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?
Written by
CrikeyMikey
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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..
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.
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 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.
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!
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