Atrial fibrillation

[Burt1111]

Hi anyone out there with atrial fibrillation, if so have you had an ablation and did it work ?

[Cliff_G]

Yes and yes! Check the atrial fibrillation forum here

[Burt1111]

Thank you gor your reply, I have had one ablation but unfortunately it didn't work now on the list to have it done again. I had the cryo procedure where they freeze the area .

[Setmsaq]

I've had AF for about 16 years and had my first catheter ablation in 2014. It seemed to work for several months but then recurred. I've had a further two ablations. Although not completely clear, I have fewer and they don't last so long and the symptoms aren't so severe. I take apixaban daily. I'm asthmatic and the only medication I can take is Flecainide which I now only use as "pill in the pocket". I don't think it helps; I wait for the episode to pass, usually between 2-4 hours. There is a brilliant doctor on You Tube who gives several different talks on AF and associated stuff. I've forgotten his name but if you reply, will look it up and give it to you. He's truly helpful. He also doesn't believe that AF is life threatening which is a comfort! So, I'm on the fence but on the whole I guess I'm pleased I had the procedures. I stopped drinking alcohol (wine my favourite) which I think was a trigger.

[Burt1111 in reply to Setmsaq]

Thank you for your reply yes I would be like the information about AF on you tube , I'm still waiting for my second ablation because of covid its been delayed iI'm under Papworth hospital they are very good i have a direct number for the arithmia nurse if I get it ready bad mainly for reassurance I do get a bit scared when the palpitations are bad .

[Setmsaq in reply to Burt1111]

Dr Sanjay Gupta is consultant cardiologist at York cardiology. He's done a variety of talks on AF, which is his particular interest, so do look down the list. I had mine done at The Priory at Birmingham. The heart consultant at our local Nuffield is quite keen for me to have a fourth but I don't think it's worth it for the infrequent attacks I get - and is a fourth going to make any difference, albeit it's done by a different doctor now at The Priory? I've had several trips to A&E when an episode lasts longer than 2 hours, and they usually happened towards midnight, which is a nightmare I can do without. I had an attack this weekend and I'm still feeling a bit poorly but the AF has stopped but I was hyperventilating for 48 hours at the same time so it's been very unpleasant. I hope you get some relief soon, it's such an awful feeling. You'll find Dr Gupta a great help.

[Burt1111 in reply to Setmsaq]

Thank you for that , I will have a look this afternoon. I have attacks every few days been in AE twice in the last 2 weeks normally very late evening but they don’t due much just monitor me for a few hours then I go back into normal rhythm So it’s an ongoing thing for me I just call papworth and let them know . So it’s on my notes , so I await my call !

[Setmsaq in reply to Burt1111]

Yes, that's my experience going to A&E as well, which is why I try to avoid it. When it's really bad, they keep me overnight, after intravenously injecting me with something or other! I hope that's a thing of the past. I hope you hear from them soon.

[Burt1111 in reply to Setmsaq]

Saw dr Sanjay Gupta this afternoon very informative.

[Mojo1966 in reply to Burt1111]

Hi guys I was diagnosed in January this year andbwaitnfor my ablation. I do worry so much about the palpatations and feeling unwell. My heart rate goes down to 40bpm and up to 170+. Usually at night and can last for 7-8 hours.

[Bingofox007 in reply to Mojo1966]

Hiya. I was diagnosed with fast AF this January too. Middle of night pulse 180, eventually reverted to sinus rhythm after iv meds but was talk of cardioversion which worried me. Got to lose 35kg before ablation. I’m returning to work tomorrow since event in January. On apixiban and flecainide. Is your story similar. Have you had to make lifestyle changes and how are your coping with it all. Seeing af nurse next week. Take care

[Beemer11 in reply to Setmsaq]

Yes i was just diagnosed and i wouukd love to know the you tube drs name

[Setmsaq in reply to Beemer11]

Sanjay Gupta of York Cardiology. Sorry to hear you have AF. I had an episode of PAF on Friday - only just feeling a bit better now, Sunday. I know how you're feeling.

[Paddy101]

Hi, I was diagnosed in 2018. I have had two ablations and a number of cardio versions. I am now back to my normal activity level. As a triathlete I competed at age group national level pre AF. This summer I completed a full distance triathlon 3.8k swim, 112 mile bike and a run walk marathon. It's been a long time recovering, but it may be possible for you. I am 66.

[Gumbie_Cat]

I think there are a lot of us! I’m on the waiting list for a cryoablation. You might find the AF Association forum useful healthunlocked.com/afassoci...

[Burt1111 in reply to Gumbie_Cat]

Hi I have had 2 ablation not been to bad since second one I have to take medication fleconide is my go to pill .

[Gardenfox]

My history - age 75. AF discovered 9 years ago during hip replacement operation. 7 years ago, I had my mitral valve replaced with a mechanical type. Taking warfarin and other heart medication. I have had two ablations, neither worked. Also, several cardioversions, reverted to AF soon after. Ongoing symptoms are short of breath when exerting e.g. when walking up an incline or using stairs.

[dhep]

I was diagnosed with Afib 5 years ago, although it was going on long before. I am regularly woken up with Palpitations sharp chest pain as well as flutter sometimes. I cannot take the pills, only warfarin, so 5 months ago I had an ablation, unfortunately 5 months on I am back to square one! Hospital not been in touch despite them saying they would contact me in "3" months.The surgeon did say I might need more than 1 procedure.