Afib & Ablation Shock

[Foxey2]

Hi, I'm new here, I've just been diagnosed with Afib after a nasty episode resulting in a hospital stay that came out of the blue in March this year. I'm now scheduled to have an ablation. I'm fairly young, fit and active, don't smoke, drink etc and eat healthy so feel a bit blindsided by this diagnosis. Is there anyone else that is in the same situation and can give me advice on how to deal with the condition as to be honest I feel a bit down about it as I now can't do the things I previously enjoyed (running, cycling etc) with my young son. Thanks in advance

[Sheamah]

Totally get this. .... I had a very similar path and found it challenging but had good friends to support me through it I decided to get fitter and look at food going for balance. It helped and I’m still on this journey now with an ICD unit. I decided to also seek out facts and asked questions. I’ve been through a range of emotions and feeling. Best to express how you feel x

[Foxey2 in reply to Sheamah]

Thanks for replying, I’m hoping the ablation works and I don’t have to go down any other routes!

[Loveswimmimg]

Well I’m not as young as you, but I have just had an ablation for AFib and although I’m 68 I have no other health issues and I’m fairly fit. Afib does drain your energy, but even if you can’t run or cycle you should still walk every day and stay well hydrated. No drinking and no smoking is all in your favour. Watch out for other triggers - chocolate is a common one , and caffeine. Good luck with your ablation, I hope it solves your problem and you are soon back to being an active parent.

[Foxey2 in reply to Loveswimmimg]

Thanks for that, I am trying to walk every day as my job is quite sedentary, just can’t get used to how out of breath I get. How was the ablation, has it been better since you had it done? I must admit I’m a bit worried about it especially the no sedation part 😁

[Loveswimmimg]

It’s a bit early to tell. There is a “blanking period” of about 6-8 weeks after an ablation while the heart is healing and scars are forming at the treated sites, when all sorts of palpitations, missed beats and even Afib can happen, even if the procedure has been successful. No Afib for me yet, but I’ve had a raised HR, and lots of palpitations. Follow up appointment in a month from now. Don’t worry about the ablation, you will definitely get sedation, but probably not general anaesthetic. So you will be sleepy but still vaguely aware. There was some pain in my case, but very short lived. Afterwards you should rest a lot and not lift anything heavy for a least a week ( including children!). It’s two weeks now since I had mine and I’m walking 7,000 to 8,000 steps a day, plus normal household activities. Good luck!

[Foxey2 in reply to Loveswimmimg]

Thank you