In December 2018, I had an ablation at the Birmingham QE (UK) after several bouts of paroxysmal AF that were increasing in frequency. Since then I have been AF free, almost 6 years, other than a post ablation reaction that resolved. Then, last Thursday, I had a classic attack, woken up at 0230 in fast AF which didn't resolve and ended up at the local A&E dept. HR eventually slowed to near normal without intervention, but still in AF and sadly I am hugely symptomatic with it (light-headed, breathless etc). All bloods indicated normal except for WBC and low potassium. Docs seem to think a background infection was the trigger so on antibiotics and stuff to raise potassium levels. Its day 6 now and I am still in AF although HR normal which is really unusual as I have always returned to sinus rhythm with 24 hours. Because my HR is not a concern the docs have discharged me with a view that AF should resolve once antibiotics done but if not see GP for referral to cardiologist (we all know how long that could take). My question is, "am I doomed to chronic AF and I should get used to it" or, should I go back to the electrophysiologist in Birmingham (privately) who did the original ablation??? Thank you for any guidance.
Advice requested: In December 2018, I... - Atrial Fibrillati...
Advice requested
I can only say that if my AF returns following a blissful year AF free, then I’d be straight back to my EP or an EP on his team. I shall pay for a private consultation. My GP is very good but he is a “general” practitioner, he can’t specialise in everything. Even cardiologists aren’t always up to date with the electrical side of things. My EP knows my heart and I trust him with it! Good luck and hope you are soon AF free.
Very sound reasoning. Totally concur!
Don’t you think Dr Lovell should start paying me?
I have passed on your locally, ‘clued in’ example of AFib treatment options to a female friend. In our current difficult situation re waiting times for NHS treatment the mix & match method has worked well. Especially since co-operation between local private & NHS hospitals is active.
So yes we are in the fan club!
I would do the same.
I would say definitely try and get something done. After my own ablation, I was advised to take 200 mg Flecainide as a pill-in-the-pocket to stop afib episodes, and over 15 years had to do this twice, or maybe 3 times in the early years, before going on it permanently to quell my ectopics.
I had a successful ablation in 2019 . I had a lung cancer operation last November and returned to AF early this year. I had a private appointment with my EP within a couple of weeks who explained the AF was probably caused by inflammation from the operation and should resolve itself which it did. In June I developed what I thought was AF and had a private phone appointment with the EP again within a couple of weeks. He recognised it immediately as atrial flutter. I had an NHS ECG which confirmed atrial flutter and I had a successful NHS cardioversion in August. I have an NHS appointment with the EP in December. For me the private appointments are money well spent as there is very little waiting time so it is reassuring to understand my AF and flutter. My GP and local cardiology department are supportive as they understand the EP is a specialist in arrhythmia.
my arrhythmia nurse would say - wait a bit, get better, ask for a review. AF may not break through for another long period or may have found a reason to return. Nothing wrong with asking for a review. But one episode isn’t “chronic”. Since my ablation I have one episode a year. Last one triggered by major house move. That doesn’t make me want another ablation - yet! But six days is hard to not get anxious
think you already know the answer - private appt again - worth every penny - good luck and hope it is a blip and all resolves for you again and quickly
You won;t know fr a good while yet. I think the low potassium did it, caused by an infection, perhaps, or some other issue. I guess the blood test showed no reason for it, so it will likely turn out to be "one of the things".
My own AF can be at a lower rate, usually towards the end of an episode, which generally peaks at 130-150bpm unless I move about much, when it soon goes to 180bpm and then I do feel poorly but mostly anxious.
I haven't had light-headedness to the point of being incapacitated by it since my first attack in 2019, which came immediately after my ablation for atrial flutter. I am thankful. for that and feel for you and others who suffer so.
Steve
Inexperienced AF sufferer needing advice.
Tachycardia post ablation advice 
Some general advice please
any advice appreciated !
Advice.2nd Af episode in week since ablation.
