Pace and ablate journey begins!

[Lymolass]

Had first ablation 11 years ago at age 69 and it was really successful. But AF came back big time and I’vehad two cardioversions and one ablation over the past 18 months and none of them worked. In fact, the last cardioversion failed to get me back into sinus.

Have tried most of the beta blockers - they don’t work. Had a massive allergic reaction to flecainide which put me in hospital for 10 days last year. digoxin helps but only a bit and my kidneys have now decided they don’t like all these drugs so am being monitored for creatine levels. Oh, just for the icing on the cake, I have COPD as well. The respiratory team think my extreme breathlessness is more heart related than lung, so have now been given the go ahead for the treatment of last resort, Pace and Ablate ( doesn’t it sound cosy? Only it isn’t!) have just got date for implantation of pacemaker on 21/2. Is anyone interested to hear how I get on?

[jeanjeannie50]

A member on this forum CDreamer felt so much better after just having her pacemaker that she never followed up with the ablate bit. By my putting her name here she will get a message to say I have mentioned her name and will hopefully reply.

Jean

[Borderterriorist]

Hi, I'm interested to hear how you get on. I've got the pacemaker but waiting for the ablate. I don't see pace and ablate as a last resort and neither should you, it's a good opportunity to feel better and enjoy life. Keep us posted! xx

[Tricia239]

Yes, I will be very interested to hear how you get on. I had a pace and ablate about 16 months ago. So, please stay in touch and keep us updated.

[Scout1947]

I would love to hear how you get on. I’ve been on a waiting list to see an NHS Cardiolist since July 2024 but, on the advice of my Sleep Apnea Consultant, I saw a private Cardiologist 2 weeks ago. He is talking about fitting a pacemaker followed by an AV Node Ablation. I have to have an Echocardiogram and will see the Cardiologist again in 2 weeks. This was talked about back in 2023 when I’d also resorted to the private system. I was referred back into the NHS system but, after waiting ages to see an NHS Cardiologist, he just said, “Good luck with getting one of those on the NHS” and discharged me back to my GP. I also spoke to the Cardiac Nurse at the BHF and she said that she has never heard of anyone getting a pacemaker followed and ablate on the NHS. Now it’s become a matter of ‘last resort’ I had resigned myself to paying £25,000 for the procedure plus hospital costs, but you seem to be getting this done on the NHS. Is this just another case of postcode lottery.

[Lymolass in reply to Scout1947]

I don’t think it’s a postcode lottery but the criteria are quite strict. I am lucky as ny local hospital is a university one and they have a dedicated Cardiac Rhythm team who have recommended this.

[mike1961 in reply to Scout1947]

Lots of folks on here have had P&A and I'll bet every one of 'em had it on the NHS no problem.

[baba in reply to Scout1947]

Lots of people on this forum have had pace and ablate on the NHS.

[Jenmay]

yes please

[Snowgirl65]

Yes, absolutely -- I'm very interested in hearing all about it.

[dedeottie]

I will be interested. I keep narrowly avoiding the issue as my current medication is still just about working but I know that pace and ablate is somewhere down the line.

To be honest, from things I have read on here from other contributors, I won’t be worried when that time arrives.

Do keep us updated. X

[heagleton]

I'm on that journey too. My doctor is recommending a leadless pacemaker. I've tried everything over the couple of years to get my heart rate, AFib and flutter under control...one ablation, 4 cardioversions, and many drugs. I've been on Amiodarone for the past three weeks. It's controlling the rate but not the AFib or flutter....Plus it's side effects are numerous...So I'm taking the next step, ablate and pace. I'd love to hear more about your journey as you proceed. Thanks

[Lymolass in reply to heagleton]

I agree, Amiodarone is the very worst, made me feel sick and couldn’t eat. Have blood tests and pre-op assessment next week so will report back,

[Jalia]

I have the procedure booked (provisionally) for 27 March so will be very interested to hear how you get on. Whereabouts are you having yours?

[Lymolass in reply to Jalia]

At Southampton General . You?

[Jalia in reply to Lymolass]

Brighton