Ablation or not? Help!!

[Poppy128]

Morning all,

I’ve been on the waiting list for a year for an ablation and I have been offered an appointment this Friday to have it done. I think I’m getting cold feet now partly because of going into hospital whilst Covid is still about and also because I am dealing okay with my AF. I have four or five days in NSR and then two days out of rhythm. My heart rate reaches 150 when in AF and slowly comes down over the two days before bouncing back into NSR. I am on 80 mg of Sotalol twice a day and Rivoroxaban. What are the long term effects of staying like this as life is okay at the moment. Will it get worse or will it damage my heart long term? Would really like your opinions as I really don’t know whether to have it done or to cancel. Thanks for listening.

[Beekite]

I completely get the fear but only you can decide what you are happy to live with, maybe give the GP a call and have a chat for pros and cons of process and impact long term etc. The BHF helpline nurses are also great.

In terms of hospital, I personally feel it’s probably the safest time to go. It will have not been this clean in years and most people are staying away. Also they have hot and cold wards so you are unlikely to go anywhere near a hot zone unless you show symptoms.

[Ianc2]

Without treatment your condition will probably slowly get worse . I haven't heard of any spontaneous recoveries taking place for this condition . At best you can hope to stabilise it through diet, exercise and weight control but it will probably still come back and have a go at you.

On the other hand Ablations have a well documented success rate, they have given many people who suffer from this condition relief from their condition and do make a difference. I agree with Beekite - it is probably a good time to go.

[flippityflop]

Hi, this is exactly the same as me! I’ve been waiting for a year for an ablation for AFib & am now getting anxious, however I’m definitely going for it, I’m on APIXABAN which I have to take for at least 4 weeks prior to the procedure ( I’ve been on it for 3 now) I discussed it in detail with my cardiologist last July & asked if he’d go for it if it was him & he said yes, I’m concerned about the risks involved but am sure I’ll be fine. I’m having it done as a day case under local anaesthetic! I’m not too concerned about Covid as I think they are taking extra special care at the moment.

My understanding is that A fib is progressive & is therefore only going to get worse, it can lead to heart failure eventually, he said it was highly likely that I’d eventually have to have the ablation done, so my reasoning is to have it done now while I’m otherwise fit & healthy & hope it works first time 🤞🏻

He said I may then be able to come off Flecinide & be drug free.

I’m sure you’ll make the right decision for you, please let me know how you get on if you go for it on Friday . All the best