AV Node Ablation

[Bond33]

What is life like after the procedure and being totally pacemaker dependent?

[cowparsley]

Agree with HappyJo.Same problem and the pacemaker has been my lifeline.We are so lucky for the technology and research that keeps us alive.Good luck and best wishes for the future.😀

[Denise2011]

It's something that concerns me too. I came across this article - it's an NHS one from Southampton and explains it all so well.

uhs.nhs.uk/Media/UHS-websit...

I keyed in 'AV Node Ablation NHS'.

I think I replied last week, but for the life of me can't remember why you are needing an ablation?

I had 2 rotten days last week with ectopics/premature beats followed by 2 then coming together. I had no idea I would still get those. All went quiet and then they came back, but not as bad. On each occasion it was after food.

I have my Pacemaker and Defibrillator (3 weeks tomorrow), but am like you I am apprehensive to have an ablation. I am so grateful for my Pacemaker. Ectopics aside, it has changed my life enormously and cannot thank the NHS enough for that.

Best regards

Denise

[Bond33 in reply to Denise2011]

Hi Denise, my AF/Tachycardia will not stay away.In theory I could carry on having cardiovdrsions every 3 or 6 months but in practice my NHS cardiologist won't do this as it is seen as a short term fix.

Tried Bisoporol but had side effects so he put me on Adizem which seems to have a marginal effect but I am still logging on average 125 bpm.

So I am left feeling tired most days as I have been running at twice my resting heart rate of 60 bpm since 30 March 2021.

So he is saying the last op in the toolbox is the AV node ablation which will make me totally pm dependent.

Structure of heart is good, slightly larger but that is normal for someone with AF. No other medical conditions.

So increasingly looking like I shall have to get on with it. Regards, David

.

[Denise2011 in reply to Bond33]

Hi David, sorry I've only just seen this now. I dropped off for around 2 hrs .... not unusual after eating and I was late having some supper. OK, I can see where you're coming from and I have a feeling for definite I'm going to find myself in the same situation. I hope it goes well for you David. Do let us know when and how it goes? Regards, Denise.

[Palpman]

With the AV Node ablated the heart still has an emergency pulse but at a slow rate.

[Yogi59]

I wonder if you decided to go with AV ablation. My husband is 63, has cardiomyopathy, 3 lead pacemaker that did not help and after several cardioversions and 2 ablations EP cardiologist is suggesting AV node ablation, we have to make a decision

[Bond33 in reply to Yogi59]

Yes I went ahead on 9 September 2021.I did so because all medications failed.

I did extensive research to convince myself that this was the best option including asking the Cardiologist to provide stat's on the number done etc.

My research revealed that mortality is unaffected.

So iam 66, more pacemaker dependent with a PM that has 10 year battery life and told if I feel dizzy to get to the hospital.

I have resumed a normal life swimming 3-4 times per week and Pilates twice a week.

Given that this was the final option to deal with the AF, I consider that was the right choice.

Very swift procedure and at first I took life carefully.

Don't get ou of breath or get too tired like I used to.

It is a very individual decision. There is plenty of advice on internet under AV Node Ablation.

Yours Sincerely

David

[Yogi59 in reply to Bond33]

Thank you very much for your reply, it is very uplifting. Glad you are doing good, wish you all the best