Ablation

[Grannypat65]

Hi I'm back in A/F after having an ablation in November. I'm back on Flecamide and Bisoprolol anyone else experienced this. ☹️

[BobD Volunteer]

Yes my first two ablations didn't stop my AF but my third one did. 17years and counting.

[Grannypat65 in reply to BobD]

Thank you. That's great news.

[wilsond]

I count my ablation in 2022 as a success Flecanide and biso were not really keeping it all steady by then, 2 x5 and 6 week continuous episodes floored me.It stopped the Flutter dead, which was far worse for me. The AFib settled well, but had a couple of unexpected breakthroughs well after the usual time frame.

A RF ablation was discussed but due to relatively low burden , EP advised to take flecanide again (biso not needed now.)

Biso was a horrible drug for me,but don't notice flecanide. Flecanide is obviously doing its job again.

Review in 4 months,as I'm still on clinic books in case RF needed.

Hope this helps

[Grannypat65 in reply to wilsond]

Thank you.

[Karendeena in reply to wilsond]

Flutter was the worst for me and this was ablated at the same time as the AF

[DawnTX]

Unfortunately, there are no promises with ablations or anything else as you should be aware of there is no cure. I was lucky. My first ablation lasted six months before I had another spot that needed one. The first was cryo- the second was rf. that one lasted a but a fib what a fib wants and if it wants to act up again, it very if you have a fib acting up again you are going to need medication again. Honestly I have never been taken off my medication. It has been it had been in the beginning of a fib and then it all be working smoothly. When afib returned again. I had a third ablation that was a nightmare. Long story short I ended up with a new EP. Because of the scarring, he would not consider another ablation. Just like a cardioversion, they can be traumatic to the and cause scarring when you think about what they are doing, you can understand. At that point it was decided a pacemaker was the only option. It was the best thing I had ever done and wish it had been done sooner with the AV node ablation. Here in the they fit the pacemaker and then two weeks the ablation. When I left the hospital, I felt like a new person.

always keep in mind. Everything is temporary as far as quiet your a fib. Some people are very blessed and last 20 years for but keep in mind many of us only get temporary relief. It is about quality of life that’s why my doctor went with the pacemaker not that I had a choice. There were no other options. In fact there was no pacemaker for me. It was created by him. I became known as unique to the hospital teams lol all I know is that uniqueness gave my life back.

I know you’re frustrated. You will probably find many answers on here people telling you the same thing. You are not alone. Company unfortunately when it comes to this.

[Grannypat65 in reply to DawnTX]

Thank you..

[30912]

Afraid so, after two ablations - last one in 2018, I'm back to square one. They never were a total cure but very much reduced the episodes, but over the years between them both, the frequency and duration of AF bouts increased.

[secondtry]

Not sure what success rate was estimated in your case and in any case not sure what EPs generally regard as a 'success'. If memory serves I read somewhere 12 months AF free is considered a 'success' by the medics...... not my opinion!

I was quoted for the first ablation offer 12 yrs ago a 70% likely success rate and last year a second ablation offer ( nb I didn't take up the previous offer) 85%. I think 90%+ would justify the risks and expense of going ahead.

In the meantime, I am working on my general health to optimise it in case I have to have an ablation due to reduced QOL.

[Karendeena]

I was lucky and remained in NSR but surprised you were taken off the Flecainide so soon. My EP still has me on Sotalol 12 months later! See my last post

[Grannypat65 in reply to Karendeena]

Yes I went pill free for a few weeks. Back on Flecamide and bisoprolol now. See how I go. I guess. 🙂

[Karendeena in reply to Karendeena]

Think this is what my EP is afraid of, he doesn't want me to go back into AF as he says it's like a jack in the box the more it pops out the more it wants to! I suppose if it started up again I would be on the slippery slope ❤️

[HollieAdmin Administrator AF Association]

Hello,

Thank you for your post.

Perhaps it would be helpful to discuss further treatment options with your doctor/cardiology team? They will be able to advise you on an individual basis and provide the most appropriate guidance.

If you would like any support, advice or further information, please do reach out to our dedicated Patient Services Team via Patient Helpline or via email, please visit: heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

We are always here if you need us.

Kind regards,

HollieAdmin

[Grannypat65 in reply to HollieAdmin]

Thank you,.they have given me two weeks to see how I get in with my current medication. Then take it from there.

[HollieAdmin Administrator AF Association in reply to Grannypat65]

I hope you start to feel better. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like any support.

Kind regards,

HollieAdmin

[Grannypat65 in reply to HollieAdmin]

Thank you. 🙂

[bensteg1]

Sorry to hear that you are back in AFib. That must feel terrible after being free of AFib for five months. I have read many people need more than one ablation. Stay strong and hopefully your next one will cure you. I had my first ablation last Friday so it has barely been five days for me.

[Grannypat65 in reply to bensteg1]

Fingers crossed it works for you. It's a gamble I guess. Good luck.

[Vnorkus1 in reply to bensteg1]

I had an ablation in Jan 2025 and there was still some aflutter that was showing up. I had another ablation 7 weeks later and I am in normal sinus rhythm and feeling great.

[Grannypat65 in reply to Vnorkus1]

Wow that was soon after your first one. Did they go in with the catheters in the same vein. Glad your feeling great.

[Vnorkus1 in reply to Grannypat65]

Yes, he did. He thought he had ablated the aflutter in Jan but something was hiding! He got it the second time! It was called a touch up ablation. Very grateful.

[dlanoR71 in reply to Vnorkus1]

What meds u on now??

[Grannypat65 in reply to dlanoR71]

Flecamide and Bisoprolol

[Vnorkus1 in reply to dlanoR71]

100mg of ditiazem( lowers heart rate) once a day and 100mg of flecanaide twice a day.....at least for 3 months. So far, all is well.

[Grannypat65]

I've not heard of that. Glad it's working for you.🙂

[dlanoR71]

yes, me two had ablation twice Dr said only works for 40% of afib people, then got watchmanthat worked!!

[Grannypat65 in reply to dlanoR71]

Really, I need to look in to watchman. Thanks. 🙂