Decision Time

[Pippa80]

I have finally got a face to face appointment with a consultant tomorrow!

I now have to decide whether to have an Ablate and Pace procedure or not.

I am in permanent AF now and my heart rate is controlled by medication 10mg Bisoprolol, 200g Amiodorone. I don't get any problems with my AF, no palpitations etc but I get very out of breath and find it hard going up stairs and walking just a few yards. My problem is, do I put up with these,or risk something else where I may feel worse. I am not too worried about the pacemaker but concerned about the ablate part where the AV node is compromised. That would be quite final.

I also have pulmonary hypertension which may account for some of the breathlessness and so the procedure would not work for that and I would still be out of breath. However, I would like to come off Amiodorone and reduce the Bisoprolol. There doesn't seem to be an easy answer I was wondering if anyone else has been in this situation and what was the outcome. I know I can question the consultant but does anyone have any advice to give?

[Pippa80]

Thank you for your reply, it was very informative. I have been seeing various cardiologists since I was diagnosed with AF nearly 5 years ago. I have had several cardioversions but these haven't lasted long and 2 ablations, I had very serious complications with the second one and had a cardiac arrest and tamponade. The latest cardiologist has given me 3 options, stay as I am, another ablation or ablate and pace. I am seeing a consultant from London who visits the hospital here at certain times. He may be able to make the decision clearer for me. The various cardiologists at the hospital,have had a different opinion so it is quite confusing. It would be more satisfactory to see the same one each time! Thanks again.

[Bradee12]

Hey Pippa,I had uncontrolled AF in 2012. I had a TIA (small stroke) and that was the final straw. They did an ablation and no AF since. The thing to ask the Cardio guy(s) is - What is the risk with Plan A, Plan B etc. This may not be your situation, but for me the risk of continued AF was Stroke. You don't want that.

[Eve11]

I've not had an ablation (though it's been suggested). I agree with Bradee about asking about the risks/advantages of each option. I've found it helpful after a consultation to say I want to think about it and then getting back to my consultant after I've had time to reflect (and do a bit of research).