I am so disappointed with the outcome of my abalation. 9 months after my abalation I am getting AF episodes again.
As I am writing this and I am having an AF episode . I have just taken 100mg of Flecanide.
I had a short episode this morning however most of my episodes are when I go to bed.
I am back on the meds after coming off them. This is condition is really getting me down and interrupting my sleep.
Murphy so sorry to hear you so down. I don’t think you are alone in this as one ablation is probably not enough for you, but very disappointing that it has only been 9 months. Perhaps if you decide to do a top up it will be more of a success next time. At least you have made a start, so don’t give up, you will get there in the end.
Thanks for the kind words Cavalier-rubie.
I will make another appointment with my cardiologist to see what they recommend. It seems this AF is such a difficult condition to treat
It certainly is a difficult condition. We just have to aim at the best quality of life that is possible. It is a battle and difficult at times, but could be a worse prognosis. Pleased to hear you are more positive and hope you will get some good advice from your Cardiologist in going forwards. You will be ok. This is the first step to improving your health.
Unfortunately this condition has ended my career as AF was seen to be high risk.
While it is not terminal, since having the condition it has been a real struggle to live a normal life worrying about having the next episode.
I would like to travel overseas but worry about having an episode.
It would be great if the Abalation could provide a better success rate. I hear of people of having three or more on this forum and still have not resolved their AF.
If I was to have another Abalation is it recommended to use the same Electrophysiologist that did my first one or should I try a different Electo?
I am in Australia so I pay high health insurance to cover procedure costs.
I don’t know what to advise here Murphy. Has your EP a good reputation and experienced? How many ablations has he done? If you are not happy then go elsewhere. I am having AF worse at the moment and waiting for referral to EP with possible ablation. The aim for me is to get this monster under control because as it progresses it can make life a misery, It gives me anxiety that l never had before. I would go with whatever your cardiac suggests. They know what they are dealing with, your personal history and what is best for you, Keep us updated and best of luck.
You’re allowed to feel disappointed Murphy. We pin such hope on the few treatment options we have for AF and yet we know there is no real cure and that those rogue cells, like a herd of clever goats, can find a way out of the pen for reasons beyond our control. I hope you’ll be offered a second chance with a touch up ablation. Are you back in touch with the cardio team?
Thanks Rainfern
I will try and speak with my cardiologist today. I had eight months with no Af following my abalation but it seems I am back to having an episode each month.
Not too sure whether undergoing another abalation will be successful in getting rid of AF.
It really disrupted your life.
It's what I call the tyranny of AF. Everyone here will understand.
How much of the 9 months was on meds / when did you come off them, and what effect did that have?
Sometimes a combination of ablation plus meds (typically Flecainide) is needed and can be effective. I had a good 15 years after my first ablation+top-up pair, but eventually I just went back on 200 mg/day of Flecainide for most of the 15 years (before a huge open-heart surgery brought my AF back.)
If your episodes are mainly at night, it could be that your AF is the sub-type called vagally-mediated - for this, a slow heart rate tends to trigger, as in sleep the rate naturally falls. If you're on Flecainide, and if you're only taking 1 a day then take it before you go to bed. If split doses a.m./p.m. then just keep it up. My AF always has vagal patterns too and I find a *small* snack just before bed tends to settle my heart, too. This sort of AF can be made worse by beta-blockers.
And yes, another ablation is a possible.
I hope you can find the right recipe to get it under control and to allow you to sleep properly.
Thanks Cliff
Most episodes were when I went to bed. I was a little anxious last night as I had a very short episode that morning.
I came off the meds at the 6 month period. But 2 months coming off the meds I had an episode. I am taking 180mg Diltrizam slow release in the morning and half 50mg tablet of Flec. before I go to bed. However I still had an episode again 4 weeks later.
I was hoping to be med free but even before the abalation I would have an episode once a month. It seems the AF is back.
All figures.
After my first+top-up ablations, I found Diltiazem was aggravating my vagal AF and giving me a lot of ectopics (same as a beta blocker would, as Diltiazem also slows heart rate). I almost went for a third ablation back then, until I found by accident that this was happening.
I'm currently, after my post-surgery actual third ablation, on 60 mg slow release Dilt once and 100 mg Flec twice a day. Half of a 50 mg Flec is really nothing.
If my experience is anything to go by, reducing the Diltiazem and upping the Flec may help. Obviously your cardiologist/EP would need to approve that, as on decent mgs of Flec you need a good-looking ECG and echo.
Good luck. Hope and Determination are the keywords.
Thanks for the advice. It seems a lot of trial and error. I have tried beta blockers and lower dose of Diltiazem 40mg fast release with no success and now back on 180mg slow release.
I will talk with my cardiologist and perhaps make an appointment with my electrophysiologist to see what they recommend.
Question about abalation
AF after ablation
abalation or cardioversion
AF episodes
