Radio Frequency Ablation

[ShGrace]

I have not had this done. I’m going to talk to electrophysiologist about this type of treatment. The medication that I’m on for fib and high blood pressure just makes me sick. I don’t ever feel good. My head is dizzy. I’m nauseous.

Has anyone ever had this done yet?

Any feedback would be very much appreciated

[CDreamer]

SO many people here have had RF ablations to come off meds, unfortunately that doesn’t always happen immediately as many EPs like you to continue taking the meds for a few months following ablation.

Know that it isn’t always the answer, that sometimes you need several ablations but that when they do work, it is such a relief. I had 2, first made things a lot worse so a second was performed about 4 months after the first. The second ablation gave me 3 blissful years of no Af without meds.

There are risks with ablation and the newer types of ablation techniques such as Pulsed Field Ablation lessens the risk and time taken to perform the procedure. Cryoablation for those suitable, takes much less time but sometimes requires a ‘touch up’ RF ablations.

Research and question the clinic and the EP who is to perform the procedure - how long have they been performing ablations, how many each year - if they only perform a few then ask to be referred to a centre of excellence which performs and trains - typically you might expect them to perform 100-400/year each.

There is a lot to consider but know it is a commonly performed procedure. The fitter and stronger you are physically and psychologically, the better the chance of successful outcome so some of this is up to you also - ensure you are in the best possible shape.

Hope that helps.

[ozziebob in reply to CDreamer]

Do you think the recent NHS restriction of catheter ablations to 2 per patient (with exceptions) reflects an accurate retrospective reappraisal (downwards) of the long term clinical effectiveness of multiple catheter ablation procedures, rather than other factors like resource shortages in the highly trained medical personnel and equipment needed for such ablations? I would be interested in your thoughts as always. Thanks.

[CDreamer]

PS The first ablation was performed in the early 1980’s but didn’t become commonly performed until the early 2000’s. I had mine in 2013/14 but both skill and equipment have improved much since then.

[ShGrace in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you so much for your reply. I know that there are although I have changed my whole diet up. I don’t eat out anymore. I don’t drink drink, no only good organic proteins and vegetables. I’ve lost 10 pounds so far most of it was inflammation I believe.

They upped my pacemaker to 70 from 60 and that helped considerably I used to just sit on the couch and sleep after work, but this medication makes me so why I’m looking for different alternatives. I appreciate your feedback.

[TracyAdmin Partner]

Hello

Thank you for your post, many of the members here will offer some good advice based upon their own experiences.

An ablation is a very popular treatment for AF, with the benefits of offering long-term pain and relief from the episodes for many individuals.

For details please visit the 'treatments' tab on the AF Association: heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

Alternatively, please download the 'Treatment Options for AF' booklet from the resources tab: api.heartrhythmalliance.org...

Alternatively, our Patient Services Team are here to help, so please do not hesitate to contact us: heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

Kind regards

TracyAdmin

[Bluetonic]

7 years ago. I've not had an episode of AF since.

I'm still taking drugs for high blood pressure though, but at least I managed to stop taking bisoprolol

[mintchip]

I was looking into going to electrophysiologist. I saw one on tube. I saw that there r several on list where my cardiologist is associated with . But he said we needed to get my afib under control. So I just had cardioversion. It seems to have helped. But it's only been a few days.

[ShGrace in reply to mintchip]

Are you talking about the radio frequency to get rid of the a fib so you don’t on medication or are you talking about the pacemaker?

[ShGrace in reply to mintchip]

Are you saying that you had the radio frequency that many years ago and you haven’t had a fib since is that what you mean?

[mintchip in reply to mintchip]

I'm not sure but 5 days later from the cardioblation I think I did too much too soon I c doc on monday to have followup

[ShGrace in reply to mintchip]

I’m sorry to hear that. I hope things are going better now.

I decided I’m going to go for a second opinion from another electrophysiologist about the medication I’m on. I think it’s too much or it’s the wrong medication for me.

[Lenlec]

I’ve had 2 RF ablations. We are all different. Some people have 1 and never get af again. Best of luck

[ShGrace in reply to Lenlec]

I’m going to keep checking into it. I’m going for a second opinion from another electrophysiologist.

I want to start feeling good and I haven’t felt good since my pacemaker and there’s something wrong with that

[Lilypocket]

Yep! No regrets and a much better QoL. Afib may come back ( it has a little bit but 6 episodes against 180 a year is wonderful and I am enjoying the " silence").Take care.

[Karendeena]

I had RF ablation last March so just coming up 12 months. I had this under sedation and whilst I wouldn't want another under sedation I have no regrets. I have had no episodes that I know of since and the beast has gone away, for now at least. Before this I was having episodes every 3 to 4 months lasting over 36 hours.

[ShGrace]

Thank you all for your responses….. I know we are all different and we all react differently. I’ve only had an a fib attack maybe once a month and now on 150 mg of medication for that one month.

I just don’t feel good on the medication. It makes me sick and nauseous and my head is always dizzy so I’m going to look into it. I appreciate all of you. Have a blessed day.