough. My AF comes at a slower rate these days which makes it far more bearable.

I dropped down from 2.5mg bisoprolol as it slowed my heart too far, down to below 40 on occasion, making me weirdly and easily light headed.

Steve

[judybrowneyes in reply to Ppiman]

Totally get it about bisoprolol lol. This morning pulse 41 getting myself up. Ready for work was no joke lol now at 44 if only I was an athlete lol re the consultation I can understand the shock hearing that as an option Bit scary thinking g something mechanical operating part of your heart ! Amuses me as patient we get offered clinical choice I want them to tell me what they think is best for me !

[Ppiman in reply to judybrowneyes]

I asked that very thing: if you were me, doctor, what would you do? The consultant is a lovely chap, but all he could say was, "I can't answer that question".

At the bottom of it all, it seems to me that it is whether we can cope with the symptoms and what to do if we can't. How these arrhythmias affect our daily life is all and no doctor can know that. The fear many of us must have is that the issues will lead to long term weakening of some kind - and it seems no amount of tests can clearly answer that one, either (until it happens).

Steve

[judybrowneyes in reply to Ppiman]

Too true Steve had similar xx variation before last ablation when my consultant registrar suggested choice of ablation or p &a when I asked registrar he said he go ablation as he did not fancy a pacemaker lol we all have our thing! I am going to

Ask if I were your favourite auntie ….😜 the symptoms interfere with my quality of life too much so I know something needs to happen . been with same consultant from the beginning so I do trust him .. I guess I will know more September . Cheers again steve appreciate your time

[Snowyowl01]

After 3 ablations and trying all types of meds I had a pace and ablate 2 years ago and have never regretted it, I am 70yrs now.

[judybrowneyes in reply to Snowyowl01]

Thank you so much for your reply that’s so

Encouraging to hear . Has it either greatly reduced or resolved your Af and bradycardia issues ? Hope your weekend going well

[Snowyowl01 in reply to judybrowneyes]

I personally have not had or felt any symptoms of AF since the pace&ablate, proceedure.

[judybrowneyes in reply to Snowyowl01]

That’s great to hear. Long may it continue feel Encourage if my EP feels this is my best option

[Sweetmelody in reply to Snowyowl01]

Good to hear. After the same experiences you relate, pace and ablate is the choice I’m making. I hope my outcome is as good as yours. Thanks for the encouraging words.

[judybrowneyes in reply to Sweetmelody]

Good luck with your pace And ablate do you have a date yet ?

[N400033 in reply to Snowyowl01]

Hello. Before you had your p and a, what were your symptoms? How long did it take for them to go away after your procedure?My EP is pushing p and a strongly as he feels that is the only solution to my bad symptoms.

Thanks for your input.

[Hylda2]

I had pace and a late at 78! Two years later still going strong.

[judybrowneyes in reply to Hylda2]

Thank you so much for your reply that’s so

Encouraging to hear . Has it either greatly reduced or resolved your Af and bradycardia issues ? Hope your weekend going well

[Hylda2 in reply to judybrowneyes]

After the Av node I can’t feel a thing although I’m told I’m now in AF 100% of the time. Only take 30 Edoxaban, abled to stop the rest of the tablets

[judybrowneyes in reply to Hylda2]

That’s great news if you are unaware of the AF and taking your anti coagulant all good !! And no heart meds 👍🏻

[Nannysue1]

I had pace and ablate 2 years ago, I'm 70 now and was definitely the best choice for me.

[judybrowneyes in reply to Nannysue1]

Thank you so much for your reply that’s so

Encouraging to hear . Has it either greatly reduced or resolved your Af and bradycardia issues ? Hope your weekend going well

[Nannysue1 in reply to judybrowneyes]

Hi there. Well I'm told that I will still have the AF but I can honestly say that I'm not aware of it at all. It did take a little tweaking to begin with. They set it at 80bpm straight afterwards, to be reduced to 60bpm after 6 weeks. After I'd had the adjustment to 60bpm, I didn't feel as good, got a little breathless after doing things like climbing stairs.

Told the pm clinic and went in for it to be adjusted to 70bp and for me , that did the trick.

After years of AF, it has been bliss to have a steadily beating heart and no medication apart from apixaban .

[judybrowneyes in reply to Nannysue1]

Well that is encouraging as it’s the symptoms of Af that I want to say goodbye too ti be bit ti get back to exercising without getting out of puff. Feeling fatigued during an episode which lasts weeks and the palpitations and tiredness of bradycardia So if pace and ablate helps resolved most of the symptoms feel more reassured ! Sounds like it’s working well for you after the tweaking. Long may it continue ! Thanks again! Judy

[Nannysue1 in reply to judybrowneyes]

Hi Judy.I don't post a lot about the success for me, for 2 reasons. Firstly because it may not have been as much a success for some and secondly because I don't want to jinx it!.

It was a massive decision for me because it is a final procedure but it was 100% the right one for me and life changing.

Wishing you well in your journey. Sue.

[judybrowneyes in reply to Nannysue1]

Totally understand and really appreciate got your response and thanks for the offer to message you . I will be having my consultation mid September so see what my EP recommends at least I dint feel so worried about the options thank you ! J

[Nannysue1 in reply to judybrowneyes]

Ps. Please feel free to message me and ask if you want anymore details

[Shemac52]

Saw my EP in May given 3 choices, stay on Digoxin and Diltiazem , 4th ablation or Pace and Ablate. Already have the pacemaker. Wanted the decision after a 5 minute appointment. Told him I needed to think about it. So put me on the list for another Ablation if I didn’t want could cancel.

No discussion of pros and cons of all choices.

[judybrowneyes in reply to Shemac52]

That’s really tough it’s not like we are at a buffet to Pick and choose food to eat I can understand how disappointing it must be for you at the consultation hardly good customer care . Are you in the uk ? Makes you wonder if they worry about being sued if they decide !

[Shemac52]

In the UK felt like he wasn’t interested

[judybrowneyes in reply to Shemac52]

That’s a real shame hope you

Get your ablation soon be well !

[Shemac52 in reply to judybrowneyes]

Thank you hope everything goes good for you

[Snowyowl01]

I ended up in Resus on several occaisions for fast AF, I had tried all the meds available and nothing worked. EP said only solution waa pace and ablate. Had p&a 3 years ago and felt the difference immediatley and been fine since x