Hi I am due to have Catheter Ablation in a couple of weeks and just wondering for those of you who have gone through the post op term, do you feel better? Has it made much of a difference? I get very short of breath and breathe heavily even after a short walk and I'm hoping this will go.
Has Catheter Ablation Improved Your H... - Atrial Fibrillati...
Has Catheter Ablation Improved Your Health?
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GR123
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BobDVolunteer
Abslutely though it took three ablations up till 2008 then happy days. Sadly other issues fianlly caught up with me eventually so the benefit was not for ever and I now have a pacemaker.
i was extremely symptomatic with afib having several episodes during the day and night. Since my ablation in May 2022 (PFA) i didnt have a single recurrence.
Absolutely. No more afib and no more everything associated with my afib episodes.
But like most, I was very symptomatic with fast afib. For those who are asymptomatic with afib, I would imagine the change after ablation is less dramatic, and in fact, in certain cases, ablation may not even be desirable.
Jim
I had complications so although the AF was tamed, for a while, I am still struggling with consequences of sedation and anaesthesia so not feeling better and AF returned after 3 years, tamed now by pacemaker.
Given my time again I would still take ablation over meds any day.
If you are in permanent AF then I would have thought that you should certainly feel better.
I've had 5 ablations and I can't say that I felt better after any of them. I was having episodes of persistent AF which required cardioverting up to 3 times a year. Ablations kept me AF free for up to 4 years, sometimes barely 12 months.
I still get shortness of breath which started when I had my first AF episode over 30 years ago. Losing weight made no difference.
Having said all that, ablations were necessary as I couldn't continue having so many dccvs......28 to date. Pace/ablate is next stage.
2 ablations for me and I can’t see any improvement tbh.
Big improvement for me. Had episodes that were progressing and when I had the RF ablation I was having episodes every other day of 5/6 hours. Had some blips after the ablation but was Afib free for over 2 years. It has started creeping back and I have had 5 episodes this year . I think mine are Vagus related. Obviously we are all different and you won't know until you give it a try.
Wishing you the best.
Thank you
Big improvement for me. I had my 1st ablation over 2 years ago now and no AF since (other than 2 episodes during the blanking period which reverted with Flecainide PIP). Before the ablation I was having very symptomatic episodes of AF every few weeks which were quite disruptive.
Thank you for responding. I'm assuming the blanking period is the 6-8 weeks post op?
That's correct. My AF episodes occurred within the first 2 weeks after ablation, after that I was fine although I was on a low daily dose of Flecainide for a while as a preventative measure and to reduce ectopics. Now totally drug free, although I do still get some ectopics (PVCs).
Far better. Medication ( flecanide) no longer worked. Ablation June 2022.
Short answer, yes much better.
See my bio for more.
Best wishes
Definite improvement although after my first ablation in 2009 I had a bit of a rough time for a couple of months afterwards to the degree that I thought it had made things worse. But get better it did and I lasted 10 years before I had to have another, so not a total cure but a big improvement.
Good luck.
Thanks for responding. I must admit I am worried about the post ablation period.
Please try not to worry. In 2009 there wasn't the info available to me as there is now so I wasn't prepared for the post ablation healing process. Just something like I can go back to work in a week etc. Ha ha... You'll be in safe hands and it was worth it in the long run.
I really didn't find post ablation presented any great problems . The problem would be if you felt so good , not to say relieved (!), that you would be tempted to overdo things in the first week or two. Do rest up for the first week and spoil yourself a bit in the second one. You should be fit to go after that!
How long did the rough time last for and what were your symptoms. I had an ablation 9 weeks ago and feel the same as you did with frequent PACs and PVCs. I can not take most antiarrythmias as I have some CAD and mildly low EF of 48-52%. I also have stage 1 LBBB so Flecainide is contraindicated. Just hoping for a good ending as not really keen on a second ablation. Mostly asymptomatic though thank goodness.
I was discharged from hospital the morning after the ablation with mild chest ache and a bit puffed out after walking 5 yards so took to my bed to rest up. I developed the cough from hell a few days later and also had runs of afib and tachycardia. The latter was an alien symptom for me so I can remember being quite upset because I thought the ablation had made matters worse. Unfortunately being 15 years ago, I can't quite remember how long it took before these little issues resolved themselves but needless to say they did and I suspect within weeks. Just a slightly raised heartbeat of high 70s for months after which is quite expected. Please don't let me put anyone off because it was 10 years before I needed a re-do and I am very thankful for the intervening QOL years. My second ablation was a breeze in comparison with little or no issues.
Thank you for responding. These responses are really helping me to prepare mentally for what could happen.
I was discharged with NSR and feeling a bit of chest discomfort only from my hiatus hernia, however I am now getting half runs of tachycardia which was checked by my cardiologist as not a fib and a higher than normal heartrate for me of 118-125BPM during my 5klm walk. When I say half runs I think they are PACs as they show as extra beats on my kardia. I also get very occasional tachycardia readings of 110-120 bpm though they are short lived. I also have a higher than normal HR in the 70s to 80s most of the time. I also feel that things have gotten worse so hopeful it will improve towards the end of the blanking period. Due to some stents and CAD I refused Flecainide as it is apparently not for people with CAD and can have some serious side effects. Very difficult to know whats right or wrong at the moment.
Is the Tachycardia linked to CAD?
I doubt it as its a new symptom for me, prior to ablation my HR was 55 to 65 bpm resting with no high runs at all pre ablation. Had an angiogram a few months ago and all clear and no problems walking other than the higher exercise heart rate. I think that this can be common during the blanking period so hope it all settles down by the end of it. The main reason I did not take the Flecainide or other anti arrythmias is their potential to cause serious long term heart problems along with kidney, liver damage etc especially with people with CAD. Best of luck with your ablation.
I've had three ablations and the first two made my AF worse. I have to say that after the first it did stop the awful banging in my chest that my heart did when I walked up hills. After the third I felt immediately better but before I could leave hospital the next day I went into flutter and was kept in for an extra day. Once home I would still go into AF or flutter needing to have quite a few cardioversions.
The time eventually came when I was told I would be offered no more cardioversions and I've been in constant AF for about 5 years now. Its at a lower rate between 60-90bpm thank goodness and I can cope with that. I then made the decision to change my diet drastically. I have lactose free milk and cut down on the amount of wheat I ate, most of my meals are prepared from scratch by me. I now totally avoid all food that contains artificial additives, especially artificial sweeteners. If only I'd known to do that before having any ablations.
Jean
Oh gosh that doesn't sound good. Has the change in diet helped at all?
Artificial sweeteners were a sure trigger for my AF attacks but it took me a long time to realise that. I used to have lunch at work and eventually noticed that every time I had apple crumble I had an attack. I asked our cook what was in it and she assured me it was all natural. A few days later she came and said she was sorry but to cater for our diabetic residents she put artificial sweeteners in the custard. I avoid artificial additives now like the plague. My heart rate used to go sky high and many times I was admitted to a hospital ward - AF is a hateful condition! Thank goodness my rate is now so much lower
I've recently read of someone who completely cured their AF by eating mushrooms daily. Just going shopping so will buy some, love garlic mushrooms and will make a mushroom soup too. I'll try any supposedly new idea on how to cure AF. Sadly I think once our heart has been tampered with the odds are not on our side for a natural cure.
Jean
Thanks for your response. Interesting. I haven't used artificial sweetener for a few years now so I don't think that's an issue for me. The slightest bit of alcohol cause AF in me.
I found I could get away with one glass of red wine, any more and it would kick AF off. It's the sulphides (preservative) in alcohol that's the cause . We all react so differently. Artificial sweeteners were in so many things I used, in my tea, lemonade, yogurts, chewing gum (for after lunch). There were more than that but can't think of them all right now.
I am convinced a wheat intolerance contributed via the constant vagal stimulation to my original AF. I have subsequently become dairy intolerant too, but sorting these two our has helped a lot with the autonomic balance of my heart, and a lower tendency to AF
Same as me then Cliff. I like the lactose free milk from Sainsbury's and the only wheat I eat is a smallish Warbootons ready split soft while roll.(Ok I never knew it was spelt like that, but I've just looked at the packet.) I gave up struggling to eat brown bread (to be healthy) a few years ago and find white suits me better. Other than that I have no other wheat.
Jean, I think you must have bought some dodgy replica bread if it says 'Warbootons' on the packet! 🤣
It's bread rolls, it definitely says that. Weird!!
I just googled it; you bought the Halloween-themed pack that has a ghostly 'boo' added into the name!
Ah right! The mystery is solved.
Had mine Dec 23 - few blips along the way post ablation but coming up to a year and seriously no comparison between how I am now to before - was very symptomatic and episodes every 2 days on - I’ve now got a life again it’s that simple and hoping it stays this way for as long as possible - very best of luck with yours !!!
I feel much better. I did not have permanent AF but the episodes interfered with a lot of my sporty activities. Since having it and not feeling the consequences of af I have been able to cycle and swim again. I still have my other long list of cardiac problems but definitely feel that without AF symptoms it’s better.
I was asymptomatic but had very fast AFib (220) lasting between 17 and 72 hours roughly every two weeks. For me it was the psychological anxiety rather than physical pain or discomfort and my EP recommended an ablation. I had two pulse field ablations and have been in sinus every since. For my head, it's been a game changer. I'm also off all drugs apart from blood thinners and feel better for that - not much fatigue. Both recoveries were really quick too. So absolutely no regrets.
Yes, absolutely, I was unable to exercise while I had paf. Ten hour AFib rvr episodes every three days that I literally spent the days between recovering. Now walking 3-4 miles most days in 50 minutes to an hour depending on distance. Phenomenal difference. Long may it last. I didn't realise how awful I felt until I didn't feel awful.
Wow that's brilliant!! So pleased for you. It sounded horrendous what you were experiencing prior to the ablation. I don't like it when my Afib doesn't settle for 3 hours.
I had my one and only o. 2013 and had 8/ years free of af. Definate improvement. It’s back but much less severe. It’s about one episode per month and I am hardly aware of it. Go for it!! And good luck ☘️☘️
Absolutely. My first ablation at age 48 in 2002 (when almost no centres in the UK did it, I went to France) needed a re-do of a couple of small areas, but then gave me a normal life for 15 years until an aortic dissection messed things up. I had another small one 7 weeks ago and am back in NSR again in the daytime with the help of Flecainide, and boy what a difference again.Best of luck for a great result.
That's good. It's a shame it doesn't last much longer though.
TracyAdminPartner
Everyone reacts and recovers from a procedure differently and experiences will vary greatly. An ablation is recognised as a highly successful procedure to help manage and provide long term relief of the troublesome episodes of AF, but again this will vary dependent on personal factors such as your age, general health, any underlying health conditions and even what type of AF you have. For further details about treatment options, including the ablation, please download the 'Treatment Options for AF' api.heartrhythmalliance.org... Alternatively, if you prefer to contact one of our Patient Services Team for advice, please visit: heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...
Kind regards
TracyAdmin
booklet
Thank you. I appreciate that. I was just trying to understand what I could be facing post op.
Most definitely it has. I had persistent A fib/A flutter. I was ablated twice for A flutter and stayed in NSR for at least 8 years on Amiodarone. I went into persistent A fib in May of this year and was cardioverted a week later. I had my third ablation in July, though it was the first ablation for Atrial fibrillation. During the ablation, they could not induce an arrhythmia, so they ablated all the usual trouble spots- it was the first time I had that sort of complete ablation done. I had had heart failure caused by long standing arrhythmia in 2010-2015. I'm doing well now. I have to be careful when exercising since if I push it too hard, I get a temporary arrhythmia. But I feel so much better now post arrhythmia. And they say it can take 6 months or more for the full effects of the ablation to set in.
I had to have a second ablation, but have been good since then on just a low dose of Diltiazem. I was in triple my current dose before and it wasn’t controlling it. I’m glad I had it done.
Had my ablation 6 years ago and it has changed my quality of life immensely, for the previous 10 years of on and off AF until it was more on than off, took the usual myriad of medication, flec, bisol, was short of breath struggled walking, but since I have my life back off all meds except anticoagulant
That's great news. Thanks for responding.
My ablation was on Oct 2, 2024. For the six weeks preceding the ablation, I had no noticeable atrial fibrillation episodes and was feeling great. So compared to those six weeks, I'm not feeling that good yet.
I was thinking/hoping that the ablation would resolve some of the anxiety and my "hyper-awareness" of my heart that developed following the afib diagnosis. Nope - it doesn't fix that.
That's a shame.
I'm still hoping that my answer will change in another couple of months . I was just out shoveling heavy snow, so I'm not doing that bad physically just not where I was, and, whereas before, I was never concerned about the danger warnings about shoveling snow, now such things are constantly on the mind.
I don't regret the ablation at all. As I had a quite low resting heart rate, treating the afib with medications was not considered safe. A pacemaker is probably somewhere in my future, just to keep my heart rate high enough so that I can take afib meds that tend to lower heart rate. So, I am more than happy if the ablation buys me some extra time before that next step - the more time the better!
I had a pacemaker implanted in 2022 then an ablation in May 2024 which was not successful. They then implanted a Watchman in the heart to help avoid strokes. I am now considering a hybrid convergent ablation which is supposedly more successful for persistent afib which I now have. In general I am asymptomatic so the whole thing gets a bit confusing.
Good question GR. Yes, my ablation a year ago changed my life totally for the better. I had persistent AF, now no AF at all and I’m back to my old self. Full recovery took a few months. A majority of ablations are successful. And a majority of people with successful ablations move on and don’t stick around on an AF forum. But I’m here for the quality of discussion, knowledge and support. And if the AF returns this will be my first stop-off point. Good luck with your ablation!
Absolutely. I was miserable and struggling with feeling grim before my ablation almost three years ago, and since the procedure have felt great. My ejection fraction went from 47% to 57% then, and a recent scan showed it is now 63%.
I got my life back.
The procedure itself was uncomfortable but nothing to fret about; I'd have another tomorrow if needed. The blanking period is maybe not what you think - the reason it is long is not that you are incapacitated or feeling rough and need to recover; I felt fine when I went home the same day. It's just that in order to allow the lesions formed in your heart to heal in the desired manner, you must avoid exertion for at least a fortnight or so. I was still noticing improvements almost a year after mine.
I wish you the same success with yours.
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