Ablation or not?

[BorderMLH]

Hi everyone.. I have just had a video consultation with my cardiologist and he has offered me another drug called Flecainide to take along with my bisoporol to control the bouts of AF I have. Originally he increased my Bisoporol to 5mg and I was a little dizzy so he decreased it to 3.75mg. I went into full AF with no triggers last Sunday -Friday of last week. In sinus rhythm now. So he wants me to lower my dose of bisoporol to 2.25 and take 50mg twice daily of the Flecainide. The problem is when I’m not in AF my HR is low at 45-65 I am quite fit and jog daily although only 1-2 miles at the moment. He also offered me an ablation which I understand doesn’t always work but at 51 years old I just don’t know what to do! He’s advised me to try the drugs first as I am so scared of an ablation and then we can go from there. Has anyone tried the Flecainide? Or Ablation? Thanks in advance 😊

[Atora]

Hi BorderMLH,

I suffered with SVT from the age of 14 and after some very long and concerning bouts, one on a 7 hour flight, I finally had an ablation at 49. It was successful and I wish I'd had the procedure years earlier.

[BorderMLH in reply to Atora]

Thank you for your reply. How long has it worked for you?

[Atora in reply to BorderMLH]

It's been over 18 months since I had the procedure and to date (touch wood) I've not had an episode since.

[SecondOHS]

Hi Border,

I've had two ablations this year. The first one scared me at lot beforehand. The second one, I was relaxed as I'd done it once before.

The electrophysiologists and nursing staff do a lot of these, so have their controls and safety protocols well established. I certainly felt like they knew what they were doing.

My early and main fear related to having a stroke while on the table - in case a clot is released during the procedure. They test for this in advance using a TOE, so they're doing as much as possible to prevent it. It's quite a remote risk, but still there.

What are your main fears?

[BorderMLH in reply to SecondOHS]

Same really or a heart attack. I had a TOE a month ago without sedation as I wasn’t offered any and I have a hole in the heart too. I have 3 male relatives my mums side who have had 3 lots of Ablation and I just feel whilst I’m being offered it I may as well take it as when my AF is stable my heart rate falls very low between 43-60 when it’s bad it’s anything up to 200! My cardiologist said an Ablation is a better option. I will probably go for that I’m just worried 😟

[SecondOHS in reply to BorderMLH]

It's natural and normal to be worried. People are messing around in your engine room. Ultimately, you'll need to decide for yourself whether the worry outweighs the potential for a permanent or semi-permanent fix.

If you're going to have a heart attack, the best place will be in the operating theatre / cath lab surrounded by experts in heart topics.

If your cardiologist is recommending it, that's what he's paid to do. I was worried beforehand, and spoke to my electrophysiologist - it certainly helped. I see that part of your treatment is about dealing with the whole patient, so they are well versed in addressing concerns that you have - which are valid and real. See if you can maybe make a time to ask your questions to him/her

[BorderMLH in reply to SecondOHS]

Thank you, I did yesterday and I have since emailed his secretary and advised I will indeed have the Ablation! 😱 I will not be taking any more different meds as I really didn’t like the sound of the Flecainide. I will keep you posted and fingers crossed I won’t be waiting too long! My TOE was within a week! 😱🤞

[SecondOHS in reply to BorderMLH]

Best of luck! Just remember - it is actually OK to be worried

[Stucoo]

Hi, I used to be on Bisoprolol and Flecainide when first diagnosed with persistent AF. Flecainide never agreed with me but everyone is different. I had an ablation and was AF and drug free for 2 years until my AF came back during lockdown. Now waiting for another ablation. There is a AF association site on HU where a lot of people have experience of Flecainide and ablation

[BorderMLH in reply to Stucoo]

Thank you, what is HU?

[Stucoo in reply to BorderMLH]

Health Unlocked.

[BorderMLH in reply to Stucoo]

😂😂🙈

[OrdinaryGuy]

Having had A/F for around 12 years now I would advise you to follow the advice of your Cardiologist. Taking Flecainide is not an issue. Its main purpose I believe is not to change your heart rate but to stop A/F Events. I have had two catheter ablations over a ten month period and the second one seems to have stopped my A/F Events - although I am still continuing to take Bisoprol (2.5 mg). Don't be concerned about the ablation procedure - you are in for the day and it is not daunting. I believe that greater than 50% of these procedures do help stop and/or control A/F events. Best of luck.

[BorderMLH in reply to OrdinaryGuy]

Thank you so much for your reply. This has put my mind at rest a lot. I think the cardiologist was suggesting it as he is concerned that my HR none AF is so low and taking extra tablets is hit & miss. I think I owe it to my heart to give the Ablation a go. 😊

[CorGo]

Not sure about the answers to your question, just wondering if you have checked out "Preventing and Reversing Heart Disease" by Dr Caldwell Esselstyn?

[BorderMLH in reply to CorGo]

I will check it out thank you

[Ianc2]

Lifestyle can help improve your success rates - regular exercise, blood sugar where it should be, not too over weight, don't smoke, easy on the alcohol and caffeine. Give youself a check out and away you go.