Ablation or not ?

[CrikeyMikey]

Diagnosed with paroxismal AF and Flutter in 2016. Ablation treated the flutter in 2017. After a couple of days was readmitted in permanent AF and not well. Significantly increased meds bought me back to NSR.

Since then been on 50mgs flecanide twice a day 20mg rivaroxaban and 5 mg bisoprolol. With no episodes of AF. Initially found it really difficult to adjust to being slowed down no energy, poor sleep pattern etc.1 year ago through my own mismanagement forgot meds for two days and bingo back in AF. Visited my Cardiologist/EPfor tests and discussed my situation. Following return to meds back to NSR. Decided to go on list for ablation which is now due.Had a follow up meet with my EP as now unsure if I really want to go ahead back to ups and downs in AF while things settle down if indeed ablation works. Average length of successful ablation is 6 years.Meds almost feel like a safety blanket .7 years and only one episode I have never felt fitter. EP is leaving me to decide Ablation or no?

I’m 73 years old many of you probably think I’m being stupid to consider not going ahead.

Any advice?

[mjames1]

I decided to have an ablation in my 70's for two reasons. It allowed me to get off flecainide and diltiazem which gave me a better quality of life. On the other hand, if you don't mind being on those drugs, it sounds like you're afib is very well controlled. My other reason was, I didn't want to have an ablation in my 80s where my health would be uncertain. That's something to think about although you may never need one if you stay on the meds..

jim

[CrikeyMikey in reply to mjames1]

Thanks Jim that’s sort of where I was coming from

[50568789]

My cardiologist was reluctant to just add flecainide as a PIP, when AF episodes were increasing, as he wasn't keen on me staying on meds for ever and should take the opportunity at 73 to have an ablation and allow the heart to work properly of its own accord for however long it took. So I was referred to EP and the process began. Six months on from ablation, early days, but feeling good and optimistic, and that it was the right decision.

[CrikeyMikey in reply to 50568789]

Pleased to hear things are working well for you and good to hear you got a recommendation from your EP

[Icenae]

perhaps leave it for now. And see how you go. My third ablation was very complex but seems to have worked, 7 years, but my surgeon said he wouldn't do another anyway. I get af if I am ill or have steroids but generally stable now. I have a pacemaker, nebivolol 5 mg, rivaroxaban. I was very intolerant to any other anti arythmics. But I am sur its the daily magnesium, I take that really helps.

I am also 73.

[CrikeyMikey in reply to Icenae]

Had not considered daily magnesium thank you for you message

[Icenae in reply to CrikeyMikey]

I buy fullnesium from amazon. 2 capsules at night. Might be worth a try. Dont take at same time as antibiotic or omeperazole.

Good luck.

[Dancerbraveheart]

I had an ablation about six months ago. Was not successful. It really depends on the condition of your heart when they go in. It is very non invasive so it may be worth trying it out.

[CrikeyMikey in reply to Dancerbraveheart]

Thank you yes I’m sure you are right about heart condition

[frazeej in reply to Dancerbraveheart]

I don’t know if I would call this very non-invasive! One or several holes in femoral veins, catheters fed through your veins, and a hole in the septum in your heart. Then, several/multiple tissue destroying treatments to your heart. I’d call that pretty invasive!

JimF

[Dancerbraveheart in reply to frazeej]

I did not mean non - I meant minimal which you would also disagree about. Comparing it to other the several surgeries I have had - that is my opinion.

[Karendeena in reply to Dancerbraveheart]

I would agree. My EP who is a Professor says it's a 'minimally invasive procedure.'

[CrikeyMikey in reply to Karendeena]

Thank you I agree having already undertaken one ablation thanks for responding

[lambretta1968 in reply to frazeej]

really helpful

[lambretta1968 in reply to frazeej]

really helpful