Post Ablation health problems

[Brianboru]

Hi,

Since January 15/2025 I have had serious health problems 48 hours after an AV Node ablation procedure.

The procedure was merely to enable a reduction in medications (Atenolol and Digoxin) to help reduce the overall bad side effects of the medications I was experiencing.

I have become a little more forgetful ,even confused, more continually nauseous and breathless if I am overactive ,plus my appetite is now abysmal ,having to force food down and with difficulty, which was never the case before the Ablation. Has anyone else experienced these problems ?? I feel I need to return to the hospital and get some answers.

[Grey78]

Could this be Digoxin toxicity?

[Brianboru in reply to Grey78]

Hi Grey… I never noticed a toxicity problem while taking Digoxin supposedly to strengthen the heart beat. I did not expect to have a problem stopping the drug, but ,it may be a weird reaction ,and yet if true ,why is it still having an effect since mid Jan. this year ?

[mjames1]

Sorry you’re going through this. If they took you off Atenolol or Digoxin, some of the symptoms—like nausea, brain fog, or low appetite—could be from that.

Anesthesia can also linger longer than expected, especially in seniors.

Also, assuming they implanted a pacemaker, worth checking if the settings need further adjustment

I’d definitely talk to your doctor or go back to the hospital to get it checked out.

Jim

[Brianboru in reply to mjames1]

Thank you Jim for your reply. What I can do as I still have some remaining discontinued tablets, is go back on them and monitor the symptoms . Worth a go !

[mjames1 in reply to Brianboru]

While it sounds like an excellent way to figure out if your symptoms are part of medication withdrawal, I would run the idea it by your doctors first, now that you're on a pacemaker.

Jim

[Brianboru in reply to mjames1]

Yes, I will. I have an appt. luckily on the 24th I think. I will push for an answer Many thanks again Jim. I like this web site. People know their own bodies better than doctors sometimes !

[MaryCa in reply to Brianboru]

My friend recently had surgery and a friend of hers who is a retired nursing sister was asking her how she felt. Wrecked. The reply was it takes up to six months and longer to get anaesthesia out of the body, so expect to be tired. She had four hours surgery.

[OzJames in reply to Brianboru]

maybe send the doctor's office an email asking if the effects you are experiencing sound normal. I find usually the front desk admin person passes onto the doctor for comment and she gets back to me

[Cavalierrubie]

l agree with Jim. Stopping drugs and GA is a recipe for your nervous system to be in turmoil. Personally, l wouldn’t go back on the drugs unless advised by a medic. They can take several weeks to get out of your system. I would get medical advice on your situation, so that you can be checked and your mind put at rest.

[Brianboru in reply to Cavalierrubie]

Thank you for your comments Cavalier. Much appreciated. I will chase for real answers so I can best deal with the problem.

[Brianboru in reply to Cavalierrubie]

Ps Cavalier I will stay off the drugs until I have spoken to my Cardiologist. The idea was to come off the drugs in the first place !!

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Brianboru]

Good idea! If you go back on them, you have to start over again protracting the withdrawals (if any). Go see your Cardiologist to get this sorted out, as l am sure you will. It is early days yet and recovery takes time. Hope you soon feel better. Take care and let us know how you go.

[Pintpool]

Brian, hang in there. I had an A-V node ablation on Oct. 21 2024. In Feb. my A-Fib came back at 80% of the time. I had another ablation on April 7 and feel better, but not 100% yet. I'm going to have a Watchman put in 3 Months, something to think about.

[Brianboru in reply to Pintpool]

Wow, something to think about Pintpool. I was of a mind never to let them mess with my heart ever again although I was surprised how simple and straightforward the ablation was. Spent the time chatting up the nurses while on the stretcher. Jokingly asked one for some “sweet music” while I relaxed in their company. One asked if I would like a cocktail !! How about that !

[HollieAdmin Administrator AF Association]

Hello,

Thank you for your post. I am sorry to hear that you have been struggling since your ablation.

I think it is important to speak with your doctor/cardiology team regarding your symptoms as they will be able to advise you on an individual basis and provide appropriate guidance.

If you would like any support, 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

[Brianboru in reply to HollieAdmin]

Many thanks Holly. This is a superb website for sharing health problems and solutions xx

[HollieAdmin Administrator AF Association in reply to Brianboru]

Thank you for the positive feedback. I am very pleased to hear that you are finding the Forum helpful. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like any support.

Kind regards,

HollieAdmin

[BJ24 in reply to HollieAdmin]

Very helpful videos on atrial fib at the link in this post. Thanks!

[opal11uk]

I did experience problems but not the same as yours so yes, get back on to your medical team and ask for help , advice and guidance. Good luck x

[AVNA]

Hi Brianboru, I had your same procedure, but I didn't have any of your symptoms afterward. However, the pacemaker, which is especially important in cases of AV node ablation, had to be adjusted until you feel weel. It took mine 2/3 months. As many others suggest you should talk to you doctor as soon as you can. all the best

[Buffafly]

Hi Brian, do tell us how you get on at the doctors. I have an idea that possibly the meds you were on were more to treat HF than AF, so stopping suddenly and with the procedure, GA, and maybe PM needing adjusting your symptoms are typical of HF especially as you talk about being ‘overactive’. Your body is telling you to rest, so do that until you see someone qualified to help x

[N400033]

I had the same procedure in Jan with upgrade to CRT pacemaker. I did not have any of those symptoms. But i did have to go back to the device clinic and they had to make an adjustment.I would start with the EP and insist that he give u some answers. But meds can do some strange things to your body. Right now I'm having issues with Metoprolol. You can also talk to your pharmacist about that. I have found that sometimes wrt meds, they are more helpful than the drs.

Good luck. I hope you can get your symptoms addressed.