feeling better after ablation but need some help

[Nantoone]

I am now four months post ablation. Since week thirteen I have not had (at least I don’t think I have) any af episodes. Also my ectopics have reduced to probably no more than twenty a day on a bad day and maybe one or two noticeable ones on a good day which is fantastic. I certainly notice more when I am stressed out. Hospital are going to do another holter to check how I am whilst asleep.

My questions are would I not wake up if I was getting AF in the night? Sometimes when I bend over I can feel palpitations or occasionally a skipped beat (my roll of fat pressing against my heart) sometimes running a little fast for three to five seconds. Is this AF? Or just a run if ectopics. Can the ectopics change to AF? I can’t capture anything on my Kardia mobile or Apple Watch.

I am a highly anxious person since all of this started and would love to be able to move on with life and stop worrying that little blips are going to turn into something major. Any tips would really be appreciated.

Ps. Can I have an alcoholic drink this Christmas?🎅

[CDreamer]

A little over thinking?

Faster HR does not mean AF.

Ectopics are usually a good sign and they do not mean AF will follow.

Now get on with your life, you will gain more confidence as time goes by with no AF.

Alcohol - some may risk it but if it was a trigger for you prior to ablation I would not. What I did was have 50:50 water/wine spritzer at celebrations, as time has gone on I now even have occasional glass of wine but stick to no more than one glass! I also am very fussy about what wine I drink - organic and avoid sulphate if I can.

There are plenty of really lovely none alcoholic Christmas drinks around or make your own Mocktail? Mulled wine is sometimes ok if all the alcohol has evaporated?

Personally I find I can’t drink any red wine though but a good Champagne or Cava/Prosecco is OK. Everyone is different so it’s your decision.

[mav7 in reply to CDreamer]

I am a highly anxious person

Would be good to research "how to relieve stress" and also discuss with your doctor. It is good he has prescribed a holter monitor.

[Nantoone in reply to mav7]

Definitely. I think this drives my heart wobbles.

[SusanCAMTNV in reply to CDreamer]

Just and note: Actually, my ectopics and pvc's almost always trigger my af. And, alcohol for me is a 100 percent trigger, even vanilla extract will trigger my af.

[Nantoone in reply to SusanCAMTNV]

alcohol has always been a trigger pre ablation so I don’t want to undo all the good that has been done. I am very aware and cautious of triggers.

[Kbkk]

Hi Nantoone, maybe try Cava or Prosecco for your Christmas drink 🥂. Even a small amount of wine triggers an episode for me but I’ve been fine with cava etc, 3 glasses and no AF!! I think they are much lower in sulphates which we need to avoid. All the best …

[Nantoone in reply to Kbkk]

I will buy a bottle and have one glass Spread out over dinner. It would just be nice to have one. Thank you. ☺️

[Kbkk in reply to Nantoone]

Absolutely! I occasionally dilute the third glass with sparkling water if I’m trying to be good ….sometimes you just want to feel you’re joining in or having a little treat…..and it’s only once in a while! Have a great Christmas 😊

[Nantoone in reply to Kbkk]

I love the third glass bit. 😂

[Racquet]

Probably do you good.. Cheers and Happy Heart 2025.

[Nantoone in reply to Racquet]

Hope so 🤞